Ao Tanaka scored the game-winning goal for Japan against Spain in the 51st minute, but the goal’s method of execution caused controversy.

In a FIFA World Cup 2022 match on Thursday, Japan defeated Spain to advance to the Round of 16. On the other hand, despite the outcome, Spain also advanced to the round of 16, but Germany took the biggest hit from Spain’s defeat. Ao Tanaka scored the game-winning goal for Japan against Spain in the 51st minute, but the goal’s method of execution caused controversy. The score was tied at 1-1 before Tanaka’s name appeared on the scoresheet.

Tanaka only scored after Kaoru Mitoma provided an assist. The final strike was uncontested, but there was some debate over how Mitoma received the ball close to the touchline and then passed it to his teammate.

A VAR review was conducted to determine whether the ball left the field of play before Mitoma passed it to Tanaka, and the result favoured Japan.

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The choice, which was so crucial to the outcome of the match and Germany’s elimination from the tournament, sparked a heated debate, with some defending it and others criticising it.

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