The Number of Periods in Soccer Explained

Soccer match: 90 minutes or more

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.

Extra time determines winner in draw

There are typically two periods in a soccer match, each lasting 45 minutes, adding up to a total of 90 minutes of gameplay. However, in rare instances such as during tournaments or certain competitions, extra periods of 15 minutes each (known as extra time) may be played if the score is tied at the end of regulation time.

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.

Penalty shootout determines match winner

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.

Soccer: 90-Minute Game with Extra Time

In a standard game of soccer, also known as football, there are two halves that last for 45 minutes each, totaling 90 minutes of gameplay. However, the fun fact is that despite the two halves, there are actually technically three periods in a soccer match! The additional period is called 'extra time' or 'stoppage time,' which is added to account for time lost due to player substitutions, injuries, time-wasting, celebrations, and other interruptions. So, while the game is divided into two halves, there are indeed three periods that make up a thrilling game of soccer!

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.