FIFA World Cup 2022: Japan’s Ao Tanaka scored a much-need goal against Spain in the 51st minute which put the Blue Samurais ahead in the Group E match. Despite controversies and a thorough VAR review, the goal was upheld because the officials determined the ball had not passed the touchline.
Kaoru Mitoma positioned himself behind the ball as it was sent from the right side of the field. However, the ball appeared to be outside the touchline and left the field of play before the Japan player stopped it. Following a VAR review, it was determined that the ball had been stopped just short of crossing the goal line.
Spain manager slams the decision
Spain manager Luis Enrique later said that “I have seen a photo that must have been tampered with. It cannot be that this photo is real. It has to be manipulated.” He also added, “I felt that something fishy was going on when the VAR took as much time as it did to decide… I have nothing to say.”
To make such judgments, semi-assisted offside technology is used throughout FIFA World Cup matches. The decision for the current game’s point of dispute was that the ball had not crossed the touchline.
The choice gave the Asian squad the advantage. At the halfway point, Japan was down 1-0 before Ritsu Doan tied the score. In Group E, this second goal for Japan had a significant impact. Japan maintained its advantage, which ultimately eliminated Germany.
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Japan advances to the knockout stage
With the victory, Japan now has six points, compared to Germany’s four. Japan would have received four points, nevertheless, had the goal not been allowed. Because of its 4-2 victory over Costa Rica and higher goal total, Germany would have qualified in this situation.
Although a portion of the ball was in line with the touchline, the ball may have been placed on ground outside of the touchline but its right-angled tangent (with the pitch) was inside the permitted limit.
FIFA explains in this video thread how changing the viewpoint affects the outcome. Spain was unlucky to have allowed the goal to be conceded, according to the general opinion on social media.
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