Connected ball technology played a crucial role in a dramatic World Cup match between Croatia and Portugal, where it overturned Croatia’s late equalizer by detecting a touch invisible to the naked eye and video replays. Portugal won 2-1, advancing to the round of 16, while Croatia’s players and fans were left devastated, believing the goal was wrongly called offside. FIFA used a high-tech soccer ball with advanced sensors to determine that Croatia’s Igor Mantanovic slightly touched the ball, placing Mario Palasic in an offside position. The ball’s sensors, combined with in-stadium cameras, provide real-time data to assist referees in making accurate decisions. This technology, also used in previous tournaments, has sparked debate over its impact on the game, as it can detect minute details that are otherwise missed.
QUESTION: How might the use of advanced technology in sports change the way games are played and experienced in the future?
High-tech ball was involved in one of the most dramatic moments in World Cup history
