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'''Soccer''' is a sport played with a round ball propelled mainly by kicks from a player's foot. It is more commonly known as "'''football'''" outside the [[United States]]. In soccer, players are not allowed to intentionally touch the ball with their hands or arms while it is in play, with the exception of goalkeepers in a restricted area.

'''Soccer''' is a sport played with a round ball propelled mainly by kicks from a player's foot. It is more commonly known as "'''football'''" outside the [[United States]]. In soccer, players are not allowed to intentionally touch the ball with their hands or arms while it is in play, with the exception of goalkeepers in a restricted area.

The game is played between two teams of 11 players (10 out-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.  Unlike most sports, the clock does not always stop when the ball is not in play.  When the ball is knocked out of bounds or a penalty is committed, the clock runs continuously.  The referee makes up the lost time by adding minutes onto the end of the half.  This is known as stoppage or injury time.  If both scores are even at the end of regulation time, the game is usually declared a draw.  However, in [[knockout cup]] games, there is often an additional period of play consisting of two 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 out-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.  Unlike most sports, the clock does not always stop when the ball is not in play.  When the ball is knocked out of bounds or a penalty is committed, the clock runs continuously.  The referee makes up the lost time by adding minutes onto the end of the half.  This is known as stoppage or injury time.  If both scores are even at the end of regulation time, the game is usually declared a draw.  However, in [[knockout cup]] games, there is often an additional period of play consisting of two 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]].  

<ref>[http://www.fifa.com/documents/fifa/laws/LOTG2006_e.pdf FIFA Laws of the Game 2006] ''Official FIFA website''</ref>

<ref>[http://www.fifa.com/documents/fifa/laws/LOTG2006_e.pdf FIFA Laws of the Game 2006] ''Official FIFA website''</ref>

A goal is scored when the ([[sphere|spherical]]) ball is propelled into the opposition net.  Each goal is worth one point.   

A goal is scored when the ([[sphere|spherical]]) ball is propelled into the opposition net.  Each goal is worth one point.   

[[Image:Soccer pitch.gif|thumb|300px|Dimensions of a soccer pitch]]The word ''soccer'' derived in England as slang for "As<u>soc</u>iation Football", <ref>[http://london.usembassy.gov/rss/transcripts/worldcup2006a.html] ''US Embassy, London'' </ref>, much like "rugger" is slang for [[rugby|<u>rug</u>by]].

The word ''soccer'' derived in England as slang for "As<u>soc</u>iation Football", <ref>[http://london.usembassy.gov/rss/transcripts/worldcup2006a.html] ''US Embassy, London'' </ref>, much like "rugger" is slang for [[rugby|<u>rug</u>by]].

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

 

==Note==  

==Note==  

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[[Category:Sports]]

[[Category:Sports]]

[[Category:Football soccer]]

[[Category:Football soccer]]

[[Category:Soccer]]

[[Category:Soccer]]