What They're Saying
- by Soccer America , Jun 18, 2012
"Perhaps this goal is down to him. Had we not had this extra official, it might not have been given. I have seen cases where the ball has been even further over the line and the goal has not been
given."
-- Italy coach Cesare Prandelli hails the use of an extra linesman on each goal line at Euro 2012. Italy's first goal in a 2-0 win over Ireland was an
Antonio Cassano header that went over the line before being cleared away by Damien Duff. The goal was not obvious from most angles. (Reuters)
No, I disagree a little here. I'm not necessarily against the two beside the goals. (I am, however, wondering what they do to occupy themselves all game long.) Here's my point for this situation in the Italy-Ireland match: Look at Damian Duff's body language. He is not disputing the goal. His body shows the signs of knowing one has just been scored on. He's not play acting or thinking of starting some sort of wild gesticulating to dispute it. This also helps referees quite a bit -- those who do the journeyman's matches and who don't have the benefit of linesmen AND these two with walkie-talkies behind / beside the goals. (Looking at players' body language/reacions.) What I wish to point out is this: Today's modern game features so many players at the highest levels in the big leagues and in these big tournaments who would want to put on a show for the referee that the ball "Just couldn't have!! No way!!" crossed fully over the goal line. Yet Irishman Damian Duff (and captain for this match -- probably his last competitive one for Ireland) does not do this. It is a small thing, a telling thing, but a terribly important thing: A display of Fair Play.