Video referee Thaler harshly over-turned a try decision given to Lebanon's Adam Doueihi by ref Gerard Sutton.

Thaler claimed Ben Murdoch-Masila - who has signed for Warrington from Salford - had been obstructed in the build up.

But it looked tough on The Cedars and skipper Robbie Farah complained long and hard afterwards.

But Thaler's decision on the 46th minute incident stood and outsiders Lebanon were fuming that they went on to lose by only two points.

The lowest ranked team in the World Cup did superbly to rattle Tonga, who had provided the shock of the tournament in the previous game.

They beat New Zealand to send the Kiwis into Australia's half of the drawer but they were way below that performance here.

Tonga - who will meet England in the semi if Wayne Bennett's men beat Papua New Guinea tomorrow - were hanging on at times.

But that was no consolation to Lebanon half back and man of the match Mitchell Moses.

He said: "A few calls did not go our way and a try opportunity. To be caught up with some calls that were not right is heartbreaking."

David Fusitu'a scored two tries, with Tuimoalo Lolohea and Will Hopoate also touching down for Tonga.

But Lebanon refused to be shaken off and grabbed a brace from Abbas Miski and further tries from Doueihi and James Elias.