How Much You Know About Soccer?

Soccer is played on a field, which is a large open space specifically designed for the sport. It typically has grass or artificial turf and is marked with lines and goals. This is where players run, pass, and score goals during a soccer match. The term can vary based on regional language and terminology.

During gameplay, a goalkeeper can always use his hands to catch or block the ball. This is a unique privilege given to the goalkeeper in order to protect the goal and prevent the opposing team from scoring. The hands allow the goalkeeper to have better control and accuracy in handling the ball, giving them the ability to make crucial saves and contribute to the success of their team.

A nutmeg, also known as a tunnel, is a skillful move in soccer where a player kicks the ball through the legs of an opponent. It is a humiliating maneuver for the defender and often elicits cheers from the crowd. The other options are also soccer-related terms but refer to different actions or techniques.

When a player receives the ball while being "beyond" the second last opponent, it is called offside. Offside is a rule in soccer where an attacking player is in an offside position if they are nearer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second last defender when the ball is played to them. This rule is in place to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage by being in an offside position and potentially scoring a goal.

A penalty kick is awarded to the offense when a foul is committed by any player within the penalty box. This can include infractions such as handballs, tripping, pushing, or other unsporting behavior by defenders, goalkeepers, or attacking players. The penalty kick gives the offense a scoring opportunity from the penalty spot, serving as a significant deterrent against fouls in this crucial area near the goal.

During a soccer game, there are two goalies on the field at one time—one for each team. The goalkeeper's primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring by guarding the goal. Goalkeepers are the only players allowed to use their hands within the penalty area. Each team fields one goalie during gameplay, making the total number of goalies on the field two at any given time.

When a free kick is awarded to the offense and the ball is placed on a line inside the penalty box (the big box around the goal), it is commonly referred to as a "penalty kick." A penalty kick is a direct free kick taken from the penalty spot, which is located 11 meters (approximately 12 yards) away from the goal line. It's a significant scoring opportunity for the offensive team, as only the goalkeeper is allowed to defend the goal during a penalty kick situation.

When a player receives a red card in soccer, it indicates a serious offense, and the player is ejected from the match. The team of the penalized player must play with one less player for the remainder of the game, leaving them at a numerical disadvantage.

Soccer was invented in Britain. It is widely accepted that modern soccer, as we know it today, originated in England during the 19th century. The game evolved from various forms of football that were played in different regions of Britain. The Football Association (FA) was established in England in 1863, which standardized the rules and regulations of the game. From there, soccer spread across the world and became one of the most popular sports globally.

The FIFA Ballon d'Or is an annual award presented to the best male football player in the world. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the award for over a decade, with Messi winning a record seven times and Ronaldo winning five times. Luka Modric won the award in 2018, breaking the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly. Neymar Jr., despite being one of the most talented and recognizable players in the world, has not yet won the Ballon d'Or.  Sources and related content