No two soccer matches play out exactly the same. While they all follow the same basic rules and regulations, soccer matches may vary greatly in tempo, skill and excitement, with individual team strategies affecting the game's flow. However, typical soccer matches do feature the same basic makeup.
Field
FIFA, international soccer's governing body, sets the standard soccer field dimensions for international competition at between 110 and 120 yards long and between 70 and 80 yards wide. A goal, 8 yards wide by 8 feet tall, stands at each end of the field. FIFA rules also dictate teams use a soccer ball made of leather or similar material that measures between 27 and 28 inches in circumference. Field dimensions, goal sizes and equipment restrictions may vary according to age groups and individual league rules.
Teams
Each team employs 11 players on the field at any one time. Player positions and roles may vary according to team strategy, but a typical soccer team makeup would include one striker, two forwards, four midfielders, three defenders and one goalkeeper. FIFA rules allow for a maximum of three substitutions per game, although exact substitution rules may differ depending on the specific league and governing body.
Timing
Official soccer matches consist of two 45-minute halves with a running clock. In the case of an injury or extensive delays, the referee will add time to each half. While matches can end in ties, teams will play two 15-minute halves of extra time to try and settle a deadlocked World Cup match. If still tied after extra time, the teams will take penalty kicks to determine the winner.
Game Play
Each soccer game starts with an opening touch at center field, with the two teams then attempting to kick the ball into the opposing net to score goals. The team with the most goals at the end of the match wins. Rules prohibit players other than the goalkeeper from using their hands to play the ball while on the field of play. Instead, players kick or head the ball toward the goal. If a ball crosses one of the sidelines, the team last touching it loses possession, letting its opponent throw the ball back into play. If a ball crosses an endline, the last team to touch it loses possession, resulting in a corner kick for the offense, or a free kick for the defense.
Penalties
Rules prohibit tripping, grabbing, holding or any other dangerous or overly aggressive physical play. Fouls result in a change of possession or a free kick. Fouls inside the 18-yard penalty area marked in front of each goal result in a penalty kick. Officials hand out a yellow card for a hard foul or a red card for deliberate or dangerous play. Two yellow cards or one red card results in immediate ejection from the game, and the ejected player's team must compete with one less man the rest of the match.
Action
Some teams favor a possession game, using short, quick passes to methodically move the ball upfield and into scoring position. Other clubs like to launch long, penetrating kicks into the opposition's half of the field and then chase down the loose balls in a more frenetic style. Because of the field size and the number of players, soccer doesn't provide many scoring chances. A typical game may see one or two goals scored, with scoreless ties somewhat common.
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