Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curacao was as comprehensive as expected, given the gulf in quality between the four-time world champions and the World Cup debutants.
Curacao, however, still carved out a memorable moment. Livano Comenencia’s first-half equaliser was their first World Cup goal, creating an emotional scene even if it did not change the final result.
Elsewhere, something unrelated to the action on the pitch caught the attention of viewers. Before kick-off, the broadcast cut to the VAR hub, where a hand gesture from referee Shaun Evans sparked concern.
FIFA awaits referee Shaun Evans’ response over supposed white supremacist gesture
According to BBC Sport, FIFA is now seeking an explanation from Evans after his gesture was shown on air and became a talking point.
The broadcast had briefly introduced the match officials before cutting to the VAR team in Dallas, when Evans was seen making an upside-down OK sign with his right hand.
The gesture can have different meanings. It is sometimes linked to the circle game, a harmless prank which spread online after an American TV show made it famous, but it has also been used by far-right groups to communicate between themselves.
Given the timing before a Germany match, some fans were quick to voice their anger online.
FIFA has yet to issue an official statement, but BBC reports that the governing body is looking into the incident.
Besides that, in later broadcasts, VAR officials were shown focusing on their monitors rather than engaging with the camera.
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