In this week’s review section we look back at some of the big stories from the world of football to help learners of English improve their vocabulary. You can find explanations of key vocabulary in bold below.
A Subscribe: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Good
Football is often seen as a game that has to be won at all costs leading many to complain it has lost its sense of fair play. During the recent mid-week games in Italy, Lazio striker Miroslav Klose did something to help restore that sense of fair play – he asked the referee to disallow a goal he had scored as he knew that he’d handled the ball. The referee did just that and then shook the German striker’s hand rather than book him for deliberate handball. Ironically, his team Lazio went on to lose 0-3 to Napoli suggesting that it may not always pay to be honest but the positive reaction to Klose’s actions from around the world suggests that his actions may be worth more than three points.
Bad
Interesting comments in a new book by the former Argentinian international, Matias Almeyda, suggesting that during his time in Italian football there were incidents of match-fixing, doping and mafia involvement. The current River Plate manager reveals that during his time at Parma the players received IV drips before a game, while he also suggests that some of his team mates may have been asked to lose a vital championship game. This story may get ugly in the near future.
Ugly
John Terry is in the news again. Last weekend he announced his retirement from the England team citing the fact that the FA had made it untenable for him to continue. He was upset that despite being found not guilty in court he still had to face punishment from his own football federation. Terry received a fine and a four-match ban – half of what Liverpool player Luis Suarez received for a similar offence – and while he is thinking about whether or not to appeal, many of those involved in football are wondering whether this ban was too lenient and which sends out the wrong message about racism in football.
Vocabulary
to be won at all costs: To win by any means
to disallow a goal: To not allow the goal, to not let the goal stand
match-fixing: When teams decide on the result before a game, a form of cheating in football
IV drips: A form of injection that can add liquids of any sort to the vein.
citing : Explaining, referring to
untenable: Impossible to
lenient: Not strict enough