Controversial penalty against Poland in World Cup 2027 qualifier with Belgium

In the first leg of the semi-final play-off in qualifying for the 2027 World Cup, Belgium v Poland, in the 28th minute Poland defender Wiktoria Zieniewicz grabbed Belgium's Elena Dhont and stopped her from reaching the ball. Referee Emanuela Rusta of Albania initially did not whistle. Video assistant Kreshnik Bajramaj asked her to look at the replay. After that a penalty was awarded and Zieniewicz was shown a yellow card.

TVP Sport commentators believe a red card was needed here: the opponent was denied an obvious chance to score. They recalled that in the men's Nations League match against Romania, a foul on Robert Lewandowski in the penalty area was also punished with a penalty and a red card.