For all the World cup fans, especially those that are critical of diving

France & Italy Among The Leaders In World Cup Soccer "Bad Behaviour" Pool
Friday July 7, 2006
When it comes to bad conduct at the World Cup, one British company suspects Foul Play.
A U.K. software firm has put together the list of the teams who've misbehaved the most at the planet's biggest soccer tournament and if the results are any indication, referees will have their hands full this Sunday.

Staff at I.B.I. used so-called 'alternative' stats captured from the 2006 Cup to make their rankings. They assigned points for fake dives, feigned injuries, on field tantrums, the intimidation of officials and the number of red and yellow cards handed out, to arrive at their final results.

And among the winners - or should that be losers? - are the two teams who will battle it out for the final prize this weekend.

Italy was cited as the country that took the most dives (32), while France leads the tourney in tantrums (28).

Both teams tied with Croatia and Portugal for most attempts at intimidating officials at five, but Croatia technically wins that round because it only played in three games.

Paraguay was the leader in fake injuries with 12, while Serbia and Montenegro had the most players who refused to sing the national anthem (31).

The I.B.I. Foul Play Index adds all the offences and divides it by the number of games each squad played. That makes Paraguay the spoil sport champ with 45, followed by World Cup contenders Italy at 40.

France ties with host Germany, Switzerland and Togo for 14th at 26.

The nicest of the nice wound up with a final number of 14. The country? Trinidad and Tobago. Runners-up Brazil, Costa Rica and Sweden had 15 and the U.S. finished with 16.

The tongue-in-cheek survey may just go to show that nice guys really do finish last.

But on Sunday, one of the not-always-so nice will wind up way ahead of that.

:sarcasm: Yes, the Portuguese are the biggest divers :shakehead

I wanna see someone refute this

http://www.informationbuilders.co.uk/ontheball/wcuk.htm

I think that's the source

http://www.informationbuilders.co.uk/ontheball/wcuk.htm

I think that's the source

Yep that's it, funny thing is everyone in here was saying how clean the Italians had been in the tourney. And only the Portuguese through tantrums and go complain to the ref :sarcasm:

Portugal

Diving: 2nd
Tantrums: 2nd
Bullying referee: 1st
Fake injury: 3rd

You actually posted that link as defense of the Portugese?

Portugal

Diving: 2nd
Tantrums: 2nd
Bullying referee: 1st
Fake injury: 3rd

You actually posted that link as defense of the Portugese?

Tied for first with France,Italy and Croatia with Croatia getting deafult first for playing less games.

Yet I thought the French and Italians were so clean and Portugal was by far the worst in all these categories :sarcasm: . Looks like it was bias against the Portuguese

I wanna see a couple of Aussie and U.S posters eat crow

Tied for first with France,Italy and Croatia with Croatia getting deafult first for playing less games.

Yet I thought the French and Italians were so clean and Portugal was by far the worst in all these categories :sarcasm: . Looks like it was bias against the Portuguese

Italians have a clean reputation? Riiiiight. Even people who don't follow soccer know Italians have a reputation as divers.

Anyone on this board who thinks the Italians have a "clean" reputation when it comes to diving/faking etc... is sorely misguided.

And again, how does this make Portugal look good? They are near the top in nearly every category.

As for France, they have a lot of players who can play rough and commmit hard fouls. And guys like Henry do complain to the ref a lot but in terms of diving and faking injuries they are nowhere near Italy and Portugal.

I've started to notice that you tend to blow things way out of proportions in your posts. (3000 yards for R. Williams for example) I'm sure there are some posters who think Portugal are "by far" the worst, which is untrue. However, most posters will agree that they are among the worst and I don't see why you have to try and deny this.

Italians have a clean reputation? Riiiiight. Even people who don't follow soccer know Italians have a reputation as divers.

Anyone on this board who thinks the Italians have a "clean" reputation when it comes to diving/faking etc... is sorely misguided.

And again, how does this make Portugal look good? They are near the top in nearly every category.

As for France, they have a lot of players who can play rough and commmit hard fouls. And guys like Henry do complain to the ref a lot but in terms of diving and faking injuries they are nowhere near Italy and Portugal.

I've started to notice that you tend to blow things way out of proportions in your posts. (3000 yards for R. Williams for example) I'm sure there are some posters who think Portugal are "by far" the worst, which is untrue. However, most posters will agree that they are among the worst and I don't see why you have to try and deny this.

I thought Ricky could gain 3000 yards and probably would have a decent but have you actually seen the Argo O-line there terriblr by far the worst in the league. With A better one he could gain 150 a game

I thought Ricky could gain 3000 yards and probably would have a decent but have you actually seen the Argo O-line there terriblr by far the worst in the league. With A better one he could gain 150 a game. The Portuguese were harped on the most on these threads and you know that, yet they aren't number 1 in any of these categories. People calling them scum,cheats and divers have some merit but not to the extent that people went on and on about. Yet Paraguay the dirtiest team in the tourney got no criticism on these boards and Iatly got very little compared to the Portuguese

Yep that's it, funny thing is everyone in here was saying how clean the Italians had been in the tourney. And only the Portuguese through tantrums and go complain to the ref :sarcasm:

They have been clean compared to Serie A and previous WCs. Normally its 5 times worse.

