The VAR check resulting in Japan's second goal in their 2-1 victory over Spain that led to Germany's shock elimination from Qatar World Cup 2022 sparked a massive social media controversy.
The Qatar World Cup 2022 has been about shocking defeats, exits and VAR controversies. From Argentina's 1-2 loss to Saudi Arabia and France's 0-1 defeat to Tunisia to Belgium and Germany's elimination from the showpiece tournament, football fans have experienced some surprises in this year's edition. However, some VAR decisions have been at the centre of all the drama, including Japan's second goal after the referee confirmed the ball had not gone out of play in their 2-1 win over Spain, resulting in Germany getting knocked out.
Also read: Meme fest explodes after Germany knocked out of World Cup 2022; Japan's heroics applauded
It happened in the 51st minute of the match, just minutes after Ritsu Doan had levelled the score for the Asian side, following an Alvaro Morata goal for Spain in the first half. The ball travelled to the far post following a cross from the opposite side, and Kaoru Mitoma was able to stop it just before it passed the byline.
The critical touch allowed the ball to settle at Ao Tanaka's feet, who shot past Unai Simon to put Japan ahead 2-1. The goal was initially ruled out by South African referee Victor Gomes, who was summoned for a VAR assessment.
So that Japan goal.. the amount of posts I’m seeing of the same one or two images manipulating the angle of the ball to show it “looking” over the line is crazy.
I’m no expert but curvature and geometry does exist.
Here’s the VAR proof that was used.
pic.twitter.com/hz2eMTtWZg
While onlookers and football enthusiasts expected the decision to stand, the goal was eventually given after several minutes, as it was ruled the entire ball had not left the field of play. As a result of the decision, Japan won the game and took first place in Group E, while Spain advanced as the group's runner-up.
Germany, the four-time champions, was kicked out of Qatar World Cup 2022, despite beating Costa Rica 4-2.
While some fans trolled the German side, several football enthusiasts believed that the absurd VAR check in Japan's win over Spain was behind the European giant's elimination.
"Although tonight is historic for Japan, I can't help but believe that there is something not right with this World Cup. Lots of controversial decisions and no show of the view from VAR. The ball looked to have crossed the line on the second Japan goal to me," noted one Twitter user.
Another fan added, "The farce the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is nowadays! Spain will feel cheated here. The whole of the ball appears to have crossed the line. The whole base of it is actually out. The ball goes out of play, Japan picks it, scores and VAR counts it as a goal. Wow!"
A third remarked, "FIFA is rigged! Spain vs Japan, clearly outside the white line and this resulted in a goal!!!!! Howww?"
Here's a look at some of the other reactions on the micro-blogging site:
Although tonight is historic for Japan, I can’t help but believe that there is something not right with this World Cup. Lots of controversial decisions and no show of the view from VAR. The ball looked to have crossed the line on the second Japan goal to me. pic.twitter.com/gGzRYKU92s
— Oscar Brown (@redpilloscar)And that's why we have VAR. Huge moment. The ball hasn't crossed the line. Goal.
Imagine how aggrieved Japan would have been had it not stood in the of all stages
VAR 👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/aJNBXH3UMU
The farce the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is nowadays! Spain will feel cheated here. The whole of the ball appears to have crossed the line. The whole base of it is actually out. The ball goes out of play, Japan picks it, scores and VAR counts it as a goal. Wow! pic.twitter.com/l3NEC3DMY6
— Kennedy Wandera (@KennedyWandera_)FIFA is rigged! Spain vs Japan, clearly outside the white line and this resulted in a goal!!!!! Howww?
pic.twitter.com/DU3MmVDYkq
BROOO HOW DID JAPAN GET THE SECOND GOAL !!! THE BALL WAS CLEARLY OUT OF THE LINE
VAR enthinna undakki vechekkune myrr pic.twitter.com/MQxJaz3Nx1
scores the infamous Hand of God goal 1986.
Japan scores out of line VAR goal in pic.twitter.com/kzumKxmXVU
1. why goal line tech not shown to all when VAR was seeing these frames?
2. if ball is inside, then why isn't it offside?
impact: if goal wasn't given via GLT or offside, germany would have gone to round 16 through via scoring more goals than japan pic.twitter.com/Z6vp8RcTwB
This was very clearly out, across the line. VAR said it was in bounds? I don’t get it. The Japan player passed this for a header goal … idk
That being said I love the grit of Japan. That’s 2 comebacks from down 1-0 vs Spain & Germany pic.twitter.com/peUzoYo771
Football : THE GAME OF FINE MARGINS!!!
Japan knocked Germany out of the world cup with this goal but it seemed like the ball had went over the line. However, VAR decided to allow the goal by arguing that a small portion of the ball was still on the line pic.twitter.com/dW8z4uld9K
Spain 🇪🇸 vs Japan 🇯🇵 VAR 🧐 How is that ball on the line ?!?! It isn’t!
What a mad World Cup! Belgium 🇧🇪 gone, Germany 🇩🇪 gone, Morocco 🇲🇦 in, Japan 🇯🇵 in. Tunisia 🇹🇳 beating France 🇫🇷, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 beating Argentina 🇦🇷 & we aren’t even in the KO stages yet! pic.twitter.com/R1AECsGukZ
Did you realise VAR didn't show the review of the ball that was outside the line for Japan's second goal?
Same way for Portugal vs Ghana, the penalty awarded to Ronaldo, they denied the world the review and awarded the penalty.
They're killing the game. pic.twitter.com/WPCtAOFvaQ
Germany got screwed! Don't think that ball crossed the line in the Japan Spain Game! pic.twitter.com/sf3FMkZaEk
— Dj Sarj (@DjSarj)Oh that ball was clearly out 😮
The 2-1 from Japan was irregular. Shouldn't there be a electronic device to detect if the ball was behind the line? Germany must be fuming! pic.twitter.com/SM1Oi6dhAG
Live scenes from the VAR Room for the Japan v Spain game…when someone mentioned 2010 and a 5 yard over the line goal that was disallowed 😛😁🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/m5fo14rcS3
— Bwhufc66🇬🇧⚒ (@bwhufc66)Germany was eliminated because Japan’s second goal was allowed after it was passed from the outside line and scored. Either VAR or the Ref messed up. But you can see it clearly on the replay. Too late now they won’t overturn the decision. pic.twitter.com/t8cQ7Dwc5m
— አddisu (@addisu_max)This World Cup looks planned. I mean, how will that Japan’s second goal count, when there’s goal line Technology, VAR and a linesman! How!?
— Stephen (@ranmzysteve)