Japan managed to squeeze through to the World Cup round of 16 after VAR said the ball did NOT go out of play for their winner against Spain – and fans have brought up that Frank Lampard goal in 2010.
All four teams in Group E – Costa Rica, Japan, Spain and Germany – battled for qualification in what turned out to be quite remarkable night of football in Doha.
After an early scare at the Al Bayt Stadium, goals from Serge Gnabry, Kai Havertz [2] and Niclas Fullkrug sealed a 4-2 win.
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But ultimately, it wasn't enough for Germany as a controversial goal from Ao Tanaka sealed Japan's place in the knockout stages.
If you didn't manage to catch the incident, Tanaka's effort was originally chalked off but after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was given as the ball was deemed still in play.
You can watch the footage below and judge for yourself.
Japan went on to defend their 2-1 lead at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, while four-time champions Germany were knocked out at the first hurdle for the second consecutive World Cup.
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After the full-time whistle, fans suggested it was "karma" that Germany were knocked out by such a moment after Frank Lampard's effort in 2010 was memorably ruled out, despite it clearly crossing the line.
At the time, England were 2-0 down against Germany in the World Cup last-16 clash but pulled a goal back through Matthew Upson.
The Three Lions were starting to pile on the pressure when Lampard's effort hit the underside of the German crossbar. It clearly went over the line before bouncing away from the net.
But the referee ruled that the ball did not cross the line and Germany went on to win the match 4-1.
A lack of technology cost England that day but fans were quick to bring up the abundance of technology on Thursday night.
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One fan said: "Karma for the Lampard goal that went about five yards over the line in 2010," while another commented: "That one is for the Lampard ghost goal in 2010. It might have taken 12 years for karma, but seeing Germany go out in this fashion tastes so good."
A third said: "Karma may take a while but boy is she a bitch... Justice for Lampard at last."
Joe Cole, who played for England that day in 2010, also brought up the infamous Frank Lampard moment in his post-match commentary on beIN Sports.
He said: "This cost Germany, but in 2010 against England in my last game, Frank Lampard's goal was clearly over the line. No sympathy from me."
Thoughts on the Japan goal? Should it have stood?
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Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: ITV SportTopics: Frank Lampard, England, Germany, Japan, Football World Cup
