The International Football Federation (FIFA) confirmed today that Japan’s winning goal in the game against Spain at the World Cup was legal.
Japan beat Spain 2-1 on Thursday to clinch the top spot in Group E. Ao Tanaka scored in the 51st minute, but the goal was widely debated as the ball appeared to have gone out of bounds on an assist from Kaoru Mitoma.
VAR was watched for a long time and it was estimated that the goal was legal, which was confirmed today by FIFA, which stated that the goal was recognized because the ball did not leave the field in its entirety.
- Officials used a goal-line camera to check if the ball was partially on the line or not. Other cameras may provide erroneous images, but based on the available evidence, the ball was not completely out of play, FIFA said.
As the first place, Japan advanced, ahead of Spain, and the third place Germany was eliminated, which defeated Costa Rica with 4:2.
As the first place, Japan advanced, ahead of Spain, and the third place Germany was eliminated, which defeated Costa Rica with 4:2.
