Qatar World Cup 2022: Japan vs Spain – ‘controversial goal, VAR and new upset’ 

Japan scored a controversial winner in another extraordinary game to top Group E ahead of Spain. 

Group E has seen some shocks – including Germany crashing out, and Spain coming in second behind Japan. 

Japan and Spain are through to the last 16. 

Japan’s winning goal was initially ruled out because officials believed the ball had gone out of play but VAR overturned the on-field decision and the goal stood. 

It was a decisive moment for a stunning performance against a Spain side who were unfortunate to join Japan in the knockout stage. 

This World Cup 2022 has had many shocks and upsets but last night’s game was perhaps the biggest so far. Spain were left relying on the result of Germany’s match with Costa Rica for them to progress.

All four teams in Group E started the evening with a chance of progressing, Spain only needed a draw to qualify. 

La Roja were cruising at the break after Alvaro Morata headed home Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross from close range, but Japan would quickly turn the game – and the whole of Group E – on its head.

Japan sent on substitutes Ritsu Doan and Mitoma and within six minutes of the second half, they had both made a huge impact.

Doan equalised with a shot from the edge of the area and 142 seconds later Doan’s low cross found Mitoma who sent the ball to Tanaka who scored the second goal from close range. 

Japan vs Spain: Did the ball go out of play? 

The goal was ruled out by the assistant ref who signalled Doan’s cross had gone out of play, but VAR ruled Mitomo had managed to reach the ball in time.

Upon viewing, it appeared the ball had gone over the line and had gone out of play. But the decision was made that the curvature of the ball was hanging over the chalk, much to the delight of the Japanese team. 

Things got worse for Spain when Costa Rica took a lead over Germany just moments later – at that moment, it appeared both Germany and Spain would not make it to the last 16.

And everyone in the stadium for the Japan vs Spain game was shown an updated group table at that moment – there was disbelief amongst the Spanish supporters.

Japan face Croatia in last 16 

Japan’s remarkable and surprising run in the Group stages means the team will face Croatia in the last 16 whilst Spain will face Morocco. 

Their high-pressing style managed to undo Germany and they had seriously unsettled Spain at times in the first half – there’s still likely a lot to come from this team.