Tanaka's Recognition Of Japan's Controversial Goals To Spain's Gawang: I Saw The Halfball Comes Out

Ao Tanaka (Instagram.com/@fifaworldcup)

JAKARTA - Ao Tanaka became Japan's hero in Japan's victory over Spain in the final match of the group phase. However, he gave a surprising confession about the controversial goal of the match.

In the match which took place on Friday, December 2 in the morning WIB, Japan won 2-1 over La Furia Roja. Tanaka's second winning goal was made after receiving a pass from

However, Tanaka's goal drew controversy after the ball seemed to have left the field just before tearing Unai Simon's net.

The replay shows some balls off the line, but some parts are still touching the line and VAR says the ball is still active.

Quoted from Japan Today, after the match, Tanaka gave a surprising statement about his controversial goal. He admitted that he saw the ball was indeed heading out but the incident took place very quickly.

"I think seeing the ball clear (already) came out half, but more than that I couldn't see it because it was too fast," said Tanaka.

"I'm just concentrating on scoring goals, there's always the possibility of the ball coming out. Even though in the end it was a goal, so it's just good." he added.

This victory brought Japan forward to the round of 16 with the status of group winners. Meanwhile, Spain, despite losing they also qualified as runners up.