New Technology Prevents Ghost Goals at World Cup
Was that a goal?
Interesting Facts in Easy English
Pre-Listening Vocabulary
questionable: uncertain; disputable
crossbar: the bar at the top of a net
wave off: to indicate that no goal has been scored
sensor: a device that measures and records things like movement or light
officiator: referee
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New Technology Prevents Ghost Goals At World Cup
Comprehension Questions
- What is a “ghost goal”?
- Why did FIFA finally decide to introduce goal-line technology to the World Cup?
- Why does the report mention a smart watch?
Discussion Questions: The cost of goal-line technology is very high. Do you think major league football associations should invest millions of dollars in this technology, or should the officiating be left up to humans?
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New Technology Prevents Ghost Goals At World Cup
In 1966, during the FIFA World Cup final between England and Germany, England was awarded a questionable goal. The score was 2-2 when England’s ball hit Germany’s crossbar and fell down near the goal line. Even though officials were unsure if it crossed the goal line or not, England was awarded the goal and went on to win the match. A questionable goal like this is commonly referred to as a “ghost goal”. Many years later, at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, a similar play occurred with the same two teams. This time when England’s ball dropped out of the net after hitting the crossbar, the goal was waved off. Instant replay later showed, however, that it was clearly a goal. This officiating mistake helped convince FIFA’s president to allow goal-line technology at the next competition. In 2014, a system of sensors and cameras were installed for the World Cup matches. Officiators now get notified instantly on their smart watches as soon as a ball crosses the goal line.
- A “ghost goal” is a questionable goal. Officiators are unable to tell for certain that it passed the goal line.
- FIFA finally decide to introduce goal-line technology at the World Cup after it became apparent that England was denied a goal at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
- The report mentions smart watches because World Cup referees now wear these while they officiate the matches. They receive a notification as soon as a ball crosses the goal line.
