danivon wrote:In the 90s, there were ideas to make soccer more popular in the US, with larger goals, and scoring zones that gave different points. it didn't work - the MLS plays with the proper rules instead.
I can see your point of view, Tom, but I disagree with some of your ideas. We have changed rules such as offside and pass-back so as to give advantage to the attacking team.
I have to say the offside rule is still not entirely clear to me, BUT it is far less draconian than I thought it was. There seems to be a bit of discretion in the rule too--it seems the refs ignore it if it is not really the issue (rare, but it seems to me I've seen it).
On injuries, Rugby Union does allow 'blood injury' substitutions above the normal replacements. And you know what happened? A team figured out how to get a free substitution by faking a blood injury, and that was a scandal in the game.
I'm sure. Teams always figure a way to cheat. Always. That said, if I could tell the guy had a concussion, how did it go unnoticed by the doctor and coach? It was obvious.
The real issue was that the number of fouls leading up to that incident, particularly on Schweinsteiger, should have led to more cards, and perhaps a second yellow for at least one Argentinian. Which would have meant a German player coming off injured would make less of a difference.
I'll agree with this while still wishing there could be something for concussions--maybe a previously removed player could return?
Anyway, I am not sure artificially hiking scoring is the key to making the game popular in the US. I think more exposure to higher levels of football, like La Liga and BPL (I get several games a week) will help.
I think it would also be huge if the US could take the next step as a nation. To me, that means finding a Messi, a Bale, etc. If we had that kind of superstar this year, I think we might have made the semis.
I'm open to reading a book on soccer strategy. In fact, I went shopping for one, but there were so many competing reviews, etc. I want to understand the differing theories, reasons for formations, etc.