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But they didn't optimize their winning chances! They chose a very low chance of not being disqualified over a reasonable chance to still beat a tough competitor

But they didn't optimize their winning chances! They chose a very low chance of not being disqualified over a reasonable chance to still beat a tough competitor later on. They especially didn't change their strategy after being given immediate and clear warning that they would be disqualified (and in the process forfeiting any chance to win). I also don't think theres any ambiguity here that they were in violation of the rule. They were repeatedly putting the ball into the net on their openers.

achompas 14y ago
They especially didn't change their strategy after being given immediate and clear warning that they would be disqualified. I think this is the key piece--the referee in the South Korea/China match initially disqualified both teams before getting reined in by the IOC. If I'm one of those teams, I'm cutting out the bullshit after that and winning. They just kept going, however.
kenjackson 14y ago
Their ability to not hide their intent is more disappointig to me than trying to lose in this case. Funny, no one blamed the US Mens gymnastics team for intentially losing, but they looked like they were trying to lose on purpose. The only thing they had going for them was (a) they looked sincerely distressed and (b) there's no incentive we know of for why they would have done so poorly intentionally.