A new angle has emerged of Japan's controversial goal that led to Germany being eliminated from the World Cup.
Japan took the lead against Spain moments after equalising at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar.
What turned out to be the winner was initially ruled out as the ball was deemed to have gone out of play. However, after a lengthy VAR check, officials gave the goal.
READ MORE: Didi Hamann fumes at officiating as Germany crash out of the World Cup
It was concluded that Kaoru Mitoma had kept the ball in play before Ao Tanaka bundled the ball into the net just 142 seconds after Ritsu Doan's equaliser. And FIFA have now explained the decision - despite one camera angle in particular appearing to show the ball out of play.
And a new aerial view looks like the ball might well have stayed in play by a matter of millimetres as confusion over the decision raged with FIFA not showing evidence which led the the VAR decision.
The law states that the the ball is in play "if the curvature of the ball is over the line", which it was decided was the case after consulting replays, including goal line cameras.
Speaking on co-commentary on ITV Sport, Ally McCoist said: "I think the ball went out, I thought the ball went out. It’s a tremendous ball again, puts it in behind the back ball, tremendous cross… Yes, yep [over the line].
"Doan, what an impact he’s made, dear me. They’re checking it. That first angle looks like it just went over the line but they’re taking their time and so they should…
"He’s given the goal. Unbelievable. That is absolutely amazing it is, I thought for all intents and purposes, I thought it was out.
"Obviously not, they’ve scrutinised through VAR. Again, I’m not sure Simon covers himself in glory but what a turnaround."
News of Japan's strike was met with groans from Germany fans at their game, and they were pegged back further by a Costa Rica equaliser just moments later. With Costa Rica taking the lead, Spain were also heading out at one stage before an equaliser ensured their defeat didn't cost them.
It appeared Spain and Germany were cruising into the last-16 at the break. Spain took an early lead via Alvaro Morata and dominated the ball with 82.9% of possession in the first half before Japan's comeback.
Germany, likewise, led via Serge Gnabry but Yeltsin Tejeda levelled for Costa Rica, who led soon after via Juan Pablo Vargas. Whilst Kai Havertz hit back to equalise, saving Spain in the process, it was not enough to prevent Germany from being eliminated at the group stage.
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