Noboody can question integrity of World Cup referees - Collina

With Egypt leading 1-0 in the second half against Argentina, the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled out a goal by Mostafa Zico after midfielder Marwan Attia was penalised for stepping on Lisandro Martinez's foot at the start of the move.

A potential foul on Mohamed Salah in the Argentina penalty area was also waved away, seconds before the reigning champions broke for the stoppage-time winner.

Despite not usually commenting on "specific incidents" during a major tournament, Collina backed both decisions.

"After every goal is scored, the VAR checks the attacking possession phase (APP). If a foul is identified in the build-up and is deemed to have had an impact on the goal, the VAR will recommend an on-field review," he added.

"There is no defined limit regarding either the distance from goal or the amount of time between the incident and the goal.

"An example of this came in the Argentina v Egypt game where Egypt number 19 Marwan Attia clearly treads on the foot of Argentina number six Lisandro Martinez.

"We believe that a foul is a foul. Regardless of whether the foul appears 'obvious', if the referee did not see it on the field of play, the VAR can intervene.

"Equally, if no foul is identified in the build-up to a goal, the VAR will advise the referee accordingly. Stepping on an opponent's foot is a foul, whereas a defender who touches the ball first and then makes normal football contact has not committed a foul.

"Again, an example of this came at the end of the same game. The referee and the VAR deemed it normal football contact between Egypt number 10 Mohamed Salah and Argentina number 9 Julian Alvarez.

"Of course, there will always be an element of subjectivity in some decisions, but we are happy with how this principle has been applied throughout the tournament."