Ao Tanaka scored the game-winning goal in the 51st minute of Japan vs. Spain, but the goal created controversy because of how it was achieved...
Digital Desk: Japan advanced to the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2022 after defeating Spain in a Group E encounter on Thursday. Despite the outcome, Spain advanced to the final 16, but Germany suffered the brunt of Spain's defeat.
Ao Tanaka scored the game-winning goal in the 51st minute of Japan's encounter against Spain, but the goal created controversy due to the manner in which it was achieved. The score was 1-1 before Tanaka's name appeared on the scoreboard.
Tanaka scored only after Kaoru Mitoma aided him. While the final strike was unopposed, the manner in which Mitoma received the ball near the touchline and immediately transferred it to his colleague sparked debate.
Check out some of the videos from the match:
A VAR review determined that the ball had left the playing area before Mitoma handed it to Tanaka, and the decision favoured Japan.
The decision, which had such a large impact on the outcome of the game and Germany's elimination from the tournament, created enormous debate, with some supporting it and others criticising it.
The goal turned out to be the one that eliminated Germany from the competition. Despite a thrilling 4-2 victory over Costa Rica, Germany was unable to advance to the Round of 16. Japan, on the other hand, qualified for the knockout stages by winning Group E.
Continue Reading
