All I know is that when a NFL player is carried off the field on a stretcher, he's going to the hospital. Can you give us a figure of the number of players carried of in the World Cup that indeed were admitted to a German Hospital?
I fail to understand why anybody would give two hoots about soccer. I tried to watch a little of the World Cup. But, Christmas on a Cracker!!!!!!!!
They are many problems with soccer and why it will never catch on in the US.
1. Not enough goal scoring.
Every player can not use their hands, well, except for the guy who is standing in front of the goal. What the? This comes across to most Americans as inherently unfair. Everyone play by the same rules. And if you insist on using your hands, take those girlie gloves off keeper, you look like Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady".
2. Faking injuries.
Players go to the ground at the slightest contact or perceived contact. They then proceed to roll around the ground in agony. A stretcher is summoned and they are carted off. How many of these "injuries" require a visit to the hospital? Can any red blooded American really picture Shaquile O'Neal or Derek Jeter being carted off the field on a stretcher after being kicked? No "F'ing" way as John Kerry would say.
3. The "wall" on free kicks.
Hey ladies, why do you cover you nuts? Go get a cup, be freaking man for once! If you get hit it might sting for a minute, but suck it up. I swear in one game I saw a Frenchman, cover his groin with one hand and his breasts with the other.
4. Yellow and Red Cards.
Is there anything more emasculating than seeing a 50 year old man in shorts skipping up to a player and waving little card in his face? This looks like something a Hall Monitor would do in elementary school. If there is a foul, put the player in a penalty box, or let the player who was fouled one free shot to knee the opponnent in the nuts.
5. Its zero not nil. What do you think think this is, England?
No actually I agree with much of what you said. I'm merely talking about the strategy required to play the game well. I am learning to enjoy watching it however as well despite it's problems.
2. Faking injuries - Diving is weak. FIFA was supposed to clamp down on that this year, but have not so far. Ghana effectively shut down the game in the US match near the 70th minute. I personally don't like to see this behavior, but it's considered strategy by some.
3. The "wall" on free kicks. - It's a defensive posture to prevent a goal. A 90mph soccer ball to your nuts won't be stopped by a cup. If you get tatooed by a free kick in 30deg weather, you know it's tougher to stand there than it looks.
4. Yellow and Red Cards. - Similar to throwing a flag in football. It's just a method to manage the game, though it can be very controversial as the ref has absolute authority. I believe some of the refs who were liberal with cards will no longer participate in FIFA matches.