Understanding the Goal Line Technology in the 2014 World Cup

Every four years, the FIFA World Cup reminds us of what makes the tournament historic: great rivals face off; new stars emerge; and moments become unforgettable. This World Cup will make history for an additional reason. It’s the first time that FIFA — the world’s soccer, or football, governing body — has permitted the use of technology to automatically detect when a ball crosses the goal line. In a tournament where every goal can mean the advancement of a team, and its nation, the fact that a ball actually crossed the goal line takes on momentous importance. According to official reports, FIFA paid GoalControl (a small German start-up) nearly $3.5 million to operate its new goal-line technology in the 2014 World Cup. The Tip-off The 2010 World Cup in South Africa when England faced off Germany, in the first half English midfielder Frank Lampard sent a powerful strike toward the goal, which — of course — hit the top frame, dropped near the goal line, and bounced out. A goal was not given. Goal-Line Technology (GLT) With 14 cameras in each of the 12 World Cup stadiums that triangulate the motion of the ball with maximum precision: up to 500 images per second. These are connected to an image-processing computer that filters out non-ball-shaped objects and tracks the ball’s position to within a few millimetres

One of the GoalControl Cameras
One of the GoalControl Cameras

When the ball crosses the goal line, the system – which has been thoroughly tested by governing body Fifa – sends a vibration to the referee’s watch and the word “GOAL” appears on his screen, all in less than a second.

A goal alert sent to the referee's wrist watch
A goal alert sent to the referee’s wrist watch

Other Tech Sony, who is supporting official Fifa broadcaster HBS, has installed more than 224 high-definition (HD) cameras which will capture more than 2,500 hours of sport during the tournament – more than ever before. And this will also be the first time some World Cup matches are captured in the ultra-high-definition (UHD) 4K format, which is roughly four times the resolution of current HD TV. Plus of course a number of mobile apps and customized content delivery from various Social Media networks as they have created official FIFA hubs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB3zw9o2cYo