Yesterday’s Group E matches were all thrilling encounters. Germany had to beat Costa Rica and hope that Spain would beat Japan to qualify for the knockout stages. Everything seemed to be going to plan at halftime, with Germany and Spain winning 1-0. But after the first half, a Japan comeback saw them beat Spain 2-1 with Germany managing to beat Costa Rica 4-2.
Group E did not disappoint 👏 pic.twitter.com/8IZXY99k6a
— GOAL (@goal) December 1, 2022
Germany have been knocked out of the FIFA World Cup in the group stages for the second time in a row. This time, however, they have been eliminated on a worse goal difference, compared to Spain. But Japan‘s controversial second goal has taken headlines alongside Germany’s elimination and sparked some very bizarre conspiracy theories.
VAR awards Japan its winning goal against Spain
Spain went ahead in the 11th minute through an Alvaro Morata header, taking them to the top of Group E. Japan had a wonderful comeback in the second half, much like they did against Germany on matchday one. Ritsu Doan’s rocket strike from near the edge of the penalty box should have been saved by Unai Simon, but the power of the shot was enough to make the scoreline 1-1.
Law 9: the ball in and out of play. The ball is out of play when:
• it has *wholly* passed over the goal line or touchline on the ground or in the air#JapanvsSpain #japan #germany #FIFAWorldCup #VAR #SpainVsJapan #Spain pic.twitter.com/oTdxHNVP6o— Jeff Alcoforado (@NoNotAvocado) December 1, 2022
The second goal for Japan was very controversial. The ball seemed to have been out of play before it was crossed by Mitoma. As we have seen in goal-line technology over the years, the whole ball has to be over the line. In yesterday’s game, while the bottom part of the ball was over the line, the middle half of the ball which bulges out was still in play.
Conspiracy theorists believe FIFA had enough time to manipulate images
But as usual, there have been conspiracy theorists. They believe FIFA intentionally awarded the goal to eliminate Germany and let Japan top the group. The images were released within minutes of the decision, but fans had their say.
These images were out yesterday 🤦
— Jan UTD🔰🇸🇯 (@janlok22) December 2, 2022
Conspiracy theorists called this World Cup a corrupt one.
I’m rooting for Japan but there’s NO way VAR can explain this away. This world cup really is corrupt. #Qatar2022 #JPNESP pic.twitter.com/caZHrdzFCM
— Arsenal ❁ (@AFCannon_1886) December 1, 2022
A graphic on beIN SPORTS showed the technology used by VAR.
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.
— @𝔽ℙ𝕃𝕍𝕖𝕝𝕧𝕖𝕥 🇮🇹 (@FplVelvet) December 2, 2022
But what everyone can agree upon is that VAR decisions are very controversial.
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. #VAR #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/gGzRYKU92s
— Oscar Brown (@redpilloscar) December 1, 2022
Japan have qualified top of Group E and will face Croatia on Tuesday, 5th December. Spain have qualified second but would be happier to face Morocco over Croatia, despite the former’s good form. Spain will play Morocco on Wednesday, 6th December.