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Tim Ream is World Cup’s first player to benefit from VAR ‘mistaken identity’ check

USMNT defender was issued yellow card to his chagrin

Tim Ream is World Cup’s first player to benefit from VAR ‘mistaken identity’ check

TL;DR

  • Tim Ream became the oldest player in USMNT World Cup history at 38.
  • Ream was the first player to benefit from the IFAB's 'mistaken identity' rule change.
  • This rule allows VAR to overturn yellow or red cards issued to the wrong player.
  • Ream received a yellow card for a challenge on Miguel Almirón, but VAR review led to the card being rescinded.
  • Almirón was instead booked for simulation.
  • Yellow cards reset after the group stage and quarter-finals at the World Cup.
  • US midfielder Tyler Adams will carry a yellow card into the next match against Australia.