One of the most captivating nights at this World Cup so far features controversy, brilliant football and a unique slice of history.
Overnight results:
- Croatia 0-0 Belgium
- Canada 1-2 Morocco
- Japan 2-1 Spain
- Costa Rica 2-4 Germany
Here are five talking points from day 11 of the 2022 World Cup.
Should Japan's goal have stood?
History will only remember that Japan beat Spain 2-1 and Germany was knocked out of the World Cup, but in the immediate aftermath of a thrilling day, controversy still reigns.
It all boils down to a simple question — was it in, or was it out?
The chance appeared to have passed Japan by as the ball headed towards the line, but Kaoru Mitoma's despairing lunge squared it for Ao Tanaka to finish off.
Cue a lengthy VAR review, with nobody really sure if the ball had fully crossed the line or not. The verdict came back in Japan's favour, and the stunned celebrations began.
The replay has been played a thousand times, with photos analysed from all angles, and still a consensus hasn't been reached.
So what do you reckon? In or out?
Fifteen minutes flip the World Cup on its head
At half-time everything seemed to be going to plan. Spain led Japan, Germany led Costa Rica and the two powerhouses were all set to progress as expected.
A mere 15 minutes later, everything had changed.
Japan and Costa Rica scored two each in the blink of an eye, and suddenly found themselves leading.
For a hot second, both Spain and Germany had fallen out of the top two and were facing the very real prospect of heading home early.
Fortunately for Spain, Germany turned the screws and put Costa Rica away for a 4-2 win. Unfortunately for Germany, Spain couldn't do the same against Japan.
For a couple of minutes there it looked like the unthinkable might have been happening. The eventual reality was only slightly less unbelievable.
End of an era for Belgium and Martinez
Roberto Martinez was given the keys to Belgium's Golden Generation in 2016, with a remit of taking it to the promised land.
But with a team boasting more global superstars than most — Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, Dries Mertens to name but a few — the best Martinez could manage was a third-place finish in 2018.
Having now limped out of this tournament in the group stages without a win, and to a backdrop of in-fighting and consternation within the squad, Martinez confirmed his time as Belgium manager was over.
Belgium is now facing a period of regeneration, and Martinez is looking to his next challenge. Familiar failings have haunted him throughout his career, but his next stop will be fascinating.
History made by all-female referee team
Amid the chaos of Group E's deciding fixtures, a little piece of history was quietly being made.
When referee Stephanie Frappart and her assistants Neuza Ines Back and Karen Diaz Medina took charge of the Costa Rica-Germany match, three women comprised the officiating team for the first time in men's World Cup history.
Frappart kept control of a frenetic match, issuing one yellow card to Costa Rica's Oscar Duarte and overseeing a VAR review for Niclas Fuellkrug's goal.
With any luck, what is historic today will be the norm of tomorrow.
Morocco dreaming big after topping Group F
Morocco has quietly become one of the stories of the World Cup, topping Group F thanks to wins over Belgium and Canada.
The brilliantly nicknamed Atlas Lions were predicted by many to finish bottom of their group behind Belgium, Croatia and Canada but have played with fantastic spirit, and a belief that is showing no signs of running out.
"We said we wanted to give everything we've got to get out of the group stages. We can tick that box now., so why not aim for the sky?" coach Walid Regragui said.
Why not indeed. Spain awaits in the second round, suddenly looking a whole lot less threatening than it did a week ago.
