Football

Playing the Game

A football match is contested by two teams, each fielding eleven players. The objective is straightforward: score more goals than the opposition. A goal is registered when the ball fully crosses the goal line between the posts and beneath the crossbar. Players may use any part of their body except their hands and arms, with the exception of the goalkeeper within the penalty area. The match lasts ninety minutes, divided into two forty-five-minute halves. Referees allow for stoppage time at the end of each half to account for injuries and other delays.

Scoring and Offences

Victory is determined by the number of goals scored. A team wins if it scores more than its opponent; if the scores are level, the match ends in a draw unless a knockout stage requires a winner. In such cases, extra time or a penalty shoot-out may follow. Offences are penalised based on severity. A foul committed inside the penalty area results in a penalty kick, taken from twelve yards (eleven meters) from the goal. This is a high-probability scoring opportunity. Minor infractions, such as tripping or pushing, result in a free kick for the opposing team. Serious misconduct, including dangerous play or violent conduct, can lead to a red card, sending the player off the field for the remainder of the match. A yellow card serves as a warning.

Substitutions and Structure

Teams are allowed to make substitutions during play. In professional matches, up to five substitutes may be used per team across the duration of the game. These changes are typically made to replace injured players or to alter tactics. The number of substitutes allowed can vary by competition level. The arrangement of matches depends on the tournament format. League competitions operate on a round-robin basis, where each team plays every other team twice, once at home and once away. Points are awarded for wins and draws, with the team accumulating the most points declared champion. Cup competitions, by contrast, are knockout tournaments where a loss eliminates a team from the event.