Graeme Souness has expressed his disappointment over the decision to install VAR in Spain’s match against Japan. The former England international has said that Japan could have been awarded a goal that would have sealed a 2-2 draw and a win for Spain.
Germany vs Spain 1-2 in Group E
Despite the disappointing result against Spain in the Group E game, Germany will still be alive to play for a place in the Round of 16. Both teams are level on goals scored, but with a draw and a win, Spain will win the group and Germany will go home.
Germany dominated the first half, but Spain were able to show their mettle in the second. The Spanish midfield showed their quickness and decelerate. The Germans also showed their ability to convert opportunities.
Alvaro Morata scored the first goal of the match for Spain. He was the 19th different Spain player to score at a World Cup. He is also the second player to score in his first three World Cup appearances. The last time Spain beat Germany was in the 2010 semi-finals.
Germany’s hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds depend on Spain’s loss
Despite their 4-2 victory against Costa Rica, Germany’s hopes for reaching the knockout rounds of the World Cup are still dependent on Spain’s loss to Japan. The pair are tied for the lead in Group E, each with three points. However, only one team can advance to the knockout round on goal difference.
The winner of the Group E tie between Spain and Germany will be decided by goal differential. Spain can advance if it beats Japan and finishes with seven points. However, if Spain fails to beat Japan, they will be eliminated.
The winner of the Group E match will be the group winner, if the teams draw. The second place will be decided by random draw. If one of the three teams finishes with more points, then the group will be determined by goal differential.
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Graeme Souness questions Japan’s VAR goal
Graeme Souness, a former Sky Sports football commentator, has been a critic of FIFA’s handling of the VAR. In particular, he’s challenged FIFA to release definitive evidence of the goal that was awarded to Japan against Spain. He also asked if there was any untoward activity at FIFA.
The ball that was awarded to Japan was not the longest or the largest but it was the most obvious. During the game, Japan looked to have taken a lead, but it was only in the second half that the ball looked to have crossed the goal line. Several replays showed different results. However, after a long VAR check, the goal was awarded to Japan, who then defeated Spain 2-1 to ensure their place in the knockout stages.
Spain’s counter-press is not letting Japan down
Defending champions Spain have dominated their World Cup opener against Japan. The hosts took the lead after Alvaro Morata headed home from a short corner. It was the third goal in his team’s last three games in Qatar, and he is joint-top of the Golden Boot race with Kylian Mbappe. The hosts had six shots, while Japan were only able to muster two.
After a promising start, Japan started to get more involved. They pressed high up the pitch, but their attacks were not quite as effective. As a result, Spain managed to keep possession until half time.
Spain had a good chance to equalise. Ito was a good chance to get the ball first, but his shot was blocked. But Spain were still looking to attack, and as a result, Morata was able to force a save from Shuichi Gonda.
Spain’s match against Germany is in jeopardy
Despite having won eight of their previous matches, Spain is still in danger of failing to qualify for the round of 16. Germany must beat Costa Rica on Thursday or Spain must win their final group game. That would put them in a good position for the knockout stage.
After their opening 2-1 loss to Japan, Germany needed a victory against Spain to avoid being eliminated. But a 2-2 draw gave Spain a 1-0 lead. That gave them a healthy goal difference, which helped Spain qualify. It also meant that Germany was on course for another group-stage exit.
But Germany took a determined step. They scored a goal in the final 20 minutes to tie the game. That goal is crucial for them to keep their World Cup hopes alive. That goal came on a corner. After a poor Spain defensive clearance, Fuellkrug put the ball into the back of the net.
