Brazil 2014: France-Honduras offers first goal verification through goal-line technology

The first goal in history to be verified through goal-line technology occurred during the World Cup France-Honduras match (3-0, 15/06/2014, Group E, Beira-Rio Stadium in Porto Alegre). This was the French team's second goal, and was an own goal by Honduran goalkeeper Noel Valladares.

The German company GoalControl has set up this technology for its first use in a World Cup. It "automatically and continuously records the position of the ball in three dimensions when it gets close to the goal line. If the ball completely crosses the goal line, the data centre sends a signal in less than a second to a receiver-watch worn by the referee, which produces a vibration and visual signal. The referee neverthelss has the last word on whether or not to validate the goal," said FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association).

The Brazilian referee Sandro Ricci approved the French goal in the 48^th minute of the match, after being warned through his receiver that the ball had crossed the goal line completely. "This was a very good thing. The goal was valid; the referee had the signal,…