Flops

Explaining Why Soccer Players Flop, Why It Isn’t Cheating And Three Ways To Stop It

Why soccer players flop. It’s a question that arises every World Cup, every club campaign, every Champions League season. It’s a debate that will rage on until VAR is universal. As we’ll explain, the reason why soccer players flop comes down to one simple factor — but we have three ways to stop the flop. 

Flopping, or simulation in official FIFA terminology, is the process of embellishing a foul or pretending to be fouled when none was committed in an attempt to deceive the referee. A referee who spots simulation can punish the offender with a yellow card. 

Griezmann’s Shameful Dive Leads To Opening Goal Of World Cup Final

The 2018 FIFA World Cup Final opened with Croatia’s high press and positive play causing all sorts of problems for France. The opening 15 minutes was dominated by the perceived underdogs, and that pressure was only relieved when Antoine Griezmann won a foul in a dangerous area just outside Croatia’s box.

In realtime, the Atletico Madrid striker appeared to get bowled over. Referee Nestor Pitana whistled for a free kick but replays revealed that it had been an expert piece of simulation from Griezmann — it was a dive, plain and simple.

Kylian Mbappe’s Blatant Time Wasting Is Strong Evidence For Stoppage Time Changes

During France’s 1-0 win over Belgium yesterday, there was a heinous moment in the 92nd minute when Kylian Mbappe attempted to retain possession near Belgium’s corner flag, only to dribble out of bounds. Instead of allowing Toby Alderweireld to take the throw, the 19-year-old attempted a comically horrendous behind the back pass that landed on the pitch.

Eric Cantona Has Acting Advice for Neymar

The enigmatic, mad Frenchman is back with a vengeful commentary on the Russia World Cup. One of Eric Cantona’s most recent victims, one that we’ve all enjoyed criticizing this past month, is none other than Brazilian boy wonder and Oscar-nominated actor Neymar Jr.

The “Commissioner of Football” and King of Old Trafford, in one of his segments for Eurosport, bombarded Neymar with a not-so-subtle attack on his recent World Cup flopping antics. 

Here’s what the former Manchester United No. 7 had to say.

Halftime Entertainment At Xolos Match Is “The Neymar Challenge”

In the end, Neymar’s lasting legacy from the 2018 World Cup will probably be a KFC commercial that mocked his widely ridiculed roll against Serbia. The tumble also generated some great memes. 

Neymar Escapes Booking For Blatantly Obvious Dive In The Box

Neymar, perhaps the highest profile player in danger of missing the semifinals via yellow card suspension, was extremely fortunate to escape punishment for taking a dive in the box during Brazil’s quarterfinal against Belgium. 

The forward’s hysterics have been a massive talking point from Russia, and he was given a booking during Brazil’s win over Costa Rica, putting him at risk of missing a potential trip to the semis if he were booked again.

Should Neymar Be Sanctioned For His Antics?

Neymar antics are a controversial subject. 

The question of whether Brazil’s superstar should be punished for his constant feigning, flopping and deceitful attitude leaves no one indifferent.

There are two sides to the story. First, you've got perhaps the most skilled player at dribbling who gets fouled, well, a lot. He is in fact the most fouled player of this World Cup thus far and is therefore considered to be a victim. 

Suarez Up To Old Antics With Embarrassing Faked Head Injury

It wouldn’t be a World Cup without Luis Suarez making headlines for negative actions. In 2010 it was his hand ball to save a goal against Ghana. In 2014 it was biting Giorgio Chiellini. In 2018 against Portugal, he was caught faking a head injury, with the referee not buying it at all.

Luis Suarez combined with Edinson Cavani for the game’s first goal, which was vital in a match between two teams with defenses that can be difficult to break down. 

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