Saturday, November 5, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Wayne Bridge to take medical at west ham united.
Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge is expected to take a medical at West Ham United, according to Sky Sports News.
Goal.com UK recently revealed exclusively that the Hammers were close to a move for the out-of-favour full-back, and it now appears that he is set to make a move to east London.
The former England international has barely featured for City this season, making only a solitary start in the Premier League. And he also fell afoul of manager Roberto Mancini after the Italian admitted that the player's injuries were getting the better of him.
Now, however, Bridge is expected to join West Ham on loan for the remainder of the season.
Goal.com UK recently revealed exclusively that the Hammers were close to a move for the out-of-favour full-back, and it now appears that he is set to make a move to east London.
The former England international has barely featured for City this season, making only a solitary start in the Premier League. And he also fell afoul of manager Roberto Mancini after the Italian admitted that the player's injuries were getting the better of him.
Now, however, Bridge is expected to join West Ham on loan for the remainder of the season.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Roy Hodgson's future at doubt.
Liverpool's owners are considering whether to sack manager Roy Hodgson, according to Sky Sports.
The Reds are currently undergoing a rocky period as their recent run of results has seen them failing to rise above the mediocrity of a mid-table position in the Premier League, despite having recovered from a difficult start in the campaign when they were in the relegation zone.
A recent run of three losses in their last four league games has seen the fires of speculation being fanned around the former Fulham boss, particularly more so as he has failed to win over fans of the club.
The 63-year-old's side fell to yet another difficult defeat recently against Blackburn, as a Benjani double and a goal from Martin Olsson saw the Venky's-owned club triumph over their more illustrious opponents.
Even Wolves locked horns with Liverpool and managed to beat them at Anfield, like Blackpool and Northampton Town - in the League Cup - had done before.
BBC Sport also claims that the Reds' owners are pondering over whether Hodgson is the right man to lead the club, but no decision concerning his future is thought to have been taken just yet.
For his part, the boss chose not to dwell on his future following the bitter defeat to Blackburn, while insisting that he felt disheartened by the result.
There have been reports that club legend Kenny Dalglish could be called on to manage Liverpool - if Hodgson is shown the door - on a temporary basis for the rest of the season, at which point a permanent replacement could be installed.
The Reds are currently undergoing a rocky period as their recent run of results has seen them failing to rise above the mediocrity of a mid-table position in the Premier League, despite having recovered from a difficult start in the campaign when they were in the relegation zone.
A recent run of three losses in their last four league games has seen the fires of speculation being fanned around the former Fulham boss, particularly more so as he has failed to win over fans of the club.
The 63-year-old's side fell to yet another difficult defeat recently against Blackburn, as a Benjani double and a goal from Martin Olsson saw the Venky's-owned club triumph over their more illustrious opponents.
Even Wolves locked horns with Liverpool and managed to beat them at Anfield, like Blackpool and Northampton Town - in the League Cup - had done before.
BBC Sport also claims that the Reds' owners are pondering over whether Hodgson is the right man to lead the club, but no decision concerning his future is thought to have been taken just yet.
For his part, the boss chose not to dwell on his future following the bitter defeat to Blackburn, while insisting that he felt disheartened by the result.
