These are the rivals already defined in the round of 16 8:02
(CNN) --
Japan reached the qualifying stages of the World Cup in Qatar for the fourth time on Thursday by what seemed like a matter of millimeters.
Trailing 1-0 at half time, Japan produced a remarkable comeback against Spain with two straight goals in the second half of the match, stunning the 2010 world champions to secure an improbable place in the round of 16 at Germany's expense. .
But it's Japan's second goal that has been the subject of fierce debate after the game, specifically regarding whether the ball crossed the goal line before Kaoru Mitoma's cutaway pass to Ao Tanaka.
Tanaka's equalizing goal was initially ruled out after the linesman signaled the ball was out of play.
However, after a VAR review by the central referee, the goal was awarded and Japan held on for a historic victory.
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The result saw the Blue Samurais advance to the round of 16, leading Group E, a result that no one would have anticipated before the World Cup, ahead of Spain and Germany.
Precisely the Germans were eliminated from the tournament despite a 4-2 victory against Costa Rica.
Countries classified to the eighth of the World Cup in Qatar.
This is how the crosses between groups remain
Mitoma was deemed to have kept the ball in play in the build up to Tanaka's goal. (Elsa/Getty Images)
The controversy over the goal of Japan
Some were incredulous that Tanaka's goal was validated.
“There are 80 million Germans freaking out right now, waiting for a picture to show that that ball didn't go out of play,” said former Scotland international Graeme Souness, speaking as an analyst on ITV.
Also speaking on ITV, former England international Eni Aluko said her instant reaction was that the ball had gone out of play.
But the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which sets the laws of the game, says the ball is only out of play when it “has completely crossed the goal line or touch line for land or by air.
In this case, it appears that the curvature of the ball was considered to be over the goal line.
CNN has contacted FIFA to clarify the decision.
Summary and result of Japan 2-1 Spain in the World Cup in Qatar 2022
You be the judge...
Was this in or out?
🧐 pic.twitter.com/cVXur9vMJ1
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 1, 2022
“That goal from Japan almost defied physics.
Incredible”, American soccer journalist Grant Wahl wrote on Twitter, while other users of social networks explained how the ball changes position with respect to the line depending on the perspective from which it is viewed, with other camera angles.
Perception and angle are everything!!!
pic.twitter.com/mzF7YXnQiX
—Nick Levett (@nlevett) December 1, 2022
That goal gave Japan the opportunity to play Croatia in the round of 16 on Monday, December 5, while Spain will play Morocco on Tuesday, December 6.
Álvaro Morata put Spain ahead at the Khalifa International Stadium after heading in a cross from César Azpilicueta.
Japan, who also stunned Germany earlier in the tournament, responded early in the second half with two goals in a span of three minutes.
Substitute Ritsu Dōan leveled the game before Ao Tanaka got the controversial winner soon after.
Another notable upset moment in Qatar was when Belgium, second in FIFA's rankings, were knocked out of the tournament after a 0-0 draw with Croatia and Morocco's 2-1 win over Canada.
World Cup Qatar 2022