Explained: Why Japan’s second goal against Spain was controversially allowed by VAR despite ball appearing to be out of play

Japan’s second goal against Spain, scored by Ao Tanaka, was controversially allowed to stand after a lengthy VAR check – here’s why. 

​Ball seemingly went out of playVAR took a lookJapan’s second goal awarded

WHAT HAPPENED? Tanaka slotted home past Unai Simon following Kaoru Mitoma’s cross but the ball appeared to be out of play. After a lengthy VAR check, referee Victor Gomes was eventually instructed to award the goal which held up as the winner in a 2-1 victory for Japan.

Germany, who competed in the other Group E match, will be furious as the incident helped Japan to finish ahead of them.

In the blink of an eye, Japan turn things around! ?

Did it cross the line though…? ?#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Y8C5FdBSVK

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) December 1, 2022

After a VAR check this was confirmed as a goal for Japan ?? pic.twitter.com/WDmJ1QJAdc

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 1, 2022

WHY WAS IT GIVEN? It’s difficult to determine how exactly VAR reached the conclusion that the goal should be allowed although it appears to be that the decision has been made that the whole ball wasn’t over the line, and that part of it was actually overhanging the line. Still, the images splashed across social media appear to tell a different story and it’s certainly one of the most controversial decisions of the World Cup so far.

STORY IN A PHOTO:

WHAT’S NEXT FOR JAPAN: The go-ahead goal set up a win that advanced Japan to the knockout stage, with Spain also moving forward and Germany and Costa Rica crashing out.