[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.

[rb22982]

I hate it as much as they do. I hated my teammates that did it growing up and always made fun of them in practice. It wasn't nearly the problem on my premier club team or my varsity soccer team though that I have witnessed in this World Cup. I don't think the 2002 WC was even half this bad, although I wasn't able to see nearly as many WC games in 2002 as this year due to work.

They understand what you said. We all just think its very unsportsman like.

[rb22982]

One other note: They didn't think the US Soccer team was bad at diving + acting so maybe they will continue to support the US team.