There have been reports that club legend Kenny Dalglish could be called on to manage Liverpool - if Hodgson is shown the door - on a temporary basis for the rest of the season, at which point a permanent replacement could be installed.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
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Saturday, December 25, 2010
Linkin Park-One Step Closer
<div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><TR VALIGN="MIDDLE"><TD style="background-image: url(http://beemp3.com/player/corner-topleft2.gif);background-repeat: repeat;font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 12px;vertical-align: bottom;"></td><TD style="background-image: url(http://beemp3.com/player/bkgnd-top2.gif);background-repeat: repeat;font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 12px;vertical-align: middle;"> Linkin Park - One step closer .mp3</td><TD style="background-image: url(http://beemp3.com/player/corner-topright2.gif);background-repeat: repeat;font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 12px;vertical-align: bottom;"></td></TR><TR VALIGN="MIDDLE"><TD WIDTH="16" style="width: 16px;background-image:url(http://beemp3.com/player/left-ltrow2.gif);"/> </TD><TD style="background-image: url(http://beemp3.com/player/light2.gif);background-repeat: repeat;font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 11px;vertical-align: bottom;"><embed class="beeplayer" wmode="transparent" style="height:24px;width:290px;" src="http://beemp3.com/player/player.swf" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="290" height="24" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" flashvars="playerID=1&bg=0xCDDFF3&leftbg=0x357DCE&lefticon=0xF2F2F2&rightbg=0x64F051&rightbghover=0x1BAD07&righticon=0xF2F2F2&righticonhover=0xFFFFFF&text=0x357DCE&slider=0x357DCE&track=0xFFFFFF&border=0xFFFFFF&loader=0xAF2910&soundFile=http%3A//mabila.us/file_mp3/Polnye/Eng/L/Linkin_Park/Linkin_Park_-_One_step_closer.mp3%0A%0A"></embed> <img style="padding:0;border:0;vertical-align:bottom" src="http://beemp3.com/player/logo_small.gif"/> </td><TD WIDTH="16" style="width: 16px;background-image:url(http://beemp3.com/player/right-ltrow2.gif);"/></TD></TR><TR><TD WIDTH="16"><IMG style="padding:0;border:0;" SRC="http://beemp3.com/player/corner-bottomleft2.gif"></TD><TD style="background-image: url(http://beemp3.com/player/bkgnd-bottom2.gif);background-repeat: repeat-x;font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 11px;vertical-align: top;text-align: center;padding:0;border: 0;margin:0;">Found at <a href="http://beemp3.com/download.php?file=8319549&song=One+step+closer">bee mp3 search engine</a></TD><TD WIDTH="16"><IMG style="padding:0;border:0;" SRC="http://beemp3.com/player/corner-bottomright2.gif"></TD></TR></table></div>
Friday, December 24, 2010
Boca unveil new manager
ulio Falcioni has pledged to return Boca Juniors to 'the place they deserve' upon being officially unveiled as the club's new manager.
Falcioni replaces Claudio Borghi at the helm of the Argentinian Primera Division club after the latter resigned following Boca's 1-0 loss to bitter rivals River Plate on November 17.
A giant of South American football, Boca have been Argentina champions 23 times, won the Copa Libertadores on six occasions and taken out the Copa Sudamericana twice.
But the Buenos Aires club has not won domestic honours since 2008, and finished a lowly 11th in the 2010/11 Apertura.
Falcioni joins after leaving league rivals Atletico Banfield, who he led to the 2009 Apertura title.
The 55-year-old is immediately seeking the support of his new players in returning the club to the top.
"With the help of the players, we will try to put Boca in the place they deserve," Falcioni told reporters at a news conference on Wednesday.
"The commitment and the work of the players beyond just their technical capabilities is what is going to put Boca in the place it deserves.
"We will try to collaborate, we will try to help, we will try to put them right physically, we will try to correct all the situations that are presented. But the fundamental thing is that the players are well. If they are well, we will obtain the results."
"For us, it is going to be an honour and a pleasure to be able to share these days of work. It is certain that we are going to obtain commitment, responsibility and work from them (the players) so that Boca takes the place it deserves."
Speculation had linked favourite son Diego Maradona to the vacant job before Falcioni's appointment, with the former Argentina labelling his snubbing as a 'betrayal'.
Club president Jorge Amor Ameal was not drawn on the decision to overlook Maradona, instead speaking of his delight at landing Falcioni.
"We are very happy about Julio's arrival," he said.
"This was a long-term wish for the club and today we can achieve it. We wish Julio the best, the best of successes."
Falcioni replaces Claudio Borghi at the helm of the Argentinian Primera Division club after the latter resigned following Boca's 1-0 loss to bitter rivals River Plate on November 17.
A giant of South American football, Boca have been Argentina champions 23 times, won the Copa Libertadores on six occasions and taken out the Copa Sudamericana twice.
But the Buenos Aires club has not won domestic honours since 2008, and finished a lowly 11th in the 2010/11 Apertura.
Falcioni joins after leaving league rivals Atletico Banfield, who he led to the 2009 Apertura title.
The 55-year-old is immediately seeking the support of his new players in returning the club to the top.
"With the help of the players, we will try to put Boca in the place they deserve," Falcioni told reporters at a news conference on Wednesday.
"The commitment and the work of the players beyond just their technical capabilities is what is going to put Boca in the place it deserves.
