UPDATE: LeBron’s been watching Klinsmann videos on YouTube. From last night’s Heat v Bulls NBA playoff game.
Hockey players are tough, soccer players are wimps – that’s a comparison often made by North American hockey fans. While there may be some truth to it, it’s not as simple as it seems. Soccer players might dive and roll around on the ground, but it has nothing to do with their toughness or lack thereof.
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The Risk/Reward Ratio
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In soccer, goals are much rarer compared to hockey. When a player dives and embellishes a foul, there’s a high chance of being rewarded with a penalty kick that has an 80%+ chance of resulting in a goal. The risk of being caught and penalized with a yellow card for simulation is relatively low. Additionally, it’s easier for a striker to avoid getting a second yellow card compared to a defender, as strikers initiate contact less frequently. This creates a favorable risk/reward ratio for diving and rolling around on the ground.
The NHL’s Response
The NHL has taken measures to address the issue of embellishment in hockey. They now penalize players who fake being hit or tripped. With four officials on a much smaller surface than a soccer field, it’s challenging to fool or escape their gaze. The NHL understands the negative impact embellishment can have on the game, especially during power plays, where top teams score on over 20% of their man advantage opportunities.
Cultural Differences
Cultural differences play a significant role in the acceptance of embellishment. In North America, particularly Canada, there is a strong emphasis on fair play, and many fans consider embellishment to be illegitimate. It goes against the national pride associated with fair play. In other parts of the world, however, diving and exaggeration are seen as strategies that must be employed to win. Home fans applaud players who draw penalties, considering it a smart move.
Toughness in Soccer
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While hockey players are admired for their ability to play through injuries, it’s important to recognize that soccer players can also endure pain and continue playing. There’s no shortage of soccer players who have sustained severe injuries yet keep going. It’s an oversimplification to equate physical toughness solely with the ability to withstand pain. The toughness of soccer players should not be underestimated.
The Way Forward
Soccer can learn from hockey’s approach, not in terms of making players physically tougher, but in creating an environment where the risks of simulation and embellishment are too high to consider. The NHL has taken steps to address the problem, and FIFA is also working towards minimizing embellishment. It’s crucial to strike a balance that maintains fair play while discouraging dishonest tactics.
FAQs
Q: Are hockey players tougher than soccer players?
A: Toughness cannot be solely defined by the ability to endure pain. Both hockey and soccer players possess their own forms of toughness.
Q: Why do soccer players dive and roll around on the ground?
A: It’s not about a lack of toughness but rather a calculated risk. The chances of being rewarded with a penalty kick and avoiding severe punishment outweigh the potential backlash.
Q: How is the NHL addressing embellishment in hockey?
A: The NHL has implemented penalties for players who fake being hit or tripped. With four officials closely monitoring the game, it’s challenging to deceive them.
Conclusion
The comparison between hockey and soccer regarding toughness and embellishment is not as straightforward as it may seem. Soccer players dive and exaggerate fouls due to the risk/reward ratio and cultural acceptance. It’s essential for soccer to focus on reducing the incentives for such behavior while maintaining fair play. Both sports have their own definitions of toughness, and it’s time to appreciate the unique qualities of each. To learn more about football statistics and analysis, visit Pesstatsdatabase.
Nguồn: https://www.pesstatsdatabase.com
Danh mục: Sport
