Host nation: Qatar Dates: 20 November-18 December Coverage: Live on BBC TV, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app. Day-by-day TV listings - Full coverage details

The ball might have crossed the line.

Germany crashed out of the World Cup as Japan beat Spain, leaving many scratching their heads.

The ball looked to have crossed the line before Kaoru Mitoma's cut-back.

It looked very close even after zooming. The ball did not cross the line.

The goal was initially ruled out by the assistant referee after a long pause, but the VAR intervention gave Japan's lead back and they went on to win.

I have seen a photo that must have been altered to make it look like it's real. Spain's boss said it has to be manipulated.

The VAR took as much time as it did to make a decision. I have no comment.

I wouldn't be able to cope without the team going into collapse mode.

The controversy evoked memories of Frank Lampard's "ghost goal" against Germany in 2010, when England went out in the last 16 of the World Cup, and of 1966's extra-time goal byGeoff Hurst, which helped England win the World Cup.

Three points for Japan meant Germany were out, the four-time winners falling at the group stage for the second year in a row.

There was a lot of drama on the World Cup night.

A rollercoaster night in Group E

Belgium, the second ranked team in the world, was eliminated by a goalless draw with Croatia in the group stage of the World Cup.

Germany and Spain were on their way out in the second half of the game.

Germany had a 2-0 lead over Costa Rica at the break, while Spain had won by the same score.

The drama came to an end. Four minutes into the second period, Japan tied the game.

They were in front within 142 seconds. Japan and Spain were moving forward. Germany and Costa Rica were leaving by the end of the day.

Chris said that the Japan fans around him couldn't believe their eyes. An incredible turn around from their team.

Matthew Upson is a former England defender.

If Costa Rica had taken the lead against Germany, the defeat for Spain wouldn't have been as bad.

Costa Rica tied the game in the 58th minute and then took the lead in the 70th. Costa Rica were poised to advance at the expense of Spain.

Kai Havertz tied the game for Germany.

Group E in the second half
For three second-half minutes Costa Rica were heading through and Spain were going out

"Germany desperately needed that," said the radio host. It might not be enough for them, but it might save Spain.

It's difficult to keep up with what's happening. There were huge roars from the Japan fans when the big screen showed what the group looked like with Costa Rica winning, but then the Spain fans celebrated wildly when they heard that Germany had tied the game.

'The tension is unbearable'

The Germans scored two more goals to win 4-2. As long as Japan held on to their three points against Spain, the titleholders would not be able to defend.

Upson said that the tension was unbearable.

Spain kept on coming but Japan was able to win. Despite their loss, they and Spain made it to the last 16. Germany and Costa Rica were no longer in the country.

When Costa Rica beat Germany, Spain's boss didn't know his side was on the verge of being eliminated.

He admitted that he would have had a heart attack if he'd known.

The night had turned into a catastrophe for Thomas Muller.

He said that the result would have been enough for them. A feeling of powerlessness is what it is.

Havertz said it was like watching a horror film.

Germany went out in the group stages for the second tournament in a row. Four-time winners of the World Cup, one of the big guns, are not going to play in the next edition of the tournament. It's one of those nights where nothing has been enough.

Ian Dennis said thatIncredible doesn't do it justice. Throughout the second half, the drama was constant.

The game was similar to ladders and snakes.

Karen Bardsley summed it up best when she said it was chaos.

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  • World Cup TV coverage guide
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