LOL - that sounds like fans of the NFL, and the NBA for that matter. Everyone wishes the refs didn't have such an impact on the games (unless it's in our favor; then, it was an obviously correct call.) I guess it's like that everywhere in every sport.

 

As an semi-uneducated soccer observer (can't say I'm a fan, as I only watch during World Cup sessions) I'm wondering if the faking and flopping is taught or is it learned as kids come up through the ranks. I've really enjoyed the WC games - sorry - matches I've seen, but some of these guys act as if they where shot by a sniper if anyone breathes on them.

 

And the clock continuing to run while players complain to the refs is really hard getting used to. But still, very enjoyable.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D9ukFU...-NNp-Yzd7A

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Is Dempsey the only guy in the tournament whose shown some actual blood spewing from getting hurt? If so, 'Murrica.

Jermaine Jones showed some blood when he broke his nose against Germany. 

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Jermaine Jones showed some blood when he broke his nose against Germany. 

 

Yes, and the funny thing is that our players are getting their noses broken and not even going down.  Meanwhile, the Europeans are flopping all over the place with imaginary contact.  Actually, let me expand that to Asia as well as I watched a Japan game and had to turn if off when they were falling all over the place.  Totally takes away from an otherwise very good sport.

 

MY QUESTION IS THIS:  Does this flopping go on when Manchester United plays Chelsea and when Real Madrid plays thier games or is this specific to the World Cup ?  I can't imagine watching local teams on a routine basis doing this.  Hopefully those leagues are more legit. 

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Yes, and the funny thing is that our players are getting their noses broken and not even going down.  Meanwhile, the Europeans are flopping all over the place with imaginary contact.  Actually, let me expand that to Asia as well as I watched a Japan game and had to turn if off when they were falling all over the place.  Totally takes away from an otherwise very good sport.

 

MY QUESTION IS THIS:  Does this flopping go on when Manchester United plays Chelsea and when Real Madrid plays thier games or is this specific to the World Cup ?  I can't imagine watching local teams on a routine basis doing this.  Hopefully those leagues are more legit. 

 

Flopping is universal, even in the US. However, MLS has taken steps to fine players, and subsequently it is known as a very physical league.

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To make that call in the 92nd minute while 5 Mexican defenders were lined up ready to make the steal and/or block a shot is terrible.   Referees have enough common sense here in the US to know when to make a call and when to swallow your whistle.  There's a toughness in the US that doesn't translate to the world of Soccer as it is played today.  I don't blame the players, I blame the Commissioners of the Organization & Leagues for not changing the FLOP System that you all have.

 

Once again; surroundings and situation are irrelevant. If the referee believes a player was fouled inside the box he has no choice but to award a penalty.

 

And at least soccer doesn't blatantly change the rules in favor of the offense like the NFL has done over the past decade.

 

Yes, and the funny thing is that our players are getting their noses broken and not even going down.  Meanwhile, the Europeans are flopping all over the place with imaginary contact.  Actually, let me expand that to Asia as well as I watched a Japan game and had to turn if off when they were falling all over the place.  Totally takes away from an otherwise very good sport.

 

MY QUESTION IS THIS:  Does this flopping go on when Manchester United plays Chelsea and when Real Madrid plays thier games or is this specific to the World Cup ?  I can't imagine watching local teams on a routine basis doing this.  Hopefully those leagues are more legit. 

 

A: Many European players have played through similar injuries. Here's Huntelaar playing with a mask to protect a broken nose.

B: Jones received extensive treatment on the field for his nose so "not even going down" isn't exactly an accurate description.

C: Diving isn't about injury or a players toughness.

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Like most Americans, I don't know if I have a slight interest in soccer after the World Cup -- I would change my mine if I have access to the Champions League games -- but it has been two very entertaining weeks. I found myself watching a lot more soccer than I thought I would. Having said that, in order for me to give my full appreciation for the game, they HAVE to do something about floppings/divings. I hate to see games decided by players flopping and get a penalty kick.

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I'm pretty sure this is a photoshop but still:

 

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Once again; surroundings and situation are irrelevant. If the referee believes a player was fouled inside the box he has no choice but to award a penalty.

And it is this reason that players will always flop.

And at least soccer doesn't blatantly change the rules in favor of the offense like the NFL has done over the past decade.

