Japan made it to the FIFA World Cup 2022 knockouts after beating Spain 2-1 in their last Group E game on Thursday. Germany and Costa Rica were knocked out. 

The Samurai Blue were awarded a controversial winner in their late comeback against Spain. Ao Tanaka scored the goal after receiving a cross from Kaoru Mitoma. However, VAR had to check if the ball appeared to be out of play. Referee Victor Gomes was eventually asked to give the goal. 

Also read: Japan, fans celebrate FIFA World Cup 2022 win vs Spain, knock-out qualification

Japan, riding on Tanaka’s brilliance, topped Group E. Germany, on the other hand, defeated Costa Rica 4-2 but were knocked out. 

After the match, several fans slammed VAR and referee Victor Gomes. 

“Although tonight is historic for Japan, I can’t help but believe that there is something not right with this World Cup. Lots of controversial decisions and no show of the view from VAR. The ball looked to have crossed the line on the second Japan goal to me,” one social media user tweeted. 

Also read: FIFA World Cup 2022: Germany crash out of group stage for a second consecutive time

“Germany have been done over! How was this given as a goal to Japan! That’s mad! Again how VAR allowed this,” another one added. 

“Germany out of the #QatarWorldCup2022 because of an atrocious VAR decision for Japan’s second goal. #Ger FIFA won’t show the close up footage, no surprise there,” a third one added. 

Japan scored twice early in the second half to come from behind and defeat the 2010 champs. It was the first time Japan has advanced past the group stage in back-to-back tournaments.

Japan finished at the top of Group E to set up a last-16 matchup against Croatia. Spain finished second and will take on Morocco.