Football

Football, known as soccer in some countries, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. The objective of the game is to score goals by getting a spherical ball into the opposing team’s net, using primarily the feet. Players can use any part of their body except their arms and hands, with the exception of goalkeepers, who can use their hands within the penalty area. The game is played on a rectangular field, known as a pitch, which is typically grass or artificial turf.

Football is governed internationally by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), and it is one of the most popular sports worldwide, with a vast number of fans and players. Matches are typically divided into two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a short halftime break. The team that scores the most goals by the end of the match is declared the winner. In the event of a tie, matches can result in draws or proceed to extra time and penalty shootouts, depending on the competition rules. Football is characterized by its emphasis on skill, strategy, and teamwork, making it a beloved sport across cultures.