Japan produced a controversial winner as they made another extraordinary World Cup comeback in Group E ahead of Spain to reach the last 16.
Ao Tanaka claimed Japan’s second goal when the video assistant referee ruled that the ball had not gone out of play before substitute Kaoru Mitoma had crossed the byline, although it appeared so at first glance.
It proved to be the defining moment of a brilliant performance against a Spain side who were lucky to join Japan in the knockout stages.
In a tournament full of shocks, it was perhaps the most dramatic night yet, with Spain relying on the result of Germany’s game with Costa Rica to progress.
All four teams started the evening with a chance of promotion but Spain only needed a draw to qualify, so they were not expected to need any favors from elsewhere.
La Roja were cruising at the break when Alvaro Morata headed home Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross from close range, but Japan quickly turned the game – and the whole of Group E – on its head.
Samurai Blue sent on substitutes Ritsu Doan and Mitoma at half-time and within six minutes of the restart they both made a huge impact.
Doan equalized with a powerful shot from the edge of the area and, just 142 seconds later, Mitomo collected Doan’s low cross and found Tanaka to bundle home from close range in dramatic circumstances.
The goal was initially disallowed by the assistant referee who signaled that Doan’s cross was out of play, but VAR ruled that Mitomo had arrived in time.
To the naked eye it appeared over the line, but it was ruled that the spin of the ball was hanging on the chalk, much to the delight of the Japanese players.
Things got worse for Spain when Costa Rica took a surprise lead over Germany moments later, as they were going out at that stage.
The big screens at the Khalifa International Stadium showed the updated group table to the disbelief of Spain supporters and everyone else in attendance.
Luis Enrique’s side were in deep trouble, and showing few signs of knowing how to save themselves, only for Germany’s late rally to send La Roja as group runners-up on goal difference.
Next up is Japan against Croatia.
Japan’s impressive performance is rewarded with a tie with Croatia in the last 16, while Spain face Morocco.
The stadium was the setting for Japan’s stunning victory over Germany in their opening game at the tournament, and it clearly inspired them again.
Germany had unnerved Spain at times in the first half but there were still few signs of what was to come.
Morata appeared to be the story of the night when he scored his third goal of the tournament, equaling Telmo Zarra’s record from 1950 for scoring in his first three World Cups for Spain.
Japan had other ideas, and tore Spain apart from the start of the second half, refusing to let them settle on the ball again when they tried to build from the back.
Doan began his recovery, collecting the ball on the edge of the area after another loose pass from Simon, and firing in a thunderous shot that Simon had two hands on but couldn’t keep out.
It sent the Japan fans wild but even after a lengthy VAR check, more excitement would quickly emerge thanks to Tanaka.
Spain still had a recovery phase for almost the entire second half, but they lacked energy or ideas – or both – and rarely threatened Shuichi Gonda in the Japan goal.
It was only news of Germany’s comeback that gave Spain fans a chance to relax in the closing minutes, with the goal that La Roja scored in their opening 7-0 win over Costa Rica proving decisive.
