Soccer players aren't pansies. Flopping is just part of the game. NBA players do it all the time.

Soccer is probably second to only boxing in terms of the quality of athlete it demands. Both require strength, speed, endurance. Running around for over an hour straight definitely takes it's toll. Soccer players need to be in top shape and for that the sport gets my respect.

However, I do find it boring. I tried to watch during the World Cup but I just could not do it. I just do not like low scoring sports. 0-0 games in American football are pretty boring too, but at least the action is varied. I know that soccer involves a lot of tactics and scripted plays; it's necessary in a game where points are difficult. But to me it just looks like the ball is going back and forth with no real result. Every play that doesn't result in a goal is a failure, and there are a lot of failures. In football you see spectacular catches, punishing tackles, interceptions, and breakout runs, all of which won't necessarily result in a score. Besides exciting goals, soccer has what? Good kicks? Good saves? I'll give you that one. I do like seeing a good save. I also like seeing when players get jacked up but that seems like it's not in the spirit of the game.

I don't like hockey for the same reasons. But at least that game has sticks and skates. And yeah, baseball can also be pretty boring, but that's more of a statistician's game. I love stats.