FIFA Cannot Ignore Goal-line Technology After England-Germany Blunder

It should come as no surprise that England fell to Germany but the manner of defeat was embarrassing.

Instead of blaming the Jabulani and vuvuzelas, this time the spotlight is on goal-line video technology after a goal from Frank Lampard, which could have changed England’s fortunes, was not allowed.

The Chelsea midfielder could have brought the game level at 2-2 before half time, but his goal was not spotted by the referee and linesman, despite replays showing it crossed the line about half a metre.

Going out of the World Cup before the quarter finals – and to arch rival Germany – was a shame. To be fair, England were outplayed for long stretches of the game and Germany absolutely deserve their victory. There was also a bit of poetic justice in England’s defeat. In the 1966 World Cup, England won against Germany by way of a goal which video analysis has shown did not entirely cross the line.

Nevertheless, FIFA has to ask itself whether such crucial mistakes should be prevented. FIFA has long opposed the use of goal-line technology.

In March, Fifa’s general secretary, Jérôme Valcke, ruled out the use of video replays firmly, saying: “If we start with goal-line technology then any part of the game and pitch will be a potential space where you could put in place technology to see if the ball was in or out, whether it was a penalty and then you end up with video replays. The door is closed.”

Head of referees for South African Football Association, Steve Goddard, also feels that video evidence is “time-wasting” and using two additional assistants, as in the Europa league is a better solution.

In any game, there will always be winners and losers, joy and disappointment, but most importantly, football fans want a fair result. Unfortunately, FIFA is still non-commital over implementation of goal line technology after today’s game.

Paul is a geek who shares his thoughts on technology, gadgets, social networks and football in this blog. Stay in touch with his updates by subscribing to the RSS feeds or Email. Thanks for visiting Seventoten and leaving a comment.  To change this standard text, you have to enter some information about your self in the Dashboard -> Users -> Your Profile box.