Overview
Soccer, also known as association football, is played by over 250 million people worldwide. It is a team sport where two teams of eleven players each compete to score goals by getting a ball into the opposing team's net. The game is played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end.
Rules
Soccer has simple but strict rules. Players cannot use their hands or arms to control the ball, except for the goalkeeper inside the penalty area. Matches last 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each. The team with the most goals at the end wins the match.
Skills
Soccer requires a combination of skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and tactical awareness. Players need good endurance, speed, and teamwork to succeed. The ability to read the game and make quick decisions is also essential.
Competitions
Soccer features numerous competitions at club and international levels. The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious tournament, held every four years. Other notable competitions include the UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, and Copa América.