Many sports have migrated more to video technology over recent years, and soccer continues to make strides in that area as well.
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During Wednesday’s FIFA Club World Cup semifinal match between the Kashima Antlers and Atletico Nacional, history was made as a video assistant referee (VAR) used instant replay technology to determine a penalty kick decision.
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The historic moment occurred during the first half when Kashima’s Daigo Nishi was brought down inside the Atletico penalty area by Orlando Berrio.
Nishi had originally been in an offsides position during the initial free kick, however, the referee ruled that the Kashima player wasn’t affecting the play.
On the ensuing penalty kick Shouma Doi converted for Kashima to give the Japanese side the 1-0 lead in the 33rd minute.