Huang Jianxiang: If Following the Euro Cup Standard, Both Penalties Awarded to Japan’s Women’s Team Seem Questionable

The women’s football matches at the Olympics have been full of excitement and surprises for fans. Renowned commentator Huang Jianxiang shared his perspective, “Japan’s women’s team made a 2-1 comeback against Brazil, with both goals scored in the dying moments of the game, truly showcasing their resilience and strength.”

Huang Jianxiang also noted, “In the match, Japan was awarded a penalty in the final minute of each half (the first was saved). If we apply the standard from the Spain vs. Germany Euro Cup match where Cucurella’s handball in extra time wasn’t penalized, there seems to be some doubt over these two penalties awarded to Japan.”

Huang Jianxiang provided further analysis: “The first incident saw a Brazilian defender hit by the ball while in the process of tucking her arm close to her body, similar to what happened with Cucurella, and her arm was even closer to her body. For the second penalty, the Brazilian defender was on the ground with her arm naturally supporting her body before the Japanese player kicked the ball onto her arm; the sequence of events was very clear. However, after VAR intervention, the referee appeared hesitant but still awarded the penalty.”

In conclusion, Huang Jianxiang said, “Both the men’s and women’s teams from Japan have performed exceptionally well at the Olympics, and the gap between us and them is no longer one of mere competition at the same level.”