Football, also called soccer, is undoubtedly one of the most popular global sports played in more than 200 countries. The sport, which originated several thousands of years ago, has evolved in terms of its playing structure, rules, and much more. It is a team sport, with each team having 11 players who use their feet to skillfully and strategically move the ball and get it into the opposing side’s goalpost. The side that has a higher goal score wins the match.
How many players are there in a football team?
In contemporary football, there are 11 players in each team, one being the goalkeeper and the remaining are the players playing on the field, also called outfield players. The outfield players are classified into defenders, midfielders, and attackers. Besides these 11 players, the team also has a bench strength that refers to the number of players who can play as substitutes during the match. These additional players are seated in the dugout and can be called anytime in place of an injured or penalized player.
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The bench strength can vary from a minimum of three to a maximum of 12 players, depending on the nature of the competition. In premier football competitions, once a player is substituted, he cannot return to the field as a subsequent substitute player. This practice, however, is still relevant in junior-level or grassroots-level football matches.
In most cases, a maximum of three substitutes are allowed per team in a match. However, after the 2020 COVID breakout, the five-player substitution rule was followed, which is still in use during a few top-level competitions.
If a player is shown the red card for on-field misbehavior, the team will have to continue the match with the remaining 10 players. Substitution in such a case is not allowed. However, if a team has five or more suspensions due to offenses committed, the match shall be surrendered as a penalty for wrongdoing and the opposition is deemed the winner.
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The game is divided into two halves, each half comprising 45 minutes. The players play on a rectangular field called the pitch. The sport, as it’s called football, is mainly played with the feet but the player can use their head, chest, or even thighs to maneuver the ball. If each side scores the same number of goals, the game may result in a draw going into extra time, or a penalty shootout. FIFA (Federation of International Football Association) is the supreme governing body of football, headquartered in Zurich.
International competitions
International competitions are primarily played at national levels and club levels. The World Cup, organised by FIFA and held every four years is the most prestigious football competition in the world. The first FIFA World Cup was played in 1930 and the last in 2022, in Qatar. The FIFA World Cup is the most followed and viewed sport In History. The global viewership for the 2022 World Cup crossed the five million mark.
The different football positions
As mentioned earlier, the 11 players on the soccer field are divided into four positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and forwards. Apart from the goalkeeper, who is a constant, all the remaining three can change their positions according to the team’s strategy and the status of the match.
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Detailed Football Positions and their roles:
Goalkeeper
A goalkeeper’s main role is to prevent the ball from the opposition team from entering the goal. The goalkeeper’s position is specialized and constant. The goalkeeper stands out from the rest of his team because he wears a different-colored jersey.
Being a goalkeeper isn’t easy. Their job involves specific skills from the rest of the players and for this, they train separately and also have a goalkeeping coach. Within the penalty box, the goalkeeper can use his hand to stop the ball from entering the goal. The goalkeeper’s footwork and ability to quickly get up after a save is of paramount importance.
Defenders
Defenders play in the back of the field, and their main job is to prevent the opposition team from scoring a goal. Most teams usually have three to five defenders in a match.in contemporary football, we often see four defenders at the back of the pitch. Defenders are further divided into center-backs, full-backs, sweepers, and wing-backs.
Midfielders
As the name says, midfielders occupy the middle of the field and their role is to act as the link between the defensive and forward. Midfielders are the ones who cover most of the field during a match and possess the ball most of the time. Just like the goalkeeper, the midfielders also have specialized roles and their position may change according to the team’s requirements and formations. The midfielders are divided into central midfielders, defensive midfielders, attacking midfielders, and wingers.
Forwards
Forwards, also called strikers and attackers, play in the front line of attack and are the team’s most dominant players whose main role is to score goals. Hence forwards are often the finishers of the game. They must possess exceptional skills at positioning themselves in a way to create space for their team. They are usually more athletic than the others as they have to be very quick and have a good sense of ball control.
Football Legends Over the Years
Football has produced some world-class players in the different eras. It’s not possible or even fair to shortlist only a few. However, we can name some of the most iconic players that the game has ever seen.
The greatest soccer players of all time include Diego Maradona, Pele, David Beckham, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho. These names have become synonymous with football and an inspiration to millions of aspiring footballers around the world. Their performances especially during the World Cup matches have made them household names. Their fan following has not only been restricted to their native countries or clubs but has spread far and wide to every corner of the world.
Several thousands of people who never followed the game, became ardent fans of the sport, watching these great names perform on the pitch.
In 2000, Pelé was awarded World Player of the Century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) and alongside Diego Maradona was one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the Century.
FAQs
What is foul play in football?
Any unfair conduct by a player that disrupts play or interferes in the outcome of the game, constitutes a foul in football. The match referee decides on the punishment meted out. In most cases, the opposing team is awarded a penalty spot kick.
How far is the penalty mark from the goal line?
The penalty mark is 12 yards (11 meters) from the goal line. It is from this spot that the penalty kicker plays the ball during a penalty kick.
What is the role of the Fourth official in a football match?
The chief role of the Fourth official is to aid the referee in decision-making. If the match referees and the assistant referees are facing problems in controlling the game or in the administration of laws of the game, the fourth official steps in.
