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Questions & Comments
The Duration of the Match
Standard adult games are limited by the official soccer rules to two halves of 45 minutes each, separated by a 15 minute break. This is not the actual time of play, since the score board clock ticks even when the ball is out of play, during substitutions and other delays of the game.
In order to adjust for these delays, stoppage time is added at the end of each half, usually between 1-5 minutes. Surprisingly, the referee adds these times based upon a feel rather than actual tine keep on his watch.
A surprising number of goals are scored in injury time.
In some cases, when the match must have a winner (a knockout match for example), two extra mini-periods of 15 minutes each, with no break in between are added.
If the match is tied at the end of extra time as well, the players go on for a penalty-shoot out that will eventually decide the winner.
The "Shootout" is despised by all, but it is considered the best alternative. There is too great a risk of injury if the game continues until there is a score, as was done in the past. Also, check out the Penalty Kick page.
In order to adjust for these delays, stoppage time is added at the end of each half, usually between 1-5 minutes. Surprisingly, the referee adds these times based upon a feel rather than actual tine keep on his watch.
A surprising number of goals are scored in injury time.
In some cases, when the match must have a winner (a knockout match for example), two extra mini-periods of 15 minutes each, with no break in between are added.
If the match is tied at the end of extra time as well, the players go on for a penalty-shoot out that will eventually decide the winner.
The "Shootout" is despised by all, but it is considered the best alternative. There is too great a risk of injury if the game continues until there is a score, as was done in the past. Also, check out the Penalty Kick page.