It’s the 27th of June 2010. The Football World Cup hosted by South Africa is in full swing and England are playing against fierce opposition in the shape of Germany. Oh how this rivalry goes way back - not just in footballing terms either.
As avid England supporters get behind their country in this second round knock-out game, they see their team go 2-0 down during the first half an hour. Within minutes, however, there is renewed hope as England pull a goal back and moments later, Frank Lampard’s strike hits the underside of the crossbar and bounces a good foot over the line. England’s players, coaching staff and thousands of England fans present at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, as well as the millions watching at home, erupt in sheer jubilation. It is the goal that brings their beloved country level in a vital, actionpacked match. Or was it!?
It seemed that even the millions watching around the globe along with those in the stadium, regardless of what country they supported, felt that the ball had crossed the line. Yet when all eyes turned to the man, who was the only person in the world whose decision actually mattered, he did not approve. The ref had not given it! Germany went on to thrash England 4-1, but the score-line was unsurprisingly overshadowed by that controversial moment in the 39th minute. It sparked further, more powerful calls for goal-line technology to be implemented - as soon as possible.
The technology to do so was present all along, so why it took such a decisive moment on such a huge stage to re-ignite the debate, beats many. A couple of years later, after thorough testing and trialling, goal-line technology finally made it to The Beautiful Game. Among these was the Cairos GLT System which would send a radio signal to the referee’s watch within a second, relying on a sensor built in to the football. At this point you might be thinking, “what’s this got to do with me and how does it apply to me in any way, shape or form.” But hang on a minute.
If watches such as those used by referees in a match can be vital for such crucial decisions, then technology can be put in to watches to assist us for many simpler daily uses. This is exactly what happened and not too long after the goal-line technology introduction too. Since 2013, there have been many different types of ‘Smartwatches’, as they are known. A watch that is computerised and developed to go beyond timekeeping, such that it can be compatible with your Smartphone and work with it in perfect harmony without the extra effort. Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to have such a commodity, eh? The accessibility to apps, programmes, key utilities such as measuring fitness and health levels and even a camera, all fixed around your wrist!
There are several models of Smartwatches on the market these days. Some with more functions than others, some with more appeal and better aesthetics than others - a necessity for some people, a must-have fashion accessory for others. Maybe if this sort of technology had appeared on the scene much earlier, Smartwatches may have boomed much sooner.
Whether the technology would have impacted England’s fate during that controversial match in Bloemfontein or not, one thing’s certain; the match wouldn’t have ended with the score-line of 4-1! Would England have gone on to win the match, spurred by what would’ve (and should’ve) been the equaliser?
I guess we’ll never know.