2010 FIFA World Cup: Come On Guys, Enough With The Diving

Soccer is a beautiful sport.

It is a sport that is recognized as a true global phenomenon because it is aesthetically pleasing to watch, and the World Cup is the greatest showcase of the magnificence of the sport.

However, it is also a showcase for grown men acting like babies.

Three days into the World Cup tournament and I am already seeing the diving trend implemented by players from every team.

All this in three days? Come on now, this is the World Cup, not Broadway.

I am a soccer player. I have been fouled before, but it doesn't help to roll around on the ground whining. What are you trying to prove, that you can change the referees opinion by crying about it?

How many times have you seen a referee blow his whistle, make a call, see a player faking an injury on the ground, and then suddenly change his mind and reverse the call?

Never.

You might as well lay face down on the ground and start kicking your legs and arms and  crying like a baby, because that's exactly what you look like.

It's frustrating to see players embarrass the beautiful game of soccer by destroying its integrity. You don't see this type of behavior in youth, high school, and college soccer, so why do the international players feel it is necessary?

I think it has to do with the popularity of the World Cup, and these players are letting it get to their heads that they are on international television. I also think they legitimately believe that diving is an acceptable way to find that little bit of an advantage over their opposing team to produce a win.

Let me just say that diving and faking injuries are not respectable strategies to contribute to a win for your country's team. I don't know why this topic is not highly debated and why referees continue to fall for these pathetic excuses to draw yellow cards, and sometimes even red cards.

The sportsmanship aspect of soccer is being thrown out the window by allowing these players to get away with such an atrocity against their own sport.

I realize I may sound overdramatic with my words, but that is exactly what the sport of soccer has come to:  prima donnas taking falls and milking injuries.

It's time international soccer players realized the roots of the sport: glory, honor for your country, victory, and determination.

If you want to acrobatically dive around on the ground, join the circus. When you step foot on that field, play with the mentality that you are representing your country. What does that say about your country when the world sees you destroying the game with your foolish antics?

It certainly does not scream honor or respect. You have an amazing opportunity to play on the world's brightest stage in sports. You are a role model for all to look up to, so act like it.

Enough guys. I want to watch soccer, not theater.