World Cup: FIFA asked to produce proof over Japan’s controversial goal against Spain

Graeme Souness has asked FIFA to produce conclusive evidence that the ball stayed in play in the buildup which led to Japan’s dramatic winner against Spain and knocked out Germany.

Ao Tanaka finished off Kaoru Mitoma cut-back, although the ball initially appeared to have gone out of play. A lengthy VAR check followed the goal, but it sensationally ruled in favour of Japan, the full curvature of the ball not deemed to have crossed the line.

Japan’s victory meant they finished top of Group E, with Spain second and Germany, who beat Costa Rica 4-2 in a thriller, sent packing. But with replays of the incident appearing inconclusive, Sky Sports’ Souness demanded FIFA showed their evidence for making the decision.

“There are 80 million Germans right now going mad, waiting for a picture that shows that ball didn’t go out of play,” he told ITV.

“Germany is not a small footballing nation. Why would you create confusion and not want to clear it up immediately?

“Why are FIFA not showing us something that is so controversial? And why aren’t they showing it to us? Clear it up for us, please.”