It has been the bane of professional soccer (better known as “football” outside the U.S.) worldwide that, in a sport where every goal is, to say the least, precious, that not using technology to get the call correct is absurd. The problems associated with disputed calls seem to pop up at the most inopportune times. In short, not just in regular league matches, but literally as the whole world is watching the globe’s most popular sport during events such as the World Cup.
Well finally, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the governing body of professional soccer, has recognized that there is a technological solution for assuring the accuracy of goals and it should be used, not just for the credibility of the sport but because of the passions “bad” calls can arouse. The technology will be on display and in use at the various venues in Brazil for the FIFA Confederations Cup, featuring national teams from Brazil, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Spain, Tahiti and Uruguay. Billions of people across the globe will be tuning in.
What all of those viewers will be seeing in action is Goal-line technology (GLT). Back in April FIFA confirmed GoalControl GmbH as the official GLT provider for the tournament.
Final preparations are currently taking place across each of the venues with the GoalControl system being set up and tested as part of the official certification process defined in the GLT Testing Manual.
FIFA is provide broadcasters with HD quality footage showing the GoalControl system installed at the Maracanã Stadium, Castel (News - Alert)ão and Fonte Nova. It is also providing footage of the testing process conducted by the Swiss independent test institute EMPA (the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology).
As a special treat, I also wanted to direct your attention to the below. The call of this goal in a match between powerhouses Manchester United and Liverpool six years ago is considered by many the greatest one ever.
Going forward at least fans will no longer have any doubts. Enjoy the games!