BBC Learning English
Words in the News
28th June 2010
The goal that wasn't
England have crashed out of the World Cup after losing to Germany. The result may have
been different if a shot which clearly crossed the goal-line had been seen by the officials.
This incident will re-start a discussion about using technology in football. This report is from
David Bond.
Although England were comprehensively beaten by a vibrant and clinical German team,
the dreadful mistake by Uruguayan referee, Jorge Larrionda, in failing to spot a shot from
Frank Lampard that had clearly crossed the line, will reopen the debate about football's
reluctance to adopt technology to help with controversial decisions.
TV replays showed the ball was at least two foot over the line but both the referee and his
assistant failed to see it.
The England manager, Fabio Capello, described the decision as 'incredible' afterwards, and
insisted it had 'changed the nature of the game'.
FIFA, world football's governing body, has been experimenting with various forms of
technology, including a microchip in the ball which sends a signal to officials when it is over
the line.
The latest experiment was rejected in March and before the World Cup started FIFA President
Sepp Blatter reaffirmed his belief that mistakes are part of the excitement of football.
England fans will reflect tonight - it's an excitement they could do without.
David Bond, BBC
Words in the News � British Broadcasting Corporation 2010
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bbclearningenglish.com
Vocabulary and definitions
were comprehensively beaten lost in a big way
vibrant lively and enthusiastic
clinical efficient, without wasting chances
reopen the debate start the discussion again
reluctance to adopt technology unwillingness to start using modern scientific tools
controversial decisions incidents during a game when the officials cannot be sure
what has really happened
changed the nature of the game made a difference to how the match was being played and
affected the result
governing body organisation which sets the rules
reaffirmed his belief stated his strong opinion again
reflect think about and consider carefully
More on this story:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8766423.stm
Read and listen to the story and the vocabulary online:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2010/06/100628_witn_football_technology.shtml
Words in the News � British Broadcasting Corporation 2010
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bbclearningenglish.com