***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (3 Viewers)

[brewer]

Jees, I swear Italy does more to set back the chances of soccer ever really catching on in this country than any team in the world.In the last World Cup, their 'diving clinic' that they put on was the main topic of discussion amongst the first-time soccer viewers on this board. As for yesterday's game, God forbid anyone chose that game as their trial for watching soccer or not. Between their continued diving and their all-defensive setup, they turn the game into a joke.US soccer marketers would be wise to agree on a No-Italy strategy going forward.

Diving is bad enough. Writhing in "pain" to stop play, when you weren't even touched is quite another.

 

[Short Corner]

Jees, I swear Italy does more to set back the chances of soccer ever really catching on in this country than any team in the world.In the last World Cup, their 'diving clinic' that they put on was the main topic of discussion amongst the first-time soccer viewers on this board. As for yesterday's game, God forbid anyone chose that game as their trial for watching soccer or not. Between their continued diving and their all-defensive setup, they turn the game into a joke.US soccer marketers would be wise to agree on a No-Italy strategy going forward.

Diving is bad enough. Writhing in "pain" to stop play, when you weren't even touched is quite another.

Worst dive of the tourney has been the one by Ronaldo against Germany IMO. Guy goes down w/no contact, looks up, sees he didn't get a whistle, then he decides to roll around in pain. They aren't doing a whole lot to promote their own sport.

 

[Steve Tasker]

to anyone continuing to harp on the Italian diving while completely ignoring David Villa's Academy Award-nominated performance yesterday.

 

[Short Corner]

to anyone continuing to harp on the Italian diving while completely ignoring David Villa's Academy Award-nominated performance yesterday.

Dude should have been wearing a skirt.

 

[brewer]

to anyone continuing to harp on the Italian diving while completely ignoring David Villa's Academy Award-nominated performance yesterday.

Dude should have been wearing a skirt.

Oh no doubt, I'm not harping on just the Italians, diving is out of hand everywhere. Yesterday's game was a great example of it is all.

 

[JuniorNB]

to anyone continuing to harp on the Italian diving while completely ignoring David Villa's Academy Award-nominated performance yesterday.

Although Italy is definitely the frontrunners in this category, it is certainly not limited to the Italians. Ronaldo does it all teh time and Spain had their share of dives yesterday, too.Question is, what can soccer do about it? Obviously, it happens more in the big games/tournaments, as more is on the line and players are looking for any edge they can. Unfortunately, those big games are teh ones that are being televised ov er here and a large part of the US audience thinks that this flopping goes on in every professional game. It's a shame, because I've watched entire EPL and MLS games without seeing a single dive. The problem is, maybe 1% of Americans are also watching those games.I know that it is a yellow card if the ref thinks you're diving on purpose, but it's rarely called. It's a shame that FIFA can't go back afterwards and review films and issue stiff penalties, after the fact.

 

[brewer]

Question is, what can soccer do about it? Obviously, it happens more in the big games/tournaments, as more is on the line and players are looking for any edge they can. Unfortunately, those big games are teh ones that are being televised ov er here and a large part of the US audience thinks that this flopping goes on in every professional game. It's a shame, because I've watched entire EPL and MLS games without seeing a single dive. The problem is, maybe 1% of Americans are also watching those games.

I know it won't be a suggestion that most like, but I suggest that if play needs to stop for you and there was no foul called on the play, you must sit out for a couple of minutes.It may curtail diving a bit.

 

[Steve Tasker]

to anyone continuing to harp on the Italian diving while completely ignoring David Villa's Academy Award-nominated performance yesterday.

Although Italy is definitely the frontrunners in this category, it is certainly not limited to the Italians. Ronaldo does it all teh time and Spain had their share of dives yesterday, too.Question is, what can soccer do about it? Obviously, it happens more in the big games/tournaments, as more is on the line and players are looking for any edge they can. Unfortunately, those big games are teh ones that are being televised ov er here and a large part of the US audience thinks that this flopping goes on in every professional game. It's a shame, because I've watched entire EPL and MLS games without seeing a single dive. The problem is, maybe 1% of Americans are also watching those games.I know that it is a yellow card if the ref thinks you're diving on purpose, but it's rarely called. It's a shame that FIFA can't go back afterwards and review films and issue stiff penalties, after the fact.

Exactly....I'm not really sure what they can do.Honestly, when Villa got that yellow card yesterday, it looked like he just slipped and fell down...unintentionally.If FIFA decides to be more stringent with the diving and give more yellows, it could hurt too. Imagine if Villa was already on a yellow card from earlier in the tournament (and the YC's didn't reverse after that game)....he'd be missing next game because of an accidental slip. Could happen with anyone.

 

[andy_b]

Question is, what can soccer do about it? Obviously, it happens more in the big games/tournaments, as more is on the line and players are looking for any edge they can. Unfortunately, those big games are teh ones that are being televised ov er here and a large part of the US audience thinks that this flopping goes on in every professional game. It's a shame, because I've watched entire EPL and MLS games without seeing a single dive. The problem is, maybe 1% of Americans are also watching those games.

I know it won't be a suggestion that most like, but I suggest that if play needs to stop for you and there was no foul called on the play, you must sit out for a couple of minutes.It may curtail diving a bit.

I would do exactly what the NBA is going to do starting next season.Every game will be reviewed on tape and anyone found diving will be fine and/or suspended. It is 1000 times easier to see a dive in slow motion than in real time. Make the penalties high enough and people will stop diving. A very very very rare yellow card for diving is not getting it done.

 

[Mjolnirs]

I know that it is a yellow card if the ref thinks you're diving on purpose, but it's rarely called. It's a shame that FIFA can't go back afterwards and review films and issue stiff penalties, after the fact.

For me, this is the solution to the problem. Sure it won't change the outcome of the match, but if some oversight board reviews and fines obvious diving, maybe that would make a difference.

 

[brewer]

Question is, what can soccer do about it? Obviously, it happens more in the big games/tournaments, as more is on the line and players are looking for any edge they can. Unfortunately, those big games are teh ones that are being televised ov er here and a large part of the US audience thinks that this flopping goes on in every professional game. It's a shame, because I've watched entire EPL and MLS games without seeing a single dive. The problem is, maybe 1% of Americans are also watching those games.

I know it won't be a suggestion that most like, but I suggest that if play needs to stop for you and there was no foul called on the play, you must sit out for a couple of minutes.It may curtail diving a bit.

I would do exactly what the NBA is going to do starting next season.Every game will be reviewed on tape and anyone found diving will be fine and/or suspended. It is 1000 times easier to see a dive in slow motion than in real time. Make the penalties high enough and people will stop diving. A very very very rare yellow card for diving is not getting it done.

I don't mind this suggestion, but who are the reviewers and who are the enforcers, FIFA? That's a ton of tape to review.

 

[Short Corner]

to anyone continuing to harp on the Italian diving while completely ignoring David Villa's Academy Award-nominated performance yesterday.

