Probably the most popular sport in the world, football is a round ball that is played with feet, hands and arms. The goal is to pass the ball from one team to the other and score a goal. A goal can be scored when the player kicks the ball through a goalpost.
The game is governed internationally by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), which also organizes the FIFA World Cup every four years. FIFA has also been involved in regulating and controlling competition, and it regulates the activities of agents. They are required to be licensed and pass written examinations held by national associations to gain the right to represent their clients.
The game is played with a circular ball that is approximately 58 to 61 centimeters in diameter. The ball is inflated and protected by leather. Players wear protective gear including shin pads and helmets. The game is played with a referee and two assistant referees. The referee is responsible for keeping track of the clock and is also a timekeeper. The referee also blows a whistle when a player is tackled.
The standard adult football match is played in two periods of 45 minutes each. The first period is called half time, and the second period is called full time. The team that has the least number of penalties wins the game. In addition to kicking the ball, the offensive team will run a play for two points. The offense must also defend against the opposition’s offense. If the ball is lost, the defense must then run another play to gain the ball.
There are only three substitutions per team. A kickoff occurs at the beginning of each period of play. The team that receives the kickoff will run the ball back as far as possible. If the ball is not caught by the receiving team, the opponent’s offense gets a penalty and the other team gets a throw-in.
The goalkeeper is a player who aims to protect the goal of the opposing team. The goalkeeper must be tall enough to reach the ball and must have good agility to avoid being tackled.
The game of football has grown in popularity, especially during the 21st century. During the 2010 World Cup, the attendance at the tournament was twice the size of the audience at the Summer Olympics. Soccer’s leading exponents include Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Pele and Rivaldo.
Historically, the game has been played in many countries. It originated in China in the 2nd and 3rd centuries B.C., and may have developed into a more formal game in England around the 18th century.
In 1863, the Football Association (FA) was formed. It was originally composed of teachers and students who wrote down the formal rules of football. In 1884, the FA faced a crisis over professionalism. They decided to protect the game’s upper class influence by adopting an amateur policy. They sanctioned payment of players a year later.