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) ]

NYT > Soccer

Champions League: Lyon’s Last-Minute Goal Puts Liverpool in Danger
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:38:46 -0000
Liverpool’s chances of progressing in the European Champions League took a hit when it conceded a late goal in a 1-1 draw at Lyon.
Champions League Roundup: Manchester United, Chelsea, Bordeaux and Porto Advance
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:30:53 -0000
Manchester United scored two late goals and Didier Drogba scored both for Chelsea as the two English clubs advanced in the Champions League.
Chelsea, Bordeaux, Manchester United and Porto Reach Last 16
By REUTERS Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:10:22 -0000
Chelsea were joined in the last 16 of the Champions League by Bordeaux, Manchester United and Porto while a superb match between A.C. Milan and Real Madrid ended in a 1-1 draw.

L.A. Times - Soccer

Galaxy again lends David Beckham to AC Milan
Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800
Agreement is finalized as he has hopes of earning a place on England's roster for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Agreement is finalized as he has hopes of earning a place on England's roster for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Wednesday's poll: What is the best sports rivalry involving a local team?
Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:39:27 -0800

Galaxy, Chivas pay for error of their ways
Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800
Deadlock in Game 1 of MLS two-game playoff matchup is forged by mistakes from both teams, not good play. Deadlock in Game 1 of MLS two-game playoff matchup is forged by mistakes from both teams, not good play.

USATODAY.com Soccer - Top Stories

Real Salt Lake ousts defending champ Columbus Crew, 3-2
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:23:12 -0000
Javier Morales and Robbie Findley scored first-half goals and Real Salt Lake advanced to its second straight conference final ...
Columbus Crew's Marshall selected MLS defender of the year
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:19:56 -0000
The Columbus Crew's Chad Marshall has been selected Major League Soccer's defender of the year for the second straight season.
Lyon, Arsenal advance; Liverpool, Barcelona in trouble
Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:20:41 -0000
Lisandro Lopez scored a last-minute equalizer to give Lyon a 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Wednesday and a place in the knockout ...

ESPNsoccernet

Chelsea looking to sell Bridge naming rights
Soccernet staff Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:26:04 -0000
Chelsea are preparing to follow Newcastle's lead by selling the naming rights for Stamford Bridge, new chief executive Ron Gourlay revealed on Thursday. Although insisting that Chelsea need the millions such a lucrative sponsorship deal would secure, Gourlay promised that the words 'Stamford' and 'Bridge' will remain.
Kuszczak blasts Van der Sar for lack of help
Soccernet staff Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:29:52 -0000
Tomasz Kuszczak has hit out at Manchester United team-mate Edwin van der Sar for refusing to pass down advice despite his requests for help and hinted at his frustration after failing to displace the veteran Dutchman.
Roma 2-1 Fulham: Nine man Fulham succumb
soccernet.com Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:37:33 -0000
Roma came from behind to beat nine-man Fulham at the Stadio Olimpico in Europa League Group E tonight.Diomansy Kamara put the Cottagers ahead in the 19th minute from the penalty spot after being brought down inside the area by Marco Andreolli.

FOXSPORTS.com.au | Football

Roma late show shocks Fulham
Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:35:00 -0000
Fulham compromised their hopes of advancing in the Europa League when Roma came from behind to win 2-1 in Italy, with the English side ending the Group E contest with nine men.
Gold Coast coach bullish for Sydney FC clash
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:51:00 -0000
Gold Coast coach Miron Bleiberg says marquee man Jason Culina is not struggling and predicts an upset of Sydney FC will silence the "vultures" and resurrect United's lofty A-League ambitions.
Griffiths urges Newcastle Jets to reduce fee
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:03:00 -0000
Returning A-League striker Joel Griffiths has urged Newcastle Jets to drop the million-dollar price tag on his head in the hope of eventually returning to Chinese club Beijing Guoan.

Subscribe to Soccer RSS feed