Since the invention of soccer, although no one can honestly say where its origins truly lie, the sport has grown over the years. We’ve seen the impact of technology and how it has made the sport much better, changing the rules and approach. It has even affected sports betting since more people have access to gambling.
From the late 1800s, when soccer began to move around Europe and get shipped to the Americas, the sport began to enjoy new technologies from different areas and regions. As a result, we began to see the changes in the sport and how it was played. Although the developers couldn’t have imagined how far or big it would get, they might have gotten an idea.
Today, soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world. It is near impossible to find a region where soccer is not popular. One of the main reasons is that it has continuously enjoyed technology, and people can expect it to continue delivering. Undoubtedly, technology and soccer have come a long way over the years.
To give insight into the evolution of technology in soccer, we’ve broken down the years. You can see the different rules that have helped shape the sport as we have it today. Undoubtedly, we expect more advancement.
The 1800s to Early 1900s: Introducing Rules and Control
The late 1800s didn’t have much in terms of inventions, as most of the world’s greatest inventions were just getting introduced. However, soccer continued to evolve with more rules coming into place. The sport started taking shape, and it became a globally enjoyed sport.
The sport continued to grow throughout the first world war, becoming a global language because of the fun it brought. The expansion continued, many football clubs were created during this time, and leagues were organized. It was a good time for the sport, especially with radio transmission. The FIFA World Cup/Jules Rimet competition was also created.
The mid-1900s: Live Game Coverage and Expansion
The expansion continued into the mid-1900s. Television broadcasting was just becoming a global thing. Most people follow soccer through radio transmission if they can’t be on the ground. So, it helped the global expansion, and clubs started to get more fans as they played for different titles.
During the mid-1900s, many top competitions were created. Aside from the Jules Rimet tournament, we got the European Cup competition, various national leagues across Europe, and other European competitions. In addition, fans could follow the sport through the TV broadcast, giving it a better view.
The 1970s: Colored TV Broadcasting
Following the 1966 World Cup and the incident with Brazil’s star man, Pele, the sport sought ways to advance to protect the top players. As a result, more rules were introduced. In addition, colored TV broadcasting was introduced and perfected before the 1970 FIFA World Cup, which saw Brazil win its third World Cup trophy.
Most people worldwide with access to colored TV could watch their favorite superstars in more light. It was an incredible time in the sport. In addition, better balls were introduced, ending the time with leather soccer balls. The sport introduced a more aerodynamic ball, making it fun to kick around.
The 1990s and Early 2000s: Perfecting Colored TV Broadcasting
Entering the late 1900s improved the sport in so many ways. More technological inventions were introduced, and people enjoyed the game better. After some time, it became customary to watch games in color.
Aside from that, more rules were introduced, and the balls became more aerodynamic, giving the players more to enjoy and a chance to show their skills.
The 2010s and 2020s: Introducing VR, AI, Data Analytics, and Others
The continuous introduction of technology has made soccer more enjoyable. Artificial intelligence has dramatically helped, especially with Video Assistant Referee technology, to help with on-field decisions that referees might miss.
As a result, the sport has become more enjoyable, and we can tell that it will only get better.
Some leagues today now have data analytics intertwined in their competitions. As a result, we could continue enjoying what it brings to fans. You can follow the games and get more information to help you understand the game better.
Undoubtedly, it will only improve with virtual reality gaining more traction in different parts of the world. So, the 2020s hold more inventions.
