Chaos over France goal-line call

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Didier Deschamps’ men scored a second goal against Honduras after goal-line technology decided the ball had crossed the line, prompting much confusion

France were the beneficiaries of the World Cup’s first goal to be awarded by goal-line technology against Honduras on Sunday, but the decision prompted severe confusion amongst the Central American side’s ranks.

The goal, which put Didier Deschamps’ side 2-0 ahead in the Group E encounter, was awarded after Karim Benzema’s original shot hit the post and made its way along the goalmouth.

Goalkeeper Noel Valladares then attempted to pounce on the loose ball, only to fumble it over the line, with the technology showing within seconds that the Honduran had been unable to recover the ball in time.

However, following the screening of technology from the initial shot from Benzema on the big screen, Honduras coach Luis Suarez began to debate the validity of the goal, with Deschamps left having to seemingly explain that it was Valladares’ error which had forced the ball over.

The goal added to a first-half penalty converted by Benzema after Wilson Palacios had fouled Paul Pogba, for which he was shown a second yellow card.