Why was Marc Cucurella's goal for Spain canceled in the World Cup Round of 32?
July 4, 2026 · Global
Marc Cucurella's goal for Spain was ruled out in a controversial decision during their World Cup last-32 tie against Austria, with pundits criticizing the referee's decision.
Marc Cucurella experienced controversy when his goal was disallowed in the World Cup round of 32 match between Spain and Austria. Cucurella scored after a protracted corner kick caused chaos in the Austrian penalty box, but referee Glenn Nyberg ruled there was a foul on goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. Although replays showed that although Spanish defender Pau Cubarsi was blocking the ball close to Schlager, the contact which allegedly obstructed the Red Bull Salzburg goalkeeper did not appear significant enough to be considered a foul. However, the referee immediately blew the whistle and after a short break — during which no VAR check was visible — play resumed. BBC commentator Danny Murphy immediately stated that he felt the decision was too soft. "I don't see anything wrong with the goalkeeper," he said. "There was a man in front of him, but he wasn't fouled. I don't think it should have been called off, there was nothing there at all." The controversial decision was similar to that of Jonathan Tah's disallowed goal for Germany in their round of 32 match against Paraguay, which Germany ultimately lost after the match went to penalties. Jurgen Klopp also lamented how Arsenal would not win the Premier League if such a decision occurred in the English league, highlighting their habit of harassing goalkeepers during set-piece situations. Former Manchester City goalkeeper, Joe Hart, was also irritated by the decision. Hart said, "Premier League goalkeepers are going to be furious when they see this. For this goal to be called off... Schlager, I saw his reaction, I don't think it was a foul. It's really soft. It's just people fighting over the ball. Sometimes I can understand if your hand is being pulled or taken away. It was just an innocent challenge, and he was a bit stressed. Of course, he did it. It was a good finish from Cucurella, but honestly, when you see the referee with a whistle in his mouth, not facing the goal, you (Schlager) must be happy. He stayed out of trouble." Hart also stressed that "something needs to be done" about jostling in the penalty box, which he said was "getting out of control" in the Premier League, but remained frustrated to see "two very good goals cancelled." Darren Cann, the BBC's refereeing expert, also agreed that the goal should have been stood. "I don't see any foul play," Cann said. "It's very similar to Tah's header in the Germany game which was also wrongly called off, in my opinion. It was a fair challenge for the ball. I would have given the goal, but I understand why it was called off, considering the Germany game I just mentioned. So it's consistent with previous refereeing decisions in this tournament, but of course in the Premier League, it would be upheld." Murphy later added: "I think it's very, very harsh, and I'm very happy that Darren agrees with me. More proof that I can work in VAR! Unfortunately when you're playing, small decisions like that, you can only look back and feel aggrieved. You don't have time to think about it. You just have to keep going, keep creating chances, keep getting in there. We know the Spaniards are patient. They won't panic. They'll just keep doing what they're doing." Spain did keep pushing for the opener and just minutes later they achieved it, with Mikel Oyarzabal duly putting La Roja ahead in Los Angeles.