World Cup 2022: Should Japan's goal have stood?

Japan scored a controversial winner against Spain to knock Germany out of the World Cup, with some questioning whether Kaoru Mitoma's cutback had crossed the byline.

Ao Tanaka completed a stunning turnaround from a Kaoru Mitoma cut-back which initially appeared to have gone out of play. A lengthy VAR check followed the goal, but it sensationally ruled in favour of Japan, the full curvature of the ball not deemed to have crossed the line.

Japan's victory meant they finished top of Group E, with Spain second and Germany, who beat Costa Rica 4-2 in a thriller, sent packing.

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[sujiks]

Everyone was talking about how Saudi beat Argentina meanwhile Japan went on to beat Germany and Spain and qualify for the knockout round as top of the group.

[sindieltaylor]

All of the ball beyond all of the line or it's in. It was in, doesn't matter by how much. Well deserved victory.

[poolfans]

It’s the same 0.12cm on the line when Liverpool vs City. The ball didn’t cross the line. Look at it from top view. 100% on the line

[DiegoMG]

I am from Spain and I think it is a goal, the ball did not go completely, even if it was only by 1mm.
Japan played well on the counterattack and took advantage of Spain's mistakes, they deserve to go first

[philipebube]

Germany didn't deserve to go through, they've been terrible starting from match day1.

[tinotendamavindidze]

Despite the British media trying to downplay and tank this Qatar wcup, the football itself has been outstanding high octane stuff. Great win for Japan

[alfiejackalfiejack]

Give the bloke some credit, he did brilliant to get to the ball and then cut it back into an area where a team-mate was. Best bit of football I have seen for ages. 99% of players would have give that up.

[mohamadmahmoudi]

Japan's attitude is what other Asian nations must learn and follow. They have no ego. They never moan about anything. They have plans with pure determination and respect.

[daviddulom]

Lets go Japan! The whole of Asia is rooting for you.🤝

[quntface]

It's millimeters, but it seems like the ball is still in. People judging whether it's in by angles that aren't straight are either being deliberately deceitful or just don't understand how cameras/angles work.

[Tianton]

I Spent two weeks in Japan for the Rugby World Cup and It's my favourite country! Great Cities, Great Food and Wonderful people!

[alexanderfraser]

Japan deserved to win. This WC they proved they can win

[samallardyce]

as a long time supporter of german national team, the ball was still in. correct call by the official.

[kenechukwuesekody]

The ball was in play
Because the ball isn’t flat it’s hard to decide but if you look at it from the top angle it’s in

[Skindred]

0:24 this is not out. It only looks out because of the side we are viewing it from. The rule is that the sphere of the ball must overhang above at least some part of the line. Even if it was only 1mm, it is in. It is obviously in with respect to the rule of the game.

[fuckafuckafucka]

I fail to understand how this is a controversy. A rule is a rule.

[Creees]

Even when a ball is 99% out it is 100% in.
LETS GO JAPAN.
WELL DONE ASIAN TEAMS THIS WORLD CUP

[madgaming]

It reminds me of John Stones’ goal line clearance.

[UCxSTARDUSTMEMORY]

Im japanese and most of us didnt think japan team go through the knockout stage. But they made it. Of course, tactics and techniques is very important. But they showed that the mind of never giving up is everything at the end. Thank you.

[JS-tevj]

That said though, Japan were pressing well. Had that been disallowed, I'm sure they'd have continued their aggressive strategy. Who knows😌