Japan stormed into the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2022 after upsetting Spain 2-1. However, despite loss Spain also advanced to the next stage of the tournament. Japan scored twice early in the second half to come from behind and defeat another European powerhouse and make it to the knockout stage for the second straight time.
But what created a huge uproar was the VAR controversy which erupted on the final match day in Group E. Japan's second goal has set the social media buzzing, with umpteen suggesting that VAR was wrong in allowing the goal, especially since it caused Germany's ouster from the tournament. Japan's second goal from Ao Tanaka stood even as it looked like the ball had gone out of play beyond the touchline inside the Spain box.
Alvaro Morata gave Spain the lead in the 11th minute and it looked like the former champions would breeze past the Blue Samurai. However, Ritsu Doan scored the equalizer in the 48th minute. 5 minutes later, Tanaka got into the attacking third and slotted one in. It all started when a cross from the far side was handled inside the box by Kaoru Mitoma, who provided the assist to Tanaka.
However, the replays suggested that the ball went out of play before Mitoma pulled it back and chipped it across the face of the goal.
The Japan fans had tears of joy as they celebrated their team taking the lead.
But the goal was not given straightaway as a long VAR check followed. The referee went on to the screen as the VAR check kept the two teams waiting.
However, Tanaka's goal stayed as the VAR ruled that the ball had not gone out completely before the Japan brought it back to play.
A section of fans were not convinced that VAR got it right in allowing the 2nd goal for Japan. A few others argued how VAR had made the right call.
Japan finished at the top of Group E to set up a last-16 matchup against Croatia. Spain finished second and will take on Morocco.
Spain and Germany — which beat Costa Rica 4-2 — both had three points in the group. But Spain had a superior goal difference from its first group match so Germany was eliminated.
The group standings bounced back and forth during both matches. Costa Rica was beating Germany at one point. If that result had stood, Costa Rica would have eliminated Spain.
Morata became the first player to score in the first three Spain matches at the World Cup since Telmo Zarra in 1950.
Spain had opened with a 7-0 rout of Costa Rica before conceding late in a 1-1 draw against Germany.
Japan was eliminated by Belgium in the last 16 in Russia. It has never gone past the round of 16 at World Cups.
