The concept of goals in Soccer is relatively simple, at least on the face of it. The ball must cross the line drawn beneath the crossbar, and in-between the posts, entirely to be counted as a ‘goal’. Usually, it’s relatively simple to distinguish goals from close calls, as the net ripples from being lathered by the ball. However, on certain occasions the ball nestles just beyond, or just before the line, making it difficult to determine whether a goal was scored or not.
To remedy this problem, the use of Goal-Line Technology was implemented across association Soccer. FIFA devised the solution after a controversial moment during the infamous 2010 World Cup game between England and Germany. It happened after a volley from Frank Lampard slammed against the crossbar before hammering down into the goal. For the English side, and millions watching worldwide, the shot was a clear goal. But the referee on the day was not in agreement.
13 years ago today, Matthew Upson pulled one back for England against Germany at the 2010 World Cup and 55 seconds later, Frank Lampard’s effort went way over the line but wasn’t awarded as a goal. Still hurts…pic.twitter.com/jVkFogHjWu
— Fanzine Football (@Fanzine_com) June 27, 2023
This stirred up a massive controversy, forcing former FIFA President Sepp Blatter to initiate sanctioned tests of the tech in 2011. During the Club World Cup in 2012, Goal-Line Technology was officially implemented. The concept behind the tech, like its purpose, is relatively straightforward.
Goal-line technology ready for the new season at Old Trafford. #mufc pic.twitter.com/Vvmzx6TmI6
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 21, 2013
Through the use of 14 high-speed cameras positioned in various areas in a stadium, the ball’s movement is tracked in real-time. Using accurate triangulation, its position relative to the goal line is communicated to the on-field referee, who always makes the final decision. In essence, Goal-Line technology tells the ref whether the entire ball crossed the goal line or not.
The technology has been largely effective, and nowadays, it’s used in major leagues across Europe. However, there remains a very prominent outlier, La Liga.
LaLiga’s problem with goal-line technology
To be specific, Goal-Line technology is used in the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, UEFA Champions League, and even the FIFA World Cup among others. Yet, the Spanish League remains unconvinced. La Liga President Javier Tebas is opposed to the idea of its introduction, primarily due to financial constraints.
No goal-line in LA LIGA next season, Javier Tebas don’t want to pay €3m!❌️🤝🚨💰🇪🇸#laligawithouttebas pic.twitter.com/J1kd6Fzm2f
— Young Scout (@young11scout) July 3, 2023
As per reports, the League is unwilling to dish out the $3.3 million required to facilitate the necessary improvements. This leaves La Liga without Goal-Line technology for yet another season. The decision has not been popular among fans and clubs alike.
Three times goal-line technology saved the day
The technology has been at the center of some extremely crucial decisions. In fact, it has even decided Cup winners and League titles on certain occasions. Most recently, it played a major role during the 2022 World Cup final. With the game in extra-time, and Argentine and France on level terms, the technology intervened to allow Lionel Messi’s goal in the 107th minute.
Besides this, goal-line technology also helped in confirming an outstanding block made by Jerome Boateng. It occurred during a tie involving Germany and Ukraine during the 2016 Euros. The most incredible use of goal-line tech came during a title-deciding match between Liverpool and Manchester City. The two sides had been neck-and-neck before meeting in a crucial game during the 2018/19 season.
Just for perspective.
These two images are of the same goal line clearance by John Stones against Liverpool.
From one angle, the ball looks to be across the line but technology proved it did not cross. pic.twitter.com/ZNqjc3dMxC— BWFC714 (@bwfc714) December 1, 2022
After a scuffed clearance, John Stones lept at the ball in an effort to clear it. The defender managed to get it away, but just barely. Following an animated reaction from the Liverpool players, Goal-line technology stepped in to confirm that Stones saved a goal by the smallest of margins.