I played soccer on the playground as a child (minimal rules aside of NO HANDS) and had more than one accidental collision with other players when trying my best to win. Even as small as I was then, there was significant momentum involved by both of us and great difficulty slowing it down once in close quarters.

So I can just imagine how it could happen with professional, adult players who are considerably bigger, stronger, and faster than my middle school friends ever were. It seems counterintuitive that either player would have deliberately collided when both risked serious injury doing so. Even to stop another player from getting a goal. Then again, what do I know about what any player might risk to win?

In any case, I didn't see it, so can't make any knowledgeable claim either way. What you're saying makes sense though.

Still, I do wish that mental midget hadn't stuck his nose into it and made things worse.