Fulltime update: VAR has faced plenty of criticism over the years but it usually has gotten calls right. This time, the video review system did not give out the correct call for Japan’s second goal against Spain. The goal would give Japan the 2-1 lead en route to an eventual win, and Germany got eliminated despite a 4-2 win over Costa Rica. If this goal is rightfully overturned, Germany would be going through over Japan with more goals scored overall. There’s bound to be some discussion here, because the video replay should be able to get this right.
Japan have come out firing in the second half of their Group E match against Spain, quickly adding an equalizer to keep their knockout hopes alive. Those hopes only grow stronger with Ao Tanaka putting another one in the back of the net for Japan, with VAR confirming a good goal. Japan would go to the top of Group E if these results hold.
After a VAR check this was confirmed as a goal for Japan pic.twitter.com/WDmJ1QJAdc
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 1, 2022
Here’s another look at this goal, which gives Japan the top spot in the group at the moment.
TWO FOR JAPAN
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 1, 2022
Take another look at the goal that put Japan on top vs Spain ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/kyH3k6Hsn8
It’s an amazing turnaround for the Asian side in a six minute span. They went from being eliminated with a loss to going to the top of the group with a win. Group E was considered a possible “Group of Death” heading into the competition, although most of the focus was on the two European powerhouse teams. Japan are proving they can hang with the big boys in international competitions and look poised to make the last 16.