Six lessons from South Africa

           South Africa may have been enriched by the World Cup, with even the lowliest citizens sensing the moral reward of hosting the rest of the world. Brazil were temperamentally flawed against Holland. Ultimately we have to be grateful that Spain, genuine masters of the game, kept their nerve in the face of Holland’s wanton intimidation in the final. The lessons of 2010 are many, but six seem to me pre-eminent if football is not to be strangled by its ruthless tactical advance.

           The first thing is there should be stronger, practical, support for referees. For repetitive fouling, teams such as Holland in the final should be retrospectively fined – as were Argentina following the 1996 quarter-final against England. Another thing is the stricter application of the laws. There could have been at least half-a-dozen bookings or red cards/penalties at corners and free-kicks. Yet another thing is the award  of penalty-goals. They should be awarded where a defending player on the goal line handles the ball or fouls an opponent to prevent an otherwise certain goal.

              The fourth thing is the penalty shoot-outs. This deplorable system of determining a result should be replaced, with extra time. Another thing is Africa’s shortfall. This problem lies primarily with African national federations and their lack of coaching and financial stability. The final one is creating more space and freedom. This would have the effect of “widening” the field of play, increasing the rate of fatigue, which in turn accelerates the breakdown of defensive organization.

Miller, David. "WorldSoccer." Six Lessons from South Africa 12 Nov. 2010: 12-13. Web.