FIFA: VAR correctly denied Croatia equaliser against Portugal

The FIFA World Cup has seen its share of controversy with the use of VAR technology. Recently, a crucial match between Portugal and Croatia ended with Portugal advancing to the next round after a dramatic turn of events. Croatia thought they had scored a late equalizer, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The decision was made possible by technology housed inside the World Cup ball. The ball, manufactured by Adidas, contains a chip that can detect even the slightest touch, providing referees with accurate data to make decisions. This technology has been a topic of discussion among soccer fans, with some praising its accuracy and others questioning its reliability. The use of this technology has significant implications for the sport, as it can greatly impact the outcome of matches. In the case of the Portugal-Croatia match, the technology correctly detected a slight touch by Croatia's Igor Matanovic, which led to the goal being disallowed.

## What happened The match between Portugal and Croatia was a closely contested one, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. In the fourth minute of added time, Portugal's Gonçalo Ramos scored a header to put his team up 2-1. However, Croatia thought they had equalized when Josko Gvardiol scored a goal nine minutes later. The goal was initially allowed to stand, but after a VAR review, it was ruled out for offside. The decision was made possible by the technology inside the World Cup ball, which detected a slight touch by Croatia's Igor Matanovic. This touch meant that Mario Pasalic was offside in the build-up to the goal, resulting in the goal being disallowed. The technology used in the World Cup ball is similar to that used in cricket to determine whether a batter has edged the ball or not. The 'Connected Ball Technology' comes from a chip stored inside the balls used at the World Cup. The chip contains IMU sensors that are capable of determining any slight contact, displayed to viewers in the broadcast as a 'heartbeat graphic.' ## Why it matters The use of this technology has significant implications for the sport of soccer. It can greatly impact the outcome of matches, as seen in the case of the Portugal-Croatia match. The technology provides referees with accurate data to make decisions, reducing the likelihood of human error. However, it also raises questions about the reliability of the technology and its potential impact on the game. The use of this technology is a topic of discussion among soccer fans, with some praising its accuracy and others questioning its reliability. ## How to think about it The use of technology in soccer is a complex issue, with both pros and cons. While it can provide accurate data and reduce human error, it also raises questions about its reliability and potential impact on the game. Fans and players must consider the implications of this technology and how it will shape the future of the sport. ## FAQ