Before Tanaka scored for Japan, the ball seemed to have gone out of bounds
Japan knocked Germany out of the World Cup with a controversial goal against Spain, a goal that appeared to have gone beyond the line before sending Japan to the last 16.
Shortly after equalising against Spain, Japan sent the ball into the net for the second time, but initially the goal was blown away because it was thought to be off the line. However, after a lengthy VAR check, the officials came to a conclusion.
They concluded that Kaoru Mitomo crossed the ball and was scored by Bi Tanaka just 142 seconds after Japan's equaliser, without going out of bounds in the process. FIFA has now explained the reasons for the decision – although the angle of another camera appeared to show that the ball was out of bounds.
The new bird's eye view looks likely the ball is only a few millimetres inside the arena, and confusion over the decision is raging social media, with FIFA not even providing conclusive evidence that led to VAR.
The rule states that "if the ball as a whole exceeds the line" is considered out of bounds, while the ball's sensors are working and the ball is not out of bounds, this is decided after consulting the replay (including the goal line camera).
Speaking to joint comments from ITV Sport, Scotland coach Ally McCoist said: "I think the ball is out, I think the ball is out. It was a huge ball and he was behind the goal line,...... Yes, yes, it crossed the line.
The goal eventually sparked a wild celebration in Japan
The news of Japan's victory drew a painful response from German fans, and moments later, Costa Rica equalized the score. Spain were also out at one point with Costa Rica leading, before Germany equalised to ensure their defeat would not cost the Spaniards.
Spain and Germany appeared to be in the round of 16 at halftime. Spain took an early lead through Alvaro Morata and controlled the ball in the first half with 82.9% possession before Japan made a comeback.
Similarly, Germany led through Serge Gnabry, but Yeltsin Tejeda was flat for Costa Rica, which soon led through Juan Pablo Vargas. While Kai Havertz fought back to equalise and save Spain, it was not enough to prevent Germany from being eliminated in the group stage.