There are two things I don't understand about soccer.

1. Why is there only one referee? With the fast pace of many games, and the skill level of the players, I think multiple referees (similar to hockey) are necessary.

2. Why can any player take a Penalty Kick? I think the fouled player should have to take the penalty kick. That's like fouling Shaq, and being able to put Dwayne Wade on the line to take the free throws. Doesn't make any sense to me.

Instant Replay should be used in Soccer (I know: BOOO!) but only for situations where there is a question about whether a player was fouled or just acting - and especially where a penalty kick would be involved.

That would get rid of all these phantom fouls where players are going down without even being touched.

Also, you go off on a stretcher, you're out for the game

I also can't stand the offside trap - where one team just runs all their players up the field and the opponent is then called for "offside" when he didn't even make a move.

There are 3 officials, one ref and two linesmen, they can make calls to in a round about way. I have co-refed a game before, its just not used at competitive levels. The problem you are seeing is the refs are doing a poor job this cup, they should not be so visable.

Penalty kicks, thats just the way it always has been. It's not like free throws though, any player on this level can and is expected to make penality kicks.



No instant replay ever, it just doesnt belong in soccer.

The offside trap is a key piece of strategy, and the offensive players are perfectly aware of it, if they don't adjust it's their problem. The goal that Italy scored vs the US was because some players were attempting an offside trap and others were not, allowing the Italian striker to go to the ball freely. It can backfire, it's a risky play.