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MIT Technology Review2 min read

Heads in the game

The 2022 Men's World Cup final between Argentina and France utilized semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) for the first time in the tournament's history. With 12 minutes left in extra time and Argentina leading 3-2, a crucial decision arose regarding a potential offside by Argentine forward Lautaro Martinez. SAOT analyzed the play and generated an image indicating that a French defender was closer to the goal than Martinez, confirming Martinez was onside. This technology allowed the referee to validate Lionel Messi's goal, giving Argentina a 3-2 lead. The match ultimately ended 3-3, with Argentina winning the penalty shootout. The SAOT system's ability to rapidly analyze plays and detect offside positions was instrumental in resolving contentious calls during high-stakes moments.

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