FRANCE missed out on the chance to become the second team in history to win back-to-back World Cups after a penalty shootout defeat to Argentina.
And fans have joked Raphael Varane’s backside is the reason for the loss.
After Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria put Argentina ahead, Kylian Mbappe hit back with two goals to send the game to extra-time.
Messi then netted again to make it 3-2, but only after a tight offside call involving Manchester United ace Varane.
In the first-half of extra-time Enzo Fernandez played the ball through to Lautaro Martinez, who saw saw his effort saved by Hugo Lloris only for Messi to squeeze the rebound over the line.
Initial replays showed it was a tight call as to whether Martinez had been played onside by Varane.
VAR confirmed the Argentina striker was indeed onside, and fans have joked it was Varane’s backside that meant the goal counted.
One Twitter user wrote: “Love how Varane’s backside was used as the offside line for that graphic.”
Another said: “Varane’s bum winning Argentina a World Cup.”
While a third added: “Varane’s bum really cost a whole nation.”
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However, others suggested Varane’s torso was also keeping Martinez onside.
Had the goal not been given then theoretically Mbappe’s second penalty, to seal his hat-trick, would have seen France win 3-2 after extra-time.
Although in an incredible game there could well have been more twists and turns had Messi’s extra-time strike been ruled out.
In the end it went to penalties, with Emi Martinez the hero from the spot for Argentina.
He denied Kingsley Coman before Aurelien Tchouameni fired wide to see Argentina win their first World Cup since 1986.
The now three-time champions marked the victory with wild dressing room celebrations.
