Call it Soccer, Football or "The beautiful game" and everyone will know what sport you are talking about. Arguably the most popular sport in the world, football is enjoyed by young and old from all backgrounds.
The most popular and prestigious international football tournament is the World Cup which is held every four years in different countries around the world.The international body that governs football is called the International Federation of Association Football or FIFA, which is an acronym for Fédération Internationale de Football Association. The World Cup, or FIFA World Cup, had its first competition from 13 July to 30 July in 1930 in Uruguay. The basic rules of the game of football are simple. Football is played by two teams of 11 players each, on a rectangular field, with a goal in the centre of each of the two short sides of the field.
The simple objective for both teams is to score a goal by driving the ball into the opposing teams goal. Players use their feet to kick and control the ball. They are also permitted to use their torso or head but not their arms (from their sholders to fingers). The goalkeepers are the only players allowed to use their hands, arms or any part of their body to prevent the ball from entering their team's goal.
The team that scores the most goals in a game is declared the winner. If the same amount of goals are scored by both teams then the game is declared a draw. If there has to be a winner, as in the case of a tournament's final game, then extra time is added to the game. If the score is still drawn after this extra time then a penalty shoot out takes place to ensure that a winner emerges.
