Rangnick questions refereeing after Argentina Defeat
Austria manager Ralf Rangnick was full of praise for Lionel Messi after Monday’s 2-0 defeat to Argentina, but he also felt a key refereeing decision played a role in the result.
While acknowledging Argentina’s quality, Rangnick questioned whether the opening goal should have counted.
Speaking after the match, the Austria boss pointed to what he felt was a foul on Xaver Schlager in the build-up.
“For the first goal, I would’ve asked the fourth official to do what he did before the penalty kick; he should have looked, and he would’ve seen what everyone saw: a foul on Xaver Schlager.”
The comments came after referee Amin Omar reviewed an earlier penalty decision involving Messi through VAR, leading Rangnick to question why a similar review was not carried out before Argentina’s opener.
Despite his frustration over the goal, Rangnick acknowledged the difference Messi made once again on the biggest stage.
“We knew he was on a level of his own, and Lionel Messi showed he’s one of the best, or even the best.”
Messi’s brace secured victory for Argentina and moved him clear as the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer with 18 goals.
The Austrian coach also admitted his side was at fault for the second goal.
“I think we participated in the second goal, that’s our own fault.”
But he remained convinced that the opening goal deserved a closer review.
For Austria, the result was disappointing but not disastrous. The defeat leaves Rangnick’s side with work to do in their final group-stage match, while the debate over Argentina’s first goal is likely to continue.
As far as the Austria coach is concerned, one decision changed the course of the game.
