FIFA insists Japan's second goal in their shock World Cup victory over Spain was legitimate "on the evidence available", and added some of the images shared online were "misleading".
Ao Tanaka bundled home from close range to give Japan a 2-1 lead, but the goal was only given following a lengthy VAR review after it appeared the ball had gone out of play before Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma cut it back from the byline.
The goal sparked huge debate, but on Friday afternoon the game’s global governing body published two posts on its official Twitter account by way of clarification.
Other cameras may offer misleading images but on the evidence available, the whole of the ball was not out of play. pic.twitter.com/HKKEot0j1Y
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) December 2, 2022
"Japan’s second goal in their 2-1 win over Spain was checked by VAR to determine if the ball had gone out of play," the first read.
"The video match officials used the goal line camera images to check if the ball was still partially on the line or not."
A second post added: "Other cameras may offer misleading images but on the evidence available, the whole of the ball was not out of play."
Japan's second goal in their 2-1 win over Spain was checked by VAR to determine if the ball had gone out of play.
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) December 2, 2022
The video match officials used the goal line camera images to check if the ball was still partially on the line or not. pic.twitter.com/RhN8meei6Q
Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said: "If it was really out it would have been a goal kick, but the judgement of the referee was it was in.
"We respected it but we were willing to respect either way. The final judgement was it was in."
His Spain counterpart, Luis Enrique, suggested some sort of "manipulation" had occurred, adding: "I felt that something fishy was going on when the VAR took as much time as it did to decide… I have nothing to say."
Japan’s victory ensured they finished top of Group E, having caused another huge upset in their opening game by beating Germany.
Spain held on to second spot on goal difference despite Germany’s 4-2 win over Costa Rica.
USA's Christian Pulisic is a possibility to play in Saturday's Round of 16 World Cup match against the Netherlands.
Manager Gregg Berhalter said Friday that Pulisic's pelvic contusion is improving.
"Regarding Christian, we're going to see him on the training field (Friday).What I think is it looks pretty good," Berhalter said.
He didn't have as much optimism about the hopes injured forward Josh Sargent would play against the Netherlands. Like Pulisic, Sargent was injured in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Iran that advanced the United States to the knockout stage.
On the play in which he scored the winning goal, Pulisic collided with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. Sargent was hurt as he fell after standing on the ball.
"He's another one we're going to test in training, see where he's at," Berhalter said about Sargent. "I think with Christian, we're hopeful. I think with (Sargent) a little less so. But we'll see. I mean, he's going to test, he's going to go at this time.
"At this stage, it's go time, and if you can push through it, you do it. So I'm sure he'll have that mindset."