"We will try to collaborate, we will try to help, we will try to put them right physically, we will try to correct all the situations that are presented. But the fundamental thing is that the players are well. If they are well, we will obtain the results."
"For us, it is going to be an honour and a pleasure to be able to share these days of work. It is certain that we are going to obtain commitment, responsibility and work from them (the players) so that Boca takes the place it deserves."
Speculation had linked favourite son Diego Maradona to the vacant job before Falcioni's appointment, with the former Argentina labelling his snubbing as a 'betrayal'.
Club president Jorge Amor Ameal was not drawn on the decision to overlook Maradona, instead speaking of his delight at landing Falcioni.
"We are very happy about Julio's arrival," he said.
"This was a long-term wish for the club and today we can achieve it. We wish Julio the best, the best of successes."
Afellay admits Barca nerves
Dutch attacker Ibrahim Afellay arrived in Barcelona on Thursday to undergo a medical and finalise the terms of his new deal.
Afellay, 24, will join Barcelona in the January transfer window from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven for a fee believed to be around two-and-a-half million pounds.
He met with Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta after landing in Spain and said he was ecstatic about the imminent move.
"I think for everybody it´s a dream to play here," Afellay told the club's TV station.
"Ask all the football players where they want to play, I think they are going to say Barcelona. They play the best football in the world and when you can play here that is a very big dream."
The attacking midfielder also said he was nervous about his move to the Spanish giants.
"It's normal because you go to the biggest club in the world and the most beautiful club in the world so of course you are a little bit nervous," he said.
Afellay will be presented to the club's fans and media on Friday.
He is expected to wear the number 20 shirt for the Catalan club.
Afellay, 24, will join Barcelona in the January transfer window from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven for a fee believed to be around two-and-a-half million pounds.
He met with Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta after landing in Spain and said he was ecstatic about the imminent move.
"I think for everybody it´s a dream to play here," Afellay told the club's TV station.
"Ask all the football players where they want to play, I think they are going to say Barcelona. They play the best football in the world and when you can play here that is a very big dream."
The attacking midfielder also said he was nervous about his move to the Spanish giants.
"It's normal because you go to the biggest club in the world and the most beautiful club in the world so of course you are a little bit nervous," he said.
Afellay will be presented to the club's fans and media on Friday.
He is expected to wear the number 20 shirt for the Catalan club.
Moratti regrets Benitez downfall
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti said he was disappointed in the manner sacked boss Rafa Benitez departed the club.
Benitez was dismissed by the European champions on Thursday, just six months after suffering a similar fate at English Premier League club Liverpool.
And Moratti said he was disappointed with the way the Spaniard's time at the San Siro finished.
"I am sorry about how it all ended. However, it was an experience and experiences are always useful," Moratti told Reuters.
"Also, through this experience we brought home the Italian Supercup and a Clubs' World Championship title. This puts us in a situation which we can be satisfied with and now we can start all over again."
Moratti said the motive for sacking the former Liverpool boss was related to Inter's sub-par results in Serie A this season.
The champions are in seventh place in the league, 13 points behind leaders AC Milan, but Moratti said the writing was on the wall when Benitez made a 'back me or sack me' ultimatum to the president.
"Besides (Benitez's) statements that precipitated things, I was not too satisfied about our results before the final of the Clubs' World Championship," Moratti said.
"Adding his statement to this however put an end to my patience and the good sense to keep waiting (for things to improve)."
Former AC Milan boss Leonardo, has emerged as the favourite to fill the absence left by Benitez, but Moratti was not willing to share names of the candidates vying for the job.
"I will tell you when the time comes. All the people we have in mind now are people of experience, nice and good people, intelligent people. Anyway, in due time," he said.
Benitez was dismissed by the European champions on Thursday, just six months after suffering a similar fate at English Premier League club Liverpool.
And Moratti said he was disappointed with the way the Spaniard's time at the San Siro finished.
"I am sorry about how it all ended. However, it was an experience and experiences are always useful," Moratti told Reuters.
"Also, through this experience we brought home the Italian Supercup and a Clubs' World Championship title. This puts us in a situation which we can be satisfied with and now we can start all over again."
Moratti said the motive for sacking the former Liverpool boss was related to Inter's sub-par results in Serie A this season.
