‘Surely VAR has failed again’: Fans question whether the ball went out of play before Japan’s winning goal in thrilling 2-1 win against Spain… which sent Germany crashing out of the World Cup
- Japan’s winning goal against Spain was questioned by fans on social media
- The goal was awarded after a VAR check with the ball deemed to be in play
- Japan’s victory saw them advance to the knock-out stage as group winners
- Spain progressed as runners-up as Germany crashed out of the tournament
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
Fans have taken aim at VAR again during the World Cup as they questioned whether the ball was in play before Japan’s winning goal against Spain.
Ao Tanaka scored from close range as Japan came from behind to lead against their European opponents, but the winning goal has come under scrutiny after the ball appeared to go out for a goal kick.
The goal was initially disallowed with the ball appearing to have crossed the line before Kaoru Mitoma’s cross into the box.
Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma was ruled by VAR to have kept the ball in play for their winner
The controversial goal sparked debate on social media over the decision reached by VAR
A long VAR check followed with Tanaka eventually awarded the goal, after it was ruled that the whole ball had not crossed the line.
‘That dead ball line is going to be a part of Japanese football history as things stand,’ ITV commentator Clive Tyldesley said.
‘I need another look at that one Clive’, co-commentator Ally McCoist said, prompting Tyldesley to quip ‘Oh I think we’ll be seeing it again.’
Fans on social media also questioned the decision to award the goal.
‘How’s that second Japan goal stood,’ one fan said on Twitter. ‘VAR is a great laugh.’
A second fan claimed ‘Surely VAR has failed again. That ball for Japan’s second goal looked out. VAR will struggle to get out of the group stage.’
‘Not sure how VAR has given that Japan goal,’ another bemused fan tweeted. ‘Whole of the ball looked out.’
The decision reached by VAR did receive some backing.
‘It’s the absolute apex on the circumference of the ball that counts, and it looks like that’s still in play to me…’ one fan said.
Japan held on to secure a historic victory over Spain, which saw the Asian nation top Group E.
Spain progressed as the runners-up, with four-time winners Germany crashing out.
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