|
|
Black Attack: Cheating – Should Players Get Away With It?
Following David Ngog's blatant dive to win a penalty for Liverpool, Goal.com's Alan Black gives the issue of diving his on unique slant.
Nov 10, 2009 2:41:26 AM
By Alan Black
The Liverpool player Ngog is a cheat and an actor worthy of nomination for this year’s Oscar for Best Simulation On A Soccer Field. His dive extraordinaire, earning his team a converted penalty in Liverpool’s Monday night Premier League match up against Birmingham City, will stick in the memory of opposing fans like superglue on a toilet seat. Like celebrities heading for liposuction, many are calling for soccer to suck out the simulation that is killing the heart of the game.
Why do people like Ngog play soccer when he would have been better off around a diving board and swimming pool? OK, he wants his team to win, but like that? It’s not going to do Liverpool any favors. Watch the next legitimate penalty claim from Liverpool being turned down by a nervous referee keen to avoid the humiliation inflicted upon his colleague by the phony Ngog. Cheating comes at a price.
Diving practice has always had a following in soccer but today it is reaching religious levels as the hubris of some players run amok. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, blessed by God as his divine soccer son, is nailed to the flopper’s cross. With pout and glower on his immaculate face, he converts dives into penalties and free kicks, from whence he scores. Millions follow and worship him.
As every soccer fan knows, Maradona channeled God for his diabolical handball goal in the Mexico World Cup in 1986. He was supreme enough to blame the hapless English goalkeeper Peter Shilton for coming off his line. Far from being crucified as a cheat, El Diego was carried to the Temple of the Gods.
So cheating – is it OK to use it in the game?
Alan Black, a Goal.com contributor, can be reached through his website at AlanBlack.info
Want more from Goal.com delivered right to your door? Introducing "Goal.com Magazine." Subscribe now!
The Liverpool player Ngog is a cheat and an actor worthy of nomination for this year’s Oscar for Best Simulation On A Soccer Field. His dive extraordinaire, earning his team a converted penalty in Liverpool’s Monday night Premier League match up against Birmingham City, will stick in the memory of opposing fans like superglue on a toilet seat. Like celebrities heading for liposuction, many are calling for soccer to suck out the simulation that is killing the heart of the game.
Why do people like Ngog play soccer when he would have been better off around a diving board and swimming pool? OK, he wants his team to win, but like that? It’s not going to do Liverpool any favors. Watch the next legitimate penalty claim from Liverpool being turned down by a nervous referee keen to avoid the humiliation inflicted upon his colleague by the phony Ngog. Cheating comes at a price.
Diving practice has always had a following in soccer but today it is reaching religious levels as the hubris of some players run amok. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, blessed by God as his divine soccer son, is nailed to the flopper’s cross. With pout and glower on his immaculate face, he converts dives into penalties and free kicks, from whence he scores. Millions follow and worship him.
 |
So cheating – is it OK to use it in the game?
Alan Black, a Goal.com contributor, can be reached through his website at AlanBlack.info
Want more from Goal.com delivered right to your door? Introducing "Goal.com Magazine." Subscribe now!
Inside Goal.Com
-
EURO 2012: Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi and Van Persie named in Goal.com's dream team XI
Goal.com put together its dream team for this summer's European Championship in Poland and Ukraine
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.