Soccer

Introduction

Soccer is a ball game played by two teams. The ball is advanced with the feet, that’s why the sport is also called football. As not to confuse it with other variants of football, e.g. American football, rugby, or Gaelic football, the official name of this sport is association football (after the London Football Association). But English native speakers usually just call it soccer, football, footie, footy or footer.

Basic rules

Object: The object is to score goals.

Players: Each team has 11 players:

§  a goalkeeper (also called goalie) who tries to block the shots by the opposing team

§  the fullbacks (defense) who try to prevent the opposing team from scoring goals

§  the halfbacks (or midfielders) who play both offense and defense

§  the forwards (or strikers) who try to score goals for their team

Duration: The game is played in two halves of 45 minutes each. At halftime the teams change ends.

Playing: Except for the goalie and at throw ins, players must not touch the ball with their hands or arms. They can, however, use any other part of the body.

Scoring: A goal is scored when the ball has crossed the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar.

Field: This is what a soccer field looks like.

Did you read the text about soccer? Well, then try our quiz.

§  What is 'soccer' officially called?
association football
London Football Association
Gaelic football

§  What does the goalie do?
He tries to score goals for his team.
He tries to block shots from the opposing team.
He controls the game.

§  Are players allowed to touch the ball with their hands?
It is allowed in certain situations only.
No. Nobody is allowed to do this.
Yes. The players can use their hands all the time.

§  »They're still tying.« - What does it mean?
One team has scored more goals than the other but the game isn't over yet.
The number of goals scored by each team is equal but the game isn't over yet.
The game is over and the number of goals scored by each team is equal.

§  Who can be awarded a corner kick?
the referee
the defending team
the attacking team