About.com World Soccer: Most Popular Articles

The Soccer Field

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

There are very few fixed dimensions for soccer fields, even at the highest level. The sport’s world governing body, FIFA, only stipulates that for professional 11-versus-11 competition, they must be between 100 yards and 130 yards and the width between 50 and 100 yards. Still, some elements remain constant on full-size fields throughout the world.

Top 5 Soccer Books

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

Who needs fiction when the world of soccer packs so much drama and intrigue? Here are the best books out there on the beautiful game from North London to Brazil, without forgetting Holland and a tiny village in Italy.

World Cup Qualifying

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

The road to the most popular sporting event on the planet is a long one. The World Cup is not just a 32-team soccer extravaganza, which takes place over the course of roughly four weeks every four years. It is the end product of nearly two years’ worth of qualifying tournaments, preliminary matches, and eliminations.

The Champions League

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

The UEFA Champions League is widely considered to be the world’s premier club competition. It pits 32 of the most successful clubs in Europe, as determined by their standing in their domestic leagues the previous season, to crown the champions of the continent. Played on Tuesday and Wednesday nights scattered throughout the season, the Champions League runs from late September to late May with a hiatus in December and January.

The Officials

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

A description of each of the four officials' functions during the course of a soccer match, from the referee, to the linesman, and the fourth official.

Cristiano Ronaldo

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

Mesmerizing Premier League defenses since 2003, Cristiano Ronaldo was at the heart of Manchester United's dominant attack until he became the most expensive player in the world. In the summer of 2009, Real Madrid paid United $131 million to sign him.

Premier League Guide

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

A quick guide to the Premier League, how it works, and what to watch for in the league table.

2009 January Sales

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

A comprehensive list of all the dealings during the January 2009 transfer window in the English Premier League, Spain's La Liga, and Italy's Serie A — the top three leagues in Europe.

Soccer Positions

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

A description of the various positions on a soccer field.

Liverpool F.C.

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

Club profile of Liverpool F.C.

Italian Rivalries

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

The wonderful thing about Serie A is that there is never any shortage of bitter local rivalries. Every week, it seems, two halves of a city are at each other’s throats, ready to duke it out for three points and — more importantly — local bragging rights. The three most important splits are in the cities of Turin, Milan, and the capital, Rome.

World Soccer - StepBySteps

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

An index of StepBySteps for the World Soccer guide site.

N.C.A.A. Tournament

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

Every year, the respective national champions of men’s and women’s collegiate soccer are determined by a single-elimination tournament at the end of the season. Held in November, they unfold over the course of four weeks and culminate in the College Cup, which includes the semi-finals and final.

W.P.S.

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

Despite the worldwide success of the United States' women's national team, the women's club game has long struggled to gain a foothold in America. After the failed three-year experiment of the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA), which folded in 2003, a new women's league, Women's Professional Soccer, was launched in 2009.

World Soccer - Profiles

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

An index of Profiles for the World Soccer guide site.

About - World Soccer Buyer's Guide

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

Find Guide reviews, top picks, and advice you can use before you buy.

Chelsea F.C.

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

A profile of Chelsea F.C. with history and quick facts.

The Offside Trap

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

The offside trap consists of defenders stepping higher up the field at the right moment, leaving attackers in an offside position just before their teammates pick out a pass to them. Properly executed, the offside trap allows defenders to win the ball back without having to make so much as a tackle.

Throws, Goal Kicks and Corners

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

The different ways the ball is put back into play after it has left the soccer field.

Soccer 101: Basic Equipment

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

Soccer requires much less equipment than most sports, with correct footwear being the only absolute necessity. The idea is to keep your gear light in order to allow for the widest possible range of movement and comfort over the whole 90 minutes. Here is a quick guide to what you will need to wear from head to toe.

Fouls in Soccer

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

An explanation of why referees award direct free kicks, indirect free kicks, and penalty kicks and what constitutes a foul in soccer.

Thierry Henry

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

With lightning pace and one of the deftest touches in the game, Thierry Henry has established himself as one of the deadliest strikers in the world. He is best known for his eight seasons in London with Arsenal, but now plays for F.C. Barcelona. At the international level, he was a precocious youngster in the France squad that won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championships.

Confederations Cup

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

The FIFA Confederations Cup is an eight-team international tournament held every four years. Though it lacks the prestige of a World Cup or a confederation championship, like the European Cup or the Copa America, it provides meaningful competition for national teams during an off-summer. The eight teams always include the reigning champions from the six FIFA confederations, the host nation, and the holders of the World Cup.

Manchester United

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

Club profiles: Manchester United

World Soccer - Articles

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

An index of articles for the World Soccer guide site.

Arsenal F.C.

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

A profile of Arsenal F.C. with history and quick facts.

The First Touch

2009-11-25T11:02:09Z

The first touch is arguably the most important skill in soccer. Without a good one, you won’t ever have the opportunities to use your other skills because a defender will have already closed in.

Unfortunately, the first touch is also one of the most difficult skills to learn — it makes the difference between good players and great ones. While these tips won’t necessarily turn you into Cristiano Ronaldo, they will tell you what you should be looking to do every time the ball comes to you.