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Football Is Losing Its Soul
With the closing of the World Cup,
I feel disappointed, not because of England's performance.
No, I feel disappointed because it dawned on me, how poor world football is. Yes Argentina gave us a memorable display, but I hardly think one display from one of 32 teams justifies the tournament's tag of 'The world's greatest sporting event'.
FIFA and UEFA have sold football's soul; money not entertainment is the god. The levels of bad sportsmanship, cheating and simulation are at an all-time high. But who and what is left behind in the search for the corporate dollar? Our youth and the future of the game!
The final was a microcosm of everything that is wrong in football, simulation to win a penalty, poor officials, a team scared of losing settling for penalties almost from the kick off of the second half!! To cap it all one of the best players to have graced the world of football physically assaults another player who, frustrated at his inability to cope, decides the best thing to do is to insult him until he blows a fuse and gets himself sent off.
If we are to save this game, we need revolution, not evolution.
All Premier Leagues around the world should require:
An independent panel to sit the morning after games are played and players guilty of simulation are given a three-match ban.
Players are not allowed to approach the ref except for the captains - if they do it's an automatic red card and three-game ban.
Any player(s) demanding bookings or red cards through words or actions will be given a five-match ban.
Any acts of aggression verbal or non verbal toward the referee will result in a red card.
And the most important of all: Referees, especially refs from outside these shores, are taught to understand the difference between fouling and physical aggression. World Cup referees just do not understand the difference and they take the coward's way out! Why is it a foul is given for a tap on the shoulder as the player falls anywhere on the field of play except the penalty box, how is it that unless a player has his shirt ripped off his back it's perfectly acceptable to push, block, hold by: throat, neck, shirt, nads, shorts or around the chest when marking players in the box.
FIFA and UEFA have a battle on their hands and it's a battle for the souls of all football fans and future of clubs, because if they are like me and friends I've spent time watching the WC (is that cryptic or what!!) with, we are sick of football, its cheating, simulation, fear of failure, defensive-minded techniques and absolutely appalling officials.
There's just over a month to the new football season and I really don't give a toss.
Blatter, pull your finger out...w*nker.
Patrick Derham
Personally I Blame Diana
The public response to Rooney and ZZ's red card offences, which quite possibly cost both their countries' chances of success in the World Cup, has been one of mutual grief, sympathy, and introspection. Gone are the days of lambasting red-carded players as fools and denouncing the idiocy of their actions. Okay, I'll accept that hanging effigies is pushing it a bit too far. But still, where's the public condemnation of these guys?
The bottom line is, these actions are imbecilic, puerile, and if a co-worker blew up like that in the office, we'd stay well clear of them in the future and refer to them purely as 'Psycho'. Also, they wouldn't have any friends.
This whole outpouring of grief, and lack of culpability, is in part down to this collective First World mindset we've taken on, in the wake of Diana, where we want to 'feel' for the antagonists (sorry, protagonists) of dramas played out on our TV screens every day. Misery, after all, sells. And while Zidane, in the past, would have been labelled as a foolish villain for his own actions, now he's a national hero and a darling forever of the media.
In truth, Rooney was a pillock to get himself sent off, and Zidane likewise, and whatever the supposed 'justifications' (playing up front solo, having your mother insulted), these actions can't be excused. Should Rooney allow himself to get sent off every time he's up front by himself for United? Every time a kid at school footy says, 'Your mum,', should the other kid be allowed to sock him one in the face?
We're setting the wrong standards for kids by excusing these guys. Let's just forget all the emotional hogwash and look at the facts: getting sent off is stupid. Period.
Timothy Andrews, London
No Excuses For Zizou
I have to say, I'm getting pretty sick of the Zinedine Zidane love-in that's happening at the moment.
1) Since none of us yet knows what was said between both of them (and yes they were both mouthing off at each other) are we expected to believe that Zidane was merely enquiring after Materazzi's health? Therefore it's wrong to state that Materazzi was racially insulting him or that all the insults were one-sided. Whatever the Zidane apologists would have us believe, most people just aren't racists and, shock horror, maybe he's just a thug (something non-whites are allowed to be as well).
