Ghana

Football's lawmakers will have much to think about after this World Cup (Sport, 3 July). Concern over England's disallowed goal has now been augmented by the events of Friday night when we were treated to the unsavoury spectacle of Uruguay cheating their way into the semi-finals. It seems that the laws permit a team to benefit – and, in this case, win the game – by committing a deliberate foul to prevent a certain goal. If football had an equivalent to the "penalty try" that prevents cheats from prospering in rugby, the goal would have been given, and Ghana would have won. The absence of outrage from commentators at such an injustice is perhaps symptomatic of the cynicism with which many regard football, but Fifa has good reason to be concerned when it is permissible for a foul to win a game.

John Davies

Redditch, Worcestershire

• Players and teams in international sporting competitions often return home promptly after elimination. Is this discourteous to the remaining participants? And is it possible that such losers, by staying, might learn something from the more successful contestants?

John Muskett

Bolton, Lancashire

• Surely it's no coincidence that the presence of David Beckham meant the sporting demise of both England in the World Cup and Andy Murray at Wimbledon. At least Beckham wasn't wearing his hang-dog expression and heron-grey undertaker's suit at Wimbledon. Please keep him well away from the British Grand Prix and the Ashes.

Wolf Gruellich

North Middleton, Midlothian

This is a letter to the Guardian or Observer. GNM does not necessarily support the views expressed.