Its good to see England in the bottom half so all the moaners about them are proved wrong too.

Still in denial ?? I mean, its been what, 4-5 days since Portugal lost. Get over it.

*Not to sound TOO biased, but Portugal probably dove more then all other teams combined only in it's last game vs France*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QSHB-AQZ1E

Still in denial ?? I mean, its been what, 4-5 days since Portugal lost. Get over it.

*Not to sound TOO biased, but Portugal probably dove more then all other teams combined only in it's last game vs France*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QSHB-AQZ1E

lol those stats include all games till now buddy. Italy wins for diving

Wonderful piece of skill by Grosso :sarcasm: I agree with the commentators

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzF6C7gzhOQ&search=Italy%20diving

lol those stats include all games till now buddy. Italy wins for diving

and Portugal is 2nd, that's like saying Mussolini wasn't AS bad as Hitler. Italy and Portugal are both cheats.

and Portugal is 2nd, that's like saying Mussolini wasn't AS bad as Hitler they were both horrible and both Italy and Portugal are cheats.

And you guys win for whining what's your point?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QSHB-AQZ1E (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QSHB-AQZ1E)


Wow excellent video thanks for that, it's just embarassing, it's like watching a balet. Seriously they need to start going back and viewing videos after the game and start handing out yellows at the least and possibly reds.

And you guys win for whining what's your point?

"You guys" ? I'm assuming you're talking about the French? I'm only supporting them for this single game because of Zizou. Sorry try again.

Wow excellent video thanks for that, it's just embarassing, it's like watching a balet. Seriously they need to start going back and viewing videos after the game and start handing out yellows at the least and possibly reds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI3uOFu8-WM&search=soccer%20Diving

I want everyone to play partcular attention to seconds 25 to 30 and Henry's left foot. You can clearly see Carvalho hit Henry's foot but he maintains his balance and is able to plant a foot down and then hits the deck. Best replay I had seen on the play

When will you learn? It's not that Portugal dive a lot (and they certainly do as proved once again). Nor is it news that other people dive too. It's how Portugal dive. For example, at the slightest touch (and whine about it every single time), or attempt outrageous dives at no contact at all.

You can see it in that they had 24 dives followed by 26 tantrums which is way more than anyone else except the French. Like it or not, diving AND complaining about not getting the call is seen as worse behaviour.

Moreover, I thought Portugal/Italy/etc. were SOOOO good that they should be able to play in the most important tournament in their sport relatively fairly and without being a total wuss or a whiner.

I'm glad that the IBI has done this; though I wonder why not singing your anthem is considered unsportsmanlike. It's not in the index, but why even note it? Amazingly, Paraguay is the worst among fair play according to their study in only 3 games.

I thought Ricky could gain 3000 yards and probably would have a decent but have you actually seen the Argo O-line there terriblr by far the worst in the league. With A better one he could gain 150 a game.

I just strongly disagree with this. Put him on any team and there is no way he gets that kind of number. He's not the type of back that would dominate the CFL. A guy like Priest Holmes could get 3000+ yards in the CFL because his game would be perfect here. But Ricky? Come on, the guy needs 25+ touches to get his 100 yards. He averaged just 4.0 yards a carry in his NFL career.

Sure he's explosive, but he's nowhere near the outside threat or the homerun threat that you see dominate the CFL. Defences have keyed in on him and he just bull over everyone no matter how "small" CFL players are. Basically because of the way the CFL game is played he can't get enough touches to be a pounding back and get his yards at the end of the game imo.

Guys like Charles Roberts, Kenton Keith etc...those are guys you see with 5.0, 6.0+ Avgs. And that's what you need in the CFL for your running game to be effective. You can't pound it up the middle for 3 yards to "tire out the defence." With 2 downs you need 5+ in order to be effective and no matter who is blocking for him, I just don't see Ricky doing that this year.

The Portuguese were harped on the most on these threads and you know that, yet they aren't number 1 in any of these categories. People calling them scum,cheats and divers have some merit but not to the extent that people went on and on about. Yet Paraguay the dirtiest team in the tourney got no criticism on these boards and Iatly got very little compared to the Portuguese

I agree the Portuguese have taken a lot of heat. Most of it was deserved but a lot of it was harsh. I just don't agree with the logic that says "well they aren't the only ones doing it so they shouldn't be criticized." Although Portugal might not have been the absolute worst team, they were among the worst and made it far enough that everyone was able to see their antics.

I think playing England has something to do with it, as they have a lot of supporters in NA and the Rooney incident left a lot of people angry. The fact that in 3 straight games (Holland, England and France) there were enough dives and fake injuries to get people to notice certainly didn't help the Portugese arguments.

Paraguay probably just has to do with exposure. They played 3 games and I doubt many people bothered to watch all 3 of them. Had they made it as far as Portugal I think there would have been a lot of criticism.

Italy I just don't understand. They have a lot of support on this board which may balance out criticism, but they have always been among the worst and imo play a very boring style. In 2006 they have actually been pretty typical and my only argument could be that people are just used to their antics. It's no suprise to see an Italian laying on the floor like he was shot only to return moments later and go on a nice run. It's not acceptable and is no better or worse than Ronaldo diving like Despatie but people see Totti flopping around and don't make as much of a deal about it I guess.

