Even soccer fans and officials agree that settling a game with penalty kicks is not the best, but there is no other satisfactory way. Due to the physical limits of the players being reached at the end of 120 minutes added extra time would be a disaster, thus we settle for penalty kicks. As Winston Churchill said about democracy, it might not be the best system, but it is better than the alternatives.
Instead of penalty kicks, I would like to se the number of players reduced every ten minutes in the overtime. If there is no score to breakl a tie by the end of the first ten minutes of over or extra time, each team must take one player off the field. If no tie breaker by the end of the second ten minutes, another player from each team must leave the field, etc. When the game is down to six or seven per side, I guarantee there would be a break in the tie and made in play not penalty kicks.
I’d like to see them have unlimited substitutions, until somebody scores in Extra time.
If the NHL can do it in the playoffs, I don’t see why soccer can’t.
The quality of the athletes is magnificent! Football is a sport that emphasizes physical exertion, self-control and the ability to work with your teammates to score.
Andre Schurrle made a brilliant pass to Mario Goetze who got the job done in an understated fashion. No one on the Argentine side thought to check him and its in those unguarded moments when the critical difference between victory and defeat is brought into view.
A 22 year old young substitute player being in the limelight is special, indeed. Football is full of astonishing surprises. That is surely part of the appeal of the beautiful game and why its the world’s most popular sport.
The Germans have the best football team in the world and this final will be studied for years to come as a textbook example in how to win. Germany embodied stamina, shrewdness, cunning and grace. And its been a truly memorable end to a great tournament.
Back in the day, if there was no winner after 120 minutes, there would be a replay a couple of days later. I’d favor a golden goal after 120 minutes; the way God intended.