Dive or No Dive? Vote on Lucas Moura, Barrera and Alston
All three incidents in question resulted in goals in this instalment of Dive or No Dive, and in two of them, the spot-kicks had a direct result in the outcome.
But were the penalties fairly given? We want you to decide.
After watching the clips provided, cast your vote. The players in question are Lucas Moura, Leandro Barrera and Kevin Alston.
Exhibit A: Lucas Moura vs. Lyon
Paris Saint-Germain were 1-0 up on Coupe de la Ligue final opponents Lyon when Edinson Cavani was given the chance to extend the capital side’s advantage from the spot.
Thiago Silva’s long, arcing ball had released teammate Lucas Moura, but as he tried to control it on the edge of the box he was clattered into by Lyon goalkeeper Antony Lopes.
The first item of controversy surrounded the location of the foul, as it appeared to happen outside the area.
The second was the foul itself, as Lucas perhaps went to ground too easily.
Cavani converted the resulting spot-kick, and PSG went on to lift the trophy after a 2-1 win.
Exhibit B: Leandro Barrera vs. Seattle Sounders
Chivas USA took a shock lead on visiting Seattle Sounders when Erik Torres converted from the spot after just five minutes.
Leandro Barrera had gone to ground under pressure from Seattle midfielder Osvaldo Alonso, but while the California outfit took the early lead, they were unable to hold it.
Lamar Neagle and Obafemi Martins responded for the guests, who ended up cruising to a 2-1 win.
Exhibit C: Kevin Alston vs. Chicago Fire
New England Revolution were trailing Chicago Fire by a goal when Kevin Alston earned his side a 31st-minute penalty.
The midfielder, having latched onto a ball deep in the attacking third, was brought to ground by Chicago defender Bakary Soumare, whose reaction clearly indicated he didn’t think he had fouled his opponent.
But Lee Nguyen converted from the spot, and thanks to a Juan Anangono penalty miss in second-half stoppage time, the match ended 1-1.
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