In soccer, also known as football, a match consists of two halves, each played for a specific duration of time. Typically, each half lasts for 45 minutes, resulting in a total match time of 90 minutes. However, this time frame may vary due to additional periods and stoppage time added by the referee to compensate for injuries, substitutions, or other interruptions during the game.
More specifically, if the match ends in a draw, the game can be extended into extra time, which consists of two additional periods. Each of these periods has a duration of 15 minutes, making them collectively known as the first and second half of extra time. The primary purpose of extra time is to determine the winner of the match when regular playing time has ended without any team successfully securing victory.
In the event that extra time does not yield a winner, the match may proceed to a penalty shootout. A penalty shootout involves each team taking turns to score from the penalty spot against the opposing goalkeeper. Each team is given five penalties, and if the scores are still level after these five attempts, the shootout continues with sudden death, meaning that teams take turns until one team scores and the other misses. This ultimately determines the winner of the match.
Overall, soccer typically consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, resulting in a total of 90 minutes. However, the match can be extended into extra time if necessary. Extra time comprises two 15-minute periods and is used to determine a winner when the match ends in a draw. If a winner is still not determined, the game may proceed to a penalty shootout, where teams take turns attempting penalty kicks until there is a winner.