Just give the ref an earpiece and have a 5th official watching video replays constantly. Then the 5th official just tells the ref what the right call was when he gets that information, no need to stop play or wait for play to stop. I honestly think they could get the right call on the vast majority of fouls/dives, goals, and PKs with minimal impact to the game. Test it out on some u-20 tournaments first. Or friendlies.
The other argument – I’m not saying I endorse it, but it is an argument that FIFA at least pretends to take seriously – is that (except for variable substitution rules) the Rules of The Game are the same for World Cup matches and junior high rec leagues, and FIFA doesn’t want to screw with that remarkable consistency. It might seem like pure obstinancy (and maybe is partly), but you can’t deny that one of the two big reasons soccer/football is the world’s most popular sport is that the game is essentially the same as skill levels move from middle school children to top professional leagues to 40+ rec leagues. Again, I don’t agree, but it is an argument.
Rec leagues don’t have that goal line detection technology.
Right. The rules of the game can be the same at all levels, but be enforced more dependably and more accurately at higher levels. I think that’s a pretty spurious argument.
Just about kickoff time in the group of death. Meanwhile, in group C Japan beat Ecuador as expected (although only 1-0), and Cameroon came from behind to upset Switzerland 2-1 to go through as the #2 team. Switzerland is stuck with only 3 points but has a massive goal differential on their side, so if any 3-pointer makes it through it will be them.
US is looking strong, like it’s only a matter of time until they put one in.
…and just as I say that they put one in.
…and called back for offsides.
Still, the US team is out for blood, even though they’re already through to the next round.
Abby finally gets a goal right before halftime, US goes into the locker room up 1-0 looking strong (although not dominant).
Sweden-Australia looking quite evenly matched, 1-1 at the half.
We really miss our Swedish coach. American coaches just arent good enough in international soccer.
That red pretty much closes the game out, no?
US takes the group, gets a 3rd place team yet to be determined. Sweden might be done with the tie against Australia, and wouldn’t that be something? The 5th-ranked team in the world going home?
That’s why they called it the Group of Death.
“Advance, Australia fair”
Jill Ellis is from the UK. But I guess she’s really an American coach if you think about it.
I just watch the O’s game and I’m a little amped so my post was poorly thought out really.
I stand corrected. We need a Jurgen Klinsman with a vagina. And more hair.
I think we already have one ;). Underperforming and playing a more defensive style? Check.
Yes, I’m really not a fan of JK. He’s no Bruce Arena. And Ellis is not that good of a coach either.
You werent impressed with last weeks USMNT wins? Klinsman is also trying to reform the entire soccer infrastructure in this country. Maybe only an outsider can do it. He also seems to get some great results with players that arent playing on the best teams or the best leagues in the world.
Klinnsman has very little control over the soccer infrastructure in this country. Even if the USSF ran everything, which it doesn’t, the lion’s share of player development would be done by amateur clubs. MLS would come second. Don Garber has had a thousand times more influence on soccer in this country than Klinnsman will ever have. His biggest legacy will be recruiting dual citizens, I think.
As for the friendlies, yeah it’s nice, the but the US beat World Champion’s Spain in an actual competition under Bradley. Why weight these meaningless games more?
Anyone that thought bringing Brad Davis to a WC over Landon Donovan can’t be that great of a coach.
Sweden may still make it, depending on how the games go today, right now it is tied with Netherlands for the second spot on the third placers. Switzerland is about the only team that is assured an advance, unless someone can beat the 7 goals differential in the matches tonight, which would mean the teams remaining to make about 8 goals at least.
And again, this is why it is good to add more groups (even if they seem weaker) to the pool.
Friendlies arent meaningless. Ask Italy.
You underestimate Klinnsman
We need him much more than we need Garber. Bradley is a decent coach but thats it. He doesnt have the drive or gravitas to bring greatness to the USMNT.
German legendary striker Oliver Bierhoff would also disagree with you
Netherlands has four points so outranks both SWE and SWI, yes? Right now it is Netherlands, then Switzerland, then Sweden, then Thailand among the third place teams.
Sweden can still make it if the Spain-Korea game ends in a tie or if Brazil beats Costa Rica…either way the Swedes would outrank Thailand and whoever finishes third in Brazil’s group. Top four advance.