Soccer
World Cup hopefuls stay focused before showdown
Mar 22, 2013 00:01 EDT
With just over a year to go until the World Cup, some of Europe's leading nations are hoping to take a major step towards sealing their places in the finals in Brazil in a busy week of qualifying.
Glimmers of hope for Strachan's Scotland - Maloney
Mar 21, 2013 23:51 EDT
Shaun Maloney revealed he is relishing life under new Scotland manager Gordon Strachan as the squad prepare for their World Cup qualifier against Wales.
Woodward backs Warburton to lead Lions
Mar 21, 2013 23:04 EDT
England World Cup-winning coach Clive Woodward believes Wales' Sam Warburton should captain the British and Irish Lions on their forthcoming tour of Australia.
After Boateng, Italy looks to long fight with racism
Mar 21, 2013 22:26 EDT
It took a defiant gesture to reignite the debate on one of Italian sport's biggest demons, but the fight to rid football of racism in Serie A could be just beginning.
Croatia, Serbia meet for the first time since war
Mar 21, 2013 21:59 EDT
Croatia and Serbia's footballers play each other for the first time since independence on Friday, in a highly charged tie given wider significance by political, cultural and historical ties and fresh memories of war.
Struggling China boss needs the 'Becks effect'
Mar 21, 2013 21:55 EDT
China boss Jose Antonio Camacho will hope a sprinkling of stardust from the visiting David Beckham will rub off on his team as he fights for his job in Friday's crunch Asian Cup qualifier with Iraq.
Pressure on England in San Marino game, says Gerrard
Mar 21, 2013 21:48 EDT
England captain Steven Gerrard admits that his side will be "on a hiding to nothing" when they tackle Group H whipping boys San Marino in their latest World Cup qualifier on Friday.
Balotelli levels as Italy draw 2-2 with Brazil
Mar 21, 2013 19:23 EDT
Daniele De Rossi sparked Italy's fightback and Mario Balotelli scored a superb second-half equaliser as the Azzurri battled to a 2-2 draw against Brazil in a friendly on Thursday.
Capello plays down Chelsea link
Mar 21, 2013 17:29 EDT
Russia coach Fabio Capello insists he has had no contact with Chelsea after being linked with a move to the Premier League club.
Wales boss Coleman backs Bale to face Scots
Mar 21, 2013 16:54 EDT
Wales star Gareth Bale has "a very good chance" of playing in Friday's 2014 World Cup qualifier against Scotland at Glasgow's Hampden Park, according to manager Chris Coleman.
Kenya rage at Nigerian World Cup 'school' welcome
Mar 21, 2013 16:07 EDT
Kenya lashed out at African champions Nigeria on Thursday after they were forced to prepare for their weekend World Cup qualifier on a primary school pitch.
Croatia coach vows 'spectacle' with Serbia
Mar 21, 2013 15:01 EDT
Croatia coach Igor Stimac on Thursday promised a spectacular World Cup qualifier with former foe Serbia as the visiting team arrived in Zagreb amid tight security.
Time to 'drain the swamp of racism' - Boateng
Mar 21, 2013 14:34 EDT
AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng -- lauded for walking off the pitch to protest abuse by fans -- on Thursday called for an end to racism in the sport, likening it to a virulent disease that blighted the game.
Former BBC boss Dyke to be new FA chairman
Mar 21, 2013 14:28 EDT
Former BBC director general Greg Dyke is set to become the new chairman of the Football Association, the English game's governing body announced Thursday.
Hodgson will 'wait and see' on Ferdinand
Mar 21, 2013 14:00 EDT
England manager Roy Hodgson says he will "wait and see" on Rio Ferdinand's international future after the Manchester United defender's withdrawal from the squad.
FIFA lifts ban on friendlies in Iraq
Mar 21, 2013 13:39 EDT
FIFA lifted a ban on international football friendlies in Iraqi stadiums on Thursday, permitting matches in Baghdad for the first time since the 2003 US-led invasion, an Iraqi football official said.
Del Bosque hints that Valdes, Villa will start
Mar 21, 2013 13:35 EDT
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has given a strong indication that the Barcelona duo of Victor Valdes and David Villa will start the World Cup qualifier with Finland on Friday.
San Marino cling to pride as England loom
Mar 21, 2013 13:27 EDT
San Marino manager Giampaolo Mazza admits that his primary objective for Friday's World Cup qualifier against England is to see his players avoid humiliation.
Croatia coach Stimac vows 'spectacle' with Serbia
Mar 21, 2013 13:11 EDT
Croatia coach Igor Stimac on Thursday promised a spectacular World Cup qualifier with former foe Serbia as the visiting team arrived in Zagreb under tight security measures.
EPL chief says McManaman should have been charged
Mar 21, 2013 12:59 EDT
English Premier League chief executive Richard Scuadmore insisted Thursday the Football Association should have charged Wigan's Callum McManaman for a 'horror' tackle on Newcastle's Massadio Haidara.
Facts from the Wikipedia page:
 The attacking team attempt to kick the ball past the opposition goalkeeper and between the goalposts to score a goal | |
| Highest governing body | FIFA |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Football, soccer, fùtbol, footy/footie, "the beautiful game," "the world game" |
| First played | Mid-19th century England |
| Characteristics | |
| Contact | Yes |
| Team members | 11 per side |
| Mixed gender | Yes, separate competitions |
| Categorization | Team sport, ball sport |
| Equipment | Football |
| Venue | Football pitch |
| Olympic | 1900 |
