Soccer, also known as football in most countries outside North America, is a team sport played between two teams of eleven players each. The objective of the game is to score goals by getting a ball into the opposing team’s net, primarily using any part of the body except the hands and arms; only goalkeepers are allowed to handle the ball within their penalty area. The game is typically played on a rectangular field with a goal at each end, and the match is divided into two halves of 45 minutes each, with a 15-minute halftime break.
Soccer is governed by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), and it is the world’s most popular sport, with millions of players and fans globally. The game emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and skill, with various playing styles and techniques developed worldwide. It includes numerous professional leagues and international competitions, the most prestigious being the FIFA World Cup, held every four years, which brings together national teams from around the globe. Soccer’s widespread appeal is attributed to its simplicity, accessibility, and the excitement of competition.
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