In the match between Japan and Spain, overseas media reported that the ball Mitoma kicked from the side of the goal line was judged not to have crossed the line by video judgment by a referee called VAR (Video Assistant Referee). The verdict is said to be controversial.

The Spanish sports newspaper "As" published an article featuring the decision under the headline "Shocking the football world, the legitimacy of the Japanese national team's goal that no one could understand."



The article said, "The most controversial play ever in the World Cup. Spain as a whole didn't think Japan's second goal was valid. In four images provided by FIFA, the ball crossed the line. There's only one thing that leaves room for doubt that it hasn't been crossed, and the other three images seem to make it clear that the ball is completely out," the judge said.



Also, the German soccer magazine Kicker reported on Japan's decision of the second goal with the headline "Did the ball come out?"



Articles say, ``Japan beat Spain 2-1, but the winning goal caused controversy,'' and ``Japan's second goal was allowed as a result of VAR. It may not have been, it was a very critical judgment."