SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums College, Pro & International Soccer World Cup Semis

dudeman,
I heartily concur with your feelings about the 'theatrics of soccer'. But what can be done about it? It is obviously widely accepted internationally and you don't see it in the states. The international players don't complain about it, because all teams do it. I have never seen a card shown internationally for 'faking an injury', and only a few times for a dive. It can only be controlled by refs giving a caution for unsporting behavior. But they never will at the international level. Some posters like to 'poke fun' at the best ref in SC, Beiber. But if he was in center during an international game with 'theatrics', the cards would be shown in the first 5 mins.

From Bill Simmons at ESPN.com:

quote:

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8. Everyone makes fun of the flopping, and it is hideous, but it's also funny as hell. These guys drop like they were gunned down by a sniper, then they roll around for 10 seconds in absolute agony, heroically hop up and limp around to "shake it off," and within 30 seconds they're running full speed again. Even Ric Flair didn't sell pain so well. More important, it's the one thing that will keep soccer from ever, ever, ever becoming a bona fide force in this country. Americans won't stomach such dishonesty. We see right through it. No way Dwyane Wade pulls that crap; we'd never allow it. OK, bad example.

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Why I love the World Cup

To L-E Dude, I've seen every minute of all 62 matches, some top matches twice. Today's Portugal actions were, by far, the worst.

2004striker is correct. Unfortunately, it's part of the game in alot of cultures. But it is getting better.

I think if a guy stays down and needs to leave the field then his return should be delayed and controlled by the fourth official. That would control things some, however, the bottom line is we need to realize it's improving, it's the sport for now and you have a choice to watch it or not.

FIFA carded this World Cup and the Youth National Team Championships (last summer) very heavily (at least until Ivanov).

I remember watching the matches last summer.. and just amazed as refs dished out cards if a player just TOUCHED a ball after a foul was called. At first, I didn't like this.. but in retrospect..I think it's good.

FIFA is the governming body of soccer in the world. They influence ALL clubs and leagues in some way or another.

Are you saying they can't do anything to clean up the game?

Not that this will ever happen, but what would you say to FIFA reviewing tapes and anyone who flagrantly made a dive, over acted and 'flicked' a card on an opponent is given a post game red for cheating? Results would have to stand as far as the game, but blatant cheating would have a risk. Like I said, it will never happen but it might restore the cherished 'spirit of the game".

Try this:

1) Video (but the argument is referees are being undermined and questioned)

2) Assistant referees with more power

3) Players "carried off" have a delayed return that is monitored by the 4th official (5 minutes?) That would hinder some as well.

I don't agree with diving but accept it's part of the game, like it or not. It has gotten better in the last few years.

If they can suspend Frings for "punching" Cruz after Arg/Ger went final ..that is certainly not outside the realm of possibility.

Perhaps that is JUST what needs to be done.

Beezer: Finally! Something we can agree on!

Whatever it takes, to stop 'theatrical play' needs to be done. Since it is so prevalent internationally (not in MLS, college, etc.), it would have to be handled by FIFA. But hopefully they would not go overboard like they did with the ref instructions on fouls this year. This would have been a great Cup to address the 'theatrics' issue, rather than the fouls issue. One way to address the fake injuries would be to not stop play if the ball is out of the 'injured area', and not stop play until a team kicks it out on purpose or at the next normal stoppage of play. I may be mistaken, but there are probably only a certain few players who consistently play the 'theatrics' game. Those players could be warned informally by FIFA to clean it up or face disciplinary actions off the field, in addition to being watched closely by the fourth official during matches.

Sorry.. I know we made all this progress. But I just found this and had to post it. Cheers.

Secret Italian Training Session