Japan Denied a Goal by Millimeters, but Remember the 2022 Match Against Spain?
Japan has a history of World Cup decisions being made by mere millimeters. In their recent 4-0 win over Tunisia, goal-line technology was used to determine whether a ball had crossed the line after a header from a corner was tipped onto the post. The technology, managed by a chip in the ball, showed the ball had not crossed the line.
This incident is reminiscent of a similar controversy in 2022, when Japan played Spain. Ao Tanaka scored in the 51st minute, but the referee disallowed the goal, believing the ball was out of play. However, VAR overturned the decision, ruling the ball was still in play. The VAR review relied on definitive evidence that part of the ball was on the line, including the curvature overhanging the line.
The goal-line camera was used to make the decision, but FIFA did not provide immediate guidance to inform fans. A photograph from a camera level with the goal line later appeared to show a small amount of the ball was overhanging the line, providing proof for the VAR's decision. FIFA eventually tweeted the goal-line camera angle used to make the decision, 18 hours after the incident.
The lack of communication from FIFA over VAR overturns has highlighted the disconnect between the system and the watching fans. Unlike some leagues, FIFA controls the VAR output and does not share the feed with broadcasters during a review. This has led to calls for improved transparency and clarity in VAR decisions.
This incident is reminiscent of a similar controversy in 2022, when Japan played Spain. Ao Tanaka scored in the 51st minute, but the referee disallowed the goal, believing the ball was out of play. However, VAR overturned the decision, ruling the ball was still in play. The VAR review relied on definitive evidence that part of the ball was on the line, including the curvature overhanging the line.
The goal-line camera was used to make the decision, but FIFA did not provide immediate guidance to inform fans. A photograph from a camera level with the goal line later appeared to show a small amount of the ball was overhanging the line, providing proof for the VAR's decision. FIFA eventually tweeted the goal-line camera angle used to make the decision, 18 hours after the incident.
The lack of communication from FIFA over VAR overturns has highlighted the disconnect between the system and the watching fans. Unlike some leagues, FIFA controls the VAR output and does not share the feed with broadcasters during a review. This has led to calls for improved transparency and clarity in VAR decisions.
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