First True Test, And a Noticeable Gaffe, for Goal-Line Technology
After years of complaints and controversy, FIFA, soccer's world governing body, hired the German company GoalControl to provide the first goal-line system in World Cup history this year.
- Cristopher Clarey, The New York Times
- Updated: June 16, 2014 05:49 PM IST
Goal-line technology was put to its first serious use at the World Cup on Sunday in the 48th minute of France's match with Honduras.
The result was a second goal for France in what would turn into a 3-0 victory.
© AFP
After years of complaints and controversy, FIFA, soccer's world governing body, hired the German company GoalControl to provide the first goal-line system in World Cup history this year. Fourteen cameras have been deployed on each field, and Sunday's goal was the first instance when the new system was decisive.
French striker Karim Benzema's half-volleyed, left-footed shot struck the far post, then rebounded toward Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares along the goal line. It struck him on the left hand and bounced toward the goal, and he then pulled it back.
But the device on the Brazilian referee Sandro Ricci's wrist - connected with the system - already was buzzing and showing "Goal" on its small screen to indicate that the ball had fully crossed the line. Ricci ruled it a goal, and a replay soon confirmed it, but not before the system generated confusion and anger inside the stadium by first showing a replay of the ball just after it struck the post and indicating "no goal."
"The concern is that they also showed on the screen the image that does not correspond to the goal," said Didier Deschamps, the French coach, who said he believed the system should have displayed only the sequence that directly related to the goal.