While many of them do "embellish" some tackles, I'm gonna guess you've never been going flat out and had your achilles "scraped" or your knee knocked sideways etc? It friggin' *hurts*..... I'm not sure it "ruins" the game - It's maybe an unfortunate part of the game, but it's been that way for a *long* time - You want to make sure the ref knows you got fouled. Incidentally, if the ref (or the lino's) see what they consider a dive it's an instant yellow - They're trying their best. Could argue that one both ways - England got screwed with a no-goal decision that obviously went in a few years back - That incident is why they introduced the bye-line ref at each end. As for red cards, I dunno - It's up to the ref to call it as he sees it, and at least at this level they generally get it right.... *Maybe* blatant mistakes should be corrected later (ie, no automatic suspension if the ref was mistaken?) Cheers, Ian
I've been playing soccer for a long time and I've been fouled plenty of times. It's pretty easy to tell when a fall is sincere or not (especially with the slow mo replays). Watch this: [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0gS5CshUDE[/ame] Messi doesn't go down unless you really put him down. That is how I think all players should act. Messi with the ball is worth more than a set piece. You shouldn't have to fall to get a foul called. The refs should be able to recognize what is a foul without that. It ruins the flow of the game imo and I'm not a soccer snob or elitist whatsoever.
It's easy for us on the couch - As you say, slo mo replays from multiple camera angles are great. But, of course, the ref doesn't have any of that - He's gotta make a split second decision, and generally gets it right IMO. +1 But then, there is only one Lionel Messi!..... [Furthermore, he does get put down, hard, way too much.] I hear what you're saying, but I'm not sure I want every tackle being replayed and analyzed like the NFL - *That* would ruin the flow of the game IMO. You'll enjoy this one; [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ukFUEI5qz8[/ame] Cheers, Ian
Meant to say - If that's the case (and I believe you btw), I'm sure there are many defenders who believe you took a dive and maybe even got them carded for no reason. You're honestly saying you've never "embellished" a foul?......... It is, some would say unfortunately, a part of the game - We may not like it, but as with F1 & the NFL, it is what it is. Cheers, Ian
It doesn't matter about the ref making split decisions. It matters when the ref isn't sure. It's better to take it to the video ref and wait 30secs than having a team lose a player or get a goal. We have video refs for Rugby League and Cricket for over 10years now and it doesn't really add that much to the game time. I know getting kicked in the leg hurts but there are plays that fall over that don't even make contact, they should be banned and the video ref would help with that.
I could certainly be tempted to give it a try - It's certainly been heavily discussed by the powers that be. Unfortunately, these powers tend to be old fashioned, "stick in the muds" rather than forward looking geeks prepared to address technology etc. Fair comment. I'm just concerned that any chance for, eg, a quick free kick is taken away and the game will deteriorate into radio chatter after anyone falls over. But, as I said, I wouldn't mind 'em giving it a try, maybe in the lower leagues initially. Cheers, Ian
I play mostly pick-up games and IM games at college, so not extremely competitive environments. No embellishing for me. I think that if the player is down for more than 15 seconds, they should have to move off the pitch for the next play, regardless of whether or not the medical staff has to assist them.
Fair enough, and good for you!..... Unfortunately, having been around the game since my kids first walked they learn from the TV and are guilty of it from a *very* early age these days. Theoretically, that's almost already the case! - I can't remember the exact rule but IIRC 15 seconds is indeed the limit for writhing on the ground dying - Then the ref calls for the stretcher - That thing is *remarkable* in it's ability to instantly get them well again! - Up they get, and off they go! IMO, the problem with a mandatory "sit down" is exactly when does it apply? After every tackle? Who measures the 15 seconds? How long must they be off for? Until the next stoppage, as today? I can see times when one team is down to 9-10 men and the other guys play keep away - Not fair!...... I agree it's a tough one, but beyond giving a yellow if caught doing it I'm not sure what they can realistically do. Cheers, Ian Cheers, Ian
This diving business really annoys me. The smallest touch, god forbid if they actually fall, and the guy is writhing around, clutching his leg, eyes closed, other arm flapping to show the sheer agony of it all, curled up in a foetal position, like someone just kneecapped him and ripped his stomach out. As soon as the card is awarded, he is up and running, without a care in the world. Totally, totally ruins the game. Talk about drama queens. Very few tackles result in injuries, and those people get taken off the field. I play indoor and outdoor soccer every weekend--most of us are "normal." One guy, however, acts as if he needs an ambulance as soon as someone so much as sneezes in his direction. WTF???! During our league matches (on weeknights) there is a lot of diving, especially by the Hispanic players. Really pathetic to watch. I wonder if they are emulating their heroes and actually think it's admirable behaviour...kind of like the kids who wear their pants too low with boxers showing. What are they thinking???????
France v Ukraine. Ukraine had a couple of decent runs, but France just dominated. Predictable, but good game. No drama/theatrics, thank god.
No Pannekoeken today, the Dutch are out. I didn't see that coming either but it is the group of death so I guess anything could happen. Glad I didn't make any wagers.
My team Denmark is out as well. They were about as well prepared as they could have been, IMHO, but they just ran out of talent. Losing to Portugal in the final minutes after coming back from 0-2 down was the turning point where their good fortune ran out.
Nice assist by the goal line referee on England's win. A man who has only one job- to spot hard-to-catch goals- blows the first and only call he is asked to make. UN-believable.
The play was offsides to start with. That doesn't make it right, but I think that makes it more fair.
Agree, but that is no excuse IMHO. Really, that means that there were TWO blown calls. The goal line ref was placed there to judge close call goals, was in prefect position, and he blew The tournaments only close call- so I guess you can say the new goal-line-technology has a 0% success rate. As for offsides, dont get me started- refs blow that call 2-3 times every game, Id estimate. To be fair to the line judges, from my perspective its a nearly impossible call to make correctly 100% of the time, as it requires the line ref to A) be standing at exactly the right spot along a moving line, and B) be watching 2 points on the field simultaneously- the ball and the offesnive player. Maybe 1 in 10 blown offsides calls leads to a goal/goal called back so yes, the error rate affects way too many games. We've just learned to live with it as fans, and accept the injustice.
