A new angle on Japan’s contentious World Cup victory over Spain, which eliminated Germany, suggests the ball may have actually been in play.
Japan scored a second goal against Spain shortly after tying the score, however the goal was initially disallowed because the ball was thought to have left the field of play. But after a protracted VAR review, the goal was awarded.
Just 142 seconds after Ritsu Doan’s equalizer, it was determined that Kaoru Mitoma had maintained the ball in play. Ao Tanaka then bundled the ball into the goal.
Despite the fact that one camera viewpoint in particular seemed to show the ball out of play, FIFA has now clarified the decision.
The law states that the the ball is in play “if the curvature of the ball is over the line”, which it was decided was the case after consulting replays, including goal line cameras.
Japan’s goal against Spain was correctly awarded by VAR. The angle we saw on TV was just misleading. #JAPSPA #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Dkhgh6qdsz
— Pranav M (@pranavisabeast) December 1, 2022
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Speaking on co-commentary on ITV Sport, Ally McCoist said: “I think the ball went out, I thought the ball went out. It’s a tremendous ball again, puts it in behind the back ball, tremendous cross… Yes, yep [over the line].
News of Japan’s strike was met with groans from Germany fans at their game, and they were pegged back further by a Costa Rica equaliser just moments later.
With Costa Rica taking the lead, Spain were also heading out of the World Cup at one stage before an equaliser ensured their defeat didn’t cost them.
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