In the Kirin Challenge Cup 2026 soccer match between Japan and Venezuela, Japan conceded a PK (penalty kick) in the final moments, but through VAR (Video Assistant Referee) intervention, they were awarded a PK instead, leading to an unusual incident where they achieved a dramatic victory.

The match held on the 28th went into halftime scoreless, and Venezuela scored the opening goal early in the second half, but immediately after, Ayase Ueda, who jumped onto Junya Ito's cross, equalized for Japan.

Then came additional time. Junnosuke Suzuki fouled an opponent in the penalty area, conceding a PK. However, VAR intervened here, confirming that Takefusa Kubo had been fouled and fallen in the opponent's penalty area in the preceding play, resulting in Japan being awarded a PK instead. Ueda calmly converted this, giving Japan a dramatic come-from-behind victory.

Furious Venezuela vehemently protested to the referees after the match, refusing to line up or shake hands. Venezuela's Manager Vizcarrondo commented that he was "very surprised" that the PK decision was overturned. He also revealed that there were many aspects of the referee's judgment throughout the match that he found unsatisfactory, stating, "I felt there was a lack of respect towards us."

Regarding this unusual incident, Chinese sports media Zhibo.tv reported the match in detail with the headline: "Never seen anything like this! VAR cancels Venezuela's PK, Japan awarded PK! Comeback goal in additional time."

Chinese netizens' comments mocking Japan included: "Japan is always helped by the referees," "It's possible if it's Japan's home game," "Japan is strong in friendly matches because they always rely on the referees," "Japan always does this," and "Do they even need to buy off referees for friendly matches?" Another user commented, "If this had happened in the knockout stage of the World Cup (W杯), it would have been a huge mess."

On the other hand, calm comments were also received, such as: "Too many people don't understand soccer," "This is absolutely no problem. He definitely stepped on (Kubo's) foot," "What's the problem? The chance Venezuela got was likely due to a foul (on Kubo)," and "If the ball wasn't dead in between, then VAR is correct."

In addition, comments such as: "I think this happened in the Chinese Super League this year too," "Beijing Guoan vs Shanghai Port," and "(The main referee in the Beijing Guoan vs Shanghai Port match) Ma Ning (Ma Ning) would know this scenario well (lol)" were also received.