Soccer... I just don't get it

[Reel Deal]

That penalty kick call at the end of the first half of the US v. Ghana game?? What the fuck?? That's beyond ridiculous.

[PShabi]

I've tuned in for every US game this World Cup, mostly because of the discussion on this board, I guess.

However, this is absolutely comical. I've never seen a sport where the officials have such an impact on the outcome of the game. I'd assume that these are the best officials in the world. That's hilarious.

The first yellow card on Ghana was funny, too. That guy has to sit the next game (if they beat us) becuase of some bullshit.

The officiating, in US games and others, has totally turned me off to this event.

[PShabi]

The stoppage of play for "injuries" is absolutely laughable.

[Reel Deal]

I completely agree with you shab... I'm trying to give this sport a chance. But so far from what I've watched, only one word comes to mind to describe this sport... GAY.

[Robbie Robb]

The Simpsons covered soccer best....

[Defendant]

The PK was a questionable call. Heres the deal though: ANYWHERE else on the field, its a clear foul on Onyewu for pushing off/blocking out. The thing is, usually you dont call that in the 18 yard box because youre majorly impacting the outcome of the game. As far as the ref goes, Dr. Markus Merk is widely recognized as the best ref in the world. He has refed countless Champions League, World Cup, and UEFA cup games, 2 world cup finals, and many many huge games in the German Bundesliga and League Cup.
As for stoppage time, thats well warranted because the clock never stops in soccer. If someone is down...clock keeps running. If the ball is out of bounds...clock keeps running. Stoppage time is added to ensure that the proper amount of playtime is granted.
As far as calling soccer players sissies and primadonnas...have you ever played this game? You dont have padding. Shinguards, thats it. Taking a bunch of studs across the back of your leg fucking hurts. Trying to kick a ball, having all your weight on one leg, then that leg being taken out...great way to blow a knee. 95% of the the time when a player is down, its for a damn good reason. Also, unlike american football, you dont get a 40 second break for every 10 seconds of play. You run nonstop. If late in the game you take a hit and you get the chance to catch your breath for a second...by all means, go ahead.
Ill be happy to provide the experience of getting kicked in the ankle while running full speed to anyone insisting soccer players are sissies, just let me know.