Explained: Why VAR Allowed Japan’s Contentious 2nd Goal Vs Spain
The 2-1 victory by Japan over Spain was not devoid of controversy. Their second goal has caused a social media fury, with many claiming that VAR made a mistake by allowing the goal.
Group E of the 2022 FIFA World Cup turned out to be the “Group of Death,” with Japan advancing to the Round of 16 after defeating both Germany and Spain.
While Spain advanced as the runner-up due to a superior goal differential, the 2014 champions Germany were eliminated. However, Japan’s 2-1 victory over Spain was not without controversy.
Their second goal has sparked a social media frenzy, with many claiming that VAR made a mistake by allowing the goal, especially considering that it contributed to the Germans’ elimination.
In the 51st minute, Ao Tanaka of Japan scored to give the Asian team the lead.
The officials delayed awarding the goal as they determined if the ball crossed the touchline. After a lengthy examination, the referees ruled in favor of Japan, giving them a 2-1 advantage.
A VAR check revealed that the ball had not completely crossed the touchline. A number of photographs from the game have emerged on social media indicating that the entire ball had crossed the touchline, so sparking a debate.
Why VAR ruled in Japan’s favour
Despite the fact that the ball may have been placed on the ground beyond the touchline, its tangent was inside the permitted limit.
Thus, because a portion of the ball was in line with the touchline, the officials deemed it a valid goal.
FIFA claimed that the “curvature of the ball” remained in, hence the ball was not out of play at that moment.
For everyone saying the ball was out for the Japan goal pic.twitter.com/cNgSg8mIdI
— 𝙹𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚎 (🏴 For WC) (@JamieBVB30) December 1, 2022
According to the rules established by IFAB, the ball is dead when “it has completely crossed the goal line or touchline on the ground or in the air.”
The goal proved to be the one that ultimately eliminated Germany from the competition. Despite defeating Costa Rica 4-2 in a wild match, Germany was unable to advance to the Round of 16. Japan, on the other side, advances to the quarterfinals as the Group E champion.
Explained: Why VAR Allowed Japan’s Contentious 2nd Goal Vs Spain
