Well, it was bound to happen eventually: four years on from Frank Lampard’s infamous goal that didn’t stand against Germany that opened the world’s eyes to the need for goal line technology, those three words were once again brought into the spotlight when France faced Honduras.In what was otherwise a routine victory for Les Bleus, Karim Benzema penalty put them one up and Wilson Palacios saw red for an ill disciplined Honduras side. The second goal was the talking point of the match; Benzema’s excellent volley hit a post and rebounded agonizingly across the goal line before hitting goalkeeper Noel Valladares who seemingly stopped the ball before crossing the line. In South Africa, or even this time last year, that goal probably wouldn’t have stood, which is testament to the advances of football currently. The replays proved indecisive, and the technology made matters worse for itself when stating there was no goal, until finally the matter resolved itself. Ultimately, the technology was correct, just its clarification technique could do with a bit of brushing up. The Hondurans complained of course, but it was in vain as the goal stood, and quite rightly too. Sepp Blatter must have been shaking in his boots when he saw the controversy, but this is one decision the much berated Swiss has made that has benefited football greatly.

Blatter must have been over the moon earlier in the day when his native Switzerland came from behind to sink Ecuador. The South Americans took the lead in the first half from an Enner Valencia header, this was soon pegged back when Admir Mehmedi rose to meet a corner soon after half time, then with almost the last kick of the game the Swiss took all 3 points from under Ecuadorian noses, after an excellent advantage played by the referee the South Americans were stung on the break as Haris Seferovic powered in a low cross to send the fans, players and management into raptures . Switzerland face France next in what is already looking like an all out battle for top spot in the group.