There's no splashing on grass

Last weekend, I watched Cardiff and Blackpool battle it out for a place in the Premier League. I must say not only was the game excellent, it was refreshing to see passion, heart and dedication in a game that was free of soccer's worst travesty -- diving.

With the World Cup fast approaching, I hope that it will be a demonstration of the best the world has to offer, but fear it will transcend into a diving competition. Not only is diving simply frustrating, it has become ridiculous. For this reason, I have decided to compile a list of the top 8 divers to watch. Even though most are at the top of their game, they are so ridiculous, at times it is embarrassing.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) - It is a wonder he does not hurt himself.

2. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) - No explanation needed. The man is a tank who probably wouldn't be knocked over by a truck on the street, but his theatrics on the pitch are unbelievable at times. He, like Ronaldo, must have taken the art of taking a hissy fit, because the 'fun' really begins when their dives are left unnoticed.

3. Arjen Robben (Netherlands) - Would score more goals if he stayed on his feet.

4. Steven Gerard (England) - One player who gets away with murder both on-and-off the field in the Premier League. To be fair, he only dives when he is in the final third and a dive in the penalty box is a bonus. I'm hoping he gets called for everything and if we're lucky, even gets sent off.

5. Nani (Portugal) - Don't think this pick needs much explaining, Ronaldo II, not as talented of a player but diving ability that would rival anyone.

6. Team Italy - This pick is a bit of an assumption. I am not up to date on many of the players that will play this year, but if history repeats itself, they'll dish it out (fouls) and dive if anyone comes within two feet.

7. Team Spain - There are just too many to name, most notably Torres, Busquets, Pedro and Fabregas. At times I have to turn off La Liga out of pure frustration. There must be something in the water.

8. Eduardo (Portugal) This decision is primarily formed because of the Champions League fiasco, I don't think he will make it on the pitch if I'm honest.

and just because I can, I would like to give an honourable mention to David Ngog, as he has proven to be Gerard's protege this past season.

Welcome to Beyond the Penalty Spot! This blog will detail my feelings on all things soccer related. I will make predictions on upcoming games, have post-game reviews and discuss transfer gossip and player antics both on-and-off the field.

I think it is important to first admit all biases that I have, which will be present in this blog. First, and most importantly, I am an Everton fan. This usually means I find it hard to criticize Everton players when they are on international duty and am sometimes too quick to criticize when they don the blue and white.

As the world cup is fast approaching it seems almost natural that this is where my blog will begin. I was born in Canada and my heritage is Irish so there won’t be a problem favouring either of them, because they did not qualify. I will however not be supporting France out of principle and familial allegiance. In the next coming days, I will post team profiles and players to watch. I primarily watch the Premier League, MLS and La Liga, so I admit my profiles may be lacking some information.

Thanks for reading!

FieLowe