'Great viewing angle' - Ex-refs chief re-analyses Spain vs France penalty controversy
Referee Ivan Barton was correct to award Spain an early penalty during their 2-0 victory over France in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the referee rightly had no hesitation pointing to the spot on Tuesday.
After a tight opening 22 minutes, Aston Villa left-back Lucas Digne did not see Lamine Yamal and took the winger’s leg.
Nevertheless, there were plenty of complaints from France, claiming that VAR should advise the referee to overturn the decision.
This never came, and Mikel Oyarzabal eventually netted from 22-yards to put Spain ahead midway through the first-half.
Now, upon viewing the footage, Hackett believes that the officials came to the right decision in the semi-final.
Keith Hackett: Spain were rightly awarded penalty vs France
Upon reviewing the footage of the incident, the former referee exclusively told Football Insider: “Well done to the Referee for achieving a great viewing angle and rightly had no hesitation in awarding a penalty kick.
“Correct decision.”
As a result, the Spanish have now progressed into the 2026 World Cup final, where they will face either England or Argentina.
The match is set to take place on Sunday, with kick-off at 8pm UK time.
Who would Spain rather face in the World Cup final?
Spain’s dominance against France will have come as a surprise to many, and now the Iberian nation are potentially 90 minutes away from a second World Cup title.
Before England’s semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday, the Spanish are likely hoping that the former side wins.
Recently, Spain have a decent record against the English, and have won six of their nine meetings since 2004, including a 2-1 victory in the 2024 Euros final.
In comparison, Argentina have rarely faced the Iberian nation, only clashing 14 times throughout their history, and only once at a World Cup, which happened in 1966.
Therefore, playing an opponent they know they can beat may be a more favourable match-up for Spain heading into Sunday’s match.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen who will play in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain as both England and Argentina look to make history in the USA.