I just strongly disagree with this. Put him on any team and there is no way he gets that kind of number. He's not the type of back that would dominate the CFL. A guy like Priest Holmes could get 3000+ yards in the CFL because his game would be perfect here. But Ricky? Come on, the guy needs 25+ touches to get his 100 yards. He averaged just 4.0 yards a carry in his NFL career.

Sure he's explosive, but he's nowhere near the outside threat or the homerun threat that you see dominate the CFL. Defences have keyed in on him and he just bull over everyone no matter how "small" CFL players are. Basically because of the way the CFL game is played he can't get enough touches to be a pounding back and get his yards at the end of the game imo.

Guys like Charles Roberts, Kenton Keith etc...those are guys you see with 5.0, 6.0+ Avgs. And that's what you need in the CFL for your running game to be effective. You can't pound it up the middle for 3 yards to "tire out the defence." With 2 downs you need 5+ in order to be effective and no matter who is blocking for him, I just don't see Ricky doing that this year.



I agree the Portuguese have taken a lot of heat. Most of it was deserved but a lot of it was harsh. I just don't agree with the logic that says "well they aren't the only ones doing it so they shouldn't be criticized." Although Portugal might not have been the absolute worst team, they were among the worst and made it far enough that everyone was able to see their antics.

I think playing England has something to do with it, as they have a lot of supporters in NA and the Rooney incident left a lot of people angry. The fact that in 3 straight games (Holland, England and France) there were enough dives and fake injuries to get people to notice certainly didn't help the Portugese arguments.

Paraguay probably just has to do with exposure. They played 3 games and I doubt many people bothered to watch all 3 of them. Had they made it as far as Portugal I think there would have been a lot of criticism.

Italy I just don't understand. They have a lot of support on this board which may balance out criticism, but they have always been among the worst and imo play a very boring style. In 2006 they have actually been pretty typical and my only argument could be that people are just used to their antics. It's no suprise to see an Italian laying on the floor like he was shot only to return moments later and go on a nice run. It's not acceptable and is no better or worse than Ronaldo diving like Despatie but people see Totti flopping around and don't make as much of a deal about it I guess.

I think the Ricky Williams before the whole fiaso with the Dolphins would domiante the CFL. Anyone can see that Williams has lost alot of muscle mass, back when he was hugely built he was nearly impossible to take down on the run with just one defender. He was bowling people over like it was nothing. That Ricky would dominate the CFL, the Ricky Williams right now won't though, I agree with you.

It's not even WHO dives more, it's HOW the Portugese were diving, and how every single player, coach, and team personnel were reacting that I find the most irritating. It almost seemed like their only strategy to win the game was to get a penalty at all costs. I think the penalty was a borderline call, kinda like a hooking-diving call in hockey. Henry definitely helped his cause, but it's obvious that he was tripped. It also looked to me like he slipped just a bit right before Carvalho caught his foot, but there is no question in my mind that it was a foul, Henry just helped it a little bit.

On a side note, I find it very sad that we've discussed diving and refereeing far more than the actual football in the last couple of weeks.

Portugal embarassed themselves more than anybody at the WC

Wrong. Holland topped them.

......


:nopity:

Portugal have 11 more dives than England and 10 more than France. Get over yourself.

Yep that's it, funny thing is everyone in here was saying how clean the Italians had been in the tourney. And only the Portuguese through tantrums and go complain to the ref :sarcasm:

Who ever said they were the only ones?:banghead:

also, if you'll bother to read the source, you'll find that Portugal have dived more than France and England, so keep schtum sonny jim.

:nopity:

Portugal have 11 more dives than England and 10 more than France. Get over yourself.

And who said I didn't say the dive? This thread is to prove that the Portuguese took much more abuse on here then they deserved

And who said I didn't say the dive? This thread is to prove that the Portuguese took much more abuse on here then they deserved

They didn't. Most pundits and commentators have agreed with us.

They didn't. Most pundits and commentators have agreed with us.

If I had to count who many people *****ed and moaned about Portugal compared to Italy(most dives) and France(biggest whiners) I could start a telethon

And who said I didn't say the dive? This thread is to prove that the Portuguese took much more abuse on here then they deserved

You took the abuse because you deserved it. Portugal have been worse than Italy/France. Sure those two nations dived, but not to the extent/dramatic nature as you guys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QSHB-AQZ1E&feature=Views&page=1&t=t&f=b :)

You took the abuse because you deserved it. Portugal have been worse than Italy/France. Sure those two nations dived, but not to the extent/dramatic nature as you guys.

:biglaugh: Did you not read the stats :shakehead some of you guys are real ignorant

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QSHB-AQZ1E&feature=Views&page=1&t=t&f=b :)

Thanks for posting the same link that's in the first page:teach:

Thanks for posting the same link that's in the first page:teach:

Seems it was needed, since you are so deep into denial.

Three superobvious dives in the penalty area and one just outside the penalty area. In a world cup semi. It must be embarrassing to keep trying to defend a team like that.

