It is surprising the amount of criticism that the winter World Cup in facing, its so far away. Well on second thoughts, not really. Football is still an old game. Not in a bad way though. Its not like hockey where all the rules and even the playing field was changed. Or like cricket, with the Umpire Decision Review System. It's still old, with just a shin pad and a ball. (Not really, but sounded kinda nice when I thought it)
There is a lot which is great about being traditional; but then it can be called not being progressive. Like the Lampard goal that was disallowed in the World Cup, and with it all the hopes of what could have been, you know. (I've been overexposed to English media! Clearly.)
Question is, are we willing for a change to our beautiful old game? Do we want to see goal line technology? Maybe even work towards a Decision Review System? And then the daddy of all changes, the Winter World Cup! The World Cup is what 11 years away. And the amount of press it is getting on the BBC and Sports Center is quite amazing. You never know what might just happen in that amount of time.
The EPL might start having a winter break after England again disappoint at the next Euro and World Cup (No they won't - have a winter break that is). But then the only changes that have been made so far are to the offside rule and the yellow and red card rules. Nothing revolutionary by any means.
In my opinion, its too early for Goal Line Technology as well as the Decision Review System. Ripping the Referee to shreds after a bad decision is too much fun! But on a more serious note, I think that will just lead to the Referees losing control of the games. But then you see howlers like the Lampard goal and you think again. However, that is more to do with improving refereeing standards I think. That was one obvious goal!
Anyway, point is, I'm all in for a winter World Cup. As much as I love the festive period EPL lineup, I wouldn't mind some change in one season's line-up. Let say YAY to the Winter World Cup. (Although it will be pretty much like an English summer, Qatar in the winter)
* I have not been hired by the Qatari government to write this.
** I wouldn't mind getting paid for this piece by them anyway...
Oh and do let me know what you think (If anyone reads this, that is)... On both Goal Line Tech and the Winter World Cup (WWC?) (No - sounds like a new wrestling show)
Great Article !
I think the only thing that should be done is : Goal line technology
Very nice article. I don't think we need goal line tech. Football is a game that should be played everywhere in the world, the same way. As you write "with just a shin pad and a ball"
Nice article!
I am impressed. I will tell the Qatari government to pay you. By the way; Bottom line of FIFA has always been what TheJack says: "Football is a game that should be played everywhere in the world, the same way". Thats the only beauty FIFA has left in their corrupt organization. They cant leave that fundation: then its nothing left!