Although Italy is definitely the frontrunners in this category, it is certainly not limited to the Italians. Ronaldo does it all teh time and Spain had their share of dives yesterday, too.Question is, what can soccer do about it? Obviously, it happens more in the big games/tournaments, as more is on the line and players are looking for any edge they can. Unfortunately, those big games are teh ones that are being televised ov er here and a large part of the US audience thinks that this flopping goes on in every professional game. It's a shame, because I've watched entire EPL and MLS games without seeing a single dive. The problem is, maybe 1% of Americans are also watching those games.I know that it is a yellow card if the ref thinks you're diving on purpose, but it's rarely called. It's a shame that FIFA can't go back afterwards and review films and issue stiff penalties, after the fact.

Exactly....I'm not really sure what they can do.Honestly, when Villa got that yellow card yesterday, it looked like he just slipped and fell down...unintentionally.If FIFA decides to be more stringent with the diving and give more yellows, it could hurt too. Imagine if Villa was already on a yellow card from earlier in the tournament (and the YC's didn't reverse after that game)....he'd be missing next game because of an accidental slip. Could happen with anyone.

That's what he gets for diving so much. I am sure that he has gotten 20x the number of calls on opponents than he has gotten on himself for diving. If he gets the occasional bad call so be it.

 

[Bonzai]

Question is, what can soccer do about it? Obviously, it happens more in the big games/tournaments, as more is on the line and players are looking for any edge they can. Unfortunately, those big games are teh ones that are being televised ov er here and a large part of the US audience thinks that this flopping goes on in every professional game. It's a shame, because I've watched entire EPL and MLS games without seeing a single dive. The problem is, maybe 1% of Americans are also watching those games.

I know it won't be a suggestion that most like, but I suggest that if play needs to stop for you and there was no foul called on the play, you must sit out for a couple of minutes.It may curtail diving a bit.

I would do exactly what the NBA is going to do starting next season.Every game will be reviewed on tape and anyone found diving will be fine and/or suspended. It is 1000 times easier to see a dive in slow motion than in real time. Make the penalties high enough and people will stop diving. A very very very rare yellow card for diving is not getting it done.

 

[doughboydeluxe]

Question is, what can soccer do about it? Obviously, it happens more in the big games/tournaments, as more is on the line and players are looking for any edge they can. Unfortunately, those big games are teh ones that are being televised ov er here and a large part of the US audience thinks that this flopping goes on in every professional game. It's a shame, because I've watched entire EPL and MLS games without seeing a single dive. The problem is, maybe 1% of Americans are also watching those games.

I know it won't be a suggestion that most like, but I suggest that if play needs to stop for you and there was no foul called on the play, you must sit out for a couple of minutes.It may curtail diving a bit.

I would do exactly what the NBA is going to do starting next season.Every game will be reviewed on tape and anyone found diving will be fine and/or suspended. It is 1000 times easier to see a dive in slow motion than in real time. Make the penalties high enough and people will stop diving. A very very very rare yellow card for diving is not getting it done.

I don't mind this suggestion, but who are the reviewers and who are the enforcers, FIFA? That's a ton of tape to review.

It's not that much tape to review. Just have someone watch the game live, note the times of possible dives, then go back after the game and look at those instances. Just like what the NFL does when they go back to look at plays to determine if players deserve a fine and/or suspension, and what the NBA will be doing.

 

[andy_b]

Question is, what can soccer do about it? Obviously, it happens more in the big games/tournaments, as more is on the line and players are looking for any edge they can. Unfortunately, those big games are teh ones that are being televised ov er here and a large part of the US audience thinks that this flopping goes on in every professional game. It's a shame, because I've watched entire EPL and MLS games without seeing a single dive. The problem is, maybe 1% of Americans are also watching those games.

I know it won't be a suggestion that most like, but I suggest that if play needs to stop for you and there was no foul called on the play, you must sit out for a couple of minutes.It may curtail diving a bit.

I would do exactly what the NBA is going to do starting next season.Every game will be reviewed on tape and anyone found diving will be fine and/or suspended. It is 1000 times easier to see a dive in slow motion than in real time. Make the penalties high enough and people will stop diving. A very very very rare yellow card for diving is not getting it done.

I don't mind this suggestion, but who are the reviewers and who are the enforcers, FIFA? That's a ton of tape to review.

FIFA is responsible for all FIFA events. It needs to start at FIFA level tournaments and then it can be pushed down to the league to manage for themselves if they find the need. As mentioned earlier, diving is much less an issue in certain leagues than others.It is not as much tape as you think. There is always a FIFA official at every game. That official could simply note the 4 or 5 times in the game that plays need to be reviewed and the reviewers could focus on those games. The review committee should be made up of 3 people (an ex player, an ex ref and one other entity). The decisions should be final and penalties could easily be handed out before the team plays the next game in a tournament setting or in a qualifying setting.If the NBA can do it for every game, I am sure soccer has more than enough resources to do it.

 

[kblitz]

Question is, what can soccer do about it? Obviously, it happens more in the big games/tournaments, as more is on the line and players are looking for any edge they can. Unfortunately, those big games are teh ones that are being televised ov er here and a large part of the US audience thinks that this flopping goes on in every professional game. It's a shame, because I've watched entire EPL and MLS games without seeing a single dive. The problem is, maybe 1% of Americans are also watching those games.

I know it won't be a suggestion that most like, but I suggest that if play needs to stop for you and there was no foul called on the play, you must sit out for a couple of minutes.It may curtail diving a bit.

I would do exactly what the NBA is going to do starting next season.Every game will be reviewed on tape and anyone found diving will be fine and/or suspended. It is 1000 times easier to see a dive in slow motion than in real time. Make the penalties high enough and people will stop diving. A very very very rare yellow card for diving is not getting it done.

I don't mind this suggestion, but who are the reviewers and who are the enforcers, FIFA? That's a ton of tape to review.

FWIK the tapes get reviewed anyway by officials/referees to rate the referees

 

[guru_007]

Looking forward.....

I think Russia beats Spain. Say what you will that Spain was more talented than Italy and 'deserved' to win that one. Perhaps, as they did bring the play to the Itallians. However, that's how Italy plays. They keep 7-8 men behind the ball, playing basically with only 1 guy forward, and try to beat you on the counter, or on a set piece. They were missing their two best defenders and most dynamic offensive threat, so they did what they could. Fact is, Spain was ineffective all game long against a mediocre at best Itallian team that did not have the firepower to capitalize against the Spanish mistakes. Russia does. The Russians were a machine in beating the Dutch. They are young and run, run, run, and run some more. They may not have the talent in the midfield to build the attack, but they are strong when given space, and have capable strikers. Arshavin has shown that he can create, and Pavluchenko, Bilyaletdinov and Torbinksi are capable finishers (something the Itallians direly lacked outside of Toni). Spain is good upfront and the midfield, but guys like Sergio Ramos get caught in the attack way too often for my likings. I think in a game that should have a lot more pace, fatigue will become a factor, and I have yet to see the Russians get tired. Spain has the luxury of a deep bench for midfielders, but not so much on defense, so should a Puyel or Marchena tire, this could become a factor. I think this game has the makings of becoming the best in the tourney, should be fast, lots of action, and the Russians are a bit physical, so I'm sure the Spainards will be quite a bit.

In the other semi-final game, I think Germany outclasses the Turks and win this one. The Turks are very talented and deep, maybe one of the deepest teams in the tourney. However, their cinderella story is coming to an end against Germany. Rustu did not look very good at all against the Croatians, but they were not able to capitalize on his misplays & fumbles. The Germans are a more relentless bunch and should be able to get goals. If Volkan wasn't on suspension, I would give the Turks a punchers chance here, as they have really shown a never say die attitude. But, I think in this one, they are playing an extremely experienced and strong side who will keep the choke hold on should they get a lead. Germany beating Portugal has to have given them the confidence they needed to think they really are the strongest side, and as long as they don't get caught looking ahead (which they shouldn't because they are the first semifinal), they should be able to take care of business.

 

[jonessed]

Jees, I swear Italy does more to set back the chances of soccer ever really catching on in this country than any team in the world.In the last World Cup, their 'diving clinic' that they put on was the main topic of discussion amongst the first-time soccer viewers on this board. As for yesterday's game, God forbid anyone chose that game as their trial for watching soccer or not. Between their continued diving and their all-defensive setup, they turn the game into a joke.US soccer marketers would be wise to agree on a No-Italy strategy going forward.

Diving is bad enough. Writhing in "pain" to stop play, when you weren't even touched is quite another.

Worst dive of the tourney has been the one by Ronaldo against Germany IMO. Guy goes down w/no contact, looks up, sees he didn't get a whistle, then he decides to roll around in pain. They aren't doing a whole lot to promote their own sport.

It wasn't a delayed reaction to the first hit. He took a cheapshot as Friedrich stepped on his ankle running away.

 

[JuniorNB]

Question is, what can soccer do about it? Obviously, it happens more in the big games/tournaments, as more is on the line and players are looking for any edge they can. Unfortunately, those big games are teh ones that are being televised ov er here and a large part of the US audience thinks that this flopping goes on in every professional game. It's a shame, because I've watched entire EPL and MLS games without seeing a single dive. The problem is, maybe 1% of Americans are also watching those games.

I know it won't be a suggestion that most like, but I suggest that if play needs to stop for you and there was no foul called on the play, you must sit out for a couple of minutes.It may curtail diving a bit.

I would do exactly what the NBA is going to do starting next season.Every game will be reviewed on tape and anyone found diving will be fine and/or suspended. It is 1000 times easier to see a dive in slow motion than in real time. Make the penalties high enough and people will stop diving. A very very very rare yellow card for diving is not getting it done.

I don't mind this suggestion, but who are the reviewers and who are the enforcers, FIFA? That's a ton of tape to review.

FIFA is responsible for all FIFA events. It needs to start at FIFA level tournaments and then it can be pushed down to the league to manage for themselves if they find the need. As mentioned earlier, diving is much less an issue in certain leagues than others.It is not as much tape as you think. There is always a FIFA official at every game. That official could simply note the 4 or 5 times in the game that plays need to be reviewed and the reviewers could focus on those games. The review committee should be made up of 3 people (an ex player, an ex ref and one other entity). The decisions should be final and penalties could easily be handed out before the team plays the next game in a tournament setting or in a qualifying setting.If the NBA can do it for every game, I am sure soccer has more than enough resources to do it.

We have to realize that for FIFA to get involved and revamp the way they do things, it has to be considered a widespread problem. I know to most Americans, it looks ridiculous, and when compared to our football, makes the players look like whiny little wimps, but we also have to realize that soccer isn't going to change the way they do things because the U.S. doesn't like it.I'm assuming that diving didn't just start in the five years that I've been watching soccer. And, worldwide, soccer seems to be doing just fine.It's a shame, too, because when you get the occasional NFL fan to tune into a World Cup or Euro Cup game and they see the dive/hold the leg/writhe in pain/stretcher/quick return to the game, it really further justifies their contention that NFL football is for men and soccer is for sissies.

 

[Bonzai]

Question is, what can soccer do about it? Obviously, it happens more in the big games/tournaments, as more is on the line and players are looking for any edge they can. Unfortunately, those big games are teh ones that are being televised ov er here and a large part of the US audience thinks that this flopping goes on in every professional game. It's a shame, because I've watched entire EPL and MLS games without seeing a single dive. The problem is, maybe 1% of Americans are also watching those games.

I know it won't be a suggestion that most like, but I suggest that if play needs to stop for you and there was no foul called on the play, you must sit out for a couple of minutes.It may curtail diving a bit.

I would do exactly what the NBA is going to do starting next season.Every game will be reviewed on tape and anyone found diving will be fine and/or suspended. It is 1000 times easier to see a dive in slow motion than in real time. Make the penalties high enough and people will stop diving. A very very very rare yellow card for diving is not getting it done.

I don't mind this suggestion, but who are the reviewers and who are the enforcers, FIFA? That's a ton of tape to review.

FIFA is responsible for all FIFA events. It needs to start at FIFA level tournaments and then it can be pushed down to the league to manage for themselves if they find the need. As mentioned earlier, diving is much less an issue in certain leagues than others.It is not as much tape as you think. There is always a FIFA official at every game. That official could simply note the 4 or 5 times in the game that plays need to be reviewed and the reviewers could focus on those games. The review committee should be made up of 3 people (an ex player, an ex ref and one other entity). The decisions should be final and penalties could easily be handed out before the team plays the next game in a tournament setting or in a qualifying setting.If the NBA can do it for every game, I am sure soccer has more than enough resources to do it.

We have to realize that for FIFA to get involved and revamp the way they do things, it has to be considered a widespread problem. I know to most Americans, it looks ridiculous, and when compared to our football, makes the players look like whiny little wimps, but we also have to realize that soccer isn't going to change the way they do things because the U.S. doesn't like it.I'm assuming that diving didn't just start in the five years that I've been watching soccer. And, worldwide, soccer seems to be doing just fine.It's a shame, too, because when you get the occasional NFL fan to tune into a World Cup or Euro Cup game and they see the dive/hold the leg/writhe in pain/stretcher/quick return to the game, it really further justifies their contention that NFL football is for men and soccer is for sissies.

I don't remember diving being that bad as recent as a couple World Cups ago. It's certainly not an entrenched part of the game. I don't mind the rolling around on the field after a foul as much. I'd compare it to a boxer staying down and extending the count as long as possible to rest up. Dudes get tired out there.

