Nobody on the posts at corners

[DPDPDPDP]

When did the the trend start for having nobody on the posts at corners? Austria’s goal tonight probably wouldn’t have been scored if Italy had had a man on the near post. The same applies to Croatia’s third goal v Scotland - this time nobody covering the back post.

[elguapo4]

Another thing on corners, who started the habit of placing ball as close to the edge of the marking as possible. I'd bring in a law,that if the referee or assistant decides that it's outside the line, instead of making the player re spot the ball, a goal kick is awarded instead.

[Uncle Ethan]

I'd assume the removal of defenders from posts coincided with the drift to zonal marking.

[Walt Flanagans Dog]

Another thing on corners, who started the habit of placing ball as close to the edge of the marking as possible. I'd bring in a law,that if the referee or assistant decides that it's outside the line, instead of making the player re spot the ball, a goal kick is awarded instead.

At the risk of turning this into an "minor irritations of modern football" thread, you can also add the seeming acceptance of taking throw-ins from about 20.yards up the line from where the ball went out, and opposition players standing in front of the ball to prevent a quick free kick being taken. Oh and goalies being told to take a free kick from further back, moving the ball back and then moving it forward again when the ref's back is turned.

[Rogin the Armchair fan]

I thought Italy did have a man on the near post (before it was taken) but when he spotted the corner was dropping short he stepped out, anticipating he could clear it.

[The Awesome Berbaslug!!!]

Yeah, even if you have two lads on the post for a corner, if it's hit short those guys are out of there like missiles so when the ball eventually does come in, they're not they're anymore.