A Win for Barca and A Loss for Soccer

So the third installment of El Clasico is finished with Barca coming away with a 2-0 away win. On face value this seems good for the sport, the best team in the world is likely to make the European final. Unfortunately the cost is the sports credibility, especially with fans in the US.

Fans in the US constantly complain that their "problem with soccer" is all the diving, and the first leg of the Champions League semi only confirmed their doubts. As the saga unfolded, it eventually looked more like a theatrical interpretation of the high dive at the olympics, then a tactical matchup between two titans of European football. The pivotal moment came as Pepe was sent off as Dani Alves played dead on the ground after being at most "grazed" by Pepe; an odd sight considering the amount of tattoo's and general badass appearance of the Brazilian. This red card changed the match as the keystone of Real's effort had been removed and the defense crumbled. Although this was not the end to the theatrics.

In the end Barca was the more culpable of the two actors, as Alves, Biscuits, and Pedro took turns vying for the top spot on the diving squad. Although Real was not immune from all blame, as Di Maria the shrew threw himself on the grass if a Barca player was even close to him. By the end the back and forth splashes into the pool created possibly the most disgusting display of top football ever. Capped by Mourinho's self-victimization claim and middle-school girl style sulking in the stands. With exception of Messi's brilliant second goal and Ibrahim Afellay's energizing performance, this was not a football match based on pride, professionalism, and football tactics, but ACT III in Shakespeare's 21st century drama.



If soccer is going to maintain any notion of credibility, especially in the states where contact sports are revered, this problem needs to be resolved. Players might start thinking twice about a leap into the pool, if it is promptly followed by a costly yellow card. UEFA use the power you have and get a handle or it, for the sake of the sport.