One of the most refreshing aspects of the African Nations Cup — ignoring fresh allegations of attempted match-fixing – has been an almost complete absence of the gamesmanship which blights modern soccer.
There has been almost no waving of imaginary yellow cards to try to get an opponent booked and no arguments because a team has failed to kick the ball out for an injury.
Very few players have been rolling around in mock agony and clutching their faces after taking a small knock on the ankle.
The tackling has often been ferocious, but in Africa it is accepted as part of the game. Even after the fiercest of challenges, it is common to see players getting straight to their feet and continuing the game, sometimes even with a handshake thrown in.
Why can’t players in the rest of the world follow the African example?
Brian Homewood is covering the African Nations Cup for Reuters. Check out our main soccer site for full coverage.
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3 comments so far
Brian you’re so right! The rolling around in mock agony and diving is such a disgrace. By contrast, it was a pleasure to watch the European handball championship that ended on Sunday with Denmark beating Croatia. Throughout the tournament players dished out and took some real poundings. When they went down, there was no doubt about it. Watching soccer matches on TV and trying to guess if it was a real foul or just a dive is a little like watching entertainers on TV: I’m always wondering to myself — are they singing live or is it just dubbed?
- Posted by ErikHandball is an intensely exciting sport to watch. It has played its due part to help me through the Bundesliga winter break.:-)
- Posted by Jan‘The tackling has often been ferocious, but in Africa it is accepted as part of the game. Even after the fiercest of challenges, it is common to see players getting straight to their feet and continuing the game, sometimes even with a handshake thrown in.’
Can we assume Droghba will come back a changed man ?
- Posted by Cy Nical