Ruud’s goal reveals international offside chaos

VIENNA: When Ruud van Nistelrooy clipped the ball into Italy's net at the European Championship, he looked long and hard at the assistant referee, waiting for him to flag for offside.

The Dutch striker knew only too well he was in an offside position. Most other players on the field, commentators and millions of spectators around the world were also convinced he was offside and the 26th-minute goal should not have stood.