Seems it was needed, since you are so deep into denial.

Three superobvious dives in the penalty area and one just outside the penalty area. In a world cup semi. It must be embarrassing to keep trying to defend a team like that.

:shakehead I can see those were dives thank you very much. So what your saying is that though the Italians factually dove more and the French factually whined more the Portuguese should still be treated alot worse on these boards then these teams? Ya that makes alot of sense :sarcasm:

:shakehead I can see those were dives thank you very much. So what your saying is that though the Italians factually dove more and the French factually whined more the Portuguese should still be treated alot worse on these boards then these teams? Ya that makes alot of sense :sarcasm:

I have seen every game Portugal, Italy and France has played this world cup. And Portugal is by far the worst of the bunch. The spots the dive and the way they dive. Some british dude keeping a spreadsheet doesn't change that. But Italy is also a diving nation by tradition. But they don't do it as cynical and as deliberate as Portugal has this WC. Hopefully this WC will lead to FIFA starting to use video and hand out cards for this stuff after the games.

And it definately has nothing to do with bias. Before this WC I liked Portugal as a footballing nation a lot.

And it has nothing to do with the Holland-Portugal game. I liked that game and didn't think the diving was horrible in that game. Most cards were well deserved. It was a tough game with lots of emotion.

This is all quite fitting, a Portugese soccer fan whining about something :sarcasm:

This is all quite fitting, a Portugese soccer fan whining about something :sarcasm:

That's the best you could up with? Im dissappointed

That's the best you could up with? Im dissappointed


So far the best you have come up for the defense of Portugal is by providing actual facts that they were terrible divers and whiners. You're the one who did all the work, coming up with something amazingly witty and side-splitting didn't seem all that necessary to me.

this is supposed to make portugal look good???

Portugal's entire body of work when it came to diving, whining. indiscipline is the worst out of all 32 world cup teams.

This just proves what i already knew but thanks for the actual study.

So far the best you have come up for the defense of Portugal is by providing actual facts that they were terrible divers and whiners. You're the one who did all the work, coming up with something amazingly witty and side-splitting didn't seem all that necessary to me.

And the study he uses also comes from such a respected football association. :sarcasm:

Im dissappointed

Why? I think his post was actually very well fitting and also pretty funny.

Well, today's game sure didn't help Portugal's case. :sarcasm:

Any idea whether Cristanio Ronaldo is still staring at the ref?

this is supposed to make portugal look good???

Portugal's entire body of work when it came to diving, whining. indiscipline is the worst out of all 32 world cup teams.

This just proves what i already knew but thanks for the actual study.

Can you actually read? Were not first in any unfair play tactic :shakehead

Get over it. This thread hurts.

Well, today's game sure didn't help Portugal's case. :sarcasm:

Any idea whether Cristanio Ronaldo is still staring at the ref?

That was just purely funny to see Ronaldo in the air in the first half looking straight at the referee arguing his case while still in the air. :p:

I wish players would be punished for that cheating behaviour. First time warning second time 1 match ban 3rd time 2 match ban and so on. Guess players will have to learn.

C. Ronaldo and Postiga have been just a joke those 2 should be fined and banned indefinitly. :teach:

That was just purely funny to see Ronaldo in the air in the first half looking straight at the referee arguing his case while still in the air. :p:

I wish players would be punished for that cheating behaviour. First time warning second time 1 match ban 3rd time 2 match ban and so on. Guess players will have to learn.

C. Ronaldo and Postiga have been just a joke those 2 should be fined and banned indefinitly. :teach:

You see this is the bias im talking about, Postiga had one obvious dive he barely played, so what your saying is that one dive and you should be banned. That would probably make 75 percent of the players playing in this tournament ban worthy

Bull****. Holland may have players who dive (as does every team), but they don't use it as a team strategy, and they don't have 6-7 players go surround the referee every time a call doesn't go their way. Like it or not, Figo faked an injury to get Boulahrouz sent off, and the reason Heitinga didn't give possession back is because he knew Portugal was faking everything at that point in the game. I guarantee that's not the last time you'll see something like that happen with how bad diving and acting is in the game today.


It's not about the ****ing "stats". It's about how Portugal obviously uses diving and faking injury as a team tactic, and they surround the referee to cry about it when he doesn't bite.



BINGO! These aren't official stats of any kind. AtG just found something he thought he could use in a sad attempt to show how his beloved Portuguese players are a bunch of angels. It's like you're Cristiano Ronaldo diving in the area, and we're the referee who's laughing at you while telling you to get up.

Did you even watch that play where Carvalho get injured? We were attacking and the ref blew the whistle. Please tell me why Holland should get possesion :shakehead . So you think it's unfair that Figo embellished that elbow yet forget that Van Bommel embellsihed the headbutt to get Figo sent off. Talk about hypocrisy there Van:shakehead

Did your Holland players not surrond the referee as well? Again these stats proved that Holland was just as dirty as Portugal and may I add in less games. You see the funny thing is many of you just blurt **** out with no evidence while I bring in stats to prove **** you know like in the real world.

You just lost any credibility you might have had.

Instead of worrying about some unofficial "stats" that somebody came up with, why don't you worry about the real stats and what actually happened in the games?

