They have three more games to cross although that proud record – 11 wins and three draws – could have ended on Thursday had the video assistant referee (VAR) not intervened.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker thanked the VAR, saying the system had prevented his side from being “punished unfairly” after his two red cards were rescinded in their 1-1 draw with Ecuador – a result that kept the hosts in third place.
Alisson was shown a red card after 25 minutes for catching Enner Valencia with a high boot and another in stoppage time for felling Ayrton Preciado as he attempted to punch the ball, but on both occasions, the referee consulted VAR and changed his mind.
“I think this was the first time this has happened in the history of football,” said Alisson.
This story is from the January 29, 2022 edition of The Straits Times.
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This story is from the January 29, 2022 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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