Yep ... after Ballack missed the Final in 2002. I wouldn't mind 3 being the number needed for a suspension.
Wasn't the 4O standing right at Neymar's feet watching the entire incident? Sure looks that way from the Fox Soccer video posted above. Could he have relayed info to Rocchi??
Was it ever 3 in the World Cup? I keep thinking it was in the 80s but can't find a source. I think we need to see VAR expand where possible and allow it to help refs take more control of the game on the field. At the same time, increase post-match review of other incidents. Change how players play over the long term. After all this all evolved over decades and isn't going to be fixed overnight. As for today's incident, I would've been happy with a yellow but I have a feeling any card for Layun would've resulted in a more explosive situation, much harder to control, even though it would have been the right decision.
I agree that it was likely deliberate. But I watched your video and noticed a) he also stepped on a ref foot, who did not even flinch and b) it appears that Neymar did not react until he realized what had happened. The spikes are on the ankle for a second or two and no reaction. Then they are removed (albeit with a push off) and then he flips/flops out. I think it is also possible that Layun said something to him. Neymar removes his hands from his head, sees who it is, and bingo!
I don't watch very much pro soccer to be honest so sorry if this is a very dumb question. I'm curious about this play: at 3:33 Neymar seems to get by the defender who uses his forearm to push Neymar off the ball. It seems like not that much contact for the pro level and the defender is close enough to the ball that it's almost like a shield, but on the other hand it looks like he got beat if he doesn't push. At the pro level is this an easy no-call? lean towards no call? could go either way? lean towards call? easy call that the ref missed? Would it matter if Neymar went down (i.e. if he dives since clearly he was able to stay up)
Why take 23 players then? Why not limit rosters to 17-18 players? Suspensions are part of soccer - a team sport. Neymar didn't qualify for Russia 2018, Brazil did. EDIT: Yeah, Michael Ballack missing the 2002 final was what moved the reset back a game, but Ballack knew the situation and if I recall it was a 2 on none or 2 on 1 South Korea breakaway (I was at the game) and he decided that making the professional foul and ending the breakaway and taking the punishment was worth missing the final. Not giving up that kind of scoring chance was a measured decision. This wasn't one of the will/won't the ref call plays. I can't recall it clearly enough to remember whether a straight red might've been in play (it was pretty cynical), at which point accumulation would've been moot with regards to the final. This world cup has probably seen the lowest amount of cynical fouling and simulation that I can remember in a very long time. Accumulation, and the threat of accumulation is part of that. Teams have 23 players for a reason. Players get injured, piss off the coach, or carded. Removing accumulation penalties would be an overreaction to a given situation. The unintended consequence of removing accumulation would be more cynical fouling.
Ok - it looks like to me that Layun actually stepped on the officials foot as well. Trying to enhance the video a bit and get a closer look. Anyone else see this? My favorite part of this is how Neymar waits until he’s no longer being stepped on for his abject “agony” to kick in. pic.twitter.com/oGKjgiPqYc— Nick Bromberg (@NickBromberg) July 2, 2018
Anyone that believes Lauyon’s actions were not deliberate and likely pre-meditated, I have a bridge in Brooklyn I’d like to discuss with you.
I haven't read every single post in this thread, but has anyone suggested that Layun didn't deliberately step on Neymar?!?
Someone did suggest he was just reaching for the ball. Stepping on Neymar does have some entertainment value!
Neymar also gets some flack in Brazil as well. "Peter Pan Syndrome" https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jul/03/neymar-best-in-the-world-grow-up-first PH