Remember the French team that lifted the World Cup back in 2018 in Russia? The FIFA World Cup, held every four years, kicks off on the 20th of this month. People often say, “Amateurs watch for fun, professionals watch for insights.” If you’re staying home and want to catch some exciting matches to pass the time, there are some essential soccer facts you need to know. Don’t miss these five key points!
1. Game Duration
A soccer match has two halves, each lasting 45 minutes. If the game is interrupted due to injuries or tactical time management, the referee may add “stoppage time,” typically between 2-6 minutes, depending on the situation. If the score is tied at the end of regular time, the game may go into extra time, which lasts 30 minutes divided into two 15-minute halves.
For example, in the 2006 World Cup semi-final in Germany, Germany and Italy both used an aggressive “5-0-5” formation, making for an exciting and classic matchup.
2. Formation and Positioning
Like chess, soccer has specific positions and formations. You’ve probably heard of forwards, midfielders, and defenders — but do you know what each role really involves?
Take the popular 4-3-3 formation from the ‘70s and ‘80s as an example:
Attackers (Red Dots):
- Center Forward: Main goal scorer, responsible for scoring or creating scoring chances, usually staying in the penalty area.
- Wingers: Speedy wide players who try to break through the opponent’s side and deliver crosses or shots.
- Top players: Lionel Messi (Argentina).
Midfielders (Yellow Dots):
- Central/Defensive Midfielders: Responsible for linking defense and attack, protecting their defenders, intercepting passes, and controlling play. They act as a flexible backbone on the field.
- Iconic player: Diego Maradona (Argentina).
Defenders (Blue Dots):
- Center Backs: Main defenders who clear the ball, contest headers, and prevent opponents from scoring.
- Full Backs: Play along the sidelines, support attack, but primarily focus on defending.
Notable players: John Terry (England).
Understanding these roles helps in appreciating how teams organize and execute their strategies.
3. Free Kicks
A free kick isn’t a fancy trick — it’s a restart after a foul. Usually, the ball is placed at the foul spot, and the team gets to kick in a controlled way.
Direct Free Kick: Also called a “one-shot” free kick, awarded if a player commits a foul like tripping, pushing, or intentionally striking an opponent. The fouled team can shoot directly at goal from the spot. If it scores, it counts; if it misses or goes wide, play continues.
Famous example: David Beckham’s “moon shot” in the 1998 World Cup England vs. Colombia.
4. The World Cup Trophy
Some fans may not know this, but the World Cup trophy is actually named — often called the “Golden Cup” or “FIFA World Cup Trophy.” Before the current trophy, there was the Remington Cup, created to honor Jules Rimet — the FIFA president who organized the tournament.
Initially, the rule was that the team winning three straight championships could keep the original trophy forever. Brazil achieved this in 1970 and kept it. But in 1983, the original trophy was stolen and believed to have been melted down.
Since then, FIFA has been using the “FIFA World Cup Trophy,” which teams receive and keep until the next tournament. The Remington Cup was replaced after its theft, and a new trophy has been used ever since. The current trophy is scheduled to be replaced around 2038.
Enjoy watching the World Cup! Knowing these facts will make the matches even more enjoyable and deepen your appreciation for the beautiful game.
