Of course many U.S. soccer supporters may possibly never get over this call by Coulibaly and rightfully so since it was a complete disgrace to both soccer and competitive sports in general. But it got me thinking, is it possible that there may be some positive side effects caused by his critical error and subsequent media storm?
I say YES! Add this unmistakable gaff by Coulibaly to the disgrace FIFA has been forced to deal with in the face of two already sore topics surrounding this World Cup, abysmally poor quality of its referees and the overall lack of support for a World Cup in South Africa (empty seats, security concerns, teams forced to stay at their hotels, and negative media coverage of South Africa's many human rights issues).
This all seems like the perfect storm for FIFA to be forced into implementing instant replay, at least for review of goals or fouls that revolve around goal scoring opportunities. However there may be another and more important side affect, at least to me and all of the U.S. Soccer supporters including the politicians who are lobbying to bring the World Cup back to the United States. Though FIFA would never admit to it, the act of stealing a win right out of the hands (or feet) of the U.S. may now inadvertently lead to preferential treatment and the award of winning the bid to host the most prestigious soccer tournament in the world. If this were to happen, bringing the World Cup back to America would finally give us a chance to disprove the myth that Americans do not care about soccer as much as the rest of the world.
There are currently top level professional soccer leagues succeeding for both men (MLS) and women (WPS) here in the United States along with literally millions of youth playing soccer and some realistically dreaming of playing professionally some day.
It might just be that a huge mistake by a very incompetent FIFA referee that affected the outcome of one of the most important U.S. Soccer matches in our short international history will lead to a change in the rules of the beautiful game and a much needed and perfectly timed opportunity for Americans to show the rest of the word that we are ready to compete for the top spot and that YES, soccer is here to stay!
I really hope this does lead to a rule change, because it's hard to take the World Cup seriously when such arbitrary calls occur and, worse yet, FIFA basically refuses to address it.
ReplyDeleteI agree, there needs to be some sort of accountibility in place for Referees other than a slap on the wrist followed by a "no comment" from FIFA.
ReplyDeleteThe, 'We are FIFA and do not have to answer to anyone' days past there expiration date.
what a load of crap... just because the US get a dodgy decision doesn't mean they will change. You aren't the only team ever to have a bad decision! Stick to american "football" the world doesn't want you. Next you'll be calling for only win scenarios and multi ball or something...
ReplyDeleteAccording to telegraph.co.uk "The England team could be forced to play their crucial World Cup group game in front of thousands of empty seats as fans were expected to stay away following two dismal performances."
ReplyDeleteAs for the American supporters, they have purchased over 132,000 tickets for this years World Cup. More than any other country outside South Africa.
So "Anonymous" (who I will venture to bet is a British supporter) you may not want Americans to be part of the World Cup, and who could blame you with a record of 0-1-1 vs. U.S.A. over the last 50 years of World Cup play and another disapointing appearance for the 3 Lions on the worlds largest stage. But like it or not they are soon to be "the jomblies".
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ReplyDeleteActually if one thinks about the 20yrs of highlights that would have come out of the first 2 goal down, come from behind victory in the history of thw World Cup finals (especially in such stunning fashion as the 3 goals the US actually scored) and I think there is nothing that could eclipse the impact on generations of N. Americans. Performances like this are how you build the passion for the game!
ReplyDeletebad calls really stink, but i would rather have them than have instant replay. You want instant replay, keep watching american football.
ReplyDeleteI found this book that covers the very topic of bringing the World Cup back to the U.S. and the impact it would have on soccer.
ReplyDeletehttp://starspangledsoccer.sports.officelive.com/default.aspx
Great posting! I am an American who has had the privilege of living abroad (Argentina) for 8 years. My first World Cup experience was in 2006 here in Argentina and seeing an entire country STOP to watch the matches as AMAZING! I'm stoked to see the U.S. doing so well this Cup and hopefully it will bring the U.S. fans a bit closer to the real WORLD sport!
ReplyDeleteI think the disallowed goals and the even more importantly the response to them will be seen as the turning point for US soccer years from now. The first controversial call generated huge media interest which led to people watching the last game. After the finish to that game I don't think anybody will ever call soccer boring again.
ReplyDeleteBTW - I think both calls were 50-50, i.e. they could have gone either way, there was a lot of wrestling going on both sides for the first one. The US are a physical side they would not, and should not let defenders push them around.
The offside call, very tight, the camera angle is not perfectly in line, the AR is supposed to be.
Anyway marginal calls are part of the game and look how much interest they generated