football is a team sport that is played between two teams consisting of 11

players each. In the early 21st century was played by over 250 million
players in over 200 countries, making it the most popular sport in the world.
It is played with a spherical ball on a rectangular field covered with grass,
with one gate at each end. The purpose of the game is to score goals by
introducing the ball in the opponent's gate. Besides the goalkeeper other
players may not use hands to maneuver the ball. The winner of the match is
the team that scored more goals at the end game. The origins of the football
are somewhere in 2000 years ago. In 2004, the forum which governs the
sport worldwide FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association)
recognized China as the birthplace of football. Around 200 BC the Chinese
were playing a sport called Cuju. The rules have evolved over the time,
leading to the sport that is today. In the spring of 2001, FIFA informed that
over 240 million people play football regularly in over 200 countries around
the globe. Its rules are simple and small and inexpensive equipment
necessary to practice football contributed undoubtedly to increase its
popularity. In many parts of the world, football borns passions and plays an
enormous role in the life of the fans, local communities and even nations; is
often called the most popular sport in the world. It is known in many
countries as: sports king. Laws of the Game were formed in England in 1863
by The Football Association, where he received the name association
football, not to be confused with other forms of football names existing in
those times, including American football and Australian football. In these
areas is known as soccer, a term originating in England, emerged in the
1880s as an abbreviation of the word "association" Football is played after a
set of rules known as the Laws of the Game. These are further developed:
Two teams of 11 players each try to hit a round ball (soccer ball) in order to
introduce
it
into
the
opposing
goal.
The team that has scored the most goals by the end of the game is declared
the winner; if both teams have scored the same number of goals, the match
is
considered
equal.
One of the first rules is to forbide the intended touch of the ball by hand
during the game (except goalkeepers). The only time a player can use the
hands is when he throws the ball from the side of the field (execute aut).
Otherwise, players may use any part of the body to direct the ball. Players

can approach the opposing goal thus: dribbling (running with the ball at his
feet); by passing the ball between the teammates and through its Kicks on
goal. The opposition players can recover the ball by intercepting a pass or
through dispossession of the opponent. Physical contact is limited. The game
stops only when the ball leaves with its entire circumference a line witch
marks the field (either on the ground or in the air) or when the referee
whistles. The game is restarted with different methods, analyzed further.
Typically, in a match from a professional level just few goals are scored. For
example in the English first division (Premier League) in the 2005-2006
season were scored, averaging 2.48 goals per game. In addition, 88% of the
games ended with no more than 4 goals scored. But only 8% of the matches
played ended without any goal scored. Each team must designate a
goalkeeper. This is the only one that is allowed to touch the ball with his
hands. However, even he is not allowed to do so outside the penalty area (16
yards box) from the front of his gate. Basic equipment of players consists of
a t-shirt,short pants, socks, shields. Players are forbidden to wear anything
else that could be dangerous to themselves or another player (including
jewelry or watches). A number of players may be changed during a game.
The maximum number of changes at international matches and national
leagues is 3. At other levels, this number may vary. The most common
reasons that cause a change are injuries, fatigue, tactical changes or
withdrawals of time on the end of the game. At senior level, a substituted
player may not return to play. A game is led by referee. It has "full authority
to enforce the Laws of the Game, in accordance with the match to which he
was delegated" (Law 5), and its decisions are final and indisputable. The
referee is assisted by two assistant referees (popularly called linesman). In
games played at the highest level there is also a fourth official. It may
replace referee if he was unable to led the game. The length of the field
during official matches must be between 100-110 m and width between 6475
m.
A regular game of football is made up of 2 periods (half) every 45 minutes.
The interval between them is usually 15 minutes.