Can geometry help us measure one of football's most iconic free kicks?
On 3 June 1997, Roberto Carlos scored a legendary goal for Brazil. This video explores how the mathematical concept of the cross ratio can be used to analyze the physics and positioning of that famous strike.
Federico Ardila from San Francisco State University examines the geometry behind the famous goal scored by Brazil's Roberto Carlos. The strike occurred during a 1-1 draw between France and Brazil at the Stade de Gerland in Lyon, as part of the 1997 Tournoi de France.
By applying the cross ratio, we can investigate the spatial relationships between the player, the ball, and the goal, providing a deeper mathematical perspective on a moment of sporting history.
Source: The Cross Ratio - Numberphile