 

[andy_b]

We have to realize that for FIFA to get involved and revamp the way they do things, it has to be considered a widespread problem. I know to most Americans, it looks ridiculous, and when compared to our football, makes the players look like whiny little wimps, but we also have to realize that soccer isn't going to change the way they do things because the U.S. doesn't like it.

I'm assuming that diving didn't just start in the five years that I've been watching soccer.

Diving is a order of magnitude worse in recent years than it was 10-15 years ago.FIFA moves at a glacial pace. They need almost 10 years worth of evidence before they make any changes.

 

[andy_b]

ESPN Scores With Euro 2008

Soccer Event Puts Up Solid Numbers For ESPN2, Deportes, Digital Assets

By Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 6/20/2008 3:20:00 PM

With the tournament now in the knockout round, ESPN put up a hat trick of solid numbers with its coverage of the group stage of Euro 2008 on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and on the programmer’s various digital properties.

Covering the tournament for the first time -- Euro 2004 was available via Setanta on pay-per-view both residentially (a $150 package) and commercially -- ESPN2 through the first 15 matches (June 17) averaged a 0.5 rating, 521,000 households and 655,000 viewers. Those numbers represented gains of 67%, 64% and 81%, respectively over the 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. time period that largely housed a pair of games, according to Nielsen Media Research data. The best match: Spain’s 2-0 win over Sweden drew a 0.9 rating and 1.01 million viewers on June 14.

On ESPN Deportes, live Euro 2008 matches averaged a 2.1 Hispanic coverage rating, the equivalent of 74,000 Latino homes, helping the network become the most-watched Spanish-language cable network for the first 11 days of the tourney with a total-day Hispanic coverage rating of a 0.8, said network officials.

Digitally, ESPN has also put a few in the back of the ‘Net. Executives said ESPNSoccernet.com averaged more than 1 million daily visitors, an 82% increase in daily visits to the site when compared to the same period during Euro 2004. It has also saw visits rise 216% over June 2007 and page-view advances of 239% and 29%, compared to June 2007 and Euro 2004, respectively. Additionally, the Soccernet mobile WAP site, which launched the first day of the tourney, has attracted more than 500,000 users who have generated more than 5.75 million page views.

ESPNdeportes.com is pacing to have its biggest month ever -- on pace for a 139% increase in page views and to break the traffic record set in May.

Moreover with ESPN360.com providing live and replay coverage of every match, Euro 2008 has already notched several top 10-live events for the broadband service and is on pace to become its most-watched multi-event, excluding college football and basketball's regular seasons.

All of which is making ESPN vice president of programming Scott Guglielmino happy. Although he wouldn’t discuss benchmarks, he did say the company was “very pleased” with results to date. “We have a big commitment to soccer in the U.S. and around the globe. And this event is attracting a lot of interest,” he said. ESPN also has Euro 2008 rights in Canada and Latin America.

He said Euro 2008 is in keeping with ESPN’s goal of providing sports fans with coverage of big events on whatever platform they preferred, emphasizing ESPN360.com’s capabilities to deliver matches simultaneously and in archival form.

Guglielmino noted the matches on ESPN Deportes are not only proving popular with soccer-centric Hispanics, but the tournament is providing “halo effect” for related studio fare and news programming.

“Anything that allows us to overlay our brands and put our talent before audiences is key to helping drive growth,” he said.

Guglielmino wouldn’t discuss if ESPN held an option or if it possessed an exclusive negotiating window for a European Football Championships renewal, but did say “we’re always talking to UEFA. We have the Champions League through 2009. I think there is a lot of interest on both sides.”

 

[JuniorNB]

We have to realize that for FIFA to get involved and revamp the way they do things, it has to be considered a widespread problem. I know to most Americans, it looks ridiculous, and when compared to our football, makes the players look like whiny little wimps, but we also have to realize that soccer isn't going to change the way they do things because the U.S. doesn't like it.

I'm assuming that diving didn't just start in the five years that I've been watching soccer.

Diving is a order of magnitude worse in recent years than it was 10-15 years ago.FIFA moves at a glacial pace. They need almost 10 years worth of evidence before they make any changes.

Any chance of them eliminating the offsides rule? At least when the ball is possessed in the offensive end. I never really understood teh point of that rule. Obviously, you don't want a forward simply hanging out by the goalie and having teh defense kick long balls to him, but once the ball crosses midfield, anyone should be able to go anywhere. It's not like the defense isn't capable of getting back further to mark them.

 

[Short Corner]

We have to realize that for FIFA to get involved and revamp the way they do things, it has to be considered a widespread problem. I know to most Americans, it looks ridiculous, and when compared to our football, makes the players look like whiny little wimps, but we also have to realize that soccer isn't going to change the way they do things because the U.S. doesn't like it.

I'm assuming that diving didn't just start in the five years that I've been watching soccer.

Diving is a order of magnitude worse in recent years than it was 10-15 years ago.FIFA moves at a glacial pace. They need almost 10 years worth of evidence before they make any changes.

Any chance of them eliminating the offsides rule? At least when the ball is possessed in the offensive end. I never really understood teh point of that rule. Obviously, you don't want a forward simply hanging out by the goalie and having teh defense kick long balls to him, but once the ball crosses midfield, anyone should be able to go anywhere. It's not like the defense isn't capable of getting back further to mark them.

 

[JuniorNB]

We have to realize that for FIFA to get involved and revamp the way they do things, it has to be considered a widespread problem. I know to most Americans, it looks ridiculous, and when compared to our football, makes the players look like whiny little wimps, but we also have to realize that soccer isn't going to change the way they do things because the U.S. doesn't like it.

I'm assuming that diving didn't just start in the five years that I've been watching soccer.

Diving is a order of magnitude worse in recent years than it was 10-15 years ago.FIFA moves at a glacial pace. They need almost 10 years worth of evidence before they make any changes.

Any chance of them eliminating the offsides rule? At least when the ball is possessed in the offensive end. I never really understood teh point of that rule. Obviously, you don't want a forward simply hanging out by the goalie and having teh defense kick long balls to him, but once the ball crosses midfield, anyone should be able to go anywhere. It's not like the defense isn't capable of getting back further to mark them.

Oh, great. Another pair of skivies I won't be able to wear anymore.

 

[Sebowski]

to anyone continuing to harp on the Italian diving while completely ignoring David Villa's Academy Award-nominated performance yesterday.

I didn't think Villa dove that much yesterday. I thought he got tripped up a lot. I don't remember him doing any unnecessary rolling around after he went down. He definitely didn't dive when he got carded.

 

[andy_b]

We have to realize that for FIFA to get involved and revamp the way they do things, it has to be considered a widespread problem. I know to most Americans, it looks ridiculous, and when compared to our football, makes the players look like whiny little wimps, but we also have to realize that soccer isn't going to change the way they do things because the U.S. doesn't like it.

I'm assuming that diving didn't just start in the five years that I've been watching soccer.

Diving is a order of magnitude worse in recent years than it was 10-15 years ago.FIFA moves at a glacial pace. They need almost 10 years worth of evidence before they make any changes.

Any chance of them eliminating the offsides rule?

no. Soccer never had an offside rule in the original rules. It was introduced later after tactics found the midfield play was being totally removed from the game with players camping out in front of the goal.Only one change has been made to the rule. Previously even was off, now even is on.

You would have better luck getting FIFA to allow hands in the center circle than you would to them eliminating the offside rule. Thats not to say they may not tweak it. They have experiments in youth tournaments with no offside inside the 18 but the results were inconclusive. Also the NASL had a 35 yard line in which you could not be offside before it and that worked well but was too much of a change for the world game.

 

[Steve Tasker]

to anyone continuing to harp on the Italian diving while completely ignoring David Villa's Academy Award-nominated performance yesterday.

I didn't think Villa dove that much yesterday. I thought he got tripped up a lot. I don't remember him doing any unnecessary rolling around after he went down. He definitely didn't dive when he got carded.

EhhhIt appears my fantasy football logo of Zidane with his head down and Cannavaro hoisting the World Cup will remain the same for the next two years at least.

 

[Steve Tasker]

We have to realize that for FIFA to get involved and revamp the way they do things, it has to be considered a widespread problem. I know to most Americans, it looks ridiculous, and when compared to our football, makes the players look like whiny little wimps, but we also have to realize that soccer isn't going to change the way they do things because the U.S. doesn't like it.

I'm assuming that diving didn't just start in the five years that I've been watching soccer.

Diving is a order of magnitude worse in recent years than it was 10-15 years ago.FIFA moves at a glacial pace. They need almost 10 years worth of evidence before they make any changes.

Any chance of them eliminating the offsides rule?

no. Soccer never had an offside rule in the original rules. It was introduced later after tactics found the midfield play was being totally removed from the game with players camping out in front of the goal.Only one change has been made to the rule. Previously even was off, now even is on.

You would have better luck getting FIFA to allow hands in the center circle than you would to them eliminating the offside rule. Thats not to say they may not tweak it. They have experiments in youth tournaments with no offside inside the 18 but the results were inconclusive. Also the NASL had a 35 yard line in which you could not be offside before it and that worked well but was too much of a change for the world game.

I like the offsides rule.

 

[LHUCKS]

Soccer is awesome how it is...I might suggest widening the goalposts just a tad, but for the most part I like it how it is.

As for Italy, I hate them too...particularly since the last World Cup.

 

[jonessed]

ESPN Scores With Euro 2008Soccer Event Puts Up Solid Numbers For ESPN2, Deportes, Digital AssetsBy Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 6/20/2008 3:20:00 PMWith the tournament now in the knockout round, ESPN put up a hat trick of solid numbers with its coverage of the group stage of Euro 2008 on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and on the programmer’s various digital properties.Covering the tournament for the first time -- Euro 2004 was available via Setanta on pay-per-view both residentially (a $150 package) and commercially -- ESPN2 through the first 15 matches (June 17) averaged a 0.5 rating, 521,000 households and 655,000 viewers. Those numbers represented gains of 67%, 64% and 81%, respectively over the 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. time period that largely housed a pair of games, according to Nielsen Media Research data. The best match: Spain’s 2-0 win over Sweden drew a 0.9 rating and 1.01 million viewers on June 14.On ESPN Deportes, live Euro 2008 matches averaged a 2.1 Hispanic coverage rating, the equivalent of 74,000 Latino homes, helping the network become the most-watched Spanish-language cable network for the first 11 days of the tourney with a total-day Hispanic coverage rating of a 0.8, said network officials.Digitally, ESPN has also put a few in the back of the ‘Net. Executives said ESPNSoccernet.com averaged more than 1 million daily visitors, an 82% increase in daily visits to the site when compared to the same period during Euro 2004. It has also saw visits rise 216% over June 2007 and page-view advances of 239% and 29%, compared to June 2007 and Euro 2004, respectively. Additionally, the Soccernet mobile WAP site, which launched the first day of the tourney, has attracted more than 500,000 users who have generated more than 5.75 million page views.ESPNdeportes.com is pacing to have its biggest month ever -- on pace for a 139% increase in page views and to break the traffic record set in May.Moreover with ESPN360.com providing live and replay coverage of every match, Euro 2008 has already notched several top 10-live events for the broadband service and is on pace to become its most-watched multi-event, excluding college football and basketball's regular seasons.All of which is making ESPN vice president of programming Scott Guglielmino happy. Although he wouldn’t discuss benchmarks, he did say the company was “very pleased” with results to date. “We have a big commitment to soccer in the U.S. and around the globe. And this event is attracting a lot of interest,” he said. ESPN also has Euro 2008 rights in Canada and Latin America.He said Euro 2008 is in keeping with ESPN’s goal of providing sports fans with coverage of big events on whatever platform they preferred, emphasizing ESPN360.com’s capabilities to deliver matches simultaneously and in archival form.Guglielmino noted the matches on ESPN Deportes are not only proving popular with soccer-centric Hispanics, but the tournament is providing “halo effect” for related studio fare and news programming. “Anything that allows us to overlay our brands and put our talent before audiences is key to helping drive growth,” he said.Guglielmino wouldn’t discuss if ESPN held an option or if it possessed an exclusive negotiating window for a European Football Championships renewal, but did say “we’re always talking to UEFA. We have the Champions League through 2009. I think there is a lot of interest on both sides.”

Gen X was probably the first generation to really grow up playing a lot of soccer. And since that time it seems to be getting more and more popular as they raise their kids. I imagine we will start seeing increased soccer programming as time goes on.

 

[The Z Machine]

I think Russia beats Spain. Say what you will that Spain was more talented than Italy and 'deserved' to win that one. Perhaps, as they did bring the play to the Itallians. However, that's how Italy plays. They keep 7-8 men behind the ball, playing basically with only 1 guy forward, and try to beat you on the counter, or on a set piece. They were missing their two best defenders and most dynamic offensive threat, so they did what they could. Fact is, Spain was ineffective all game long against a mediocre at best Itallian team that did not have the firepower to capitalize against the Spanish mistakes. Russia does. The Russians were a machine in beating the Dutch. They are young and run, run, run, and run some more. They may not have the talent in the midfield to build the attack, but they are strong when given space, and have capable strikers. Arshavin has shown that he can create, and Pavluchenko, Bilyaletdinov and Torbinksi are capable finishers (something the Itallians direly lacked outside of Toni). Spain is good upfront and the midfield, but guys like Sergio Ramos get caught in the attack way too often for my likings. I think in a game that should have a lot more pace, fatigue will become a factor, and I have yet to see the Russians get tired. Spain has the luxury of a deep bench for midfielders, but not so much on defense, so should a Puyel or Marchena tire, this could become a factor. I think this game has the makings of becoming the best in the tourney, should be fast, lots of action, and the Russians are a bit physical, so I'm sure the Spainards will be quite a bit.

