Most people know what soccer is. It’s probably one of the most popular sports around the world, played by people of all ages. What is often less known is that there is more than one kind of soccer. With the World Cup just around the corner, it’s a good time to consider the differences between the two, and why you might want to watch one rather than the other. Let’s take a look.
Types of Soccer
Depending on where you are, there are likely two types of soccer. One is called European or Engligh soccer, and the other is known as Latin American or South American soccer. If you’ve never heard of these terms, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many people confuse the two, but they are both distinctively unique sports. This is mainly because of the way each country’s teams play, the differences in the way they practice, and the culture that surrounds sports in general in different parts of the world.
What’s important to note is that although these sports share some common ground – like the ball and net – they are still very different from each other. If you’ve ever watched a game of European soccer, you’ll understand what I mean when I say that Latin American soccer is much more physical. Teams may tackle, fight, and generally show a lot more intensity than in an Engligh game. European teams also value technique and passing more than physicality and strength.
Why 2 Goals in Soccer?
Now that you’re probably curious about the differences between the two, let’s talk about why there are only two goals in soccer, and not three or more. The reason is simple: if you add an extra goal, the game just becomes too physical. The aim is not so much to beat the opponent as it is to tackle, fight, and generally cause as much damage as you can. Teams that play in this way often have nicknames like “Reds” or “Tigues” which come from the practice of wearing all-red or all-black clothing. These games are often very close to the spectators too, as the fans get involved and the noise is incredible. It’s not uncommon to see people climbing trees and setting up barricades to watch the games.
What’s great about this type of play is that, as a sport, it requires a lot of stamina. While it would be fairly easy to add a third or fourth goal to a game, the more physical players would probably be worn out by the end. It’s all about conserving your energy for the final push for the winning goal. Once you reach two goals, you usually have enough for a comeback. However, if you’re ever played a game with only one goal, you’ll know that it can be incredibly challenging to come back from. There are exceptions to this rule – for example, if one team is dominating the other two and is in need of a goal, the match may end in a draw – but for the most part, two goals are what you need to aim for if you want to win.
Why 2.5 Goals in Soccer?
There is another type of soccer that is all the rage these days. Instead of having two goals, this version has three or four, often placed around the perimeter of the field. This is called “Futsal”, and it stands for “Football – Soccer – Tradition Alike”. In many ways, it is a combination of soccer and basketball. Players in futsal are only allowed to use their hands to dribble the ball, much like in basketball, but unlike in soccer where you can use your feet to pass. Futsal was first introduced to the World in the 1960s and it quickly became popular in Europe. In fact, many European futsal teams have changed the very nature of the game by adding more goals and increasing the intensity of play. It has since become such a prominent sport that the FIFA World Cup now has its own futsal tournament – the FIFA Futsal World Cup – and it is one of the most popular events during the World Cup. With its emphasis on skill and technique rather than sheer strength, futsal is a great game for people of all ages and abilities.
As with many other sports, futsal can be a lot of fun when played correctly, and it’s not just about winning either. It’s about having a good time and being able to enjoy the game. This is most evident when you watch a futsal game with your eyes closed. You’ll see players joking around between shots, and occasionally, one will even cry with joy after scoring a spectacular goal.
What’s important to keep in mind though, is that neither type of soccer is better than the other. They are simply different, and they require different skills to play well. If you are new to the world of soccer, it might be helpful to start with the 2-goal variety, as it is the most common and widely accepted version around the world. Once you get the hang of it, you can move on to the more complex and technical versions, like futsal. It’s all about finding what works best for you.