It is very unfortunate that this World Cup was won by a team that believes diving, faking injuries, and constantly appealing to the referee are acceptable and sportsmanlike behaviors.

It is also unfortunate that three of the four semifinalists won matches or scored goals as a result of very questionable incidents of diving.

America and the other honorable football nations of the world, such as England and Australia (must be the Anglo-American work ethic), will be at a handicap until there is a crackdown on cowardly, dishonest play.

Christiano Ronaldo appeals to the referee in an effort to get Wayne Rooney ejected from the match.

C. Ronaldo winks at his bench in a show of classy sportsmanship after successfully getting Rooney ejected.

Henry fakes a smack to the face.

In the Portugal - France match, Ronaldo doesn't even attempt to leap for a header in the box, choosing to shamelessly dive instead.

In the Italy - Australia match, notice how Fabio Gross looks to the referee before he fully lands on the ground after his dive. In any other circumstance such a "violent" tackle would have resulted in a lot of ankle holding and a likely stretcher.