Even more relevant 8 years later with the rise of Netflix and VOD.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eExfV_xKaiMwhy do pro soccer players flop so often
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/why-do-pro-soccer-players-flop-UJ8grmdFTg2bcSHfzV21kQPro soccer players often engage in flopping, or simulation, primarily due to the **risk-reward dynamics** involved in the game. Here are the key reasons why flopping is prevalent: ## Incentives for Flopping 1. **Gaining Advantage**: Players flop to gain free kicks or penalty kicks, which can significantly alter the outcome of a match. The potential reward of a penalty kick, which has a high success rate (around 75%), often outweighs the minimal risk of receiving a yellow card for simulation[1][2]. 2. **Time-Wasting**: Flopping can also serve as a tactic to waste time, especially late in games. By feigning injury or exaggerating contact, players can slow down the game, allowing their team to regroup or maintain a lead. The consequences of being cautioned for time-wasting are often negligible in these situations[1][2]. 3. **Psychological Tactics**: Players may flop to frustrate opponents and disrupt their focus. This psychological strategy can create an advantage by causing defensive players to become more cautious or aggressive, potentially leading to further fouls[2][3]. ## The Role of Referees and VAR Referees often rely on players' reactions to determine fouls, which inadvertently encourages flopping. As noted by experts, players learn that going down can be more effective than staying on their feet when seeking a call from the referee[3]. While Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology aims to reduce flopping by reviewing plays for clear and obvious errors, its effectiveness is still debated. Some argue that VAR has not fully deterred players from diving because the immediate consequences of flopping are still minimal compared to the potential rewards[5][6]. ## Conclusion Flopping in soccer persists due to a combination of strategic advantages, psychological tactics, and the current dynamics of officiating. Until significant changes are made to how flopping is penalized and managed through technology like VAR, it is likely to remain a controversial aspect of the game. Citations: [1]
https://the18.com/en/soccer-learning/why-soccer-players-flop-explained-how-to-stop-flopping[2]
https://www.soccercoachingpro.com/why-do-soccer-players-fake-injuries/[3]
https://sports.yahoo.com/world-cup-mystery-solved-why-soccer-players-dive-as-told-by-the-master-of-the-dark-arts-192337745.html[4]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sPf6_KsXmk[5]
https://everettmunez.substack.com/p/breaking-news-soccer-has-a-flopping[6]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=834M1tBxslcThis Company Invented Mind Control? | Whale Pond Episode 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hWxKnx7T8oHarold & Kumar is a series of American films created by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg. Beginning with Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004) and followed by Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay (2008) and A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas (2011), the films star John Cho, Kal Penn, and Neil Patrick Harris. The films are considered buddy stoner comedies, with surreal and animated elements in later sequels. Contrasting ideas and perspectives on life, romance, and maturity feature as recurring themes, while the series is notable for its racially diverse main cast. The first film was directed by Danny Leiner, the second was directed by creators Hurwitz and Schlossberg, and the third by Todd Strauss-Schulson. The films were distributed by New Line Cinema and Warner Bros.; the films were produced by Mandate Pictures, Kingsgate Films, Endgame Entertainment, and New Line Cinema. The films chronicle the adventures of Harold Lee (Cho) and Kumar Patel (Penn). Harold & Kumar has received generally mixed to positive critical reception.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_&_Kumar