WATCH Use Of Goal Line Technology In France-Honduras Game

There’s no doubt that there are some very angry Honduras fans in Central America tonight after Karim Benzema’s shot rocketed off the post and into the palms of goalkeeper Noel Valladares. Seemingly, the ball spilled across the line. But the TV replay was inconclusive (see above screengrab), so the goal line technology was used. And it determined that, in fact, the ball did cross the line (see screengrab below).

If we trust that the GoalControl technology was correct, then the goal is the first time the technology has been used in such a controversial World Cup decision. And if the technology worked, then it’s a positive step forward for the sport around the globe.

Seeing the incident live, and then watching the TV replay, it looked like the whole of the ball didn’t cross the line. It’s only with goal line technology that we can see, for sure, that the ball actually did go over the line to result in a goal. Now if only FIFA could allow similar technology to be used by the fourth official to help with controversial offside decisions (as we saw in the Mexico-Cameroon game where the match officials incorrectly disallowed two goals).

The Premier League already uses the technology, and hopefully other leagues who have refused to use it (the Bundesliga and MLS are two examples) will jump on board soon, too.

Here’s the video from the goal-line technology incident that ruled the goal in Benzema’s favor: