The first World Cup to use goal-line technology was the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
Goal-line technology, or GLT, uses high-speed cameras and computer analysis to determine whether the entire ball has crossed the goal line. The result is sent almost instantly to the referee’s watch, helping officials make a decision when the ball is partly hidden or moves too quickly to see clearly.
The system made its World Cup debut during France’s group-stage match against Honduras on June 15, 2014. Karim Benzema’s shot struck the post, rebounded off goalkeeper Noel Valladares, and crossed the line by a small distance. GLT confirmed the goal, making it the first World Cup goal awarded with technological assistance.
A common mix-up is 2010, when Frank Lampard’s shot for England against Germany clearly crossed the line but was not awarded. That controversial incident increased pressure for GLT, which had been approved for inclusion in football’s Laws of the Game in 2012 and tested in other FIFA competitions before 2014.