The use of technology in soccer: Is it neccessary?

There was a controversy in the match between England vs Germany in the World Cup 2010. It happened in the 39th minute when Frank Lampard's shot hit the post and the ball bounced back on the ground. Frank Lampard smiled and raised his hands to celebrate the goal. However, the referee decided that there was no goal although from the video replay, it was clear that the ball has crossed the goal line when it bounced back. Based on this controversial decision, some people suggest the use of technology, in this case a camera, to decide whether a crucial moment like this is a goal or not. I personally agree with this idea and the reasons are as follows:

First, by using a technology, the referee will reap the benefit from it which means he can get a great help from the technology. When there is an important decision he has to make, he can look at the video replay for a few seconds before making a decision. He has to look at what really happened and then he can make a decision afterwards. So, it is clear that the referee is the person who will get the benefit from it.

Next, this technology will improve accuracy and minimize human error. Sometimes, referee as a human can also make a wrong decision when there is an incident on the pitch. The function of the video replay is to show what has really happened a few moments before. So, based on that, the referee can make accurate decisions during the match.

Finally, hopefully both teams are satisfied with the referee's decisions. During the video replay, the match will be stopped for a few seconds, so the officials of both teams can also watch what has really happened. All details in the incident will be shown so that the referee's decision will be fair ones. When the match ends, there will be no controversy anymore since both teams are quite satisfied with all referee's decisions.

In brief, I do agree with the idea of using technology in a soccer match because it will help the referee himself, improve accuracy and satisfy both teams during and after the match.

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The only African team to progress to Quarterfinal of the World Cup 2010

Did you watch the soccer match between Ghana vs USA? If you did, you should have known which team won the match. You are right. It was Ghana who won the match by 2 - 1. With that result, Ghana is the only African team qualifying to the quarterfinal of the World Cup 2010. Perhaps, people might wonder what is so special about this African team that they can beat USA and qualify to the next round. In my opinion, there are two important factors which make them progress to the quarterfinal.

First, they have top class players in their team. Many of the Ghanaian players play their soccer in some  soccer clubs in Europe. Prince Boateng, Asamoah Gyan, John Mensah are some of the Europe-based players in the team. Those players are regular key players in their respective clubs. So, having experience to play in the top flight of European Competition makes the Ghanaian players know how to play in a competitive tournament like World Cup.

Second, they apply good tactics and strategy to win the match. Ghanaian players can pass the ball quickly among their players. This is what they showed when they played against USA. Although they only played Gyan as a lone striker, they could score twice in that match. They could do it because they have hardworking midfielders like Boateng and Ayew that could also move forward quickly and score goals. In this case, they don't depend on the striker to score goals. 

In conclusion, Ghana deserve to progress to the quarterfinal of the World Cup 2010. They have great, skillful players and they also apply good tactics and strategy to win the match.

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Can South Korean team qualify to the next stage?

South Korean national team are one of the strongest teams in Asia. Being one of the strongest teams in Asia, so far they have participated in 8 World Cup tournaments. Their greatest achievement was when they went through to the semifinal stage in the World 2002. This year, they also participate in the World Cup. They are in a tough group together with Greece, Nigeria and Argentina. Consequently, they have to work hard to qualify to the next stage. However, I believe they are going to qualify to the next stage in this tournament.

First, their first performance against Greece shows that they deserve to qualify from group B. They won 2 - 0 over Greece in that match. They played well against the former European Champion. Their passing were accurate and they could play well as a team.

Next, They have a lot of star players playing in Europe. Park Ji Sung, Cha Du Ri and Lee Chung Yong are some Europe-based players in the South Korean squad. These players contribute a lot to their team's performance in this tournament.

In short, with the great performance they show and the stars players they have, I believe that South Korean national team will qualify to the next stage in the World Cup 2010.

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Chelsea need regeneration

There is no doubt that Chelsea are one of the best soccer teams in the English Premier League. Chelsea have won a lot of trophies since they were built in 1905. They have a lot of top quality soccer players with great skills, such as Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and John Terry. However, many of the players  are in the twilight zone of their careers. Drogba is 32 years old and Lampard will also be 32 years old this June. Realizing those facts, I believe that Chelsea need regeneration in the personnel of their team.

First, they have to face a tight schedule for the next season. They won English Premier League last season which means that they have to participate in the Champions League Competition. They also have to play in the domestic competition to retain their title, not to mention some other local competitions like FA Cup and Carling Cup. So, they need young and fresh players to play in many competitions.

Next, veteran players are prone to injuries. Injuries have always become major threats for veteran players. Although those players have great skills and experience, they get injured easily when they are forced to play a lot of games in many competitions. When it really happens, it will be difficult for the team to compete without any quality reserved players.

So, knowing those facts about the team's personnel, I think Chelsea really need regeneration to make sure that they are ready to face the next season competitions.

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