It should be a good game, and no doubt that Spain beating them 4-1 in the group stage (and dominating that game from start to finish) plays big in this game. I think that actually gives an edge to Russia as they will have some knowledge of the Spanish team, wanting to prove they belong, and revenge for the drubbing earlier. Spain on tyhe other hand might be looking forward, and past Russia here and thinking about meeting Germany in the final.That said, I think Spain is still the better team, and not by a little bit. They had trouble cracking the Italian defense. True. However, a LOT of teams have trouble cracking that D in major tournies, especially when the Italians are putting 8-9 guys behind the ball. The teamwork and execution of the Italian D in this last game cannot be understated. They rarely had a wrong foot all night, rarely got beat on crosses, and stymied the Spanish attacking through physicality and numbers. Russia won't be able to do that. Spain will have 65% possession of the ball int he next game, and I'm not sure that the Russian D can keep up the resiliency all game against that. Furthermore, while both Spain and Holland have good attacking midfielders and strikers, they play very different games. The Dutch back 4 played very poorly in marking the Russian offensive players on counters. Everyone knew that Holland's back 4 were their weak spot, and IMO Puyol, Ramos, Marchena, and Capdevila are better than them. Senna does the heavy lifting for Spain, and covers the right flank when Ramos pushes up. There's a reason you never see him take a shot closer than 25 yards out.

The Dutch team was one of the oldest team in tourney, and the Russians the youngest. Spain isn't old, and I haven't really seen them tire, and I've never seen Puyol tire in any game. The dude is relentless at the back and doesn't make many mistakes.

it should be a good game, but I think that Spain eeks out a win. If ti goes PKs (which it might), I think Spain has a huge advantage with Iker in the goal.

 

[guru_007]

good post The Z Machine. To be honest, I did not watch the first Spain-Russia game, but have seen the rest of the Spanish games, as well as the last two Russian games. I do certainly agree that Spains back 4 is better than the Netherlands, as the Dutch were really disorganized in the back. I am getting anxious to watch this one, as I do think it's going to be tremendous. I think the talent on the Russian side is pretty good though. I'm not a big fan of Spain to be honest. I like a few of their players, Puyol, Fabregas, Ramos, Capdevilla and Silva and even Villa (when he isn't whining or have that eating crap look on his face) who really made a few nice tackles in the back against Italy. But there are a bunch of primadonas on that team

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I know that it is a yellow card if the ref thinks you're diving on purpose, but it's rarely called. It's a shame that FIFA can't go back afterwards and review films and issue stiff penalties, after the fact.

For me, this is the solution to the problem. Sure it won't change the outcome of the match, but if some oversight board reviews and fines obvious diving, maybe that would make a difference.

Watched last night with two co-workers who don't watch much soccer and they were amazed by the ridiculous diving and "fake hurt" faces. As one guy said, a sport in which you are rewarded for acting like a pansy will never catch on in the US.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Question is, what can soccer do about it? Obviously, it happens more in the big games/tournaments, as more is on the line and players are looking for any edge they can. Unfortunately, those big games are teh ones that are being televised ov er here and a large part of the US audience thinks that this flopping goes on in every professional game. It's a shame, because I've watched entire EPL and MLS games without seeing a single dive. The problem is, maybe 1% of Americans are also watching those games.

I know it won't be a suggestion that most like, but I suggest that if play needs to stop for you and there was no foul called on the play, you must sit out for a couple of minutes.It may curtail diving a bit.

I would do exactly what the NBA is going to do starting next season.Every game will be reviewed on tape and anyone found diving will be fine and/or suspended. It is 1000 times easier to see a dive in slow motion than in real time. Make the penalties high enough and people will stop diving. A very very very rare yellow card for diving is not getting it done.

I don't mind this suggestion, but who are the reviewers and who are the enforcers, FIFA? That's a ton of tape to review.

FIFA is responsible for all FIFA events. It needs to start at FIFA level tournaments and then it can be pushed down to the league to manage for themselves if they find the need. As mentioned earlier, diving is much less an issue in certain leagues than others.It is not as much tape as you think. There is always a FIFA official at every game. That official could simply note the 4 or 5 times in the game that plays need to be reviewed and the reviewers could focus on those games. The review committee should be made up of 3 people (an ex player, an ex ref and one other entity). The decisions should be final and penalties could easily be handed out before the team plays the next game in a tournament setting or in a qualifying setting.If the NBA can do it for every game, I am sure soccer has more than enough resources to do it.

We have to realize that for FIFA to get involved and revamp the way they do things, it has to be considered a widespread problem. I know to most Americans, it looks ridiculous, and when compared to our football, makes the players look like whiny little wimps, but we also have to realize that soccer isn't going to change the way they do things because the U.S. doesn't like it.I'm assuming that diving didn't just start in the five years that I've been watching soccer. And, worldwide, soccer seems to be doing just fine.It's a shame, too, because when you get the occasional NFL fan to tune into a World Cup or Euro Cup game and they see the dive/hold the leg/writhe in pain/stretcher/quick return to the game, it really further justifies their contention that NFL football is for men and soccer is for sissies.

I don't remember diving being that bad as recent as a couple World Cups ago. It's certainly not an entrenched part of the game. I don't mind the rolling around on the field after a foul as much. I'd compare it to a boxer staying down and extending the count as long as possible to rest up. Dudes get tired out there.

The problem is that rolling around on the ground leads to the other team kicking it out of bounds intentionally, ruining a good attack opportunity for the other team. In a sport in which goals are somewhat rare, that has a huge effect on the game.

 

[guru_007]

I know that it is a yellow card if the ref thinks you're diving on purpose, but it's rarely called. It's a shame that FIFA can't go back afterwards and review films and issue stiff penalties, after the fact.

For me, this is the solution to the problem. Sure it won't change the outcome of the match, but if some oversight board reviews and fines obvious diving, maybe that would make a difference.

Watched last night with two co-workers who don't watch much soccer and they were amazed by the ridiculous diving and "fake hurt" faces. As one guy said, a sport in which you are rewarded for acting like a pansy will never catch on in the US.

by the way, the only dive/pained face/etc,... that really disgusted me last night was DiNatale flailing around late in the game. That really pissed me off. Diving/fake injuries is a part of the game, and as a ManU fan, we have the best of the bunch.....but the Dinatale deal should have been red carded :(

 

[Sammy3469]

I know that it is a yellow card if the ref thinks you're diving on purpose, but it's rarely called. It's a shame that FIFA can't go back afterwards and review films and issue stiff penalties, after the fact.

For me, this is the solution to the problem. Sure it won't change the outcome of the match, but if some oversight board reviews and fines obvious diving, maybe that would make a difference.

Watched last night with two co-workers who don't watch much soccer and they were amazed by the ridiculous diving and "fake hurt" faces. As one guy said, a sport in which you are rewarded for acting like a pansy will never catch on in the US.

