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

Page 1 of 2
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

Page 2 of 2
bbclearningenglish.com