The group stage of the World Cup is nearing a close.
Congratulations are in order to the South Africans. They did not advance but they finished 1-1-1 by beating France. This was a very respectable result of which they can be proud.
Greece has won their first World Cup match ever. This was helped by scoring their first goal ever at this tournament.
Along with the many minnows who have upset the big nations there have been frequent (far too frequent) displays of diving and feigning of injuries. This is cheating and is the biggest blight upon this event. The same statement can be made every 4 years. When will FIFA do something about this culture of diving?
As much as sports teaches us about the right way to do things, it also teaches us that cheaters often do prosper. Who can forget Diego Maradona winning the World Cup after scoring with a handball?
This year Thierry Henry's handball put France into this tournament at Ireland's expense. Irish hearts were broken and polls showed that the French population were embarrassed at their team's entry. This was set right today when France bowed out going winless amidst recriminations and infighting.
France is a great football nation. They will be back and will do themselves proud. However at this World Cup they went out as they should have because they did not deserve to be there.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment