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.
I can't say that I really know what 'diving' is because I have never nor do I ever plan on being a soccer fan and this is because of what I can only assume is diving. I get so irritated watching soccer players fall all over the field for what is so obviously no reason. Granted some of them get injured and injured quite immensely but for those who don't it's beyond frustrating to watch.
ReplyDeleteThis post was hilarious! Even though I didn't know who you were talking about I really understood what you are saying, and I finally "got it"
As a hockey player most of my life, the amount of diving I see when watching soccer is one of the things that tends to turn me off of the sport. When played tough and honestly, I find it a beautiful game. Yet I think this is why it has had a difficult time catching on in North America, where sports like football and hockey and even basketball lead the charge. Toughness is something admired in so many athletes, and regardless of how tough a soccer player can be, the culture of diving makes it hard for many to see a soccer player that way.
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