FIFA World Cup 2010 – How the history of the World Cup would have changed if “technology” was introduced
As the FIFA World Cup 2010 is reaching its heights, the fans are getting raged due to bad referee decisions. There have been a lot of decisions by the referee that were taken to be one of the worst in the World Cup history. The English, however, have pleaded the FIFA president to introduce replay technology to avoid such bad decisions of the referees. Let’s look back at the history to see how it would have changed if there was “technology” involved.
England Vs West Germany – Geoff Hurst’s goal allowed (1966)
In 1966, England went on to meet West Germany in an action packed match. The match ended in a 2-2 draw and was carried on to extra time. Geoff Hurst struck a shot and it did not cross the goal line. The referee was unsure about the goal and did not allow it until the sideline referee was just too sure to give it. The English went on to win the match 4-2. However, if the goal was not given, history would have changed completely. The Germans might have won it, as they were defending really well in the extra time. They got a fourth goal coming at them because they lost hope; a goal was allowed which never actually crossed the goal line. The Germans might have won on a penalty shootout, as they have a hundred percent record in the World Cup history, and have never lost even a single match when it came down to penalties.
West Germany Vs France - The Assault that Battiston suffered (1982):
During a thrilling match between West Germany and France, the French player Patrick Battiston was taken down by the German goalkeeper and was left unconscious on the field. The referee saw no foul and awarded a goal kick, while it was supposed to be a definite penalty. After that draw, West Germany went through after beating the French side on penalties. If that decision was given, France would have won and a new outcome would have been produced for that particular world cup.
Argentina Vs England – Hand of god (1986):
In the 1986 FIFA World Cup, Maradona was the last man who was running for the ball alone, as the English keeper had an approximately eight inch advantage over him to catch the ball. Although, Maradona was able to reach the ball through his hand and scored a goal from it. Later, it was known to be the Hand of god and was the first goal scored by a player’s hand. The English rushed to the referee complaining about the hand ball but it was not given as Maradona was already celebrating his goal. The Argentineans won the 2-0, as Maradona scored the second goal with an outstanding run from the midfield. Although, the Argentineans won the match 2 goals to nil, there was a possibility that if the first goal wasn’t awarded, the English might have taken the match on to a penalty shootout, at least, but nothing happened and Argentina went on to win the FIFA World Cup.
France Vs Ireland Thierry Henry’s handball (2009):
This recent incident cannot be forgotten when the respected French footballer, Thierry Henry, juggled the ball from his hand and gave a pass to his fellow team mate William Gallas, who scored a goal. Henry celebrated well as the French were now going to advance to the World Cup. The Irish had a 1-0 win over the French after scoring a goal and equalizing with the home and away advantage, but the French tore their dreams with a goal that was aided by a hand ball from Henry. If that hand ball was seen by the referee or there was technology involved, the match would have faced a penalty shootout in which the Irish team could win because of their outstanding goalkeeper Shay Given.
Frank Lampard’s Equalizer – Germany Vs England (2010):
This is a very recent act of injustice in the FIFA World Cup 2010. Frank Lampard’s goal was denied by the sideline referee although it was yards inside the goal line. The very impressive German side was winning 2-0 when a cross from Steven Gerrard was headed home by the English defender, Upson. Soon after that goal, a shot from Lampard went inside the goal line and was not given as a goal, although it was a clear goal. If technology would have been introduced, this goal would have been allowed and England would draw the match, putting some pressure on the Germans. After the goal, the English side looked totally disappointed and they suffered a 4-2 loss, causing the Germans to advance. No one knows what might have happened if the goal would have been allowed, because the English side, although, were the favourites for this World Cup; but they were not performing well enough for the championship.
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