There's diving in soccer, and it's certainly worse than most other sports, I agree. Some players are worse than others for sure. Seeing Didier Drogba live was...painful.
That said, there are some dirty dirty tactics that players use. Having talked to someone who's been told what you learn in national team camp (and this isn't an Orange Julius guy, this is a legitimate source, and considering I live in Calgary, is probably an easy guess). Even stuff as underhanded as when you help a player back up, dig a thumb and index finger between his thumb and index finger. Brilliant. Seems like you're helping him up, and you're just making things worse.
There are a lot of underhanded dirty tricks, and also considering the lack of equipment these guys wear, it sometimes seems much worse than it is. If you get kicked on the outside of the knee with no gear, even if there's no actual injury, that's gonna hurt like hell for a minute.
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Its simply not very good entertainment in my view, and I dont think i am alone in that sentiment. Which is really troublesome when this is the sports premier event to showcase the best in the world.
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Many sports bore me.
Basketball
Baseball
Nascar
Golf (which I still won't even call a sport)
I don't post in their threads, because I don't care...but I recommend if you're ever in Europe during the season, go catch a live game of a top league in England, Spain, Italy, Germany, France...hell even Scotland, Russia, Holland. Even if you don't enjoy the game, there's no way you can't enjoy the atmosphere, and be simply in awe at how important this simple game is to people outside of English North America.
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I would think it may be of concern if they want to grow the game...you know...in North America.
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As said above, the MLS is doing just fine. As must be TV numbers of overseas leagues. The last champions league final was played on a Saturday, which was done exclusively for people on our land mass, so that more people would be able to watch it. They clearly see money in it here.
The MLS is doing it very right. They won't in our lifetimes (or maybe ever) eclipse many sports which are well established in North America, but the salary cap is there, with the one exemption, typically used on an over the hill player anyhow. That player brings in the people by celebrity status, and isn't good enough to destroy the opposition on their own. The league stays fair, and the stars in their twilight are happy, and the fans show up. I can't wait until Portland is in next year. They will eclipse all as the best fans in the league.