FIFA came out of silence in response to the virulent criticism that followed the second goal scored by Japan against Spain (2-1) on Thursday at the 2022 World Cup.
Through a press release posted on social networks, the international body tried to extinguish the fire by ensuring that the goal scored by Ao Tanaka in the 51st minute of play, on a cross from the left side of Kaoru Mitoma, was indeed valid. On the web, photos were published from all angles and many suggested that the ball was completely out of bounds.
“Japan’s second goal in their 2-1 win over Spain was checked by VAR to determine if the ball went out of play. Video match officials used goal line camera footage to check if the ball was still partially on the line or not. Other cameras can give misleading images but based on the available evidence the entire ball was not out of play”writes FIFA.
This goal from Japan had serious consequences for La Roja de Luis Enrique, second in group E, and for Germany, which fell from Costa Rica (4-2) but third because they were beaten on goal difference by Spain.
Japan’s second goal in their 2-1 win over Spain was checked by VAR to determine if the ball had gone out of play.
The video match officials used the goal line camera images to check if the ball was still partially on the line or not. pic.twitter.com/RhN8meei6Q
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) December 2, 2022