[FostersExport]

“When you ask an American why he doesn't like the game you'll invariably hear it's because of all the diving and playacting.”

They're wrong about the low scores being bad but the fact is the Americans and Australians have a point when they cite the amount of diving. It winds me up too.

[lainie]

When I first started watching the game, I hated the diving and acting. Now, I don't *like* it, but I understand more of how it's part of the game. The over-the-top players are still aggravating, but people need to remind themselves that there are times when a bit of acting helps make a call that wouldn't otherwise get made, deservedly in your favor. Also, there are times when the ref makes a poor decision, then later is inclined to cut you a break to make up for it...but not if you don't "ask" for it. There's more finesse going on, usually. The team also uses the break to grab a drink of water, catch their breath, all that sort of thing. It's not always cut-and-dried "oh they're such babies, what a bunch of sissies." Though some certainly are. :-) rb, if you could try to explain this to your friends, perhaps they can give it another try. Maybe they'll get lucky and find a classy team which will demonstrate the situations better and more honorably.