We’re analysing every VAR decision made throughout all 64 games at the 2022 World Cup. The VAR crucially awarded Japan‘s winning goal against Spain, ruling the ball hadn’t gone out of play.
After each game, we take a look at the major incidents to examine and explain the process both in terms of VAR protocol and the Laws of the Game.
– World Cup VAR review in full: Every decision analysed
VAR overturn: Ball in play for Tanaka goal
What happened: Japan thought they had scored a second goal in the 51st minute when Ao Tanaka scored as Kaoru Mitoma cut the ball back from the goal-line, but the assistant’s flag went up for the ball being out of play for a goal kick.
VAR decision: Goal, ball in play.
