Football! Futbol!

Now That's What I'm Talkin About!

The Italy-Germany  semi final football game of the 2006 World Cup is now history and about time we had such a dramatic ending! After a hard fought battle befitting the Coliseum of ancient Rome that seemed to be destined to a penalty kick shootout for the umpteenth time, Italy pops up with two goals in three minutes of the second extra time period to go through to the final. Maximum shock value and maximum ecstasy value. This is how a World Cup game or important knockout tournament game should end.

Penalty Kick Shootouts Are Bogus

I think penalty kick shootouts are totally bogus and offer a meaningless end to a football (soccer) game. In today's game there are way too many penalty shootouts determining winners in important matches.

It is ridiculous that even World Cup Finals (1994 Men's and 1999 Women's) can decided on penalty kicks. I feel a bit ripped off as a fan. Sure Roberto Baggio's miss in 1994 and Brandi Chastain's titilating top removal were memorable moments. However a 35 yard screamer to end a game, like the Steven Gerrard goal for Liverpool in the FA Cup Final or William Gallas injury time curler against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge in March 2006 effort in overtime is the type of ending that sets my heart on fire. It's like the walk off homer to end a baseball game (a la Joe Carter Toronto Blue Jays in 1993 World Series or a 3 pointer at the buzzer to end an NBA championship game. And I'm sure most would agree that such a finish is far more desirable.

In my opinion there should be two periods of overtime followed by sudden death overtime.  Restoring the "golden goal" would increase the drama and fan enjoyment. It should be "survival of the fittest" like a battle between two teams of gladiators. The 2006 World Cup has been the most watched of all time. It's a win-win to give the players something more to fight for, the fans a little more pleasure and the TV networks some more revenue.

I hope that organizers of major tournaments such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, Carling Cup, Copa Libertadores and others consider something different.