8
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 32:
Line 32: − − ==Diving (Cheating)== − − Soccer is well known as a sport for cheats. Players will often exaggerate or completely fake infringements or injuries in order to win penalty kicks. While there are penalties for deliberately faking a fall, the benefits far outweigh the risks in such a low-scoring game and players are encouraged by their coaches and fans to try and win un-just free kicks. There have been numerous highly controversial instances of high level games being decided by such acts, such as the recent opening game of the 2014 World Cup. Line 41:
Line 37: − + Line 50:
Line 46: − + − + − − ==Criticisms== − − [[Matthew Philbin]] faults the media for using soccer to undercut [[American exceptionalism]] and muses: − − * Soccer requires comparatively little from children but the ability to run after the ball - the risk of failure for anyone except maybe the goal keeper is zero. Even the strong chance that any given game will end in a tie makes it attractive for parents reluctant to impart life's difficult lessons to young kids.<ref name=media-goal>[http://newsbusters.org/blogs/matthew-philbin/2010/06/09/media-make-selling-soccer-goal#ixzz2gO2g6g35 Media Make Selling Soccer a Goal] - Matthew Philbin - June 9, 2010</ref>
no edit summary
In most European countries each large town will have at least one football team who play in leagues, which last August to May in most of Europe but March to October in others. Unlike most American sports, the top teams in each league go up a league to be replaced by the last teams in the league above. The top teams in the top division of each European country enter the UEFA Champions League, a league and knockout competition played on Tuesdays and Wednesdays around the season.
In most European countries each large town will have at least one football team who play in leagues, which last August to May in most of Europe but March to October in others. Unlike most American sports, the top teams in each league go up a league to be replaced by the last teams in the league above. The top teams in the top division of each European country enter the UEFA Champions League, a league and knockout competition played on Tuesdays and Wednesdays around the season.
==Great Players==
==Great Players==
* [[Ferenc Puskas]], a forward for [[Real Madrid]] and [[Hungary]] in the 1950s, introduced 'total football' and destroyed the old-fashioned English team of the time.
* [[Ferenc Puskas]], a forward for [[Real Madrid]] and [[Hungary]] in the 1950s, introduced 'total football' and destroyed the old-fashioned English team of the time.
* [[Lev Yashin]] of the USSR in the 1960s is reputed to be the best-ever goalkeeper.
* [[Lev Yashin]] of the USSR in the 1960s is reputed to be the best-ever goalkeeper.
* [[Pele]], [[Brazil]]ian player active from 1956-1974, often considered to be the greatest soccer player to ever kick the ball.
* [[Pele]], [[Brazil]]ian player active from 1956-1974, often considered to be one of the greatest football players ever
* [[Alfredo di Stéfano]], [[Argentinia]]n midfielder who played for [[Real Madrid]]. considered by Maradona to be the greatest.
* [[Alfredo di Stéfano]], [[Argentinia]]n midfielder who played for [[Real Madrid]]. considered by Maradona to be the greatest.
* [[Bobby Moore]], captain of England in the 1966 World Cup Finals and one of the finest ever centre-back.
* [[Bobby Moore]], captain of England in the 1966 World Cup Finals and one of the finest ever centre-back.
* [[Zinedine Zidane]], [[French]] player, he had won almost every trophy and competition his team had competed in. Retired shortly after headbutting an Italian a World Cup final match in 2006. Is the current manager of [[Real Madrid]] where he has lead them to back-to-back [[Champions League]] titles for the first time in the competition's history.
* [[Zinedine Zidane]], [[French]] player, he had won almost every trophy and competition his team had competed in. Retired shortly after headbutting an Italian a World Cup final match in 2006. Is the current manager of [[Real Madrid]] where he has lead them to back-to-back [[Champions League]] titles for the first time in the competition's history.
* [[Cristiano Ronaldo]], a [[Portuguese]] contemporary player for [[Real Madrid]]. Considered one of the all-time greats not just for [[Real Madrid]] but in all of football.
* [[Cristiano Ronaldo]], a [[Portuguese]] contemporary player for [[Real Madrid]]. Considered one of the all-time greats not just for [[Real Madrid]] but in all of football.
* [[Lionel Messi]], [[Argentina]]n forward, currently plays for [[Barcelona]].
* [[Lionel Messi]], [[Argentina]]n forward, currently plays for [[Barcelona]], the [[World]]'s Greatest Soccer/Football Player EVER
* [[Claude Makélélé]], [[French]] holding midfield player. While not generally thought of as one of the best players of all time, his style of play revolutionised the midfield. Breaking up attacks, playing simple football and allowing the more attacking players to play without as many defensive duties.
* [[Claude Makélélé]], [[French]] holding midfield player. While not generally thought of as one of the best players of all time, his style of play revolutionised the midfield. Breaking up attacks, playing simple football and allowing the more attacking players to play without as many defensive duties.
* [[Gianluigi Buffon]], [[Italian]] goalkeeper who has played over 650 league games, played in 3 [[World Cup]]s (was selected for the 1998 World Cup but never played), and considered one of the best goalkeepers to have ever graced the game.
* [[Gianluigi Buffon]], [[Italian]] goalkeeper who has played over 650 league games, played in 3 [[World Cup]]s (was selected for the 1998 World Cup but never played), and considered one of the best goalkeepers to have ever graced the game.
* [[George Weah]], [[Liberian]] striker who is regarded as one of the best players to have come from [[Africa]]. The first African player to be named World Player of the Year.
* [[George Weah]], [[Liberian]] striker who is regarded as one of the best players to have come from [[Africa]]. The first African player to be named World Player of the Year
==A note on terminology==
==A note on terminology==