The champions are in seventh place in the league, 13 points behind leaders AC Milan, but Moratti said the writing was on the wall when Benitez made a 'back me or sack me' ultimatum to the president.
"Besides (Benitez's) statements that precipitated things, I was not too satisfied about our results before the final of the Clubs' World Championship," Moratti said.
"Adding his statement to this however put an end to my patience and the good sense to keep waiting (for things to improve)."
Former AC Milan boss Leonardo, has emerged as the favourite to fill the absence left by Benitez, but Moratti was not willing to share names of the candidates vying for the job.
"I will tell you when the time comes. All the people we have in mind now are people of experience, nice and good people, intelligent people. Anyway, in due time," he said.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Wolfsburg manager Steve McClaren has admitted the club needs change after they crashed out of the DFB Pokal.
Wolfsburg lost 3-1 to Bundesliga 2 side Energie Cottbus on Wednesday and McClaren's immediate future at the club has been put in jeopardy by their wavering on-field fortunes, which sees them in 13th place in the Bundesliga and without a win in their past eight games in all competitions.
"It was just not good enough today; it was not good enough throughout the whole first half of the season," McClaren said after the round-of-16 defeat.
"I am disappointed and frustrated. We have hit bottom. The club needs changes now. No-one knows what will happen in the next days."
Wolves general manager Dieter Hooness said he cancelled a trip to decide on McClaren's future with the club.
"I need to allow this to sink in. It is not easy to return to your day-to-day business after such a result. I will not sleep well tonight," Hooness said.
"I had booked a ticket for a flight on Thursday which I will not board. This result has turned the holidays upside down. But I will not act without considerable thought."
McClaren is in his first season with the 2009 German champions and is the first English manager in the Bundesliga.
Wolfsburg lost 3-1 to Bundesliga 2 side Energie Cottbus on Wednesday and McClaren's immediate future at the club has been put in jeopardy by their wavering on-field fortunes, which sees them in 13th place in the Bundesliga and without a win in their past eight games in all competitions.
"It was just not good enough today; it was not good enough throughout the whole first half of the season," McClaren said after the round-of-16 defeat.
"I am disappointed and frustrated. We have hit bottom. The club needs changes now. No-one knows what will happen in the next days."
Wolves general manager Dieter Hooness said he cancelled a trip to decide on McClaren's future with the club.
"I need to allow this to sink in. It is not easy to return to your day-to-day business after such a result. I will not sleep well tonight," Hooness said.
"I had booked a ticket for a flight on Thursday which I will not board. This result has turned the holidays upside down. But I will not act without considerable thought."
McClaren is in his first season with the 2009 German champions and is the first English manager in the Bundesliga.
International Competitions
The major international competition in football is the World Cup, organised by FIFA. This competition takes place over a four-year period. More than 190 national teams compete in qualifying tournaments within the scope of continental confederations for a place in the finals. The finals tournament, which is held every four years, involves 32 national teams competing over a four-week period.[45] The most recent tournament, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, was held in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July.[46]
There has been a football tournament at every Summer Olympic Games since 1900, except at the 1932 games in Los Angeles. Before the inception of the World Cup, the Olympics (especially during the 1920s) had the same status as the World Cup. Originally, the event was for amateurs only,[17] however, since the 1984 Summer Olympics professional players have been permitted, albeit with certain restrictions which prevent countries from fielding their strongest sides. Currently, the Olympic men's tournament is played at Under-23 level. In the past the Olympics have allowed a restricted number of over-age players per team;[47] but that practice ceased in the 2008 Olympics. The Olympic competition is not generally considered to carry the same international significance and prestige as the World Cup. A women's tournament was added in 1996; in contrast to the men's event, full international sides without age restrictions play the women’s Olympic tournament. It thus carries international prestige considered comparable to that of the FIFA Women's World Cup.
After the World Cup, the most important international football competitions are the continental championships, which are organised by each continental confederation and contested between national teams. These are the European Championship (UEFA), the Copa América (CONMEBOL), African Cup of Nations (CAF), the Asian Cup (AFC), the CONCACAF Gold Cup (CONCACAF) and the OFC Nations Cup (OFC). The FIFA Confederations Cup is contested by the winners of all 6 continental championships, the current FIFA World Cup champions and the country which is hosting the Confederations Cup. This is generally regarded as a warm up tournament for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and does not carry the same prestige as the World Cup itself. The most prestigious competitions in club football are the respective continental championships, which are generally contested between national champions, for example the UEFA Champions League in Europe and the Copa Libertadores de América in South America. The winners of each continental competition contest the FIFA Club World Cup.[48]
There has been a football tournament at every Summer Olympic Games since 1900, except at the 1932 games in Los Angeles. Before the inception of the World Cup, the Olympics (especially during the 1920s) had the same status as the World Cup. Originally, the event was for amateurs only,[17] however, since the 1984 Summer Olympics professional players have been permitted, albeit with certain restrictions which prevent countries from fielding their strongest sides. Currently, the Olympic men's tournament is played at Under-23 level. In the past the Olympics have allowed a restricted number of over-age players per team;[47] but that practice ceased in the 2008 Olympics. The Olympic competition is not generally considered to carry the same international significance and prestige as the World Cup. A women's tournament was added in 1996; in contrast to the men's event, full international sides without age restrictions play the women’s Olympic tournament. It thus carries international prestige considered comparable to that of the FIFA Women's World Cup.
After the World Cup, the most important international football competitions are the continental championships, which are organised by each continental confederation and contested between national teams. These are the European Championship (UEFA), the Copa América (CONMEBOL), African Cup of Nations (CAF), the Asian Cup (AFC), the CONCACAF Gold Cup (CONCACAF) and the OFC Nations Cup (OFC). The FIFA Confederations Cup is contested by the winners of all 6 continental championships, the current FIFA World Cup champions and the country which is hosting the Confederations Cup. This is generally regarded as a warm up tournament for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and does not carry the same prestige as the World Cup itself. The most prestigious competitions in club football are the respective continental championships, which are generally contested between national champions, for example the UEFA Champions League in Europe and the Copa Libertadores de América in South America. The winners of each continental competition contest the FIFA Club World Cup.[48]
Misconduct
A foul occurs when a player commits an offence listed in the Laws of the Game while the ball is in play. The offences that constitute a foul are listed in Law 12. Handling the ball deliberately, tripping an opponent, or pushing an opponent, are examples of "penal fouls", punishable by a direct free kick or penalty kick depending on where the offence occurred. Other fouls are punishable by an indirect free kick.[6] The referee may punish a player or substitute's misconduct by a caution (yellow card) or sending-off (red card). A second yellow card at the same game leads to a red card, and therefore to a sending-off. A player given a yellow card is said to have been "booked", the referee writing the player's name in his official notebook. If a player has been sent off, no substitute can be brought on in their place. Misconduct may occur at any time, and while the offences that constitute misconduct are listed, the definitions are broad. In particular, the offence of "unsporting behaviour" may be used to deal with most events that violate the spirit of the game, even if they are not listed as specific offences. A referee can show a yellow or red card to a player, substitute or substituted player. Non-players such as managers and support staff cannot be shown the yellow or red card, but may be expelled from the technical area if they fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner.[6]
Rather than stopping play, the referee may allow play to continue if doing so will benefit the team against which an offence has been committed. This is known as "playing an advantage". The referee may "call back" play and penalise the original offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue within a short period, typically taken to be four to five seconds. Even if an offence is not penalised due to advantage being played, the offender may still be sanctioned for misconduct at the next stoppage of play.
Rather than stopping play, the referee may allow play to continue if doing so will benefit the team against which an offence has been committed. This is known as "playing an advantage". The referee may "call back" play and penalise the original offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue within a short period, typically taken to be four to five seconds. Even if an offence is not penalised due to advantage being played, the offender may still be sanctioned for misconduct at the next stoppage of play.