2) Just like Brazil, he wasn't that good at the World Cup. Crap in the first two games (which they drew) and picked up two yellows, ruling him out of the third (which they won). Okay against Spain and, fair enough, brilliant against Brazil. Crap against Portugal and pretty average in the final as well. So he scored their semi-final and final goals - they were both penalties (which were won by other players) and you expect players to score from the spot (unless they're English!).
3) I was watching Sky News yesterday and they stated that it was "very much out of character" for him. Then (with a straight face) they say that "but he has been sent off for a headbutt before" and proceed to show the clip from the Champions League. By the by, the player on the receiving end that time didn't say a word to him prior to that headbutt.
4) Finally, Zidane was the guilty party. He walked away, stopped, turned around and walked back to headbutt someone.
PS. Cannavaro was by far the best player in Germany.
Keith Creedon, Dublin
...Who cares what was said to Zidane? Maybe the French could be directed to the John Nicholson column, once their eyes have dried enough for them to read it. The fact is they are nowhere close to being good enough to winning the World Cup, they were abysmal in the their first two games, playing only one decent game in their group (when the Player of the Tournament was missing).
The fact is that with 14 red cards in a career, ZZ is no angel and probably gives at least as good (or as bad) as he gets. Fact is that we know that Materazzi does this. It's part of the game and the French with all their experience should be able to handle it.
ZZ besmirched his reputation big-time, I don't know the reason for his no-show at the medals ceremony, but that says something to me about his personality. All through the World Cup it was about 'his last challenge', not about the team he captained. Then, hysterically, when he realised he wasn't going to get more out of the game than a jammy pen won after a cynical dive he took it all out on Materazzi. Shame on him.
If he doesn't want his medal, then put it on ebay and donate the proceeds to charity. This guy was a role model to millions, not just in France, but everywhere. And when the curtain fell and the true champions celebrated a rightful victory, he was left sulking in the naughty corner.
Simon Mulholland
Come On Materazzi, Speak Up...
You could understand had it been Rooney but I reckon Zizou displayed incredible stupidity in getting himself sent off on Sunday night. It was an unbecoming finish to a very distinguished career. Nonetheless it was very f**king stupid.
The debate will burn on over what Materazzi did or didn't say to Zidane to provoke his head-butt/chest assault but one thing is pretty apparent, the pikey-looking defender well and truly got under the great man's skin. Secondly, we all saw Materazzi mouthing off so what remains is to ascertain what was said.
Rumours abound concerning everything from racism to terrorism to deceased trainers all the while all the while slimy Materazzi only confirms to the world what he didn't say. To top it off he has offered in the Italian press that he is so stupid he doesn't know the meaning of the word "terrorist". What complete and utter bullsh*t.
All the while William Gallas offers that he'd like to smash Materazzi in the face" and even Franz Beckenbaur mentions that something untoward occurred.
As the old saying goes -there's no smoke without fire.
Surely if this ex-Toffee cum turd was as virginal white as he claims, he would be quick off the mark to clear the air and tell us what he did say.
Or maybe the great man might decide to clear the air himself.
Here's hoping.
Darragh O'Riordan, LFC,Brisbane
How The Mighty Have Fallen...
The World Cup is supposed to be about making reputations, my generation's Paolo Rossi becomes the next generation's Zidane. Unfortunately, I think this World Cup will go down as the one that left reputations in tatters...
1. Zidane. Suddenly we remember his 13 red cards, his mother's employment notwithstanding.
2. Sven. God, I gave that boy some leeway. Go back to Italy where you belong. Squad selection good, no balls to play them, not so good.
3 Scolari. His great tactical masterstroke? Don't take enough strikers and end up playing a midfielder up there instead (sound familiar?). Then moan and bitch cos you really wanted to beat them SO badly. The man went from Ramsay to Keegan in the space of two games.
4 Argentina. No longer the bad losers they once were. Bo)(ocks.
5 Brazil. As a rule of thumb it's not an amazing 50 yard crossfield pass if the boy can't get to it.
6 ITV sport (BBC coverage, 5Live commentary. no brainer).
7 BBC. Someone should tell Gary Lineker that it wasn't Sven who took him off.
7 Ronaldo. Best young player of the tournament, and all anyone will remember is "what a cheating git" (ignore Rooney, pick any one of 14 dying swan acts, the "swan flying through the air then being shot by hunter" being my personal favourite).
