Football

Football, commonly known as soccer in some countries, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. The objective of the game is to score goals by getting a spherical ball into the opposing team’s net using any part of the body except the arms and hands; only the goalkeeper is allowed to use their hands and only within the penalty area. The game is played on a rectangular field known as a pitch, with a goal at each end.

Football is governed by a set of rules known as the Laws of the Game, which cover aspects such as the dimensions of the field, the duration of the match, and the conduct of players. A standard match consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a 15-minute halftime break.

Football is one of the most popular sports globally, with millions of fans and players involved at various levels, from amateur to professional. Major international competitions include the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and continental championships like the UEFA European Championship and Copa América. The sport’s widespread appeal is attributed to its simplicity, accessibility, and the passion it inspires among fans and communities.