WATCH: Japan's controversial goal vs Spain that led to Germany's FIFA World Cup elimination
WATCH - Japan's controversial goal makes heads turn vs Spain in FIFA WC tie
FIFA World Cup 2022 edition is living up to expectations. With the group stage encounters set to end on Friday (December 02), the focus is now on the Round of 16. Before the next round kick-off, on Saturday (December 03), Japan stunned one and all to top their group after beating 2010 winners Spain in a riveting clash, at theKhalifa International Stadium, to win 2-1.
With this win, Japan not only confirmed a slot in Round of 16 but also ended as the toppers of Group E. In a group comprising two former champions in the form of Germany and Spain, the Japanese side have stunned one and all with their spirited display to beat both the heavyweights and enter the last 16. After beating Germany 2-1, theSamurai Blue lost 1-0 to Costa Rica and had to win versus Spain to progress ahead. For the second time in three matches in this edition, Japan made a comeback after being a goal down to emerge on top of a former World Cup winner.
Being 1-0 down in the first half, Japan struck twice but the second and final goa, from Ao Tanaka, made heads turn.Courtesy of many videos on social media platforms, many spotted thatKaoru Mitoma couldn'tkeep the ball inside the field of play before he passed it to Tanaka, who struck and gave his side a much-needed lead that proved to be decisive. Here's the video of the controversial goal:
Why VAR allowed Japan's second goal?
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Here are some reactions on the controversial goal:
It is to be noted that Germany would've advanced had Japan lost or drawn their game versus the Spaniards, who also qualified despite defeat versus theSamurai Blue. Germans would've entered the Round of 16 had they wonby a margin of two goals versus Costa Rica. The star-studded Germans had beaten Costa Rica 4-2 but have still bowed out due to inferior goal difference. Had Japan's second goal been ruled out, Germans may have qualified (on +1 goal difference) for the next round but will now return home after failing to get past the group stage for the second time in a row in the World Cup.
In the Round of 16, Japan will now face CroatiaAl Janoub Stadium on December 05.