Why Japan’s goal against Spain at the World Cup is valid – Corriere.it

It’s still being discussed Japan’s second goal, signed by Tanaka, which allowed the Japanese to beat Spain in comeback (2-1) and win the group — and effectively eliminating Germany, which with a draw between Japan and Spain would have qualified together with Luis Enrique’s national team -, qualifying as first in the round of 16 where they will challenge Croatia, the reigning vice world champion. There is only one question: did the ball go out entirely or did it remain on the pitch for Mitoma’s cross that Tanaka transforms into the overtaking net?

In the Var room it took them more than three minutes to resolve the doubt: the ball inside. But if inside it for a millimeter, maybe two. That only the images of a camera positioned on the baseline can clarify. In addition, a sensor is inserted in the World Cup ball which sends information in real time to the Var room and allows the exact position of the ball to be identified at any moment. So, even if for a few millimetres, the ball’s projection grazed the line.

By regulation, the ball is considered entirely out when it has crossed the goal line, or side line, on the ground or in the air. it is precisely this last passage that causes the goal to be validated: the surface of the ball that touches the ground had crossed the line (albeit slightly), but the surface that instead was suspended, therefore his projection, he had not gone beyond it.

Not the first episode doubt that the sensor inserted in Al Rihla helps to clarify. He had already happened in this World Cup on the occasion of the disputed goal between Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo (a goal later awarded to the midfielder) in Portugal’s 2-0 win against Uruguay on 28 November.