I always laugh when I read this since there's no faking in say basketball, and football never had to adjust heir rules to limit faking in the last 2 minutes of a game.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I know that it is a yellow card if the ref thinks you're diving on purpose, but it's rarely called. It's a shame that FIFA can't go back afterwards and review films and issue stiff penalties, after the fact.

For me, this is the solution to the problem. Sure it won't change the outcome of the match, but if some oversight board reviews and fines obvious diving, maybe that would make a difference.

Watched last night with two co-workers who don't watch much soccer and they were amazed by the ridiculous diving and "fake hurt" faces. As one guy said, a sport in which you are rewarded for acting like a pansy will never catch on in the US.

I always laugh when I read this since there's no faking in say basketball, and football never had to adjust heir rules to limit faking in the last 2 minutes of a game.

 

[Sammy3469]

Question is, what can soccer do about it? Obviously, it happens more in the big games/tournaments, as more is on the line and players are looking for any edge they can. Unfortunately, those big games are teh ones that are being televised ov er here and a large part of the US audience thinks that this flopping goes on in every professional game. It's a shame, because I've watched entire EPL and MLS games without seeing a single dive. The problem is, maybe 1% of Americans are also watching those games.

I know it won't be a suggestion that most like, but I suggest that if play needs to stop for you and there was no foul called on the play, you must sit out for a couple of minutes.It may curtail diving a bit.

I would do exactly what the NBA is going to do starting next season.Every game will be reviewed on tape and anyone found diving will be fine and/or suspended. It is 1000 times easier to see a dive in slow motion than in real time. Make the penalties high enough and people will stop diving. A very very very rare yellow card for diving is not getting it done.

I don't mind this suggestion, but who are the reviewers and who are the enforcers, FIFA? That's a ton of tape to review.

FIFA is responsible for all FIFA events. It needs to start at FIFA level tournaments and then it can be pushed down to the league to manage for themselves if they find the need. As mentioned earlier, diving is much less an issue in certain leagues than others.It is not as much tape as you think. There is always a FIFA official at every game. That official could simply note the 4 or 5 times in the game that plays need to be reviewed and the reviewers could focus on those games. The review committee should be made up of 3 people (an ex player, an ex ref and one other entity). The decisions should be final and penalties could easily be handed out before the team plays the next game in a tournament setting or in a qualifying setting.If the NBA can do it for every game, I am sure soccer has more than enough resources to do it.

We have to realize that for FIFA to get involved and revamp the way they do things, it has to be considered a widespread problem. I know to most Americans, it looks ridiculous, and when compared to our football, makes the players look like whiny little wimps, but we also have to realize that soccer isn't going to change the way they do things because the U.S. doesn't like it.I'm assuming that diving didn't just start in the five years that I've been watching soccer. And, worldwide, soccer seems to be doing just fine.It's a shame, too, because when you get the occasional NFL fan to tune into a World Cup or Euro Cup game and they see the dive/hold the leg/writhe in pain/stretcher/quick return to the game, it really further justifies their contention that NFL football is for men and soccer is for sissies.

I don't remember diving being that bad as recent as a couple World Cups ago. It's certainly not an entrenched part of the game. I don't mind the rolling around on the field after a foul as much. I'd compare it to a boxer staying down and extending the count as long as possible to rest up. Dudes get tired out there.

The problem is that rolling around on the ground leads to the other team kicking it out of bounds intentionally, ruining a good attack opportunity for the other team. In a sport in which goals are somewhat rare, that has a huge effect on the game.

Yeah and FIFA has basically told refs and tems to keep playing unless a guy is either directly in the line of play or is seriously injured. Spain and the ref (who Gray pointed out several times had no clue what he was doing in these situation) didn't need to stop and shouldn't have.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I know that it is a yellow card if the ref thinks you're diving on purpose, but it's rarely called. It's a shame that FIFA can't go back afterwards and review films and issue stiff penalties, after the fact.

For me, this is the solution to the problem. Sure it won't change the outcome of the match, but if some oversight board reviews and fines obvious diving, maybe that would make a difference.

Watched last night with two co-workers who don't watch much soccer and they were amazed by the ridiculous diving and "fake hurt" faces. As one guy said, a sport in which you are rewarded for acting like a pansy will never catch on in the US.

by the way, the only dive/pained face/etc,... that really disgusted me last night was DiNatale flailing around late in the game. That really pissed me off. Diving/fake injuries is a part of the game, and as a ManU fan, we have the best of the bunch.....but the Dinatale deal should have been red carded

That was the one in particular that lead to the comment. He sees that there is a counterattack by Spain, and fakes being hurt until the Spaniards kicked it out of bounds. Ridiculous. It should be like hockey, play on until the guy down on the ice is in danger (ie, play goes back toward his end). I used to love the sportsmanship of kicking the ball out of bounds, and be proud of explaining it to non-soccer fans. But now when it's done for dives and fake injuries half the time it's embarrassing.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I know that it is a yellow card if the ref thinks you're diving on purpose, but it's rarely called. It's a shame that FIFA can't go back afterwards and review films and issue stiff penalties, after the fact.

For me, this is the solution to the problem. Sure it won't change the outcome of the match, but if some oversight board reviews and fines obvious diving, maybe that would make a difference.

Watched last night with two co-workers who don't watch much soccer and they were amazed by the ridiculous diving and "fake hurt" faces. As one guy said, a sport in which you are rewarded for acting like a pansy will never catch on in the US.

by the way, the only dive/pained face/etc,... that really disgusted me last night was DiNatale flailing around late in the game. That really pissed me off. Diving/fake injuries is a part of the game, and as a ManU fan, we have the best of the bunch.....but the Dinatale deal should have been red carded

That was the one in particular that lead to the comment. He sees that there is a counterattack by Spain, and fakes being hurt until the Spaniards kicked it out of bounds. Ridiculous. It should be like hockey, play on until the guy down on the ice is in danger (ie, play goes back toward his end). I used to love the sportsmanship of kicking the ball out of bounds, and be proud of explaining it to non-soccer fans. But now when it's done for dives and fake injuries half the time it's embarrassing.

To be fair, Villa did this TWICE during regular time, only to immediately get up and start jogging after Italy played the ball out of bounds.They should both have been carded....but not one over the other. Players I've played with have faked injuries late in the game so we can get an extra 2 minute breather after playing for 80-something minutes. Getting 2 minutes to stand around and rest helps immensely late in the game.

 

[jonessed]

I know that it is a yellow card if the ref thinks you're diving on purpose, but it's rarely called. It's a shame that FIFA can't go back afterwards and review films and issue stiff penalties, after the fact.

For me, this is the solution to the problem. Sure it won't change the outcome of the match, but if some oversight board reviews and fines obvious diving, maybe that would make a difference.

Watched last night with two co-workers who don't watch much soccer and they were amazed by the ridiculous diving and "fake hurt" faces. As one guy said, a sport in which you are rewarded for acting like a pansy will never catch on in the US.

