Azizjon Ganiev was denied one of Uzbekistan’s most memorable World Cup moments after VAR ruled out his spectacular strike against Portugal in Houston. The midfielder had curled a superb effort into the top-left corner, leaving Diogo Costa with no chance, before the goal was chalked off for a foul in the build-up.

The decision came at a crucial stage of a lively contest. Portugal had already taken control after a fast start, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his first goal of the tournament. The Portugal captain then stood over a free-kick before stepping aside, allowing Nuno Mendes to finish smartly and extend the lead.

Why Was Uzbekistan’s Goal Ruled Out?

Ganiev’s finish initially appeared to give Uzbekistan a famous World Cup highlight. However, VAR reviewed the phase of play before the shot and focused on Abbosbek Fayzullaev’s challenge on Joao Cancelo. Fayzullaev won possession, but the review showed he caught Cancelo before taking the ball away.

The infringement happened close to the penalty area and directly before Ganiev’s shot. That timing proved decisive. The referee was advised to review the incident, and the goal was disallowed after the foul was identified in the attacking phase of play.

The call immediately led to debate, with some viewers comparing it to Lionel Messi’s goal in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria. In that incident, there were claims of a possible foul by Alexis Mac Allister on Xaver Schlager before Argentina’s move developed.

Football Pundits Explains The Difference

Former World Cup and Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg said the two incidents were not the same. Speaking on Fox Sports, he explained that the incident in Argentina occurred much earlier in the passage of play, leaving more time for the defending team to recover their shape.

“The one with Messi, there were a lot of things that could happen,” Clattenburg said. “This strike, it’s on the edge of the area, and it was a great strike, but it’s a foul, it’s a clear foul, it’s just before the goal, and Portugal don’t have time to reset.”

Former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves also backed the decision during commentary. “It’s a foul, it should, he doesn’t play the ball, he plays the man, it’s an easy decision,” he said.

For Uzbekistan, the ruling was a harsh blow after a moment of genuine quality from Ganiev. For Portugal, it was a significant reprieve in a match where Ronaldo’s response to criticism and Mendes’ set-piece finish had already shaped the story. The VAR call ensured Ganiev’s strike would be remembered not as a goal, but as a major flashpoint.