Goal line technology makes an appearance in Brazil and its a positive one
The much talked about goal-line technology finally came into full-blown action in the France-Honduras match, and helped the Brazilian referee Sandro Ricci award the second…
The much talked about goal-line technology finally came into full-blown action in the France-Honduras match, and helped the Brazilian referee Sandro Ricci award the second goal of the match to France.
Looking over and over again at the different camera angles of the instant replays, theres only one take that allows to see that the complete circumference of the ball has gone past the entire goal line. However, thanks to the new technology implemented officially for the first time in a World Cup, Ricci knew instantly that the goal needed to go up on the scoreboard.
To those against the added technology on the field, who base their criticism on the time that will be wasted arguing over each decision, we need to agree that time was, in fact, wasted. Honduras players were not happy with the call and Coach Luis Fernando Suarez made it very clear to the 4th official and even to Didier Deschamps that he did not agree with the decision.
SEE ALSO: Goal-line technology put to use, France wins
But then again, when is a play like that not going to reflect in time-wasting? With or without the technology, a play in which there is clear doubt about whether or not the ball has gone in completely will be followed by many allegations and arguing on both sides of the disagreement; at least with the technology being implemented ultimately the right decision was made.
In this specific case, Benzemas shot and eventual own goal awarded to Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares was especially tricky. Not only was there the usual issue of perspective when it comes to judging whether or not the entirety of the ball has surpassed the imaginary line that connects the crossbar to the goal line, but the deflection off the goalkeeper was also very close to the base of his right post, blocking the view of the 45 degree camera angles almost completely.
The goal probably served as the best case study for the use of this new technology, as it proved to work in one of the most complex and extreme situations that could occur.