In one of the most contentious decisions in World Cup history, a high-tech ball equipped with advanced sensors played a crucial role in the Portugal vs. Croatia match on Thursday. The technology, deployed by FIFA for the first time at the 2022 World Cup, detected an undetectable touch on the ball by Igor Mantanovic of Croatia, overturning a late equalizer and ultimately resulting in Portugal's 2-1 victory. The call was subject to controversy due to inconclusive visual evidence, with replays suggesting no contact between Mantanovic and Ivan Perisic's cross. However, the in-ball sensors, combined with in-stadium cameras, provided data that allowed video assistants to make a fast, accurate decision. The technology, which can track ball acceleration and movements in three dimensions, is expected to revolutionize offside calls, as well as help determine incidents such as handballs and penalties. The impact of this innovative technology was further demonstrated at the 2024 European Championship, where it helped decide a penalty in favor of Germany against Denmark. Despite its potential benefits, the technology has sparked debates among coaches, with some expressing concerns about its impact on the spirit of football.