04/26/24
June 28, 2010
SportsFilter: The Monday Huddle:
A place to discuss the sports stories that aren't making news, share links that aren't quite front-page material, and diagram plays on your hand. Remember to count to five Mississippi before commenting in anger.
This is the first World Cup that I have followed closely so I must ask; does heavy criticism of the officiating and/or the ball happen every four years?
For that matter, is a team acting in the manner that France did this year a regular occurance or a rarity?
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 08:58 AM on June 28, 2010
This is the first World Cup that I have followed closely so I must ask; does heavy criticism of the officiating and/or the ball happen every four years?
Ball, yes. FIFA/Adidas make money from marketing a new ball and have to try and make it different each time. More and more cameras covering games make it much more difficult for referees, but I think officiating has been improving - referees are now much more professional, fitter and better trained. This doesn't stop mistakes, of course, as we have seen.
For that matter, is a team acting in the manner that France did this year a regular occurance or a rarity?
France also imploded in 2002, and the Dutch tend to fall apart regularly, but this year was pretty special.
posted by owlhouse at 09:17 AM on June 28, 2010
The 6th Annual chicobangs Memorial SpoFi CFL Pick 'Em is now open for business.
Who loves ya, DJE? The best five months in professional sport is all the better because of you!
posted by Spitztengle at 10:15 AM on June 28, 2010
And now with an urgent word about the best ten minutes in professional sport...
Note the palpable concern in the quote from the president of Major League Eating.
posted by beaverboard at 05:16 PM on June 28, 2010
They say only what they're told to say. The (mysterious) World Cup fans of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
posted by geekyguy at 07:38 PM on June 28, 2010
World Wide Wes says Lebron James is going to Chicago, (link to Mefi post).
posted by geekyguy at 07:41 PM on June 28, 2010
Just a note that The 6th Annual chicobangs Memorial SpoFi CFL Pick 'Em is now open for business.