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Ching's Diary
Brian Ching
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World Cup has almost as many good calls as good plays
HOW good have the linesmen been?
This is a very crucial job during the game and one that is not always easy to call. When players are running in opposite directions and the ball is played from a long distance away it can be easy to make a mistake. These calls can change games; the difference between going home and going to the next round. Almost all other sports have replays where mistakes can quickly be corrected. However, replays are only for spectators in soccer games.
Can you recall any bad calls? I can remember a bunch of great non-calls. The only close one that I recall is the one in the first game against Paulo Wanchope for his second goal. The first one he scored was very close but onside. Another good call was last night when Ruud van Nistelrooy was onside for his goal.
How about the second goal that Argentina scored against the Ivory Coast, Saviola slips in behind the defense at just the right time. I commend the linesmen for the job they have done thus far. Let us just hope this continues throughout the tournament, unless it is a slip for the positive in our direction over the next couple of games. Ha ha.
Wish us luck, for this is going to be another battle today.
Kamehameha graduate Brian Ching is playing for the U.S. in the World Cup.