The internet was abuzz last night with calls to change the format of knockout football competitions, after Portugal were crowned European champions despite winning only one match in regular 90 minutes' play.
Many voices within the world of football feel that inferior teams are increasingly relying on reaching penalty shootouts. Past experiments such as the so-called golden and silver goal were scrapped after it was deemed that teams played even more conservatively for fear of suddenly losing.
Proposed changes include:
- Lead goal: play continues indefinitely until a goal is scored; players may not receive water nor treatment for cramp. In extreme cases the goalkeepers would be the only remaining players.
- Air play: extra time is played as 'headers and volleys', whereby the ball cannot touch the ground. This would give an advantage to the more skilful side.
- Indirect free kick shootout: more tactical than penalties, thereby rewarding better football.
The major international football federations are expected to liaise on the issue over a series of sumptuous dinners, which may take some time.
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