Cosnidering these stats were posted on Fifa and Yahoo, I 'll take credible and unbias stats any dau of the week over opinions of bias folks

Considering these stats were posted on Fifa and Yahoo, I 'll take credible and unbias stats any day of the week over opinions of bias folks and btw Van Bommel did his best acting job to get Figo sent and couldn't do it. Boularouz should never have been playing when that incident with Figo happened for that brutal tackle on Ronaldo to begin with

You see this is the bias im talking about, Postiga had one obvious dive he barely played, so what your saying is that one dive and you should be banned. That would probably make 75 percent of the players playing in this tournament ban worthy

Once again you make that elemental mistake. Postiga's dive was not just an ordinary 'dive' - one where a player goes down under a challenge, hoping for a free kick. Postiga & Ronaldo hurled themselves into players and down to the ground in the penalty area. They blatantly tried to win not just a free kick but a penalty out of nothing at all. It's foul cheating at it's worst which is why so many people notice and remember them, despite Postiga's limited playing time. It's one thing "embellishing" under a heavy challenge, it's quite another to blatantly cheat. Any player of any nationality doing just what they did would suffer the same scorn and deservedly so.

Alexander, when are you ever gonna stop.
Nothing will change the opinion of many on Portugal.
Live and deal with it, Im sure your life doesnt only resolve on fighting a futile lost cause

As the say goes: there's no smoke without fire
There is a consensus on the subject of diving...cheating and portugal
It can't just be a simple bias against the portugese.(a world conspiracy? ;) )

It's no biggie, Portugal will just not be respected by football fans around the world.
Its nothing horrible, just dont take it personaly, it makes you look angry, sore, ridiculous and to some extent not particularly mentally sharp.
Save yourself the disrespect, im sure you are, a charming intelligent loving person.

Btw, Ronaldo is going to quit Man U because no one stood up for him there. :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :cry: :cry: :cry: :nopity:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b180/Poisondwarf/1z355dl.jpg

Alexander, when are you ever gonna stop.
Nothing will change the opinion of many on Portugal.
Live and deal with it, Im sure your life doesnt only resolve on fighting a futile lost cause

As the say goes: there's no smoke without fire
There is a consensus on the subject of diving...cheating and portugal
It can't just be a simple bias against the portugese.(a world conspiracy? ;) )

It's no biggie, Portugal will just not be respected by football fans around the world.
Its nothing horrible, just dont take it personaly, it makes you look angry, sore, ridiculous and to some extent not particularly mentally sharp.
Save yourself the disrespect, im sure you are, a charming intelligent loving person.

I am afraid that you are bang on. There is a stigma that is now attached to the Portugal team. Announcers everywhere keep saying the same thing, "Portugal is a rough team, but if they play up to their quality and stop the diving (esp. Ronaldo) then they are a great team to watch".

Portugal was really never a rough team but for some reason and a game against Holland they are labelled that way. Fine I can deal with that. The constant diving from some players worries me as well.

Ronaldo, if he wants any respect and admiration back, has to realize that diving on every play is actually worse for him and his team. He is young though and has time to change.

Guys like Postiga, Pauleta and even Deco sometimes also did dive a bit too much.
I remember that Deco was worse in the Euros though so he has changed somewhat.

But as a fan, watching Portugal play it is hard sometimes to get into the flow of the game, because every 5-10 minutes one of them dives for no simple reason.
But of course other teams do it but at less frequent times. Portugal is a treat to watch when they do decide to play at the pace and style they are known for, but if they decide to dive rather than stay on their own 2 feet in the future, I feel they will be setting themselves up to be disrespected and WC jokes. (As some of you feel they are now)

This sort of stuff will turn fans off the game and especially the team. I hope we show a little more blood and guts in the next big tourney. A little less diving is the first step to a little more scoring.:crossfing

Btw, Ronaldo is going to quit Man U because no one stood up for him there. :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :cry: :cry: :cry: :nopity:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b180/Poisondwarf/1z355dl.jpg

http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=4004 ;)

BTW even though I am unable to get Spanish League games,the way the English media have been treating the kid makes me hope he does leave. If Rooney holds no grudge why some of you people do makes me confused

http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=4004 ;)

BTW even though I am unable to get Spanish League games,the way the English media have been treating the kid makes me hope he does leave. If Rooney holds no grudge why some of you people do makes me confused

Tribalfootball is the worst soccer news site by far so I wouldn't take anything they say seriously.

Can you actually read? Were not first in any unfair play tactic :shakehead

You strike me as trying to get over the point that just because you haven't done the most of it, it makes it alright. Sure, other teams may have miraculously dived more than you but you still dive infinetly more than you should and the ones that do deserve everything they get.

http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=4004 ;)

BTW even though I am unable to get Spanish League games,the way the English media have been treating the kid makes me hope he does leave. If Rooney holds no grudge why some of you people do makes me confused

Put simply, Rooney isn't a cheat.

Tribalfootball is the worst soccer news site by far so I wouldn't take anything they say seriously.

It has been reported by other sources as well

Put simply, Rooney isn't a cheat.

But is known for losing his head in games

But is known for losing his head in games

Every now and then and he gets slated for it when he does, do you even have a point?

