Soccer

Soccer, also known as football in most countries outside North America, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. The objective of the game is to score goals by getting a spherical ball into the opposing team’s net, which is guarded by a goalkeeper. Players primarily use their feet to move the ball, but they can also use their heads and torsos to control and direct it. The game is played on a rectangular field known as a pitch, with a goal at each end.

Soccer is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, which outline the gameplay, player conduct, and the roles of the officials. The sport is played in two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a halftime break in between. The team with the most goals at the end of the match wins. If the game is tied in certain competitions, it may go into extra time or be decided by a penalty shootout.

Soccer is recognized as the world’s most popular sport, with millions of players and fans globally. It is characterized by its emphasis on skill, teamwork, and strategy, and it fosters a strong sense of community and national identity among supporters. Major international tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup, further highlight its global significance and popularity.