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World Cup Predictions?
27 Jun 2010 19:01 #19554
by lfan
Replied by lfan on topic Re: World Cup Predictions?
With all due respect to the soccer purists here, this World Cup has shown me anything BUT a beautiful game. I get on the World Cup bandwagon every 4 years and admire and really dig the artistry and unbelievable skills these players have, that part is truly beautiful.
But the argument of being a "beautiful game" breaks down when these skillful players try to supplement their soccer skills with acting skills, taking fall after fall, its disgraceful and kind of pussy-ish if you ask me. I'm sure people will say its part of the game, but that 'part of the game' is stupid! Yes, yes, yes....I realize it happens in basketball too (where Kobe has never missed a shot where he didn't get fouled
), but the fact that a soccer game hinges on so few 'moments' of opportunity. You don't wanna slow down the game? Stop faking so many fouls (or writhing on the ground in agony for 4 mins only to pop right back up and sprint like nothing happened)
The other un-beautiful thing of this Cup has been the calls made (or not made) from Day 1 -- no team apparently immune after England's royal shaft today. Again, there are so few opportunitites, these mistakes by refs are determining the fate of games and the entire tournament. FIFA, you cannot 'taint' your game with instant replay any more than your refs have the past two weeks.....
ElF
But the argument of being a "beautiful game" breaks down when these skillful players try to supplement their soccer skills with acting skills, taking fall after fall, its disgraceful and kind of pussy-ish if you ask me. I'm sure people will say its part of the game, but that 'part of the game' is stupid! Yes, yes, yes....I realize it happens in basketball too (where Kobe has never missed a shot where he didn't get fouled
), but the fact that a soccer game hinges on so few 'moments' of opportunity. You don't wanna slow down the game? Stop faking so many fouls (or writhing on the ground in agony for 4 mins only to pop right back up and sprint like nothing happened)The other un-beautiful thing of this Cup has been the calls made (or not made) from Day 1 -- no team apparently immune after England's royal shaft today. Again, there are so few opportunitites, these mistakes by refs are determining the fate of games and the entire tournament. FIFA, you cannot 'taint' your game with instant replay any more than your refs have the past two weeks.....
ElF
But I think those who are not frequent Soccer watchers will just have to accept the free-flowing nature of the game means it will never be as precise as NFL, Baseball, Cricket, etc. It's probably because of the sport's unpredictability that we call it the beautiful game, after all.
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29 Jun 2010 22:26 #19596
by five_red
With regard to the diving, as I'm sure you already know this is something most fans around the World detest. It certainly is not seen as being just part of the game, but is considered cheating. Indeed one of the world's most talented players, who plays his international games for the Ivory Coast, is widely disliked specifically because he is suspected of frequent 'simulation', as the game calls it. Because of this he's never got the recognition he deserves -- he could have been a hero, but most fans consider him a villain.
With the regard to video replays, stopping the game to check a replay to see if the game should have been stopped has an obvious flaw -- FIFA has been evaluating technology which can automatically (and instantly) tell when a ball has crossed the line, but has been sluggish to say the least at bringing it to fruition. Ultimately there are technological solutions within reach for some of the game's issues, but FIFA are far too conservative.
A lot of the skill and beauty of the game comes from the fact that it is free flowing, low scoring and unpredictable. Inherently, therefore, you can't stop to check every decision -- judgements have to be make instantly. Technology can assist (and should be used when it can, FIFA!!!), but ultimately it comes down to this: you can have a spontaneous game, or you can have 100% refereeing perfection, but you can't have both.
Replied by five_red on topic Re: World Cup Predictions?
With all due respect to the soccer purists here, this World Cup has shown me anything BUT a beautiful game. I get on the World Cup bandwagon every 4 years and admire and really dig the artistry and unbelievable skills these players have, that part is truly beautiful.
With regard to the diving, as I'm sure you already know this is something most fans around the World detest. It certainly is not seen as being just part of the game, but is considered cheating. Indeed one of the world's most talented players, who plays his international games for the Ivory Coast, is widely disliked specifically because he is suspected of frequent 'simulation', as the game calls it. Because of this he's never got the recognition he deserves -- he could have been a hero, but most fans consider him a villain.
With the regard to video replays, stopping the game to check a replay to see if the game should have been stopped has an obvious flaw -- FIFA has been evaluating technology which can automatically (and instantly) tell when a ball has crossed the line, but has been sluggish to say the least at bringing it to fruition. Ultimately there are technological solutions within reach for some of the game's issues, but FIFA are far too conservative.
A lot of the skill and beauty of the game comes from the fact that it is free flowing, low scoring and unpredictable. Inherently, therefore, you can't stop to check every decision -- judgements have to be make instantly. Technology can assist (and should be used when it can, FIFA!!!), but ultimately it comes down to this: you can have a spontaneous game, or you can have 100% refereeing perfection, but you can't have both.
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