Association football, soccer or simply football is a team sport played between two teams each consisting of 11 players and is widely considered to be the most popular sport in the world. It is a ball game played on a rectangular grass field (or occasionally on an artificial pitch) with a goal at each end. The object of the game is to score by maneuvering the ball into the opposing goal. The predominant feature of the sport is that players other than the goalkeepers may not use their hands or arms to propel the ball in general play. The winner is the team that has scored more goals at the end of the match.

The modern game developed in England following the formation of the Football Association, whose 1863 set of rules created the foundations for the way the sport is played today. Football is governed internationally by Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). The most prestigious international football competition is the World Cup, which is also the most widely-viewed sporting event in the world.2002 FIFA World Cup TV Coverage, FIFA official website. Retrieved on May 13, 2006.

Nature of the game

---

More on [ Football (soccer) ]

NPR Topics: Sports

Why Politicians Rely On Sports Arenas
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:00:00 -0400
The Democratic National Convention used a hockey arena and then a football stadium as a backdrop for presenting its message. Then when John McCain chose a running mate he visited a basketball arena and two minor league baseball parks. What not use a music venue? We examine what political arenas say about America.
Giants Host Redskins In NFL Opener
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:05:00 -0400
For fans and fantasy league wonks, it's the time of year when they begin to hum the tune: "Are You Ready for Some Football?" Bill Curry, former NFL player and college coach, previews the season as it kicks off Thursday night.
A-Rod Homer Survives Replay Challenge
Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:00:00 -0400
Now that Baseball has finally joined other sports in using instant replay, it didn't waste its first instant replay on an obscure player. It was Yankees superstar Alex Rodriguez who showed up in the tape when the Tampa Bay Rays challenged an A-Rod home run in the ninth inning of Wednesday's game. The umpires ruled for the Yankees after viewing their first ever replay.

Subscribe to Recreation_and_Sports RSS feed