sport news Video proves Japan's controversial goal vs Spain was the RIGHT decision trends now
The footballing world was left in dismay as Japan's controversial goal in their 2-1 win over Spain on Thursday was allowed to stand, despite the ball seemingly going out of play in the build-up.
But a video released by FIFA on Friday afternoon proves the decision for the goal to stand, which came after lengthy consultation by VAR, was the right one.
The incident occurred in the final match of Group E, when Ao Tanaka poked home to give Japan a comeback lead, with the goal in turn sending Germany - who beat Costa Rica 4-2 - crashing out. It would have been group winners Japan who went home had the clash ended a draw, while Spain went through despite defeat.
Ao Tanaka scored a highly controversial goal as Japan stunned Japan on Thursday evening
Japan's Kaoru Mitoma got the assist even though it looked like he overran his dribble
But a new video posted by FIFA shows that the Brighton winger did in fact get there in time
Social media immediately erupted into a frenzy, with England fans in particular reveling in what appeared to be a controversial decision, comparing Japan's winner to Frank Lampard's ghost goal against Germany which ultimately resulted in the Three Lions' last-16 exit at the 2010 World Cup.
But though it appeared that Kaoru Mitoma had not quite kept the ball in before scooping back for Tanaka to prod into an empty net, the official FIFA video now conclusively prove otherwise.
As the video shows, while much of the ball had indeed crossed the line, a fraction of it was still in play - and that's all that was needed for the goal to be given.
Alongside the posted video, FIFA wrote: 'Japan’s second goal in their 2-1 win over Spain was checked by VAR to determine if the ball
