Cutting-edge technology on show at Euro 2024 is changing the face of soccer

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. cutting-edge / ˈkʌt ɪŋ ɛdʒ / (adj.) – very modern and advanced, including the latest features, ideas, or technology
    Example:

    The hospital uses cutting-edge medical equipment to provide the best care for patients.


  2. welfare / ˈwɛlˌfɛər / (n.) – the state of being physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy and successful
    Example:

    The government’s new program aims to improve the welfare of low-income families by providing financial assistance.


  3. edge / ɛdʒ / (n.) – an advantage or benefit that makes someone or something more successful
    Example:

    Mastering multiple languages gave him an edge in the international job market.


  4. check on (someone/something) / tʃɛk ɒn / (phrasal v.) – to look at or examine someone/something to make sure he/she is safe and well
    Example:

    A nurse will be checking on my grandfather’s health after his surgery.


  5. capability / ˌkeɪ pəˈbɪl ɪ ti / (n.) – the ability or power to do something
    Example:

    The new smartphone has impressive camera capabilities, allowing users to take clear photos even in low light.


Article

Read the text below.

From smart-enabled match balls and artificial intelligence to cryogenic recovery chambers, soccer is being transformed by the cutting-edge technology available to players, coaches, and officials.


That much has been evident at Euro 2024, where advancements in areas, such as equipment and sports science, have been deployed on and off the field, designed to improve the game, the fan experience, and player welfare.


Not all of it is a hit with everyone. Regardless, the world’s most popular sport continues to be impacted by rapidly developing technologies in the wider world.


Video assistant referees (VAR) decisions have, in large part, seemed to be a smoother process here and have taken an average time of 51 seconds to be determined according to the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)—five seconds quicker than in the Champions League last season. The UEFA is deploying semi-automated offside technology, along with AI and Adidas’ connected ball technology to speed up the review process and improve accuracy.


Coaches are trying to find an edge wherever they can. England’s players have been spotted wearing smart rings.


“The idea is it helps monitor your sleep, which is the biggest factor in terms of recovery,” England manager Gareth Southgate said. “So, no matter what things are invented in the world, the best things to aid recovery are sleep and nutrition. We’re not checking on the players but it allows them to monitor their own recovery.”


Southgate is also wearing a smartwatch which retails at $6,500, has its own tracking capabilities, and also provides score alerts during the tournament.


Teams have a suite of recovery devices to help players cope with the congested tournament schedule.


Spain’s base camp in Donaueschingen has a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, a cryogenic chamber, and a phototherapy bed to help speed muscular recovery after practice or a game. A hyperbaric oxygen chamber is used to breathe in 100% pure oxygen. Cryogenic treatment involves the use of cold temperatures, while phototherapy uses light.


“This works wonders after the intense games we have here at the Euros. Anything that can give us an edge we are going to take advantage of,” Spain forward Nico Williams said on Instagram.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Soccer is being transformed by the cutting-edge technology available to players, coaches, and officials. How do you feel about the use of technology, like VAR and AI, in soccer? Do you think the tradition of soccer is being lost with all these technological advancements? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • How do you think this cutting-edge technology improves the game? Can you think of any potential downsides to using so much technology in sports? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Teams have used several recovery devices to help their players cope. Do you think the various recovery devices give certain teams an unfair advantage? Why or why not? How do you think differences in tech used by different teams would affect the games (ex. teams with better tech might perform well, their tech will not affect the games at all)? Discuss.
  • Spain forward Nico Williams said that they are going to take advantage of anything that can give them an edge. In your opinion, should there be regulations to ensure all teams have access to the same technology, or should they be free to take advantage of whatever tech is helpful for them? Why? Discuss.