So close to being a huge controversy - Vlaar very nearly scored

The Netherlands first penalty of the shoot-out against Argentina came this close to being a goal.

Defender Ron Vlaar was the somewhat unlikely taker of the first penalty on Wednesday night - a poor shot and easily saved by Sergio Romero.

But as the Argentine keeper ran off to celebrate the ball bounced and rolled back toward the goal. Vlaar gestured toward the referee to suggest the ball had crossed the line and watching this video taken from the stands you can see why.

It looked very similar to this infamous penalty when Moroccan goalkeeper Khalid Askri was left looking very foolish as he celebrated his save and failed to see the ballspin back over the line.

The referee waved away Vlaar’s protests possibly because he felt the ball had connected with Vlaar a second time - hitting his shoulder before rolling toward the line.

According to the rules of the game if “the kicker touches the ball again” the goal cannot stand.

From behind Vlaar it looks as if the ball hit him although from another camera angle it appears as if he ducked his shoulder out of the way in time.

However in the final analysis the crucial factor is whether the ball actually crossed the line. And unfortunately for Vlaar and Netherlands in this case it didn’t.

Hat tip: Rodger Sherman