8 Portugal. No you weren't the only ones, but it's you everyone will remember.
9 Thierry Henry. Girl.
10 Frank Lampard. Fat.
I'll try and get a happier perspective when I'm awake...
Nick Jones
More On Fat Frank...
Never mind all this bluster about ZZ! Who cares? I, for one, don't and the fact that this is the only talking point to come out of a truly awful WC final shows just how much more important the result rather than the performance has become. Can we divert our minds to more important matters? Namely, the most over-rated player on the planet getting away with losing England any chance of winning the WC.
Cristiano Ronaldo did not cause England to lose. Nor for that matter did Wayne Rooney's temper nor even Sven's ineptitude. Fat Frank Lampard is the reason that England crashed out. As we've known for a long time now he goes missing in the big matches and without the benefit of huge deflections or dodgy penalties he'd never get on the scoresheet ergo we'd never know he was even playing.
All this talk of ZZ and Ronaldo means he's getting away with it. It's him we should be lambasting and if anyone's house should be vandalised it's Fat Frank's (not that I'm even English nor condoning this sort of behaviour). Is it because he he's playing for a Wes' Laaaandaaan team and is from Norf' a the riva' plus he writes for the Sun (I'm led to believe) that Fleet Street's finest wouldn't want to alienate the market stall traders and tradesman from these very areas (their C2DE heartland) so it's been conveniently forgotten about? There's certainly something rotten in the state of Denmark that he's getting away with it.
Doubtless even Jermaine Jenas would have converted one of those 25 'shots'. Second best player in the world Frank? You're 'aving a fackin laff in't ya?
Greg Whitehead
Big Ups To Italia...
I salute the Italian team for playing beautiful football and for winning the ultimate prize in football due to their team spirit and effort. I've always supported Italia and it's incredible that they are world champions again! Brava Italia!
What I love the most about the way they won was that the entire team was involved in this win and football is after all, a team sport. There was no one-man show to detract from every Italian team member's contribution. They all played their part and they enjoyed it - and they all seemed so genuinely pleased for each other when someone scored or they won a game.
It was truly a pleasure to watch a team that seemed to actually be having a good time out there, and Cannavaro most of all. He was truly the most consistently great performer at this tournament and the player of the tournament for me. They were unified even when it came to the sending-off of De Rossi and Materazzi.
Team spirit - we've been witness to it and I am so pleased that it was the Italian team who have personified it in this World Cup. They have been labelled for so long as divers and cheats yet in this cup alone I've seen diving from just about every other nation instead. The Italian team played some beautiful flowing attacking football, they defended well, they were creative in midfield, and Totti who is not even 100% fit or at his best was well, rather good up until the final match. He just seems to intuitively know where his team-mates are on the pitch and his passing and reading of the game is a thing of wonder. I can't wait to see him at his best again. So congratulations to the very deserving champions of the world!
Maybe I'm seeing it through euphoria-tinted glasses but I actually enjoyed the World Cup - I got to vehemently complain about dodgy refereeing, got to swear at blatant divers and cheats, got to see some brawling, got to see some great football, saw some snooze-inducing football, mocked my friends when their teams played badly or lost, was mocked when my team couldn't beat the USA and saw some really wonderful stadiums.
I loved this World Cup because it was an eye-opener for many - an unveiling of the truth. We saw the cheats for who they really are, we can look forward to the emerging talents and we got to see some perennially classy players shine again. We also got to see them go mental. There were things to complain about, things to marvel at and things we will talk about for a long time - good and bad. Aren't they always like this?
See you all in 2010!!!
Prabashnie Dherman, Johannesburg, South Africa
No, Italy Are Team Of Divers And Cheats
I can't help but think that the only way to win a World Cup is to cheat, dive, provoke, demand players get sent off, etc. In other words, Italy.
