Inspired by Mbappé’s miss at 55:25 in today’s France/Morocco game or 6:41 in this highlight video.
Partner thinks that she and I had an argument earlier today. She is wrong.
Partner thinks soccer players should miss more goals. She believes soccer players tend to be overly hesitant, and the best players (including Mbappé and Messi) shoot the ball sooner rather than waiting for the perfect moment that never comes.
I also think that soccer players should miss more goals. I just think the manner in which they should rectify this mistake is more precise than her suggestion. I think they should miss goals by kicking the ball at the goal. (I.e. I believe missed shots on goal are good, not merely missed shots.)
When you kick a ball out of the end line, your opponents receive a goal kick. That’s bad. However, when you kick a ball toward the goal, sometimes it hits an opposing player or the goalie and ricochets back into play. In those circumstances, your team has an opportunity to regain possession or a rebound goal.
Both Partner and I agree that soccer players should shoot more balls. Both of us agree soccer players are overly hesitant. I take her insight one step further by only respecting an increase in shots that are on goal.
Earlier today, Partner thought we had an argument. Now, I’m going to go tell her she was wrong.
Julian Wise 