Outsiders view of the World Cup;
First off, I have watched a good number of games (which surprised me), and overall have really enjoyed them. When I was young I used to watch the Bundeslige (German premier league) with regularity ... until they stopped broadcasting it in the US. So I suppose I have a dormant appreciation of football/soccer. And also, I'm not the typical American that has to have tons of scoring to be interested in a sport. I love good defensive / strategic battles, no matter what sport. This being said, let me tell you what I think should be done to improve the World Cup in particular, and football in general if it is played in the same manner.
Typical scenario repeated ad infinitum in each Cup game I've watched this year. Dude in pony tail falls down as if shot by a gun, writhes in pain as if on his death bed, and proceeds to be up and running full speed moments later. Dude with thin girly headband (ponytail optional) falls as if shot from a gun, writhes in pain, and gets carried off by stretcher, only to be back in the game 5 minutes later and running full speed. And 90% of the time on replay the collisions are less than my daughter sustains in a weekend softball tournament. And 25% of the time the only meaningful contact has to be the breeze generated by the opposing player. Is it a requirement to take acting classes prior to entering the World Cup? To say it is a joke and cheapens the game, and enjoyment of same, is an understatement. So, here's my suggestion.
Use a video replay and review of these supposed fouls, and summarily rule as to the degree of acting. And hand out those silly cards (either immediately or retroactively), thereby setting up a deterent for future use of these cheap tactics. Also, if you get your ass carried off on a stretcher you are gone for the game, period. If you're not in good enough shape to run the whole game, and need a fake injury to catch your breath, you don't belong anyway.
At the end of the Brazil/France match Ronaldo had dribbled through a seam into the goal box and appeared to have some daylight, only to fall down on his own and try to draw a cheap penalty shot. In all fairness, his big toe was clipped (maybe), but why not contiue his rush on goal and try to score? It was obvious he just feel down, rather than trying to stay on the ball I just don't get it.
So, is my review idea possible at all? It is a great sport, but I found all the dramatics distracting and disruptive in the least, and downright game changing at times.
BTW, it seemed pretty obvious that Rooney was at fault, and lost his composure. To blame it all on Ronaldo (the other one ... lol) is a cop out. When I saw that, the first thing that crossed my mind is "Rooney will get crucified over this if England loses". And even if Ronaldo planned this exactly as it turned out, it was Rooney that lost control. Ronaldo was playing for Portugal at the time, not ManU. Shouldn't he be doing all he can to win for the team he is playing for at the time? Anyway, what do I know ... I'm just a Yank