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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

Soccer PlayerObject: 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 notWhat does 'must not' mean? they don't have to do it or they are not allowed to do it? If you are not sure, check out our exercise on the use of 'must not'.(i) touch the ball with their hands or arms. They can, however, use any other part of the body.

Exercise on the use of 'must not'.

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.

Soccer Field

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