Comment of the Week

This week's highlighted feedback comes from frequent contributor Sean (sorry about the original miss-ID) - he takes on the stupid shoot-out endings to too many great World Cup games (the latest being England, which fought ferociously to survive 2 OT's a man down only to lose the pathetic crap shoot that is the FIFA ending). In any case, here's Sean's argument:

Absolutely, sudden death is the way to go. Back in 98, FIFA instituted the "golden goal," international soccer's version of NHL overtime. France beat Paraguay on one about 23 mins into OT. For some reason this format was overruled, and we're back to the same old skills competition to decide who moves on. Absurd.

Maybe they're worried about a fluky goal deciding a major championship, or maybe it's a matter of exhaustion, but the alternative is far worse: rigid, boring, matter-of-fact penalty kicks.

Look at the NHL playoffs: there is no truer sudden death sport than playoff hockey. Every misplay, every non-clear, every hit not taken can quickly end your night, or your season.And if the FIFA guys want to talk tired, just show them a tape of the five ot Penguins-Flyers game from 99, and tell to keep on playing.

UPDATE: The perfect example was today's Italy-Germany semifinal - imagine the lack of real excitement if it had gone to kicks. The late goals were astonishing, and well-earned - they should play 15 min OT's till someone scores.