World Cup 2010

[Fat Strat]

Yeah, that's true. But, it's also an important part of the tournament. It's far better, imo, for there to be ties in the Group stage of the World Cup than for it to go to Penalty Kicks. I love PK's, but there's something to be said for both teams earning a point for being equally matched on the pitch for 90 minutes. I think it's unfair for a club to earn 3 points and basically send the other club home because one of the keepers got lucky and guessed right on a PK.

Now, it might work if they let every tie go to PK's, awarding 1 point to each club for the tie and 1 additional point for the winner of the PK round.

That said, what sport doesn't include ties in regular season matchups (which is basically what the group stage of the WC is)? We had a tie in the NFL just this past season. Hockey has ties all the time. Really, basketball is the only major sport that doesn't have a tie worked into their competition. It's also the only major sport that forces shots every 30 or so seconds.


Lastly, I didn't have a chance to watch the match today, but if you've seen a match that's tied going into the final 5 minutes, you're going to see some of the most incredible action in the sport. No team out there is playing for the tie (thought I often suspected that out of Bruce Arena). They'll go full bore to win it. It can become something like a 2-minute drill in football without all the commercial breaks and time outs. That's great soccer.

[vinsanity]

That said, what sport doesn't include ties in regular season matchups (which is basically what the group stage of the WC is)? We had a tie in the NFL just this past season. Hockey has ties all the time. Really, basketball is the only major sport that doesn't have a tie worked into their competition. It's also the only major sport that forces shots every 30 or so seconds.

Ummmmm baseball?

[Fat Strat]

Do people still consider baseball a major sport? What kind of message board do you think we're on anyway?

[vinsanity]

Do people still consider baseball a major sport? What kind of message board do you think we're on anyway?

The Soccer is for [expletive] message board?

[Faceman]

I agree with you 100%. If you are a real fan, understand the game, these can be great games. PK and shootouts, they aren't the way to decide games.

I just am not a real fan, am trying to be a casual fan, and the ties suck.

Yeah, that's true. But, it's also an important part of the tournament. It's far better, imo, for there to be ties in the Group stage of the World Cup than for it to go to Penalty Kicks. I love PK's, but there's something to be said for both teams earning a point for being equally matched on the pitch for 90 minutes. I think it's unfair for a club to earn 3 points and basically send the other club home because one of the keepers got lucky and guessed right on a PK.

Now, it might work if they let every tie go to PK's, awarding 1 point to each club for the tie and 1 additional point for the winner of the PK round.

That said, what sport doesn't include ties in regular season matchups (which is basically what the group stage of the WC is)? We had a tie in the NFL just this past season. Hockey has ties all the time. Really, basketball is the only major sport that doesn't have a tie worked into their competition. It's also the only major sport that forces shots every 30 or so seconds.


Lastly, I didn't have a chance to watch the match today, but if you've seen a match that's tied going into the final 5 minutes, you're going to see some of the most incredible action in the sport. No team out there is playing for the tie (thought I often suspected that out of Bruce Arena). They'll go full bore to win it. It can become something like a 2-minute drill in football without all the commercial breaks and time outs. That's great soccer.

[Fat Strat]

I just am not a real fan, am trying to be a casual fan, and the ties suck.

I get you and that's why I agree that it's a problem. Was listening to a little bit of ESPN radio over lunch and Scott Van Pelt was basically saying the same thing. Frist game, big time hype, and then a tie...

I hope America starts liking ties by tomorrow though, because it would be something if we could sneak a tie out of England. In reality, that would be a huge deal and I think most guys "trying to be a casual fan" will be disappointed with that result. I would be ecstatic over it (and still expect it!) Optimism...

[StL Dan]

I just am not a real fan, am trying to be a casual fan, and the ties suck.

I get you and that's why I agree that it's a problem. Was listening to a little bit of ESPN radio over lunch and Scott Van Pelt was basically saying the same thing. Frist game, big time hype, and then a tie...

I hope America starts liking ties by tomorrow though, because it would be something if we could sneak a tie out of England. In reality, that would be a huge deal and I think most guys "trying to be a casual fan" will be disappointed with that result. I would be ecstatic over it (and still expect it!) Optimism...

This is why ties suck - because "lesser" teams perceive a tie with a more powerful team to be a "victory".

Do you think the 1980 US Olympic hockey team would have celebrated like it was 1999 if they had merely tied the USSR in Lake Placid? No way. We climbed over the hump and beat their asses. The only satisfaction I will take out of the USA /England match is a WIN for USA.

[thrill]

Hockey has ties all the time.

Heh, hockey doesn't have ties anymore. Shootouts after a tied over time. Changed after the lockout.


Anyway, if something as easy to understand as a tie is something that keeps you from enjoying a sport, I have no time to convince you otherwise. If you're fundamentally opposed to a tie without understanding the concept of a group play or aggregate goal, multi-legged match fixture, then it's not the sport for you.

[Secret Weapon]

That said, what sport doesn't include ties in regular season matchups (which is basically what the group stage of the WC is)? We had a tie in the NFL just this past season. Hockey has ties all the time. Really, basketball is the only major sport that doesn't have a tie worked into their competition. It's also the only major sport that forces shots every 30 or so seconds.

NHL doesn't
MLB doesn't
NBA doesn't
College Basketball doesn't
College Football doesn't
NFL has had 2 ties in the past 12 years

[jim]

Sports where scoring is very limited have a bunch of damn ties, I'll say that. I love listening to French radio when there are a bunch of games going on and you get an updates, they will bounce around to the games to get a quick update. It goes something like this (tranlsated of course):

"OK, let's get you up to date on the match in Lyon, Jean what is happening"

"Oh, exciting game. Lot's of kicking the ball around. Lyon and Grenoble are deadlocked 0-0. Back to you Michele".

"Thanks Jean, now off to Parc du Prince where Starsbourg is visiting Paris, Pierre what can you tell us?"

"Ooo-la-la ... what an incredible game. The ball keeps going back and forth, and it got near the goal once. Paris 0 and Strasbourg 0. Back to you Michele".

"NEAR THE GOAL ....Parblue! Let's check in with Charles out in Le Havre.."

"Oh wow, you just missed it Jean. A TREMENDOUS shot on goal by Andre De Gaule of the Le Mens club .. what excitement here. The fans are going crazy. 0-0. Back to you."

"TIENS! A shot on goal in Le Havre! Mon dieu! Ok, those are the key matchups, let's review the other nights action... Bordeaux 0 Marseille 0. Saint-Etienne 0 Montpellier 0. Nice 0 Versaille 0. Bourges 0 Toulon 0. WHAT A NIGHT OF SOCCER!!!".