Soccer is also known as football. It is a game played by two teams of eleven players who kick a ball and try to score goals. The measurement of a football field is: Length 100 yds. to 130 yds; Breadth 50 yds. to 56 yds; Goal width 8 yds; Bar 8 ft. from ground; area 6 yds. From each goal post; Ball 27 inches in circumference; Duration of the game is 90 minutes maximum.

Some of the common terms associated with the sport are: off sided, scope. Drop kick, penalty kick (or goal kick), corner kick, free-kick, dribble, throw-in-touch, tripping, direct free kick, hat-trick.

Some of the well-known football players are: Pele (Brazil), Diego Maradona (Argentina), Ronaldo (Brazil), Roberto Baggio (Italy), Beckham (UK), Lothar Matthaus (Germany), Zinedine Zidane (France), Thierry Henry (France), Puskas (Hungary) and Di Stefano (Spain).

FIFA World Cup 2006

The World Cup played in 2006 had 32 teams, 64 matches were played, 30 million viewers all over the world watched the tournament. It was played for over 31 days.

The biggest sporting tournament of the world, the 18th FIFA (Federation International de Football Association) Football World Cup 2006, was declared open by the German President, Mr. Hort Koehler in Munich (Germany) On June 9, 2006. The spectacular event was witnessed by a 60,000 strong audience in the Allianz Arena of Munich as well as by hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide on the television. For the first time in the history of the mega event, every living member of the past World Cup-winning teams was present at the opening ceremony. More than 100 former players took part in a parade during the event. The opening ceremony was followed by the inaugural match between the host Germany and Costa Rica. Philpp Lahm of Germany scored the first goal of the 18th FIFA World Cup. Germany won the match 4-2 and thus, set the momentum for the month ? long sporting extravaganza end with a grand final on July 9, 2006. Italy won the World Cup in a penalty shootout in the final, beating France 5-3 after a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes.

The World Cup Football 2010 will be held in South Africa, according to a decision taken by the executive meeting of the FIFA at Zurich (Switzerland).

To compete at these games, various qualifying matches are held at different venues throughout the world. The teams play on a group basis and get two points for a win, one for a draw, and zero for a loss. Players in the games must be amateurs although many Olympic footballers have gone on to become well-known professionals. FIFA World Cup is held once in 4 years.

Features

Soccer or football is a team sport, and is the most popular sport worldwide. The players keep maneuvering the ball and ultimately aim for a short at goal. The goalkeeper tries hard to stop the ball from crossing the goal line. Except for the goalkeeper the other players are not supposed to use their hands to propel the ball, others have to position the ball by using their feet, torso or head. The team that scores the maximum number of goals is declared the winner. In case the match is a tie, it is either declared as draw or is given extra time or penalty shootout

Equipments

The simplicity of the game, uncomplicated rule and the requirement of a sole device ?a ball make it a widespread sport. All the players have to follow a certain dress-code, which includes, shirts, shorts, socks, shoes and shin guards. Wearing jewelry, watches and things that can harm other players or themselves is prohibited. The goalkeeper has to wear clothes that will distinguish him from the rest of the team members. A maximum of three players can substitute during international and domestic matches. The match is authorized by a referee on the field, and his decision is considered final.

History of soccer

Soccer originated in 206 BC when the Han dynasty ruled over China. A game known as Tsu Chu similar to soccer was played on the occasion of the emperor's birthday.

During the 11th century young boys in England played a game with an inflated bladder of the cow. This game often ended in violent clashes between the two teams as a result was ultimately banned.

Football resurfaced in 1623 in England and by 1820 some schools began promoting football on the grounds that it built in health and strength.

On similar lines of soccer, but with different variation rugby, baseball, basketball emerged.