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Line 17: + + − 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). In most countries it is the most popular sport or at least among the most popular (the [[United States]] being a notable exception).+ − Every four years there is an international competition known as the [[World Cup]], where countries send their best players to compete for the title of best national soccer team. Other regional competitions occur with more frequency, such as the [[Euro Cup]].+ Line 33:
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can fit all the photos now, still expanding
==Rules of the Game==
==Rules of the Game==
[[Image:Soccer pitch.gif|thumb|300px|left|Dimensions of a soccer pitch]]
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 ([[spherical]]) ball is propelled into the opposition net. Each goal is worth one point.
A goal is scored when the ([[spherical]]) ball is propelled into the opposition net. Each goal is worth one point.
Accuracy in kicking is very important to make sure that one can kick the ball around opponents, manage it in tight spaces, and make long passes to other players in better positions. Expert players have trained to kick from a variety of angles, both forward and back and to the side, and also to use their chests and heads to maneuver a high-flying ball.
Accuracy in kicking is very important to make sure that one can kick the ball around opponents, manage it in tight spaces, and make long passes to other players in better positions. Expert players have trained to kick from a variety of angles, both forward and back and to the side, and also to use their chests and heads to maneuver a high-flying ball.
==Soccer Around the World==
==Soccer Around the World==
[[Image:800px-Soccer goalkeeper.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Goalkeeper leaping to make a save]]
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). In most countries it is the most popular sport or at least among the most popular (the [[United States]] being a notable exception). Though it is often not a high-scoring game, it's popularity comes from the often dramatic saves from goalkeepers and incredible shots from skilled players in attempts to score a goal.
Every four years there is an international competition known as the [[World Cup]], where countries send their best players to compete for the title of best national soccer team. Other regional competitions occur with more frequency, such as the [[Euro Cup]].
Many soccer fans are extremely passionate about their favorite teams, travelling to other countries to support them. Several countries have had problems controlling over-excited fans, with the crowd sometimes spilling onto the pitch, fighting with themselves, disliked referees and even players. [[England]], in particular, has gained a reputation from its soccer [[hooligan]]s who often get into drunken fistfights with fans of other teams.
==Great Players and Referees==
==Great Players and Referees==
==Note==
==Note==
<references/>
<references/>
[[Category:Sports]]
[[Category:Sports]]
[[Category:Football soccer]]
[[Category:Football soccer]]
[[Category:Soccer]]
[[Category:Soccer]]