About Soccer
Soccer is a game in which two teams of 11 players, using any part of their
bodies except their hands and arms, try to maneuver the ball into
the opposing team’s goal.
Only the goalkeeper is permitted to handle the ball and may
do so only within the penalty area surrounding the goal. The team
that scores more goals after 90 minutes wins.
Top 5 Soccer leagues and Their Countries
- Premier League - England
- La Liga - Spain
- Bundesliga - Germany
- Serie A - Italy
- Ligue 1 - France
Positions in Soccer
Goalkeeper: The keeper is the only player allowed to use his hands, and that activity is restricted to the rectangular penalty area extending 18 yards from each side of the goal.
Defenders: They play in front of the goalkeeper, and their primary duty is to stop the opposition from scoring. Outside fullbacks play on the left and right flanks and rarely move from their sides of the field. Central defenders play in the middle of the field and usually cover the opposition’s leading goal scorer or center forward(s).
Midfielders: These players are the link between the defense and attack. Midfielders must be the most physically fit players on the field because they are expected to run the most in a game. They should be able to penetrate deep in enemy territory on attack and make the transition to defense when the opposition retains possession of the ball.
Forwards: Their primary job is to score goals or to create them for teammates. A center forward, also known as a striker, should be a team’s leading goal scorer and the most dangerous player in the attacking third of the field.