DESCRIPTION OF THE GAME OF SOCCER

   Soccer is a sport that is passionately followed by millions, if not billions, of fans around the globe. In recent years, the game has leaped to prominence outside of the U.S. by becoming a multimillion-dollar business. Investors all over the world are now seeking an involvement within soccer and although the increased expenditure has threatened the existence of many club's the game itself has become a riveting affair.

Soccer Rules

   Soccer is usually played on a field around 115 yards in length by 75 yards in width. At either end are two goals posts which are accompanied by an 18 yard box that is mainly used for the use of penalty kicks, which when awarded are taken from 12 yards, in the middle of the box, and on the penalty spot. Penalty kicks are awarded for foul play by either the referee or his two assistants who patrol on opposite sides of the field with a flag whilst monitoring half of the turf each. The assistant referees can also award offsides for the attacking team and although the concept has become more of gray area in the contemporary game the fundamental concept insists that if an attacker is beyond all opposing defenders when the ball is played he is offside.

Game Play

   Each team consists of 11 players and their aim is to score the most goals to win them the soccer match. If either team fails to score, or manage to score the same amount of goals then the game will end in a draw. However, in certain cases (usually Cup competitions), when teams are still level after 90 minutes, matches are carried into two 15 minute halves of extra time to find a winner. And, if this fails to suffice, the game will move to penalties until a winner is eventually distinguished.

Soccer Fans

   Fans are the reason why the game is so popular, they are the heart beat of the sport and make the game what it is. Without them players and clubs would not be able to function because they pay the bills, they pay the wages and they will be there forever. The "Nou Camp" is home to Spanish giants Barcelona, arguably the greatest football team in the current game. It holds over 98,000 seats and is filled with avid and fanatical supporters every week. They produce rapturous chants throughout the game creating an intense and special atmosphere.

Soccer Kings

   The English Premier League, Spain's La Liga and Italy's Serie A are the leading nations in world soccer but they are closely followed by the German Bundesliga and French Lique 1. You should familiarize yourself with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, Lyon, Ajax and Bayern Munich if you desire knowledge of the upper echelons in the game. Domestically, it is in the UEFA Champions League where teams across Europe are able to contest for the highest club accolade and having showcased many talents in recent years including household names such as Zinedine Zidane, Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi the competition remains prestigious.

World Cup 2010

   In June 2010, South Africa will host the FIFA World Cup, the most prestigious event in the sport where 32 nations will do battle for the honor of being crowned world champions. Spain are the favorites for the competition but they will be closely followed by the likes of Brazil, Italy, France, England and Germany. Whether or not an African nation can secure the much coveted award remains to be seen but should they do so it would be the first time in the history of the game.


source : http://www.livestrong.com/article/112864-description-game-soccer/