JOIN USFrance benefited from the first decisive use of goal-line technology at the World Cup when the team was awarded a goal in its match against Honduras, which the French went on to win 3-0.
With France leading 1-0, Karim Benzema's shot hit the far post and rebounded to Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares, who fumbled the ball into the goal.
The seven video cameras trained on the goal established that the ball had briefly crossed the line by a few inches, alerting the referee on his watch with a flashing "GOAL," before the ball was pushed out again by Valladares.
An own goal against Valladares was awarded, making the score 2-0 to France in the 48th minute.
But there was some confusion seconds before when the system showed replays of Benzema's shot hitting the post with the verdict "NO GOAL" before continuing to show the actual goal.
The change infuriated the Honduras players, some of whom remonstrated with referee Sandro Ricci, while Honduras coach Luis Suarez bickered with France coach Didier Deschamps. At the end of the match, they hugged and made up.
"Well, I wasn't angry because they accepted the goal. I was angry because they didn't accept the goal. The first decision was 'No goal' and then the machine said it was a goal," Suarez said through a translator.
"So I don't know what to think. That's the point. If the technology sends a clear message, then I don't understand how the system can say it's a goal first and then 'No goal.' What is the truth?"
Deschamps had some sympathy with the Hondurans over the images that were broadcast by organizers.
"The only problem was that they showed an image on the screen that didn't correspond to the goal," the France coach said.
"They showed the ball hitting the post when the ball hadn't crossed the line yet. The ball was clearly over the line after the goalkeeper had fumbled.
"Obviously, I can put myself in their position and, of course, they were very angry and so were the fans — because if you're going to show an image it should be the right one." As for the use of technology, though, he said: "It's a very good thing."
The system is being used for the first time at a major international football tournament.
France also benefited from the first ever Golden Goal at a World Cup when defender Laurent Blanc scored late into extra time in the second round against Paraguay in 1998 -- the year it won the tournament.
Benzema scored France's two other goals.