FIFA released new goal line footage of Japan’s win over Spain, confirming the decision that locked Germany out of the World Cup.
Mannschaft fans were outraged by the controversial decision.
The statement read, “The second goal in Japan’s 2–1 win over Spain was reviewed by VAR to determine if the ball went out of play.
“The video match official used the goal line camera footage to see if the ball was still partially on the line.”
He further stated that “other cameras may provide misleading images, but on the available evidence, the entire ball was not out of play.”
La Roja took the lead with a goal from Alvaro Morata, and since they beat Costa Rica in the other Group E match, they were expected to advance to the last 16 alongside Germany.
But then Japan pulled off a stunning comeback, with Ritsu Doan scoring a powerful equalizer.
Tanaka Ao then put Japan ahead in spectacular fashion, turning the scoreline and the group around.
The cross in front of the goal appeared to cross the touchline from some angles, which, if allowed, would have resulted in a throw-in.
The referee initially ruled that the ball was out of play before Tanaka scored, but VAR corrected that decision.
Technically, it showed that the ball remained in play by a few millimeters until Kaoru Mitoma took it from his teammate and put it in, but no clear evidence has yet been presented as to how that decision was made.
In the video, the ball appears to have been turned up, and few players questioned the referee after he initially ruled it invalid.
Japan won 2–1 to top the group. Germany, who beat Costa Rica 4–2, was eliminated, and Spain clung to second place on goal difference.
For the next 24 hours, fans continued to debate whether the ball had crossed the line.
The latest FIFA picture may convince some.
England fans felt the decision had been 12 years in the making.
In 2010 against Germany, Frank Lampard’s shot hit the crossbar and was disallowed as a goal even though it was well over the goal line.
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