Ball Out Of Play
Under the Laws, the two basic states of play during a game are ball in play and ball out of play. From the beginning of each playing period with a kick-off until the end of the playing period, the ball is in play at all times, except when either the ball leaves the field of play, or play is stopped by the referee. When the ball becomes out of play, play is restarted by one of eight restart methods depending on how it went out of play:
Kick-off: following a goal by the opposing team, or to begin each period of play.[7]
Throw-in: when the ball has wholly crossed the touchline; awarded to opposing team to that which last touched the ball.[40]
Goal kick: when the ball has wholly crossed the goal line without a goal having been scored and having last been touched by a player of the attacking team; awarded to defending team.[41]
Corner kick: when the ball has wholly crossed the goal line without a goal having been scored and having last been touched by a player of the defending team; awarded to attacking team.[42]
Indirect free kick: awarded to the opposing team following "non-penal" fouls, certain technical infringements, or when play is stopped to caution or send-off an opponent without a specific foul having occurred. A goal may not be scored directly from an indirect free kick.[43]
Direct free kick: awarded to fouled team following certain listed "penal" fouls.[43] A goal may be scored directly from a direct free kick.
Penalty kick: awarded to the fouled team following a foul usually punishable by a direct free kick but that has occurred within their opponent's penalty area.[44]
Dropped-ball: occurs when the referee has stopped play for any other reason, such as a serious injury to a player, interference by an external party, or a ball becoming defective. This restart is uncommon in adult games.[7]
Kick-off: following a goal by the opposing team, or to begin each period of play.[7]
Throw-in: when the ball has wholly crossed the touchline; awarded to opposing team to that which last touched the ball.[40]
Goal kick: when the ball has wholly crossed the goal line without a goal having been scored and having last been touched by a player of the attacking team; awarded to defending team.[41]
Corner kick: when the ball has wholly crossed the goal line without a goal having been scored and having last been touched by a player of the defending team; awarded to attacking team.[42]
Indirect free kick: awarded to the opposing team following "non-penal" fouls, certain technical infringements, or when play is stopped to caution or send-off an opponent without a specific foul having occurred. A goal may not be scored directly from an indirect free kick.[43]
Direct free kick: awarded to fouled team following certain listed "penal" fouls.[43] A goal may be scored directly from a direct free kick.
Penalty kick: awarded to the fouled team following a foul usually punishable by a direct free kick but that has occurred within their opponent's penalty area.[44]
Dropped-ball: occurs when the referee has stopped play for any other reason, such as a serious injury to a player, interference by an external party, or a ball becoming defective. This restart is uncommon in adult games.[7]
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
A standard adult football match consists of two periods of 45 minutes each, known as halves. Each half runs continuously, meaning that the clock is not stopped when the ball is out of play. There is usually a 15-minute half-time break between halves. The end of the match is known as full-time.
The referee is the official timekeeper for the match, and may make an allowance for time lost through substitutions, injured players requiring attention, or other stoppages. This added time is commonly referred to as stoppage time or injury time, and is at the sole discretion of the referee. The referee alone signals the end of the match. In matches where a fourth official is appointed, toward the end of the half the referee signals how many minutes of stoppage time he intends to add. The fourth official then informs the players and spectators by holding up a board showing this number. The signalled stoppage time may be further extended by the referee.[36] Added time was introduced because of an incident which happened in 1891 during a match between Stoke and Aston Villa. Trailing 1–0 and with just two minutes remaining, Stoke were awarded a penalty. Villa's goalkeeper kicked the ball out of the ground, and by the time the ball had been recovered, the 90 minutes had elapsed and the game was over.[37] The same law also stands that the duration of either half is extended until the penalty kick to be taken or retaken is completed,[38] thus no game shall end with a penalty to be taken.
In league competitions, games may end in a draw, but in some knockout competitions if a game is tied at the end of regulation time it may go into extra time, which consists of two further 15-minute periods. If the score is still tied after extra time, some competitions allow the use of penalty shootouts (known officially in the Laws of the Game as "kicks from the penalty mark") to determine which team will progress to the next stage of the tournament. Goals scored during extra time periods count toward the final score of the game, but kicks from the penalty mark are only used to decide the team that progresses to the next part of the tournament (with goals scored in a penalty shootout not making up part of the final score).
