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Post by Admin on Jun 16, 2014 14:34:52 GMT
Goal-line technology (GLT) proved to be a support for referee Sandro Ricci for France's second goal in their 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ Group E match against Honduras in Porto Alegre. The GLT animation provided viewers additional support as the TV images were not conclusive in showing whether it was a goal or not. For France's second goal, a specific situation occurred where the ball hit the inside of the post, rebounded away from the goal before hitting the goalkeeper and rolling back towards the goal and across the goal-line. The first replay that was used showed the ball hitting the inside of the post and not fully crossing the line, before the next replay aired seconds later with the animation confirming the ball had fully crossed the line after it had hit the goalkeeper. FIFA understands that some fans are seeing GLT animated replays for the first time. In order to ensure maximum clarity in the future for those unfamiliar with GLT, FIFA will review the coverage of this match with the broadcast production team and GoalControl GmbH, to see if any improvements can be made to enhance the viewing experience for fans. The ruling was an own goal on Valladares. This is the margin between 1-0 and 2-0. Benzema would go on to score a second and give France a comprehensive 3-0 win, but the goal allowed by technology could be pivotal if Group E comes down to goal difference.
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Post by Admin on Jun 17, 2014 14:40:14 GMT
The Americans now stand in second place with three points, behind Germany in Group G on goal differential. This is theoretically a very strong position going into the next critical match against Portugal. But the win was a Pyrrhic one. Jozy Altidore, one of only two forwards on the team with World Cup experience, pulled a hamstring in the 21st minute and is likely lost for the tournament. Brooks, a 21-year-old defender who was on the roster bubble just a few weeks ago, entered the match only because left central defender Matt Besler reported some soreness in his legs. Graham Zusi, another sub, found Brooks’ brow with the corner kick. The 6-foot-4 dual citizen nodded in the winner just four minutes after Ghana finally had tied the score and appeared headed for a draw. “I was still convinced we were going to win the game, even after the Ghana equalizer,” Klinsmann said. “I had a feeling two or three opportunities would come and we just have to use one of them. We have a great spirit. The U.S. always fights to the last minute. The players are determined to go into those balls. It’s a big moment for John Anthony Brooks, standing up his man.” Dempsey pulled off one of his old Premier League moves for a nifty goal just 30 seconds into the match. It was one of the fastest goals in World Cup history, but it seemed to awaken Ghana and put the Americans into a defensive slumber. The Americans grew far too cautious, ceding the midfield as if they were facing Italy, Spain or France. “Maybe it wasn’t too good after all, we kind of sat back for a while instead of taking the game to them,” Klinsmann said of Dempsey’s goal. “I was screaming along the sideline to keep the ball high, which we had problems. Mainly because of that first goal, because we were up. No, no, no, go for the second one.” The win was a Pyrrhic one for the Americans, however. Jozy Altidore, one of only two forwards on the team with World Cup experience, pulled a hamstring in the 21st minute and is likely lost for the tournament. Without Landon Donovan on the roster, Klinsmann will be forced to go with Clint Dempsey as the lone striker or start Aron Johannsson against Portugal on Sunday. Match Highlights: Ghana 1:2 USA www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186512/index.html
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Post by Admin on Jun 19, 2014 14:41:36 GMT
For many American sports fans -- some who are new to the game following the U.S.'s epic 2-1 win over Ghana on Monday night -- the game of soccer continues to be confusing. Although soccer does not have a lot of rules, it does differ greatly from other sports Americans are used to watching on TV each week. Why does the goalie wear a different color jersey?The goalkeeper on both teams wears different colors than his respective teammates as to distinguish himself from his teammates and the other field players, according to FIFA rules. This is especially crucial on set pieces, such as corner kicks, when players bunch up in the penalty box. He is also the only player allowed to use his hands. How long does a game actually last?The short answer is 90 minutes. The long answer is not really. Matches do last 90 minutes on a clock that counts up. The clock also never stops. Therefore, the referee keeps track of time that is wasted and tacks on a few minutes at the end of each half. These few minutes -- known as injury time or stoppage time -- usually lasts a few minutes and is displayed by an official located on the sidelines. Why are there no commercials?There are no breaks in soccer, including timeouts. Each half lasts 45 minutes with a 15-minute break in between. Therefore, there is no time for commercials like in American sports. What's considered out of bounds?Unlike basketball, players can step out of bounds in soccer as long as the ball remains in play. Why do they allow draws?Tie games are allowed in soccer. However, this only happens in the first round when teams play a round-robin. In the knockout stage, games that end in a draw after 90 minutes go to extra time, which lasts 30 minutes regardless if anyone scores. If it is still tied, the game goes to a penalty shootout.
