Japan advanced past the World Cup’s group stage with a shocking 2-1 win over Spain on Wednesday.
The game-winning goal sparked some heated debate among viewers.
The ball appeared to roll out of play before Ao Tanaka scored. However, a VAR review confirmed the call and allowed the goal.
Some confused fans questioned the replay system, as a certain angle seemed to clearly show the entire ball crossing the line of play.
Yet as others clarified, the entire ball must cross the line. A misleading perspective appeared to create an optical illusion, but other views show one end of the sphere may have narrowly stayed in play.
The goal had major ramifications across Group E. Japan would have finished third via a goal differential tiebreaker with a draw Thursday, but they now advance to the Round 16 instead of Germany.
Japan will play Croatia in Monday’s elimination game at 10 a.m. ET.