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In a dramatic turn of events, Japan sealed their round 16 spot in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022, knocking out Germany from the elite competition. While Alvaro Morata put Spain in front after 11 minutes of the game, Japan came from behind, courtesy of goals from Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka.
However, Japan's second goal triggered massive debate among the football fraternity as a section of the fans were unable to agree on whether the goal should stand or not.
For Tanaka's goal, the ball was extremely close to being out of play when Karou Mitoma stretched to cross back in for Tanaka, which caused massive confusion among fans watching the match as from one angle, the ball appeared out.
Despite the camera shot shown on ITV suggesting that the ball was out, the goal was granted after a lengthy VAR delay and Japan was able to hold on for the remaining 40 minutes which saw them advance as Group E winner with Spain finishing second.
While official images or official statement from FIFA is yet to be released, an overseas broadcaster has offered the most conclusive view that the ball was in fact still in play before it was crossed to Tanaka.
Qatari-owned network beIN sports showed viewers a virtual bird's eye view to show that while the section of the ball which was in contact with the floor was indeed outside the field of play, the curvature of the sphere meant the side of the ball was still marginally hovering over the line, which renders the ball in play.
"What I would suggest is the goal line technology, those cameras are being used for VAR to discover whether it has left the field of play so there are angles that will show that. If, however, a player’s boot or a player’s shin has gone over the top of the ball can’t see it clearly then the VAR will say to the referee: ‘I don’t have that evidence to give you, Mr Referee, stay with your on-field decision," said former Premier League referee Peter Walton.