In competitions using two-legged matches, each team competes at home once, with an aggregate score from the two matches deciding which team progresses. Where aggregates are equal, the away goals rule may be used to determine the winners, in which case the winner is the team that scored the most goals in the leg played away from home. If the result is still equal, kicks from the penalty mark are usually required, though some competitions may require a tied game to be replayed.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the IFAB experimented with ways of creating a winner without requiring a penalty shootout, which was often seen as an undesirable way to end a match. These involved rules ending a game in extra time early, either when the first goal in extra time was scored (golden goal), or if one team held a lead at the end of the first period of extra time (silver goal). Golden goal was used at the World Cup in 1998 and 2002. The first World Cup game decided by a golden goal was France's victory over Paraguay in 1998. Germany was the first nation to score a golden goal in a major competition, beating Czech Republic in the final of Euro 1996. Silver goal was used in Euro 2004. Both these experiments have been discontinued by IFAB.[39]
The referee is the official timekeeper for the match, and may make an allowance for time lost through substitutions, injured players requiring attention, or other stoppages. This added time is commonly referred to as stoppage time or injury time, and is at the sole discretion of the referee. The referee alone signals the end of the match. In matches where a fourth official is appointed, toward the end of the half the referee signals how many minutes of stoppage time he intends to add. The fourth official then informs the players and spectators by holding up a board showing this number. The signalled stoppage time may be further extended by the referee.[36] Added time was introduced because of an incident which happened in 1891 during a match between Stoke and Aston Villa. Trailing 1–0 and with just two minutes remaining, Stoke were awarded a penalty. Villa's goalkeeper kicked the ball out of the ground, and by the time the ball had been recovered, the 90 minutes had elapsed and the game was over.[37] The same law also stands that the duration of either half is extended until the penalty kick to be taken or retaken is completed,[38] thus no game shall end with a penalty to be taken.
In league competitions, games may end in a draw, but in some knockout competitions if a game is tied at the end of regulation time it may go into extra time, which consists of two further 15-minute periods. If the score is still tied after extra time, some competitions allow the use of penalty shootouts (known officially in the Laws of the Game as "kicks from the penalty mark") to determine which team will progress to the next stage of the tournament. Goals scored during extra time periods count toward the final score of the game, but kicks from the penalty mark are only used to decide the team that progresses to the next part of the tournament (with goals scored in a penalty shootout not making up part of the final score).
In competitions using two-legged matches, each team competes at home once, with an aggregate score from the two matches deciding which team progresses. Where aggregates are equal, the away goals rule may be used to determine the winners, in which case the winner is the team that scored the most goals in the leg played away from home. If the result is still equal, kicks from the penalty mark are usually required, though some competitions may require a tied game to be replayed.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the IFAB experimented with ways of creating a winner without requiring a penalty shootout, which was often seen as an undesirable way to end a match. These involved rules ending a game in extra time early, either when the first goal in extra time was scored (golden goal), or if one team held a lead at the end of the first period of extra time (silver goal). Golden goal was used at the World Cup in 1998 and 2002. The first World Cup game decided by a golden goal was France's victory over Paraguay in 1998. Germany was the first nation to score a golden goal in a major competition, beating Czech Republic in the final of Euro 1996. Silver goal was used in Euro 2004. Both these experiments have been discontinued by IFAB.[39]
Pitch
As the Laws were formulated in England, and were initially administered solely by the four British football associations within IFAB, the standard dimensions of a football pitch were originally expressed in imperial units. The Laws now express dimensions with approximate metric equivalents (followed by traditional units in brackets), though popular use tends to continue to use traditional units in English-speaking countries with a relatively recent history of metrication, such as Britain.[31]
The length of the pitch for international adult matches is in the range of 100–110 m (110–120 yd) and the width is in the range of 64–75 m (70–80 yd). Fields for non-international matches may be 91–120 m (100–130 yd) length and 45–91 m (50–101 yd) in width, provided that the pitch does not become square. In 2008, the IFAB set a fixed size of 105 m long and 68 m wide as a standard pitch dimension for A international matches.[32]
The longer boundary lines are touchlines, while the shorter boundaries (on which the goals are placed) are goal lines. A rectangular goal is positioned at the middle of each goal line.[33] The inner edges of the vertical goal posts must be 7.32 m (8 yd) apart, and the lower edge of the horizontal crossbar supported by the goal posts must be 2.44 m (8 ft) above the ground. Nets are usually placed behind the goal, but are not required by the Laws.[34]
