Biggest Dives in Football History

The following dive (courtesy of the Offside and Off the Post) from a Columbian league game got me to thinking: What are some of the worst dives in World Cup history?

First off, the dive in the Columbian league game, perpetrated by Atletico Juniors' Emerson Acuna.

Are you kiddin' me?? The guy's miles from the defender! And the referee called a penalty?!?



Next up, a compendium of the worst dives of the 2006 World Cup, as narrated by the folks of ESPN's Sportscenter.

Pay particular attention to Cristiano Ronaldo's flop job, Asamoah Gyan's dramatics and Cristian Zacccardo's awful acting job against Australia ...



Finally, some of the worst dives in football history ... who can forget Gilardino's efforts for AC Milan in the first excerpt of the clip, Rivaldo's Oscar-winning performance in the 2002 World Cup and Brazilian 'keeper Duda's spectacular skills against a Celtic supporter ... great stuff ...

10 Best Dives of the 2006 World Cup

Diving is an art. When done well, it can frustrate the opposition and lead to dubious goals.

When done poorly, it can complicate matters for your club, cause cards to be shown and lead to suspension and head-shaking aggravation.

Today, I present to you the 10 Best Dives of the 2006 World Cup ... some of these are plain silly. Some of them (like the #1 dive), led to the furthering of a nation's ambitions and eventually to a World Cup championship.

While I don't advocate diving, one has to say that diving is an integral part of the game.

I don't like it. But some of these sure are funny ... have a go.