Goal-line technology makes World Cup bow in France-Honduras match

Goal-line technology was used for the first time in a World Cup match to decide if the ball had crossed the line during France's Group E clash with Honduras on Sunday.

A shot from France forward Karim Benzema cannoned off the post and back across the face of goal before Honduran goalkeeper Noel Valladares inadvertently pushed it towards his own net.

Despite his desperate efforts to scramble the ball clear, the referee awarded the goal with the aid of technology provided by German company GoalControl to put France 2-0 ahead.

Benzema went on to score again as France won 3-0.

The decision was confirmed by television replays but it did not succeed in its aim of preventing debate following contentious decisions as a touchline row broke out between France manager Didier Deschamps and his Honduran counterpart Luis Fernando Suarez.

The GoalControl system involves 14 high-speed cameras located around the pitch, with seven cameras focusing on each goalmouth.

Image: Goalkeeper Noel Valladares of Honduras tries to prevent the ball from crossing the goalline following a shot by France's Karim Benzema..

Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images