TOKYO — After eight games at the Club World Cup, few conclusions were reached about the effectiveness of goal-line technology. The tournament was the first to feature goal-line technology. The Magnetic-field-based system GoalRef was used at Yokohama Stadium, while Toyota Stadium was equipped with the camera-based Hawk-Eye system. There were no close calls, however. Both systems relay information to the referee via a vibrating wristwatch in a split second. They passed all pre-game tests with no problems, but were never called upon to determine a goal at Japan. The closest the system came to being used was early in the final when Corinthians goalkeeper Cassio dove to stop a shot by Chelsea's Gary Cahill in the 11th minute. Cassio trapped the ball under his legs about a foot in front of the goal, but play went on as it was clear that the ball never crossed the line. FIFA President Sepp Blatter said goal-line technology is being well-received by referees. “The referees are happy to have this help for them because they know now if there is a conflicting situation they will get the accuracy to say if it was a goal or not,” Blatter said before Sunday's final. Any data that FIFA was able to gather from the Club World Cup will be used as it looks to make a decision by the end of March as to which technology it will use for the six venues at the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. FIFA decided to introduce both systems after they won “unanimous” support from the International Football Association Board panel. Blatter was initially opposed to the idea of using goal-line technology, but changed his stance two years ago when he saw England denied a clear goal by midfielder Frank Lampard against Germany at the 2010 World Cup. Blatter said FIFA should reopen the debate, although he insisted it must involve only goal-line decisions. Video replay remains off limits for judgment calls, such as penalties or offside. “We are very confident,” Blatter said. “The referees are confident and the players are confident that they know if a goal is scored or not.” — AP
