No, Orrin, it was an inspired choice because they want a robot that can fake injuries on the battlefield.

Ahhh,

A master baiter of Soccer fans....

I'll bite.

I find it interesting that soccer players are as accurate with their feet as basketball players are with their hands, but on a playing field over three times the size.

It's also amazing how much stamina is required when you don't have legalistic "clock management" and timing issues (all for the advertisers).

For a nation with ADD, I can understand why focusing on a game with almost no breaks poses a problem. When do you have time to get more hotdogs and beer?

It's all a matter of taste, I guess.

A witty riposte, BB, but the finest comment on soccer was made a couple of years ago by Frank DeFord on NPR. The reporter asked why soccer never really caught on in America, and Ford replied, "Americans prefer football and basketball, which rely on the hands. Use of the hands is what separates us from the beasts of the field."

A witty riposte, BB, but the finest comment on soccer was made a couple of years ago by Frank DeFord on NPR. The reporter asked why soccer never really caught on in America, and Ford replied, "Americans prefer football and basketball, which rely on the hands. Use of the hands is what separates us from the beasts of the field."

A witty riposte, BB, but the finest comment on soccer was made a couple of years ago by Frank DeFord on NPR. The reporter asked why soccer never really caught on in America, and Ford replied, "Americans prefer football and basketball, which rely on the hands. Use of the hands is what separates us from the beasts of the field."

Soccer fans seem to have time to find the beer stand, but then again they don't have worry about missing the good parts of the game.

"I find it interesting that soccer players are as accurate with their feet as basketball players are with their hands, but on a playing field over three times the size."

Huh? They why not have goals about a meter across and prohibit goaltending.(That might actually be an interesting game, actually. Maybe I should patent it.)

Raoul,

I think this would be a great idea. I've also suggested dumping or modifying the off-sides rule, but your idea is far better.

The fact is, that even if you hate the game or find it boring, if you watch world cup level play, you will be amazed by the accuracy.

Just came up with it after misreading your comment about accuracy.

The thing about the smaller goals and no goaltending is that you would have a fair amount of scoring. Keep all the other rules the same, and the whole nature of the game would change. For one thing, you'd have a lot less 0-1 victories and ties.

I just find it hard to believe that people can get so excited over a game where the world championship is being decided by one guy missing a penalty shot at the end of 120 minutes of running in circles with no scoring.
From little I've seen, the first team to score then proceeds to sit on that lead, and a two goal lead going into the second half is insurmountable. Might as well flip a coin or go straight to the shootout.

Raol:

That's funny. I've had similar thoughts on basketball.

It strikes me that there's far too many points, and a 'basket' is very much devalued. How can you summon the energy to get excited when your team scores to make it 76-76? From the little I've seen, one team just runs up the end and scores, then it's the other team's turn to run up the other end and score.

Here's what I'd do to basketball: make the goals bigger and lower, and make it more difficult for the players to score by prohibiting from using their hands. Then make it even tougher by introducing a "goalkeeper" who can use his hands. That way you'd get scores like 2-0, and 3-2, and when a goal happens, it would be worth cheering.

What d'ya reckon?

Brit --

You are quite correct in my opinion about professional and most male collage basketball.

Actually however, the game they play is a degenerate form.

To see basketball played as it should be watch the collage women play.

Still too many points these days but I am not enough of a fan/expert to say whether that is due to rule changes or coaching.

The Uconn lady Huskies vs the TN Vols come to mind.

Strategy, team play, play making, distance shooting the whole thing.

So there are lower scores in the women's game...

Is that because they keep missing?

(apologies - I tried to resist, but couldn't)