2 Oct 2006(Mon)

September 30, 2006: The World Cup final being decided by a penalty shoot-out is just not right, is it?

It is a big problem for the game, but a bigger problem is what system should replace it.

The subject is in the news again because FIFA president Sepp Blatter says a new system may be in place for the 2010 World Cup. There is talk of a replay, or removing a player from both teams, or having a golden goal system in extra time.

I must admit I love the idea of a replay. Growing up in England with the FA Cup, I have wonderful memories of replays and even second replays – under floodlights on muddy pitches, at a neutral venue in some cases (West Ham United against Everton at Elland Road, Leeds, was a classic, as was Newcastle United against Bolton Wanderers at the same venue).

In those days the teams would keep playing until there was a winner. No golden goals. No penalty shoot-outs. Just heart and soul, and midweek drama all the way.

With the World Cup final, though, you can’t simply keep replaying.

Look at the last World Cup final. A replay could have taken place two nights after the final, but that, too, could have ended level after extra time. What then? We would still have the same problem.

The idea of reducing the number of players as extra time continues is ridiculous. Football is 11 against 11, not eight against eight, and I hope that idea is buried quickly.

I would be in favour of 90 minutes, then the golden goal rule for a maximum of 30 minutes extra time. In other words, if one team scored in extra time, the game would end. No chance of a comeback for the other team.

Some people think that is unfair, but why? The teams have had 90 minutes to determine a winner, and if they both know the first goal in extra time would win the match, then it should encourage them to attack.

If there is no goal during the 30 minutes, then in my opinion it would have to be a shoot-out, not a replay. Nerve, technique (vital elements of the game) come into play…not satisfactory, of course, but what else can they do? What would be a better solution? I would love to hear some other views!

ends