Thanks for your tremdous contribution - it makes your points very clear and I definitely agree with most of what you say. However, I do think some of your removals are inappropriate and needs rewording. Generally, I agree with most of the excessive linking and they should be removed as you wish. Some of the show original research, such as the 2002 world cup, for which there are plenty of citations pointing to a historical events. I will definitely incorporate all of your suggestions, let's see what comes out in the end.