Quick Facts
The Goal of the Game
Simple: score more goals than the other team before time runs out. A goal is scored when the ball fully crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar.
If the score is tied at the end of 90 minutes, the result is a draw — which is allowed in most competitions. In knockout rounds, extra time and penalty shootouts are used to find a winner.
Player Positions
Each team has 11 players, including one goalkeeper. The other 10 are outfield players spread across defence, midfield, and attack. Here are the main positions:
The only player allowed to use their hands — but only inside the penalty area. Their job: stop the other team scoring.
They protect the goalkeeper and stop the opposition from getting clear shots. Centre-backs stay in the middle. Full-backs cover the sides.
The engine of the team. They connect defence to attack, win the ball back, and create chances. Some are defensive (destroy), others are creative (create).
Their one job: score goals. Centre-forwards (strikers) lead the attack. Wingers attack from the sides and cut inside to shoot or cross the ball.
Key Rules
- 🟨Yellow Card — A warning from the referee for rough play or bad behaviour. Two yellow cards in one game = automatic red card.
- 🟥Red Card — The player is sent off and cannot be replaced. Their team plays with 10 players for the rest of the match. Very serious.
- 🚩Offside — A player is offside if they are closer to the opponent's goal than both the ball and the second-to-last defender when the ball is played to them. This stops players just waiting in front of the goal.
- ⚠️Penalty Kick — Awarded when a foul is committed inside the penalty area. A one-on-one shot from the penalty spot — 12 yards from goal. High pressure. Big moments.
- 🔄Substitutions — Each team can make up to 5 substitutions per match. This is used to bring on fresh legs, change tactics, or replace injured players.
- 📺VAR — Video Assistant Referee. Technology used in major competitions to check goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity. The referee watches a screen and makes the final decision.