Japan manager reacts to controversial World Cup goal vs Spain that sent Germany packing
At halftime, both Spain and Germany had a 1-0 lead over Japan in their respective matches. Nonetheless, Moriyasu altered the game by substituting Ritsu Doan and Kaoru Mitsunomo at halftime.
Doan equalized with a long-range blast before Mitomo assisted Ao Tanaka’s game-winning goal less than two minutes later.
The assistant referee initially disallowed the goal, determining that the ball had past the byline before Mitomo crossed it into the net. But VAR overturned the call, citing the ball’s curvature was hanging over the chalk despite the fact that it appeared to be out of play to the naked eye.
Germany’s 4-2 victory over Costa Rica wasn’t enough to surpass Spain’s goal differential, thus anything less than a victory for Japan would have been enough for Hansi Flick’s squad to advance. And in light of the debate surrounding the winner of Samurai Blue, Moriyasu has urged skeptics to have faith in the technique.
He said: “Whether the ball was out or not, there is great technology nowadays for big football, and if it was really out, it would have been a goal kick. But the judgement of the referee is that it was in – and we respected that. We were able to accept it either way – and in the end, it was decided it was in.”
Moriyasu also stated that he altered his strategy before leading Japan to its illustrious win.
After defeating Germany and Spain in Group E, the Asians will feel confident in their ability to defeat any opponent and surprise the world this winter.
Commentators confused, after watching the first replay, about why the Japan goal stood. A reminder that camera angles can be deceiving.#WorldCup2022 #JPNESP #JPN pic.twitter.com/Ew12D8SzwT
— James Sharpe (@TheSharpeEnd) December 1, 2022
“Two days before the game, we had a different plan, but during the training, we confirmed a few things, and the players gave me some ideas,” Moriyasu explained.
“I couldn’t decide on the tactics, and at the end of training, we had a few options. We talked together with the players and chose a certain option from them. Now all the people of Japan can share our happiness.”
On Sunday, Japan will face the runner-up of Group F, Croatia, in the round of 16.
Japan manager reacts to controversial FIFA World Cup goal vs Spain that sent Germany packing
