The Objective of the Game
Football, also known as soccer in some countries, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each.
The primary objective is to score more goals than the opposing team by getting the ball into the opponent's net. The game is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end.
Duration of the Game
The game is divided into two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, making a total of 90 minutes of regular play. Additional time, known as stoppage time, is added by the referee to compensate for time lost due to substitutions, injuries, or other delays. If the score is tied at the end of regular time, the game may proceed to extra time or a penalty shootout, depending on the competition's rules.
Players and Positions
Each team consists of eleven players, including a goalkeeper. Players are typically divided into three main groups: forwards, midfielders, and defenders. The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to use their hands to play the ball, but only within the penalty area. Substitutions are allowed, with a maximum number varying by competition.
Basic Rules and Fouls
The game is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, administered by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Key rules include:
- Offside: A player is in an offside position if they are nearer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent when the ball is played to them, unless they are in their own half of the field.
- Fouls: Fouls are committed when a player kicks an opponent, trips them, charges them, strikes them, or pushes them. Fouls result in a free kick or penalty kick, depending on the location of the infraction.
- Handball: Using the hand or arm to deliberately touch the ball is considered a foul, unless the contact is accidental or the player's hand is in a natural position.
- Throw-ins, Goal Kicks, and Corner Kicks: These are methods of restarting play after the ball goes out of bounds. Throw-ins are awarded to the team that did not touch the ball last, while goal kicks and corner kicks are awarded to the defending team and attacking team, respectively.
The Role of the Referee
The referee is responsible for enforcing the rules, ensuring fair play, and maintaining order on the field. They are assisted by assistant referees (formerly known as linesmen) who help with offside decisions and other aspects of the game. The referee can issue yellow cards for cautionable offenses and red cards for serious fouls or misconduct, leading to the player's dismissal from the game.