The latest 4K images released by FIFA have proved that Japan’s controversial winning goal against Spain was right to stand.Alvaro Morata put Spain 1-0 up in the 11th minute but then Ritsu Doan leveled matters just after half-time. Minutes later and Japan, who had just 17 percent possession, were in dreamland when Ao Tanaka completed the turnaround.##NAJAVA_MECA_6861981##The goal was initially chalked off as it appeared as though the ball had gone out of play when Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma crossed for Tanaka on the stretch.However, a lengthy VAR check resulted in referee Victor Gomes awarding the goal. It meant four-time winners Germany, despite their 4-2 win over Costa Rica, were eliminated at the group stages for the second consecutive tournament.The initial images shown by broadcasters made it seem as though the ball was over the byline.New images released shows controversial Japan goal vs Spain was RIGHT to stand. pic.twitter.com/RvNo89aUP7— SPORTbible (@sportbible) December 2, 2022 However, angles can be deceptive and a 4K picture posted by FIFA showed that it was in fact in by the slightest of margins.The law is that the ball is in play “if the curvature of the ball is over the line, irrespective of how small a part of it is.Despite the Adidas ball for the tournament having motion sensors that can be used to track data and semi-automated offsides amongst other things, it does not have the ability to check whether the ball has gone out.Instead, it was the goal-line camera that provided the evidence required for the reversal of the decision. Germany were dumped out, with Spain finishing second thanks to a superior goal difference achieved in that 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica.Japan will take on Croatia on Monday, with Spain playing Group F winners Morocco in the knockouts a day later.Muyoti worried after City Stars poor start
