Manchester United great Gary Neville has slammed FIFA over a lack of "transparency" after a controversial goal from Japan saw them win 2-1 against Spain, knocking Germany out of the World Cup.
In a tournament that has thrown up numerous upsets already, the biggest of them all may well have been confirmed on Thursday. Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2 on the night, but Japan's 2-1 win over Spain saw Hansi Flick's side finish third as they failed to make it out of Group E and into the round of 16.
Spain themselves finished second - only coming ahead of the German's on goal difference - as Luis Enrique will no doubt look back on their 7-0 win over Costa Rica as the pivotal moment of their campaign so far. With both games kicking off at the exact same time, there was a fleeting moment where Costa Rica and Japan took the lead, results that would have seen the two European giants knocked out uncharacteristically early.
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Yet the main talking point of the evening came as Japan scored their second goal against Spain, as the ball appeared to go out of play beyond the byline, before eventually being dragged back across goal for Ao Tanaka to tap home in the 51st minute.
The footage filtering through from the host broadcaster in Qatar only appeared to show one set of pictures where the ball looked to be over the line. As fans and pundits alike patiently waited for further conclusive angles, the one that ultimately allowed VAR to rule that the ball had stayed in play, many were left scratching their heads when no further video evidence was forthcoming.
The lack of clarity over the decision led to an outcry after the full-time whistle, as the former United captain took to social media to criticise FIFA over the lack of available camera angles and footage being released.
Neville tweeted: "Got no doubt that VAR have seen the conclusive angle / evidence that we haven’t but why would FIFA not allow the host broadcaster to show VAR footage. In the PL [Premier League] we see it as it happens and have access to the pictures. Makes no sense and doesn’t help with transparency."
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