There are some aspects to diving that you guys don't seem to be considering. Each team is only allowed 3 subs, that means that for each team, 8 players will have to play a full 90 minutes with only a 15 minute break during half time. If a game goes to penalty kicks, these 8 players have to play for 120 minutes. Unlike hockey, when a player gets tired, he can't just signal to the bench to come off for a change, the coach can't call a time out, heck, he's hard pressed to even get a drink of water. If a player embellishes a tackle, while he writhing on the ground, pretending to be injured, he's giving his teammates a chance to catch their breath, get back into position and even get a quick drink. Granted, I wouldn't say that this is always why it is done, but there is some actual strategy behind it.
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