Football - My Favorite Sport
- 2. Football is one of the most popular sports in the world. Football is a team game. Each team consists of 11 players The team’s objective is putting the ball into the opponent’s goal.
- 4. According to the pictures found in Ancient Egypt by scientists, Egyptians used to play a game very similar to football about 5000 years ago. In Ancient China there was a game named “chudju”, which means “kicking”. In Ancient Japan, there was a similar game named “kemari”. Lakota tribe Indians played “tapa banka yap” (“ball throwing”). Ancient Romans played “garpastum”. During the Renaissance Age, this game turned into “calcho”, which is the ancestor of contemporary football. Ancient Chinese playing «chudju».
- 5. In the middle ages, “mob football” was very popular in Britain. Two teams from different villages played. Each team tried to bring the ball to the rival's village central square. The game was very dangerous, and it was forbidden by the kings several times. Mob Football
- 6. In 1863, the English Football Association was founded. The first official football rules were published. “The Games Rules” published by the English Football Association
- 7. In the middle of 19th century, the first official football club named Sheffield was founded. In 1872, in Glasgow the first official international football match between England and Scotland took place. England-Scotland game, 1872
- 8. In 1904, the national football leagues formed the International Football Association (FIFA). In 1930, the first World Cup took place in Uruguay. In 1956, the first European Champions Cup tournament took place.
- 9. In China, the ball was filled with feather. The Japanese filled it with wheat or sheep wool. In Britain, a pig's bladder was used to make balls. In the middle of 19th century, the first rubber ball was produced. In the beginning of 20th century, the first caoutchuc ball was made.
- 10. The game lasts 90 minutes divided into two 45-minutes halves. Two teams participate. Each team consists of 10 field players and 1 goalkeeper. The objective of each of two teams is to score more goals than the rival’s team. To score the ball must go into the opponent’s goal. The whole ball must cross the goal line for it to be considered a goal. Each game must include one referee and two assistant referees (which are also called linesmen). If a player commits a foul, he receives a yellow card (which means a caution). If a player gets two yellow cards, he receives a red card (which means, he is withdrawn from the game). A red card may also be given in case of serious foul.
- 12. Pelé Country: Brasil Club: “Santos” Ferenc Puskás Country: Hungary Club: “Real Madrid” Garrincha Country: Brasil Club: “Botafogo”
- 13. Alfredo Di Stefano Country: Argentina Clubs: “River Plate”, “Real Madrid” Lev Yashin Country: USSR Club: “Dinamo” (Moscow) Johan Cruyff Country: Netherlands Clubs: “Ajax”, “Barcelona”
- 14. Franz Beckenbauer Country: Germany Club: “Bayern” Gerd Müller Country: Germany Club: “Bayern” Mario Alberto Kempes Country: Argentina Clubs: “River Plate”, “Valencia”
- 15. Michel Platini Country: France Club: “Juventus” Diego Maradona Country: Argentina Clubs: “Boca Juniors”, “Barcelona”, “Napoli” Marco van Basten Country: Netherlands Clubs: “Ajax”, “Milan”
- 16. Zinedin Zidane Country: France Clubs: “Juventus”, “Real Madrid” Ronaldo Country: Brasil Clubs: “Real Madrid”, “Inter” Alessandro del Piero Country: Italy Club: “Juventus”
- 17. Ronaldinho Country: Brasil Club: “Barcelona” Raul Gonzales Country: Spain Club: “Real Madrid” Xavi Hernandez Country: Spain Club: “Barcelona”
- 18. Lionel Messi Country: Argentina Club: “Barcelona” Gianluigi Buffon Country: Italy Club: “Juventus” Andres Iniesta Country: Spain Club: “Barcelona”
- 20. In 1930, the first World Cup tournament took place in Uruguay. Uruguay team won Argentinians in the play-off and became the first football world champion. Uruguay – the first world champion, 1930
- 22. The latest World Cup tournament took place in Brasil in 2014. Germany team became the champion. Germany – World Champion, 2014
- 23. In 1956, the first European Champions Cup tournament took place. It happened every year until 1992. The first club to win this title was Real Madrid. Real Madrid – the first European Champions Cup winner, 1956
- 25. In 1992, the European Champions Cup was replaced by the UEFA Champions League. This is the most prestigious European football tournament that takes place every year. The first team who won this title was Marseille. The current holder of this title is Real Madrid. Marseille – the first UEFA Champions League winner, 1993
- 27. Conclusion I like both playing and watching football very much It is a good possibility to spend great time with family and friends and to share emotions with them Football is a good way to unite people from around the world. You can make friends with absolute strangers only because they are the fans of the same club.