Im pretty sure flopping is already favoring the advancing players enough in soccer. We don't care if soccer change their rules so that we can see more goals, we just don't want see people flop.


Having watched this World Cup, I at least understand why it is a beautiful game, but there's no way I can appreciate all that soccer has to offer when I see a player biting another player then he fell to the ground holding his jaw as if someone punched him in the mouth.

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Robben could have played through that foul. He ws more intent on flopping and drawing the pk then he trying to be an athlete and playing through minimal contact and making a play on his own. It is "part of the game" in soccer, and I understand that, it just rubs me wrong way personally.

 

I watch the EPL, MLS, and lots of international level soccer and that is my one main gripe.

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TravC59, aka JacksJags. @TravC59 on Twitter
;
; "This is really good, you want a bite, Honey?"

Robben could have played through that foul. He ws more intent on flopping and drawing the pk then he trying to be an athlete and playing through minimal contact and making a play on his own. It is "part of the game" in soccer, and I understand that, it just rubs me wrong way personally.

 

I watch the EPL, MLS, and lots of international level soccer and that is my one main gripe.

You trying to turn on a dime and pushing off with someone standing on your foot. 

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You trying to turn on a dime and pushing off with someone standing on your foot. 

Foot was never stepped on. Defender stepped across and made contact at ankle/just below shin.

 

Even if he stepped on his foot, I have seen better fight through more "adversity" at 8U soccer.

 

And come to think of it, I played football for 16 years. I cut on a dime with someone holding me, or stepping on my foot numerous times.

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TravC59, aka JacksJags. @TravC59 on Twitter
;
; "This is really good, you want a bite, Honey?"

I at least give Robben a teensy bit of credit for coming out and apologizing for the dive, even though he did say he was fouled (which I do agree).

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TravC59, aka JacksJags. @TravC59 on Twitter
;
; "This is really good, you want a bite, Honey?"

Ohh right, apologize after his team won from his flopping. I'm not sure why soccer fans are trying to defend the floppings. We like the game; we just HATE the flops.

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Ohh right, apologize after his team won from his flopping. I'm not sure why soccer fans are trying to defend the floppings. We like the game; we just HATE the flops.

I don't think anyone has really defended his dive on here

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TravC59, aka JacksJags. @TravC59 on Twitter
;
; "This is really good, you want a bite, Honey?"

Foot was never stepped on. Defender stepped across and made contact at ankle/just below shin.

 

Even if he stepped on his foot, I have seen better fight through more "adversity" at 8U soccer.

 

And come to think of it, I played football for 16 years. I cut on a dime with someone holding me, or stepping on my foot numerous times.

Football and soccer aren't the same. In football you don't need your legs to control the ball meaning you can shift your weight much more efficiently. If soccer players played like football players they'd wouldn't be able to control a single pass or shot. 

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I at least give Robben a teensy bit of credit for coming out and apologizing for the dive, even though he did say he was fouled (which I do agree).

He didn't apologize for the foul with the penalty. He apologized for going to the ground in the first half when he wasn't touched. Different play altogether. 

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Football and soccer aren't the same. In football you don't need your legs to control the ball meaning you can shift your weight much more efficiently. If soccer players played like football players they'd wouldn't be able to control a single pass or shot. 

It's very much similar, I played soccer for 10 years as well. It's all about body control, and more importantly want to.

 

Also, that doesn't change the fact that his foot Wasn't stepped on.

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TravC59, aka JacksJags. @TravC59 on Twitter
;
; "This is really good, you want a bite, Honey?"

You sir must be in excellent shape, I get winded watching these guys.

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You sir must be in excellent shape, I get winded watching these guys.

You talking to me......?

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TravC59, aka JacksJags. @TravC59 on Twitter
;
; "This is really good, you want a bite, Honey?"

It's very much similar, I played soccer for 10 years as well. It's all about body control, and more importantly want to.

 

Also, that doesn't change the fact that his foot Wasn't stepped on.

Wasn't stepped on.

 

 

<div>
Here it is clear as day; contact from the Mexican defender without playing the ball:

 

<a class="bbc_url" href='http://storeimgs.net/img-53b06c799807a.html'></a>

 
Apparently Robben has tiny feet that stop abruptly roughly two inches from his shin. 
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