The information superhighway proved to be a referee's best friend after a picture on the internet cleared American referee Esfandiar Baharmast, who stood accused of making the blunder of the World Cup.

Baharmast gave Norway a last minute penalty which allowed them to beat Brazil 2-1 in their final group match on Tuesday. The result saw Morocco, who needed Brazil to at least get a draw, packing their bags to return home.

Countless television replays failed to pick up Brazilian defender Junior Baino tugging at Tore Andre Flo's shirt and Baharmast became the most reviled man in North Africa. But FIFA referee supremo David Will revealed on Tuesday that the American was blameless. "I saw a picture on the internet this morning which clearly shows Junior Baino grabbing Flo's shirt. The referee was correct to give a penalty," he said.