In front of each goal is an area known as the penalty area. This area is marked by the goal line, two lines starting on the goal line 16.5 m (18 yd) from the goalposts and extending 16.5 m (18 yd) into the pitch perpendicular to the goal line, and a line joining them. This area has a number of functions, the most prominent being to mark where the goalkeeper may handle the ball and where a penalty foul by a member of the defending team becomes punishable by a penalty kick. Other markings define the position of the ball or players at kick-offs, goal kicks, penalty kicks and corner kicks.[35]
The length of the pitch for international adult matches is in the range of 100–110 m (110–120 yd) and the width is in the range of 64–75 m (70–80 yd). Fields for non-international matches may be 91–120 m (100–130 yd) length and 45–91 m (50–101 yd) in width, provided that the pitch does not become square. In 2008, the IFAB set a fixed size of 105 m long and 68 m wide as a standard pitch dimension for A international matches.[32]
The longer boundary lines are touchlines, while the shorter boundaries (on which the goals are placed) are goal lines. A rectangular goal is positioned at the middle of each goal line.[33] The inner edges of the vertical goal posts must be 7.32 m (8 yd) apart, and the lower edge of the horizontal crossbar supported by the goal posts must be 2.44 m (8 ft) above the ground. Nets are usually placed behind the goal, but are not required by the Laws.[34]
In front of each goal is an area known as the penalty area. This area is marked by the goal line, two lines starting on the goal line 16.5 m (18 yd) from the goalposts and extending 16.5 m (18 yd) into the pitch perpendicular to the goal line, and a line joining them. This area has a number of functions, the most prominent being to mark where the goalkeeper may handle the ball and where a penalty foul by a member of the defending team becomes punishable by a penalty kick. Other markings define the position of the ball or players at kick-offs, goal kicks, penalty kicks and corner kicks.[35]
Players, Equipment and Officials.
Each team consists of a maximum of eleven players (excluding substitutes), one of whom must be the goalkeeper. Competition rules may state a minimum number of players required to constitute a team, which is usually seven. Goalkeepers are the only players allowed to play the ball with their hands or arms, provided they do so within the penalty area in front of their own goal. Though there are a variety of positions in which the outfield (non-goalkeeper) players are strategically placed by a coach, these positions are not defined or required by the Laws.[9]
The basic equipment or kit players are required to wear includes a shirt, shorts, socks, footwear and adequate shin guards. Headgear is not a required piece of basic equipment, but players today may choose to wear it to protect themselves from head injury. Players are forbidden to wear or use anything that is dangerous to themselves or another player, such as jewellery or watches. The goalkeeper must wear clothing that is easily distinguishable from that worn by the other players and the match officials.[28]
A number of players may be replaced by substitutes during the course of the game. The maximum number of substitutions permitted in most competitive international and domestic league games is three, though the permitted number may vary in other competitions or in friendly matches. Common reasons for a substitution include injury, tiredness, ineffectiveness, a tactical switch, or timewasting at the end of a finely poised game. In standard adult matches, a player who has been substituted may not take further part in a match.[29] If any team is unable to field at least seven players due to players being injured or sent-off, the referee will stop the game. The game will be declared as a loss against the team who were unable to field the required number of players.
A game is officiated by a referee, who has "full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has been appointed" (Law 5), and whose decisions are final. The referee is assisted by two assistant referees. In many high-level games there is also a fourth official who assists the referee and may replace another official should the need arise.[30]
The basic equipment or kit players are required to wear includes a shirt, shorts, socks, footwear and adequate shin guards. Headgear is not a required piece of basic equipment, but players today may choose to wear it to protect themselves from head injury. Players are forbidden to wear or use anything that is dangerous to themselves or another player, such as jewellery or watches. The goalkeeper must wear clothing that is easily distinguishable from that worn by the other players and the match officials.[28]
A number of players may be replaced by substitutes during the course of the game. The maximum number of substitutions permitted in most competitive international and domestic league games is three, though the permitted number may vary in other competitions or in friendly matches. Common reasons for a substitution include injury, tiredness, ineffectiveness, a tactical switch, or timewasting at the end of a finely poised game. In standard adult matches, a player who has been substituted may not take further part in a match.[29] If any team is unable to field at least seven players due to players being injured or sent-off, the referee will stop the game. The game will be declared as a loss against the team who were unable to field the required number of players.
A game is officiated by a referee, who has "full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has been appointed" (Law 5), and whose decisions are final. The referee is assisted by two assistant referees. In many high-level games there is also a fourth official who assists the referee and may replace another official should the need arise.[30]
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