New Delhi: Belgium are considered one of the favourites for UEFA Euro 2024. The “Golden Era” of the Belgium national football team consisted of world beaters like Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, and Romelu Lukaku. However, they failed to win any major international trophy under the guidance of their previous manager, Roberto Martinez. Their run at the Euro 2020 and FIFA World Cup 2022 were rather disappointing, considering the firepower at their helm.
However, the squad has depleted and players like Hazard and Courtois are no longer available. They have put trust in the talented Jeremy Doku to grind out results. With Doku, de Bruyne, and Lukaku at the helm, Belgium began their Euro 2024 journey against Slovakia. The Slovaks pulled a major upset in Frankfurt Arena by beating the Tedesco-led Belgium.
Romelu Lukaku scored twice, but both of them were called off by the VAR. The controversy began to heat up on social media platforms regarding the new introduction of Ultra-Edge technology in football, which is one of the vital technologies used in cricket.
Lukaku scored a goal, but VAR disallowed it due to a handball by Openda. The foul was caught on the Ultra Edge technology. Hence, people not associated with cricket might wonder how this technology would settle into this sport.
Ultra-Edge Technology: From Cricket to Football
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Ultra Edge facility in use on the electronic scoreboard during a DRS appeal during the 1st Investec test match between England and West Indies at Edgbaston Cricket Ground on August 17, 2017 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Corbis via Getty Images)
Ultra-Edge is a popular review system used during cricket matches to check whether the ball hit the bat’s edge after a called-up review or a third-umpire check. It helps to determine whether the bat hit the ball by using sound processing software, an on-pitch microphone, and graph analysis.
The technology has now made its way into football. A motion-sensing micro-chip is fitted inside the ball that will help determine whether the ball has touched a player’s hand and also will be valuable to check offsides. Ultra-Edge has the potential to overcome the problems caused by human errors, prevalent in different leagues since the introduction of VAR. It will provide accurate readings and decisions can be made on graphical proof rather than the decisions of the referees.
Lukaku’s goal disallowed due to Ultra-Edge
VAR is killing football. Lois Openda’s “handball” was made with his hand in a completely natural position, and his barely perceptible touch did not alter the path of the ball whatsoever. Belgium robbed of a point due to pedantic bullshit, match-going fans experience ruined. pic.twitter.com/AHhSoKNt2i
— Cameron Wilson 韦侃仑 (@CameronWEF) June 17, 2024
One of Lukaku’s goals was disallowed after a review using the Ultra-Edge system. During the build-up, Openda was tussling for the ball on the right flank when it appeared to hit his hand. The VAR review employed Ultra-Edge technology to determine if the ball had indeed made contact with Openda’s hand. By using the motion sensing chip, the system provided a graphical representation, similar to those used in cricket, which confirmed the handball.
However, the introduction of such technology in football has sparked debate among fans. Some argue that it disrupts the flow of the game and diminishes the spontaneous, contentious discussions that are integral to football’s appeal and set it apart from other contact sports.
Nevertheless, if implemented effectively, Ultra-Edge could significantly enhance football, just as it has positively impacted cricket. The key lies in striking a balance between maintaining the game’s traditional elements and leveraging technology to ensure fair play and accuracy in crucial decisions.
Ultra-edge made a controversial entry into football during the UEFA Euro 2024 match between Belgium and Slovakia in Frankfurt. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
