TIM REAM FIRST PLAYER TO BENEFIT FROM VAR MISTAKEN IDENTITY RULE

Tim Ream made World Cup history on Friday when Dutch referee Danny Makkelie overturned a yellow card issued to the United States defender during the Americans' match against Paraguay. Makkelie initially booked Ream after Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón fell under challenge in the second half. Video assistant referee Carlos del Cerro Grande ordered Makkelie to review the incident, leading to the reversal of Ream's card and the issuing of a yellow to Almirón instead for simulation.

The incident marked the first application of the International Football Association Board's "mistaken identity" rule change, which was introduced earlier in the year. The revision permits referees to use video assisted review to overturn red and yellow cards given to incorrect players, with the primary use case anticipated during mass confrontations where officials' views become obscured. Makkelie's application of the rule differed from the expected scenario but remained valid under the new guidelines. The decision proved significant as Ream avoided potential suspension, since accumulating two yellow cards at a World Cup results in a one-game ban within the group stage.

Ream also became the oldest player in United States men's national team history to appear at a World Cup when he took the pitch at age 38. The USMNT defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their opening match. US midfielder Tyler Adams earned a yellow card in the 59th minute of Friday's match and will carry it into the Americans' upcoming fixture against Australia on 19 June.