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Post by Admin on Jun 20, 2014 14:59:05 GMT
Those who saw England’s players walk out of the Arena de Sao Paulo would say that the class of 2014 feel very different to Carragher. The frustrations and disappointment were all too evident, etched on the faces of every member of the 23-man squad and coaching staff, particularly those who had participated in the 2-1 defeat to Uruguay. One such player was Gary Cahill, England's No5. The 28-year-old, who was playing Sunday League football until the age of 15, has had experience of dealing with painful defeats in the past, but told FIFA.com that his emotions upon leaving the stadium were particularly gut-wrenching. “It’s one of the worst feelings I’ve had in my career,” he said. “But the only satisfaction we can give ourselves is that we gave 110 per cent, everything we had, in terms of our preparation and our training. But sometimes it’s just not quite good enough. Sometimes football is cruel. Again we played well – we gave a good account of ourselves – but we lost the game and got nothing from it. I’ve certainly been involved in games as a player where personally and collectively as a team, we’ve played a lot worse than that and got results. But I would rather play worse and get results, if I’m honest.” Yet the Chelsea defender was sporting enough to credit the man who made the difference in the match, the sublime Luis Suarez, who capped his return from injury with both of Uruguay’s goals. The UEFA Champions League-winner has enjoyed many tussles with the striker from Salto in the past, but on this occasion the England man came off second-best. “He was one of the best players in the Premier League last season and he’s a great finisher,” continued Cahill. “He took his first goal really well. I thought his second goal was very fortunate, sometimes you need that bit of luck in the game and it fell for them today.” Reaching the Round of 16 is now out of England’s hands. They must hope that Italy get six points from their next two encounters against Costa Rica and Uruguay and that they can defeat Los Ticos in Belo Horizonte, the scene of the Three Lions’ lowest ebb at the 1950 World Cup when they failed to qualify from the group stage. In the meantime, Cahill and the England crew will be crossing their fingers and cheering for Gli Azzurri in Recife, as an Italian win would make their preparations for their final Group D game all the more meaningful.
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Post by Admin on Jun 21, 2014 15:38:52 GMT
The World Cup may be just a week old, but there have already been lots of amazing moments. Spectacular goals, even better player celebrations and other great plays that highlight just some of the action taking place across Brazil. Robin van Persie scored one of the best goals on a header in World Cup history against Spain to help the Netherlands to a 5-1 rout of defending champion Spain. The Netherlands have qualified to the knockout round following a 3-2 win over Australia. Spain was subsequently eliminated following a 2-0 loss to upstart Chile. U.S. captain Clint Dempsey is tough, there's no question about that. His goal against Ghana got things started for the U.S. against Ghana in what was an epic 2-1 win. Even a kick to the face couldn't stop Dempsey from playing. Dempsey will be in the lineup when the U.S. play Portugal Sunday in a do-or-die game. Australia may have lost to the Netherlands, but Tim Cahill's goal against the Dutch rivaled van Persie's strike against Spain. You be the judge which was the better goal. Colombia has been one of the most entertaining teams at the World Cup, and not just for its goals. A 2-1 win over Ivory Coast was also a chance to rejoice with a dance. The players channeled Shakira, another famous Colombian, to celebrate both goals. Colombia is also through to the knockout stage following Thursday night's 0-0 draw between Japan and Greece.
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