with these calls in the world cup

[simpleton]

"Even without the penalty kick today the US would only have tied--and still been out."

Not so fast, Puccini. The entire style of play would have differed dramatically in the second half if Ghana needed a score. As a result of the penalty kick, Ghana went into a defensive posture and did quite a bit of time killing and stalling. Your comment would be the same as a basketball player scolding himself for missing a first quarter free throw and saying he caused the defeat becasue his team lost by one.

 

[Woody0]

the refs where NOT going to let USA get to the second round that was a given

Sorry Dante, the ref got some of the $15,000,000 so your commission will be accordingly reduced. :nopityA:

 

[Puccini]

"Even without the penalty kick today the US would only have tied--and still been out."

Not so fast, Puccini. The entire style of play would have differed dramatically in the second half if Ghana needed a score. As a result of the penalty kick, Ghana went into a defensive posture and did quite a bit of time killing and stalling. Your comment would be the same as a basketball player scolding himself for missing a first quarter free throw and saying he caused the defeat becasue his team lost by one.

 

[Puccini]

That's a totally valid point, simpleton.

But I just get tired of people whining about the officiating whenever things don't go their way. The bottom line is that the US just didn't play well enough in the first round to advance--unfortunately.

 

[PokerKingJim]

That's a totally valid point, simpleton.

But I just get tired of people whining about the officiating whenever things don't go their way. The bottom line is that the US just didn't play well enough in the first round to advance--unfortunately.

I agree. US had their chances and just didn't get it done. My condemnation is on the officating and style of play in general. Way too much diving, way too many fouls called, way too many cards given out. Too much of the refs controlling games - same complaints I have against the NFL and NBA

 

[Puccini]

The flopping is definitely unattractive, no doubt about it.

I was talking to my father, who is in his mid-80's and grew up in Scotland, and he says the game is much more violent now than it was when he was growing up (he blames the Italians).

It used to be a gentleman's game, he said, which reminded me of a saying I heard when in England about 30 years ago. Something along the lines of "Soccer is a game played by gentlemen and watched by hooligans while rugby is a game played by hooligans and watched by gentlemen."

Maybe this is outdated. Is soccer still played by gentlemen? ha, ha...