Fifa technical study group (TSG) member Sunday Oliseh described Cristiano Ronaldo as a "total genius" for the way he got a penalty for Portugal in their World Cup triumph against Ghana.
The 37-year-old scored from the penalty spot to become the first player to score in five Fifa World Cups.
The TSG, directed by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, examines each game and offers an analysis that includes performance statistics and patterns.
Former Nigeria international Oliseh believes Ronaldo's movement to get the penalty that allowed him to score his 118th international goal was brilliant.
"Maybe the strikers are getting smarter?" said Oliseh.
"The Ronaldo penalty, people can say what they want about him, but the smartness to wait for that second, to touch the ball, continue his leg and then get the contact. That is total genius,"
"Let's give strikers the compliment for getting smarter. VAR is also a major reason why this (more penalties being awarded) is happening. Referees can look at it three or four times," he ended.
Black Stars coach Otto Addo after the game slammed the referee.
"The referee gave a penalty which was not a penalty - everyone saw that. Why? Because it's Ronaldo or something?," he told BeIN Sports.
"The referee was not in our favour,"