Whilst Italy were consistent across the tournament in terms of results, their win at all costs and with little dignity strategy leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I have lost total respect for Italian football and the Italian football players (I take my hat off to ZZ for doing something that a lot of people would love to have done to Materazzi).
If FIFA want the World Cup to be the true spectacle it deserves then players and teams must be punished for such unsportsmanlike behaviour such as cheating, diving, provocation, demanding players get sent off, etc.
At least teams such as England, Germany, Australia, etc can hold their heads high as they played the tournament with dignity and in a true sportsmanlike manner.
Time to sharpen up FIFA.
Anthony Osbourne
John Nich Right, But...
I agree with nearly everything that John Nic said in his column - I've never understood the fans and press blaming a manager for defeats where the players have clearly lacked ideas of their own on the pitch (something Brian Kerr and Sven have in common).
However, by saying "...far more responsible for Rooney getting sent off were Rooney himself, the referee, the referee's instructions from FIFA, the Portuguese in general and Ronaldo specifically..", is John not doing exactly the same thing to excuse Rooney from total blame? All day yesterday, I've heard people say that Zidane had no excuses, no matter what Materazzi said to him. And rightly so. He could always have stayed on the pitch, and battered him in the tunnel afterwards.
So why is Rooney any different? FIFA are to blame? For what? for enforcing that little-known law that punishes stamping on the groin of an opponent because diddums didn't get his way? Portugal are to blame? For what, encouraging their players to lie there legs akimbo while Rooney has another mickey fit? And Ronaldo specifically? For Christ's sake, all he did was arrive on the scene and say 'foul' to the ref, whose hand was already on the way to his back pocket. I'm about as much to blame for Rooney being sent off as Ronaldo is.
Austo, Dublin
What's Happening At ManYoo?
The diver's apprentice (who now seems to have taken over from the master) Ronaldo is off to Real Madrid.
Van Diver himself (the former master) is off to Real Madrid/Bayern Munich.
Heinze is also off to Real Madrid.
Rio Ferdinand will probably forget to return to pre-season training anyway.
Wayne Rooney will probably spend most of pre-season looking for the former master's apprentice.
Alan Smith will kick the first thing that moves and get banned as usual.
Paul Scholes seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth!
Their back-up keeper to Van Der Sar appears to be either Ben Foster or Luke Steele.
And they haven't bought anyone this pre-season and don't look likely to either.
Come on, we need someone to give the Chavs a bit of a challenge this season.
Will the last person to leave Old Trafford please turn the lights out...
Mick O'Gorman, London
Why Does Everyone Hate Ronaldo So Much?
I wonder if anyone else is as bemused as I am to note this site and its readership's increasing vilification of Cristiano Ronaldo. Granted, most of you would not have held him in very high regard before the World Cup in that he was a MUFC player, young, attractive, non-English who is skillful with the ball (Fancy Dan) and seems to think that entertainment ought to be an important ingredient in a professional footballer. I'm not sure which of those aggravates the average English chav football supporter most but there's no doubt that the combination of being young, successful and foreign guarantees him a high initial ranking on their xenophobic hate list.
But then let's add these recently revealed unforgivable traits. He's passionate about his country, plays in a shamelessly uninhabited fashion, (so typical of foreigners) has the audacity to remonstrate with the referee ( you never see our young men do that) is obviously happy when England lose Wayne Rooney, then caps it off by being so arrogant he doesn't choke (like our boys) when asked to take the final Portuguese penalty against England (which he executed superbly, by the way.)
Doesn't he know how lucky he is to live in a city like Manchester and get the chance to play in places like Bolton, Blackburn, Watford and Reading? What sort of values does he have to declare that he'd like to play in Spain? You think he was Iberian! How ungrateful after all England has given him!
It all so reminds me of that poor Japanese player who was run out of Italy for scoring a goal against them in 2002 WC. This time of course Ronaldo will leave of his own accord. People like Howard Jones will be delighted but I wonder what will be running through Wayne Rooney's head? (Rooney publicly defended him, pointed out that "on this his occasion they were playing on different sides" and told him to ignore the press.) And I wonder what the message is for other young English Premiership players and their teams, especially those in the North.
Here's a hint, it ain't good!
David McManus
