Kaoru Mitoma had no doubt that the ball which he crossed to set up Japan’s shock win over the Spain was still in play.
The Albion winger came off the bench to help his country come from a goal down to win 2-1 and seal a last-16 meeting with Croatia on Monday.
After Japan had equalised through Ritsu Doan, Mitoma hooked his left leg around the ball before it went out of play and crossed it across goal for Ao Tanaka to score.
JAPAN GO THROUGH AS GROUP WINNERS! 🔥 #三笘薫 pic.twitter.com/brQxjU7emn
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 1, 2022
“I really appreciate my parents for giving me long legs!” said Mitoma, who has been one of the stars of Japan’s unexpected run to the knockout stages after they beat both Spain and Germany.
“Yes, the ball was definitely in. I did not see everything but I saw a bit [of the ball]. We believed in the VAR and I was saying, 'come on’ [while they made the decision].”
Mitoma believes Japan’s strong self-belief was fundamental in their two wins and says they are looking forward to facing the 2018 finalists tomorrow at the Al Janoub Stadium.
"I’m very happy that we have beaten big opponents like Germany and Spain,” he added. “Nobody expected these results, but the Japan team believe and we fought for it, all the players, staff and coaches.
"I am very proud, and it is massive for the Japanese fans and for the future of Japanese football. We have never beaten Spain and Germany before, and I think we have big potential going forward.
"If we stay calm and work out a way to win we have the confidence to beat every opponent and I’m very happy to be playing Croatia.”