Every now and then and he gets slated for it when he does, do you even have a point?

That his reputation got him red carded for the accidental groin kick not Ronaldo

That his reputation got him red carded for the accidental groin kick not Ronaldo

Wait, may you have finally convinced me on something ....

That his reputation got him red carded for the accidental groin kick not Ronaldo

So? Do you have a central point or are you just posting for the sake of it? From my viewpoint you're just jumping around and making random statements.

So? Do you have a central point or are you just posting for the sake of it? From my viewpoint you're just jumping around and making random statements.

You asked me what my point was and I made it

just get over it. seriously. that's all im going to say because I am so tired of your crap.

if i was a board ref your performance in the last GDT would have got you a yellow and this one would have got you the second yellow.....

This sort of stuff will turn fans off the game and especially the team. I hope we show a little more blood and guts in the next big tourney. A little less diving is the first step to a little more scoring.:crossfing

No, it won't. It is really simple: why fix it if ain't broken, and that's exactly how FIFA is acting. Record revenues, record number of fans, record TV contracts, record sponsorships, record transfer fees, the game of soccer is just fine. Mybe diving will turn some fans away from soccer but the HUGE majority will stay. There will always be excuses and "everybody does it" kind of arguments and in the end, the game will keep growing, and that's all that matters to FIFA. After all the "diving" aspect is really easy to solve. Understandably, refs may miss dives on the field, however they are REALLY easy to spot on video reviews. If after every game FIFA (or particular soccer federations) hands out harsh penalties for diving (like 5 game suspension for example) the problem would be solved in a matter of months. But again, why fix it if it ain't broken?

Personally, I am disgusted by the theatrics in soccer and they seem to be common place now. I am a casual fan however. But diehard fans have very short memories and for them the end (WIN WIN WIN) always justifies the means (DIVE DIVE DIVE).

just get over it. seriously. that's all im going to say because I am so tired of your crap.

if i was a board ref your performance in the last GDT would have got you a yellow and this one would have got you the second yellow.....

:shakehead So I bring in facts and still get attacked :dunno:

No, it won't. It is really simple: why fix it if ain't broken, and that's exactly how FIFA is acting. Record revenues, record number of fans, record TV contracts, record sponsorships, record transfer fees, the game of soccer is just fine. Mybe diving will turn some fans away from soccer but the HUGE majority will stay. There will always be excuses and "everybody does it" kind of arguments and in the end, the game will keep growing, and that's all that matters to FIFA. After all the "diving" aspect is really easy to solve. Understandably, refs may miss dives on the field, however they are REALLY easy to spot on video reviews. If after every game FIFA (or particular soccer federations) hands out harsh penalties for diving (like 5 game suspension for example) the problem would be solved in a matter of months. But again, why fix it if it ain't broken?

Personally, I am disgusted by the theatrics in soccer and they seem to be common place now. I am a casual fan however. But diehard fans have very short memories and for them the end (WIN WIN WIN) always justifies the means (DIVE DIVE DIVE).

Well put. Sad but very true.

I would like to point out, only the US was man enough not to fake a single injury.

:shakehead So I bring in facts and still get attacked :dunno:

What facts? Those facts prove that you are wrong?

Who gives a flying **** if you guys are not the TOP of a single category? Average out your rankings across all categories and you will see that you guys for the diving, moaning, cheating scum that you are. unless France and Italy are top 2 in every other category there is no way they would sit higher than you in the overall scheme of things.

I can't believe you still persist in trying to claim that the portuguese are anything other than a bunch of classless, moaning cheats, but I guess by doing so you are merely being consistent with the values of your national team......

I would like to point out, only the US was man enough not to fake a single injury.

as were the aussies

as were the aussies

Not according to the stats. Only Costa Rica and the US didnt fake an injury.

Not according to the stats. Only Costa Rica and the US didnt fake an injury.

because they werent around long enough :biglaugh:

because they werent around long enough :biglaugh:
Well Australia only played 1 more game.

Well Australia only played 1 more game.

Lighten up francis.......was only joking

Good God people! I've never seen so much moaning after a World Cup in my life. I'm sorry you're all so dissapointed and all, but here's a stat that's not on that list:

ITALY - WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS 2006

Good God people! I've never seen so much moaning after a World Cup in my life. I'm sorry you're all so dissapointed and all, but here's a stat that's not on that list:

ITALY - WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS 2006It was the worst WC I've ever seen, of course people are going to moan.

Germany did a fantastic job of staging it but FIFA, the officials and the players did an appalling job.

To be fair, I thought the refs did an overall great job from the quarter final to the final.
They missed some call, overreacted on others, but it was nowhere near as bad as the first phase (thank god!).

Good God people! I've never seen so much moaning after a World Cup in my life. I'm sorry you're all so dissapointed and all, but here's a stat that's not on that list:

ITALY - WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS 2006

Bleh, why look backward?

It's already in the past.

Sure, Italy might have won back in July of 2006, but that's ancient history man!

I'm more about current results than dwelling in the past.

It's not about what you've done, it's about what you've done LATELY...

And from what I can tell, Italy hasn't exactly torn up the football field over the last little while.

