FIFA's Cup Check! Part I
FIFA is at it again, ruining another World Cup with absolutely horrendous officiating.
This is the 4th straight cup to have numerous suspicious calls which decidedly influence the outcome of matches and the tournament itself.
In 1994, 1998 and 2002 , the "Boyz" from Brazil were the main beneficiary. After being eliminated or not qualifying in 74, 78, 82, 86 & 90, Brazil has garnered 3 straight final game appearances and 2 titles through FIFA's "coddling" program.
In 1994 Brazil was "delivered "to the final in the first US hosted cup, where they won a scoreless match vs Italy on penalty kicks. In 1998 we saw the "Boyz" fed to a pack of frenzied Frenchmen that would not be denied. In 2002 the "Boyz" cruised past a hobbled German squad in the first Asian hosted cup.
It was in the 02 cup that the officiating got blatantly out of hand as team after team was "homered" to get a weak host S. Korea into the semis, while Brazil & Germany were ushered into the final as their opponents were severely handicapped by the officiating.
Prior to 02, the officiating bias was more subtle, but with the advent of digital slow motion and DVR's, its painfully obvious that this edition of the Cup is more of the same and perhaps worse.
Watching the Australia - Brazil match was very reminiscent of watching an opposing team attempting a playoff win at the Boston Garden during the Bird era. As it was vs the Celtics, it is evident that if a Brazilian is challenged or falls on his own, a penalty is called against the opponent.
In addition, rhythm breaking, non sensical fouls are called when the opponent is in a "threatening" offensive position. Meanwhile the Brazilians (much like those Gaaarden muggers with the lucky clover) foul, tug, push, kick and pull other players with virtual impunity.
FIFA has gone far (as the NBA did in the 80's) to "soften" the path for Brazil by eliminating "road block" teams or having their key players suspended or under yellow card "threat" of suspension during matches with Brazil.
Why is this good for FIFA? Follow the money, the Brazilians bring a worldwide fan base with higher television ratings and merchandising revenues. Unfortunately, its bad for the integrity and credibility of the game. More to come in Part II.
This is the 4th straight cup to have numerous suspicious calls which decidedly influence the outcome of matches and the tournament itself.
In 1994, 1998 and 2002 , the "Boyz" from Brazil were the main beneficiary. After being eliminated or not qualifying in 74, 78, 82, 86 & 90, Brazil has garnered 3 straight final game appearances and 2 titles through FIFA's "coddling" program.
In 1994 Brazil was "delivered "to the final in the first US hosted cup, where they won a scoreless match vs Italy on penalty kicks. In 1998 we saw the "Boyz" fed to a pack of frenzied Frenchmen that would not be denied. In 2002 the "Boyz" cruised past a hobbled German squad in the first Asian hosted cup.
It was in the 02 cup that the officiating got blatantly out of hand as team after team was "homered" to get a weak host S. Korea into the semis, while Brazil & Germany were ushered into the final as their opponents were severely handicapped by the officiating.
Prior to 02, the officiating bias was more subtle, but with the advent of digital slow motion and DVR's, its painfully obvious that this edition of the Cup is more of the same and perhaps worse.
Watching the Australia - Brazil match was very reminiscent of watching an opposing team attempting a playoff win at the Boston Garden during the Bird era. As it was vs the Celtics, it is evident that if a Brazilian is challenged or falls on his own, a penalty is called against the opponent.
In addition, rhythm breaking, non sensical fouls are called when the opponent is in a "threatening" offensive position. Meanwhile the Brazilians (much like those Gaaarden muggers with the lucky clover) foul, tug, push, kick and pull other players with virtual impunity.
FIFA has gone far (as the NBA did in the 80's) to "soften" the path for Brazil by eliminating "road block" teams or having their key players suspended or under yellow card "threat" of suspension during matches with Brazil.
Why is this good for FIFA? Follow the money, the Brazilians bring a worldwide fan base with higher television ratings and merchandising revenues. Unfortunately, its bad for the integrity and credibility of the game. More to come in Part II.
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