I take it they don't watch the NBA either. Talk about a punch of pansies.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

The Dutch team was one of the oldest team in tourney, and the Russians the youngest. Spain isn't old, and I haven't really seen them tire, and I've never seen Puyol tire in any game. The dude is relentless at the back and doesn't make many mistakes.

I agree the Russians absolutely ran the Dutch ragged in that game and that was especially evident in the second half and ET. One thing that plays to the Russians' advantage is that their league games concluded last November (all but one of their national players are in the Russian premier league). Some teams (like Zenit) have had UEFA cup games since then, but for the most part these guys are operating with 4-5 months of rest (outside of the national qualification games and friendlies) and have been practicing and playing together that whole time. I think that factor can be overlooked. Fitness is extremely important in a tournament like the Euro where the first round is packed into 8 days and the knock-out games progress very quickly thereafter. I think the first round of the world cup usually takes about two weeks. Contrast that with a Liga player for one of the big clubs who probably has played over 60 competitive games since September (including league, euro and domestic cups and national qualification games and friendlies) and there is a huge disparity. Even guys in their 20's will break down eventually if not given a month or so to recuperate.

 

[Sammy3469]

I know that it is a yellow card if the ref thinks you're diving on purpose, but it's rarely called. It's a shame that FIFA can't go back afterwards and review films and issue stiff penalties, after the fact.

For me, this is the solution to the problem. Sure it won't change the outcome of the match, but if some oversight board reviews and fines obvious diving, maybe that would make a difference.

Watched last night with two co-workers who don't watch much soccer and they were amazed by the ridiculous diving and "fake hurt" faces. As one guy said, a sport in which you are rewarded for acting like a pansy will never catch on in the US.

by the way, the only dive/pained face/etc,... that really disgusted me last night was DiNatale flailing around late in the game. That really pissed me off. Diving/fake injuries is a part of the game, and as a ManU fan, we have the best of the bunch.....but the Dinatale deal should have been red carded

That was the one in particular that lead to the comment. He sees that there is a counterattack by Spain, and fakes being hurt until the Spaniards kicked it out of bounds. Ridiculous. It should be like hockey, play on until the guy down on the ice is in danger (ie, play goes back toward his end). I used to love the sportsmanship of kicking the ball out of bounds, and be proud of explaining it to non-soccer fans. But now when it's done for dives and fake injuries half the time it's embarrassing.

To be fair, Villa did this TWICE during regular time, only to immediately get up and start jogging after Italy played the ball out of bounds.They should both have been carded....but not one over the other. Players I've played with have faked injuries late in the game so we can get an extra 2 minute breather after playing for 80-something minutes. Getting 2 minutes to stand around and rest helps immensely late in the game.

Yeah, but there's a time and a place for that. Stopping play after a free kick has been given or say a goalie has secured the ball is one thing, but what some of the guys did yesterday is inexcusable.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I know that it is a yellow card if the ref thinks you're diving on purpose, but it's rarely called. It's a shame that FIFA can't go back afterwards and review films and issue stiff penalties, after the fact.

For me, this is the solution to the problem. Sure it won't change the outcome of the match, but if some oversight board reviews and fines obvious diving, maybe that would make a difference.

Watched last night with two co-workers who don't watch much soccer and they were amazed by the ridiculous diving and "fake hurt" faces. As one guy said, a sport in which you are rewarded for acting like a pansy will never catch on in the US.

I take it they don't watch the NBA either. Talk about a punch of pansies.

I haven't watched the NBA since Jordan left, to be honest. No idea if they watch it.

 

[JuniorNB]

I know that it is a yellow card if the ref thinks you're diving on purpose, but it's rarely called. It's a shame that FIFA can't go back afterwards and review films and issue stiff penalties, after the fact.

For me, this is the solution to the problem. Sure it won't change the outcome of the match, but if some oversight board reviews and fines obvious diving, maybe that would make a difference.

Watched last night with two co-workers who don't watch much soccer and they were amazed by the ridiculous diving and "fake hurt" faces. As one guy said, a sport in which you are rewarded for acting like a pansy will never catch on in the US.

I take it they don't watch the NBA either. Talk about a punch of pansies.

I haven't watched the NBA since Jordan left, to be honest. No idea if they watch it.

Well, believe me, I've long been a defender of soccer on this board, and I'll continue to defend it, but there's a huge difference between the guys in basketball flopping to get a charge call, and the soccer players flopping anf rolling around. Once the NBA player doesn't get the call, he's back on his feet and back in the action. You don't see basketball player (except Paul Pierce, maybe) faking an injury and putting on a show five minutes after the no-call.I think the no-subbing rule in soccer has a lot to do with it. Like a few of you have said, once the player realizes he didn't get the call, quite a few of them are using teh opportunity to get a breather.

 

[jonessed]

I know that it is a yellow card if the ref thinks you're diving on purpose, but it's rarely called. It's a shame that FIFA can't go back afterwards and review films and issue stiff penalties, after the fact.

For me, this is the solution to the problem. Sure it won't change the outcome of the match, but if some oversight board reviews and fines obvious diving, maybe that would make a difference.

Watched last night with two co-workers who don't watch much soccer and they were amazed by the ridiculous diving and "fake hurt" faces. As one guy said, a sport in which you are rewarded for acting like a pansy will never catch on in the US.

I take it they don't watch the NBA either. Talk about a punch of pansies.

I haven't watched the NBA since Jordan left, to be honest. No idea if they watch it.

Well, believe me, I've long been a defender of soccer on this board, and I'll continue to defend it, but there's a huge difference between the guys in basketball flopping to get a charge call, and the soccer players flopping anf rolling around. Once the NBA player doesn't get the call, he's back on his feet and back in the action. You don't see basketball player (except Paul Pierce, maybe) faking an injury and putting on a show five minutes after the no-call.I think the no-subbing rule in soccer has a lot to do with it. Like a few of you have said, once the player realizes he didn't get the call, quite a few of them are using teh opportunity to get a breather.

It's not so much the faking of injuries or fouls. It's really just how pathetic the overall NBA game has become. They pull out all of the stops to protect the stars and end up with a game with no clear set of rules, 50+ fouls, constant game stoppage, and players complaining about ticky-tack crap.As with soccer, it's not really the players that are pansies, but the way the sports have progressed (at the professional level). People will take advantage of what they are given.

 

[Alias]

Russia over Spain (3-1)

Germany over Turkey (2-0)

Russia over Germany (1-0)

 

[The Z Machine]

Russia over Spain (3-1)Germany over Turkey (2-0)Russia over Germany (1-0)

Laughable. I assume you're putting a ton on Russia -0.5 then in this next game. You'll be getting some good odds there.

 

[Alias]

Russia over Spain (3-1)Germany over Turkey (2-0)Russia over Germany (1-0)

Laughable. I assume you're putting a ton on Russia -0.5 then in this next game. You'll be getting some good odds there.

You can't always go with the favorites