I am watching the end of the Italy against Uruguay match in the final round of Group D group play. Uruguay scored an amazing goal off a set piece in what had really been an ugly game up until that point. However, the only thing I can think of is how wrong it seems that Uruguay will win this game.
Moments before the goal, Luis Suarez appeared to go after an opponent using his teeth. It was an awful display of hostility and lack of sportsmanship. Suarez deserved to be sent off right then and there but that did not happen. Italy deserved a reprieve that they did not receive. Uruguay subsequently scored to put themselves ahead and ultimately through to the next round.
Suarez will have to live his life now likely with the permanent label of being a dirty player. He has bitten players twice before and was the man behind the awful handball that prevented a goal against Ghana in the 2010 World Cup (see the video below for that). The sickest part is he seems to feel no remorse as long as his team wins. He celebrated after Ghana missed the subsequent penalty in South Africa. Suarez has also racially abused Manchester United and France player Patrice Evra. It is so unfortunate that this talented player has such a mean streak. That said, I genuinely think there is no place for Luis Suarez in soccer. He has become a menace and lacks sportsmanship altogether. I understand that there is a lot of pressure on him but that is no excuse.
Going back to today's game against Italy, there is the aspect of how Uruguay scored that goal. It came on a well-executed set piece, which was put away by Uruguayan captain Diego Godin. Godin had a nice rebound from the previous game against England. However, the question exists if Godin should have even been playing.
Last Thursday, Godin played in Uruguay’s 2-1 victory over England. In this game, Godin had an awful performance including a yellow card for a stopping a through ball deliberately using his forearm. It is not certain England would have scored but it was a clear goal scoring opportunity, which should have constituted a red card. To add insult to injury, Godin deserved a second yellow card later in the match but the official let him off easy and simply called the foul letting Godin stay in the game after he deserved to have been sent off. Taking all of that into account, Godin shouldn't have been allowed to play in this game today against Uruguay meaning he could never score the game winner for Uruguay. It bothers me that Uruguay is advancing following such an undeserving win. Italy deserves to be playing this weekend but instead is heading home for a second year in a row. Yes, Uruguay won, but this victory is marred by controversy.
That's my take on what I feel was a very pro-Uruguay refereed game. Let me know what you think about the situation.
Moments before the goal, Luis Suarez appeared to go after an opponent using his teeth. It was an awful display of hostility and lack of sportsmanship. Suarez deserved to be sent off right then and there but that did not happen. Italy deserved a reprieve that they did not receive. Uruguay subsequently scored to put themselves ahead and ultimately through to the next round.
Suarez will have to live his life now likely with the permanent label of being a dirty player. He has bitten players twice before and was the man behind the awful handball that prevented a goal against Ghana in the 2010 World Cup (see the video below for that). The sickest part is he seems to feel no remorse as long as his team wins. He celebrated after Ghana missed the subsequent penalty in South Africa. Suarez has also racially abused Manchester United and France player Patrice Evra. It is so unfortunate that this talented player has such a mean streak. That said, I genuinely think there is no place for Luis Suarez in soccer. He has become a menace and lacks sportsmanship altogether. I understand that there is a lot of pressure on him but that is no excuse.
Going back to today's game against Italy, there is the aspect of how Uruguay scored that goal. It came on a well-executed set piece, which was put away by Uruguayan captain Diego Godin. Godin had a nice rebound from the previous game against England. However, the question exists if Godin should have even been playing.
Last Thursday, Godin played in Uruguay’s 2-1 victory over England. In this game, Godin had an awful performance including a yellow card for a stopping a through ball deliberately using his forearm. It is not certain England would have scored but it was a clear goal scoring opportunity, which should have constituted a red card. To add insult to injury, Godin deserved a second yellow card later in the match but the official let him off easy and simply called the foul letting Godin stay in the game after he deserved to have been sent off. Taking all of that into account, Godin shouldn't have been allowed to play in this game today against Uruguay meaning he could never score the game winner for Uruguay. It bothers me that Uruguay is advancing following such an undeserving win. Italy deserves to be playing this weekend but instead is heading home for a second year in a row. Yes, Uruguay won, but this victory is marred by controversy.
That's my take on what I feel was a very pro-Uruguay refereed game. Let me know what you think about the situation.