How many times have we cursed the Referee for giving the wrong decision especially with regards to a goal if it should stand or not? Well in this case it would have been on T.V for many of us. But what about the thousands of fans in the stadiums who see the ball crossing the line clearly and the Referee disallows the goal. The frustration and the disbelief of the fans and players is clear for all to see. Who better than England supporters will understand what this is all about. They might still ponder over what could have been had the referee allowed Frank Lampard's goal which had clearly crossed the line during the 2010 FIFA World Cup against Germany. England ended up losing the game 4-1. Had the goal stood the score would have been level at 2-2. And the course of the match could have completely changed.
So to avoid any such controversies FIFA has decided to implement the use of Goal line technology (GLT) during the on going 2014 World Cup in Brazil. This will be the first time the technology will be used on such a vast occasion like the World Cup. The technology was called upon during the France-Honduras match for the first time and a goal was given after some confusion. But many curious fans want to know this is all about?
The Technology
Goal line technology (GLT) is currently featuring in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. It is the first time that technology is being used during the World Cup. It is going to provide support to the match officials during the game. The responsibility to provide and setup the GLT has been given to a German based company Goal Control. The tender for the system was approved in April 2013. They have been given the responsibility to setup the GLT across the 12 stadiums during the course of the tournament. Goal Control is equipped with 14 high speed cameras located around the pitch. Of these 7 will be facing on each goalmouth. The cameras capture 500 images per second. The balls position and movement is continuously captured in 3D and an indication of whether the goal has been scored is immediately confirmed within a second to a watch worn by each of the match officials.
Also the system has been tried and tested in the 2013 confederations cup where the system indicated all the 68 goals which were scored correctly.
The Cost and the Debates
There have been debates going on over the feasibility over the use of GLT. Technology plays a crucial role in terms of a team losing or winning. But technology comes with a cost. According to official estimates FIFA is paying the German company nearly $3.5 million to operate its goal line technology during the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Many question that instead of using this money on technology the same money can be used to develop and promote football for the youngsters. The money can be used to develop and provide better infrastructure. The technology will be easier to use and implement if a better and cost effective way can be implemented in the future.
Technology has now officially become a part of the Football World and it is here to stay. It is surely going to have a say during the course of the game. It has been welcomed by many fans and players as it is going to help the officials make the right decision – although in the France-Honduras match there was some speculation about the decision giving using the technology. But one thing is for sure the Ghost Goals will not be haunting fans and players alike anytime soon.
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