To be fair, I thought the refs did an overall great job from the quarter final to the final.
They missed some call, overreacted on others, but it was nowhere near as bad as the first phase (thank god!).

agreed......

Ronaldo was hands down the best winger in the tournament, who consistently terrorized defenders with his blazing speed, precision control and tricky step-overs. But critics argue that he goes down too easily and often feigns injury. But these critics need to put themselves in his shoes. In one-on-one situations, defenders often resort to straight fouls in order to slow down the winger. In the first 10 minutes of Portugal's second round match against the Dutch he was nearly chopped in half twice, and the second reckless tackle (studs to his thigh) forced him out of the game. All too often in soccer we see great players get their careers cut short because knee or ligament damage caused by reckless tackles. The great Eusebio had six separate knee surgeries during his career; all because he was in a class of his own on the field and was often on the receiving end of a hatchet job.

The truth is Ronaldo was not booked for diving at the World Cup, and while he has gone to ground frequently, there has been contact made most of the time. But then again, which player hasn't gone to ground easily in this tournament? Joe Cole, Ashley Cole and even Gerrard have all taken the plunge at the World Cup. Ronaldo's alleged diving tendency isn't the problem; it is defenders' inability to stop him -- and the anti-Ronaldo Brigade's fixation with dwelling on it.

Per: Sportnet

Not a bad argument

as were the aussies

Australia 100% earned my respect during this World Cup.

I hope to see you guys in more WC's. Australia is now one of my favorite national teams.

Ronaldo was hands down the best winger in the tournament, who consistently terrorized defenders with his blazing speed, precision control and tricky step-overs. But critics argue that he goes down too easily and often feigns injury. But these critics need to put themselves in his shoes. In one-on-one situations, defenders often resort to straight fouls in order to slow down the winger. In the first 10 minutes of Portugal's second round match against the Dutch he was nearly chopped in half twice, and the second reckless tackle (studs to his thigh) forced him out of the game. All too often in soccer we see great players get their careers cut short because knee or ligament damage caused by reckless tackles. The great Eusebio had six separate knee surgeries during his career; all because he was in a class of his own on the field and was often on the receiving end of a hatchet job.

The truth is Ronaldo was not booked for diving at the World Cup, and while he has gone to ground frequently, there has been contact made most of the time. But then again, which player hasn't gone to ground easily in this tournament? Joe Cole, Ashley Cole and even Gerrard have all taken the plunge at the World Cup. Ronaldo's alleged diving tendency isn't the problem; it is defenders' inability to stop him -- and the anti-Ronaldo Brigade's fixation with dwelling on it.

Per: Sportnet

Not a bad argument

You are kidding me right? Please tell me this is a joke.

You are kidding me right? Please tell me this is a joke.

Not a joke, it's on their webpage. They do make some some smart points, im really starting to think that unless Ronaldo single handily wins a competition you won't give the kid any credit

Not a joke, it's on their webpage. They do make some some smart points, im really starting to think that unless Ronaldo single handily wins a competition you won't give the kid any credit


http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/article.jsp?content=20060710_161254_4328

Not a joke, it's on their webpage. They do make some some smart points, im really starting to think that unless Ronaldo single handily wins a competition you won't give the kid any credit

Regardless of whether I ever give him credit, to have a PUBLISHED article attempt to justify his diving and portray him as some kind of victim is an absolute joke. Even you have to admit that this is insane, when multiple times tv cameras showed him going do ground with no contact whatsoever. The fact is he LOOKS for dives. I know that. You know that, refs know that.

Regardless of whether I ever give him credit, to have a PUBLISHED article attempt to justify his diving and portray him as some kind of victim is an absolute joke. Even you have to admit that this is insane, when multiple times tv cameras showed him going do ground with no contact whatsoever. The fact is he LOOKS for dives. I know that. You know that, refs know that.

Out on her royal yacht the queen was enjoying the sea air when she spied a man in the water off the port bow - clearly being menaced by a very large shark. Through her binoculars she could see it was Cristiano Ronaldo, struggling frantically to free himself from the jaws of a 20 foot shark!

The queen ordered the captain to change course to try and save the poor man, but she knew the yachts top speed would never get them there in time.

At that exact moment a speedboat containing three men wearing England shirts sped into view. One of the men took aim at the shark and fired a harpoon into its ribs, immobilising it instantly. The other two reached out and pulled Ronaldo from the water and, using long clubs, beat the shark to death.

They bundled the bleeding, semi-conscious Ronaldo into the speedboat along with the dead shark and prepared for a hasty retreat, when they heard frantic calling ....... It was the Queen calling them to the yacht.

On reaching yacht the Queen went into raptures about the rescue and said, "I'll give you a knighthood for your brave actions. I thought the England team would hate Ronaldo after the world cup. But I see that the England team are true heroes and should serve as a model for sportsmanship to other countries."

She knighted them and sailed away.

As she departed Rooney asked the others, "Who was that?!"

"That," Beckham answered, "was our Queen. She rules the Commonwealth and knows everything about our country."

"Well," Rooney replied, "she knows F all about shark fishing. How's the bait holding up ?"

:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

:bow:

Glad we can finally laugh about the whole mess.

