Soccer

Football is one of the world's most popular sports, played and followed by millions of people around the world. It is a team sport played on a grass or artificial pitch and consists of 11 players. The players try to kick the ball into the opposing team's goal while adhering to the rules of the game.

History of football

The history of soccer dates back to ancient China, where games with a ball made of leather were documented. In Europe, soccer was played in the Middle Ages, but it wasn't until the mid-19th century when the rules for the modern game were developed. The first official soccer league was founded in England in 1888 and since then the sport has spread around the world.

Rules of the game

The aim of the game is to kick the ball into the opposing team's goal. Each team has 11 players, including a goalkeeper who defends the goal. The game is officiated by a referee who monitors compliance with the rules. The most important rules include:

• The ball may not be touched with the hands or arms, except by the goalkeeper within his own penalty area.

• A foul is committed when a player kicks, pushes or hits another player or when he tries to play the ball with his hand.

• If the ball goes over the touchline, a throw-in is awarded. If the ball crosses the defending team's goal line, a corner kick or penalty kick is awarded, depending on who touched the ball last.

Playing positions

There are different positions taken by players to make the game more effective. The goalkeeper is the player who defends the goal and prevents the ball from entering the goal. The defenders are players who try to keep the ball away from their own goal and block the opposing team's forwards. The midfielders play an important role as they drive the game forward from the back, both defending and attacking. The forwards are the players who try to shoot the ball into the opponent's goal.

Equipment

The equipment needed for soccer is relatively simple. Players usually wear jerseys, shorts and socks in their team's colors. Shoes with studs on the bottom are also required for running and finding footing on the pitch. The goalkeeper often wears gloves to help him catch the ball.