Football and Soccer - Essay Example

A distinct type of football that was developed in America 19th century is known as American football. It was made out of two sports, soccer (association football) and rugby football, each of which remains a separate sport with its own specific set of rules.

The international body governing it is FIFA Federation International de Football Association and it organized the world cup which is very popular in the world. FIFA governs all levels of soccer, including professional games internationally, Olympic competitions and youth leagues. FIFA world cup is the sport’s premier event, it is held after every four years pitting national teams from 32 countries against one another.

The most popular and major professional league in the world is the National Football League (NFL). However, over the years, several other leagues have been formed in North America and Europe. While soccer league known as MLS (Major League Soccer) have many teams which have fans worldwide and some of the most famous teams are A.C. Milan of Italy, Ajax Amsterdam of The Netherlands, Manchester United of England, Real Madrid of Spain, Boca Juniors of Argentina, São Paulo of Brazil, and Colo Colo of Chile, etc.

The common thing between the two games is that it is a game played between two teams, in which players try to score a goal by hitting in opponent's goal, by using any part of the body except the hands. So, players have to use their skills of using feet and heads as they kick, dribble, or pass the ball toward the goal or to another player. While the table shows compare and contrast both the games.

NO.

SOCCER

FOOTBALL

1.

Area: the field is 90 and 120 m (100 and 130 yd) long and between 45 and 90 m (50 and 100 yd) wide. 

Area: the pitch is 120 yd (110 m) long and 53 yd 1 ft (48.8 m) wide.

2.

Players: Each team has 11 players. While four main positions—goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and attacker.

Players: Football is played between two teams consisting of 11 players. 

3.

Referee: In soccer, there is only one referee, who makes all decisions.

Referee: there are seven officials: a referee, an umpire, a linesman, a field judge, a back judge, a line judge, and a side judge to make decisions.

4.

Ball: Soccer is played with a round leather ball. It is between 68 and 71 cm (27 and 28 in) in circumference and weighs between 396 to 453 g (14 and 16 oz)

Ball: A football is an extended spheroid with a circumference of 28.5 in (72.4 cm) around the long axis and 21.25 in (54 cm) around the short axis. It weighs from 14 to 15 oz (397 to 425 g)

5.

Uniform: Soccer uniforms consist of jerseys, shorts, socks, and shoes with cleats (short knobs on the bottom of the shoe). Goalkeepers wear a different color to differ from the rest of the players

Uniform: Each football player wears a uniform that includes a numbered jersey. Pants beneath jersey and a set of gear collectively known as pads.

6.

Time: A regulation football game is divided into four quarters, each consisting of 15 minutes of playing time.

Time: most regulation games last 90 minutes and is divided into two 45-minute halves. (Official youth games may be shorter.) There is a 15-minute break between the halves, called a halftime.

7.

Skill: Soccer players use five basic skills: kicking, dribbling, passing, heading, and trapping.

Skill: only foot and legs are used. The only goalkeeper can touch the ball.