Soccer-Over the line? Japan goal adds fuel to VAR debate


Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group E - Japan v Spain - Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar - December 1, 2022 Japan's Ao Tanaka celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

DOHA (Reuters) -England's fiercely disputed third goal in the 1966 World Cup final was often cited as the kind of incident VAR would erase from the game forever but Japan's victory over Spain on Thursday triggered a new "was it over the line?" debate.

Kaoru Mitoma's cutback for Ao Tanaka to give Japan a 2-1 lead was initially adjudged by South African referee Victor Gomes to have been from outside the field of play but the official reversed his decision after a lengthy VAR consultation.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Football

Soccer-Bayern confirm Davies suffered muscle injury against Frankfurt
Soccer-Chelsea, Burnley condemn racist abuse of Fofana, Mejbri
Soccer-PSG return to top of Ligue 1 as Lens lose to Monaco
Soccer-O'Reilly double gives Man City win and turns heat on Arsenal
Soccer-Silva scores late equaliser as Dortmund grab 2-2 draw at Leipzig
Soccer-Osasuna stun Real Madrid 2-1 to blow LaLiga title race open
Soccer-Late goals keep Inter in control of Serie title race
Soccer-Ten-man Chelsea implode again in home draw with Burnley
Soccer-Abraham's dream return pays off as Villa salvage late point against Leeds
Soccer-Man City crank up pressure on Arsenal, Villa and Chelsea drop points

Others Also Read