Looks like they made up!!
http://img276.imageshack.us/img276/9137/rooney4cz.jpg

:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

:bow:

Glad we can finally laugh about the whole mess.

:biglaugh: ;)

:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

:bow:

Glad we can finally laugh about the whole mess.

Looks like they made up!!
http://img276.imageshack.us/img276/9137/rooney4cz.jpg

:biglaugh: lol didn't even see the pic, those two have been caught is some akward pics together :eek:

:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

:bow:

Glad we can finally laugh about the whole mess.

Looks like they made up!!
http://img276.imageshack.us/img276/9137/rooney4cz.jpg

OH SNAP!!!

PWNED!!!! :biglaugh: :biglaugh:

Why England Could Use a Player Like Cristiano Ronaldo per PSOCCER.COM

It is hard to believe that a 21-year old kid from a small island in Portugal could bring so much anger to a big country like England.

You would think in such a civilized society that many other pressing issues (economy, terrorism, gas prices, etc.) would take more significant notice, concern, or outrage, but not in football crazy England.

C.R. is what is wrong...he is a cheat, he is a diver, he is a fake!! He brought on Rooney's red card. They both play for beloved ManU. Oh, the outrage, what did you do C.R.!! (Please stop winking!!)

It seems most English fans and media forget in the quarterfinal that England did not score a goal in regulation, overtime, and only managed one penalty kick against Portugal. That is the reason they lost.

I have always said, if you want to win, put the ball in the back of the net. Not on the outside of the goal, the crossbar, or the line, the damn back of the net! Don't let the officials or controversy decide the game.

If you don't score and later blame a bad call for your elimination from competition, then no matter the controversy right or wrong, you are as much to blame.


Look in the mirror.

Rooney was rightfully ejected, and if one believes that players can have that much effect as C.R. to complain and get the referee to issue a card, then the problem is not C.R., but the committee that assigns the officials to work these games.

If a referee is so easily influenced or gullible, he should not have been there.

Second, seriously, when have you seen a game where a bad foul is committed and players not complain? I doubt most teams stand there and say, yes Mr. Official that was a red. No Mr. Official that was not a red. Please act accordingly.

It just does not happen.

England is supposed to be one of the top national teams in the world, with players that play in the best leagues in the world, and get paid some of the top salaries to be found that the common person could only dream.

Unfortunately, in Germany, England's play was at best average, and the main reason they can't win a World Cup is the team, nothing else.


Trust me, they have the talent to beat Portugal, but just DID NOT again.

Maybe that is one reason for some of the anger...England just can't beat Portugal or our brand of futebol.

We eliminated them in this World Cup, we eliminated them in EURO 2004, and we overcame a 2-0 deficit in EURO 2000 to defeat them, 3-2. Basically, Portugal’s last three semifinal appearances have come at the expense of England.


Furthermore, on the club level, thanks in the past few years to Benfica and FC Porto, we eliminated ManU twice and Liverpool from the Champions League.

Wait, England may retort, so what about those statistics, but how could C.R. encourage a red card on Rooney. They play for the same club team!! Fair play!!

First, they were not teammates that Saturday evening, and in case you forget, this is the biggest competition in the world, the World Cup. You do know that right?


Should fans pay a lot of money for tickets and travel to see such advantages given to their opponents. I doubt it. (Ever heard of anyone keeping their day job when giving their competitor an advantage).

Second, let’s turn the table and say C. R. was the aggressor, and did what Rooney did to Rio Ferdinand. Rooney then complains or helps bring attention to the infraction like any other player would in the situation, if the red card did not pop out quickly enough.

What happens next in the press if England wins?

Rooney, Our hero!

Rooney Puts England First Over Club!

Rooney Outs Teammate to Keep England Alive!

Rooney Puts England Into Semifinals!

If you read this and disagree, then you are obviously not in the habit of reading English tabloids. They are a business, and whenever there is a villain or hero, you darn well know they are going to ride with it.

Rooney would have acted as any other soccer player would do in that situation, and by instinct complained.

England substituted their top free kick player in Beckham, who as team captain could have also taught his teammates after his 2002 World Cup ejection the importance of keeping your head on straight.

Last time I checked, C.R. did not commit any foul in the rule book by his actions. He plays with a killer instinct, and check this out; he wants to score badly every time down the field.


When he doesn't, yes he pouts or complains, but you have to admit, that passion is what you need to win games at the highest level.

The poor kid is now in such a predicament that if he does return to England to play for Manchester United, he has to watch his back every day.

I find that highly dangerous, and if ManU are serious about keeping him, I hope there are plans in place for his utmost safety. It would be a sin for C.R. to be attacked or hit in the head with an object, especially after ManU have been warned over concern for his well being.

Unfortunately, in this World Cup, various immigrants have been attacked celebrating in their communities in places such as England, France, and viciously in Bermuda.

I hope it ends there, and we could get on with our lives, starting with Champions League qualifiers next month.


P.S.

You know who is the real winner in all this?


Sven Goran Eriksson.


The controversy overshadowed the fact he could not beat Scolari, and that he did not do his job to help England to the finals. In any other World Cup for England, he would be in C.R.'s shoes right now with all the negative media criticism.


Some good points made