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At the 2010 FIFA World Cup, 14 of the 48 matches in group play ended in draws. It's a fair criticism that other matches were made less exciting by the fact that one or both teams involved seemed content to play for a draw.Apparently, at least some thought is being given to a change in the tournament's format.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter believes that teams do indeed play not to lose at times, and he doesn't think it's a benefit to the sport. While saying that teams playing for a draw can lead to "a boring game," Blatter said Saturday the governing body is considering having a penalty shootout or golden goal format after 90 minutes if group play matches are still tied.
Penalty kicks are used in matches once the World Cup reaches the knockout stage, but only after 30 minutes of extra time are played. The 30 minutes are played to the conclusion, even if someone scores. The "golden goal" format was used in FIFA competition for a short time, but eliminated in the 1990s.
(The term "golden goal" was invented so the sport wouldn't have to call it "sudden death," a term perceived to have negative connotations.)
Blatter says it may be reintroduced as an overtime format in group matches. Under the rule, the first team to score in extra time would be the winner. He didn't indicate any possibility of this format being used in knockout matches, but it does seem somewhat strange to have separate overtime formats for group and knockout matches.
It makes more sense to go straight to penalties after 90 minutes. Even if you don't think penalty kicks are any way to decide a soccer match -- especially something as big as the World Cup or UEFA Champions League, for example -- at least it would offer some degree of consistency.
Blatter added that FIFA continues to be open to added goal-line technology, provided it is "safe, fast and uncomplicated."
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