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(Spanish ''fútbol''). <ref>The word ''soccer'' derived in England as slang for "As'''soc'''iation Football" [http://london.usembassy.gov/rss/transcripts/worldcup2006a.html] ''US Embassy, London'' (a similar construction can be seen in referring to '''rug'''by as "rugger") </ref>

(Spanish ''fútbol''). <ref>The word ''soccer'' derived in England as slang for "As'''soc'''iation Football" [http://london.usembassy.gov/rss/transcripts/worldcup2006a.html] ''US Embassy, London'' (a similar construction can be seen in referring to '''rug'''by as "rugger") </ref>

It is the most popular team sport in the world{{fact}}, described by the legendary Brazilian player, [[Pele]], as "The Beautiful Game". Its governing body is [[FIFA]] (Fédération Internationale de Football Association).

It is the most popular team sport in the world{{fact}}, described by the legendary Brazilian player, [[Pele]], as "The Beautiful Game". Its governing body is [[FIFA]] (Fédération Internationale de Football Association). It is less popular in America due to the slow paced, low scoring nature of matches.

The game is played between two teams of 11 players (10 field players and one [[goalkeeper]] each). In official play, there are two 45 [[minute]] halves separated by a 15 minute break known as half-time. In [[knockout cup]] games, if a game is tied after 90 minutes, there is often an additional period of play consisting of 2 X 15-minute halves. If the scores are still level, the result is decided with a penalty shootout. The set of rules used in soccer are called the [[Laws of the Game]].  

The game is played between two teams of 11 players (10 field players and one [[goalkeeper]] each). In official play, there are two 45 [[minute]] halves separated by a 15 minute break known as half-time. In [[knockout cup]] games, if a game is tied after 90 minutes, there is often an additional period of play consisting of 2 X 15-minute halves. If the scores are still level, the result is decided with a penalty shootout. The set of rules used in soccer are called the [[Laws of the Game]].  

==A note on terms==

==A note on terms==

"Soccer" is the term used in North America, Australia and some other countries. It is most commonly known as "football" (or an equivalent local translation) elsewhere.

"Soccer" is the term used in North America, Australia and most other countries. It is sometimes incorrectly called [[football]].

==Note==  

==Note==