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Soccer
Known in much of the world as simply football, soccer is one of the most loved sports on this planet. While it has only come into its own in the United States in more recent years, soccer is now making up for lost time.
A sport with quite straightforward rules, soccer involves two teams of eleven players battling it out to see who can score the most goals. Unlike American football, players are not allowed to touch the ball with their hands. The only exception to this is the goalie who is allowed handle the ball as long as they remain within their goal box. Mostly players rely on their feet to kick, dribble or pass the ball.
However, players may also head the ball or use their body to block it. A team sport that involves offensive and defensive strategies, the key to success is the ability to get the ball past your opponents' defendants.
The offside rule means that you are not allowed to receive the ball if you are behind your opponents' defence. This keeps players racing up and down the pitch to retain possession of the ball. Whichever team scores the most goals by putting the ball into their opponents' net by the time the game is over wins. If it's a draw by the final whistle then the game goes into over time. If the score is still even after extra time then a penalty shoot out is used to decide the final outcome.
While professional games attract millions of fans, the sport is also played for fun by children and adults. It's a great way to exercise as it helps to build overall fitness and stamina. It's also very sociable and many players enjoy the team spirit and camaraderie associated with the game.
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