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How long is a soccer match

Soccer is, without a doubt, the most popular sport in the world. They are watched by millions, along with major tournaments such as the Euro or World Cup. But, for beginners, there's a common question: "How long are soccer games?" Scott Fujita will answer that question in the article below.



1. WHAT LONG DOES A SOCCER GAME LASTEN?

A soccer match lasts approximately 90 minutes. It is divided into two 45-minute halves. Professional football matches last for 90 minutes, plus 5-10 extra minutes.

Tournaments allow for extra time to determine the winner. For smaller age groups, you can play innings and play for less than 90 minutes.

2. HOW LONG DOES A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER LASTEN?

Professional teams at the highest levels of sport follow the "Rules of the Game", which include Rule 7 concerning the timing of matches. A match is 45 minutes long and has two halves.

A normal soccer match should last for 90 minutes. The referee doesn't stop the clock if the ball is out-of-play.

The players have a 15 minute break between halves. This is where they can get fluids, rest and listen to the coach's advice, encouragement, and tactics. This is sometimes called "half-time".

ADDITIONAL TIME

Referees may add extra time at the end of each 45-minute period. These stoppages, also known as injury time or "stoppage time", make up any lost time during the match.

It could be because:

  • Replacing.

  • Players may be injured and must be assessed or removed from the field.

  • It is a waste of time, especially if the team is leading.

  • Disciplinary measures (for when the game is not stopped because of a foul).

  • Delays caused by VAR check by referee

  • Drink break or cooling off (these are dependent on the competitors).

  • Other reasons for wasting time (e.g. During best goal celebrations

  • A fourth referee holds up a sideboard to signal that time has been added. This is done so that players, coaches, and fans are aware of the exact time.

The umpire may add or decrease time when teams are playing this extra time. The period will be extended if a penalty kick occurs at the end. By blowing their whistle, the referee will determine when the match is over.

PENALTIES, EXTRA TIME

This is true in tournament matches but not for knockout or cup matches. A game that ends in a draw will automatically be sent to a penalty shootout. Or, a replay will take place at a later time. Alternately, the tie may go to extra time.

This is where the two halves of 15 minute each are played at end of allotted time. A short 5-minute break separates them.

If the match remains tied after the added time, the match will be sent to penalty shootout to decide the winner and team that will advance to the next round. Each team will take 5 penalties. The penalty takes place in an alternate order. The game is won by the team with the highest total points from all five players.

If there is still no tie, both teams will be declared dead. Each team will take a penalty until one of their players misses. Then the other players score enough points to send their team through.

Some soccer games may have extra time or penalties.

How long do youth soccer games last?

Different rules apply to youth soccer leagues.

You can have a different number of players for each team than the 11 standard, and you can allow more substitutions per match (than the 3 permitted).

The game length is determined by the age group.

Here's what the United States Youth Soccer Association has to say about it:

  • Under-6: Four 6-minute quarters.

  • Under-8: Four 12-minute quarters.

  • Under-10: Two 25-minute halves.

  • Under-11 & Under-12: Two 30-minute halves. Extra time: Two 10-minute halves.

  • Under-13 & Under-14: Two 35-minute halves. Extra time: Two 10-minute halves.

  • Under-15 & Under-16: Two 40-minute halves. Extra time: Two 15-minute halves.

  • Under-17, Under-18 & Under-19: Two 45-minute halves. Extra time: Two 15-minute halves.

How long do middle school soccer games last?

Middle school soccer games typically last two 30-minute halves, with a 5-minute rest.

This duration can vary from middle school to Middle school. Some middle schools have matches that consist of two 35-minute halves and a 5- or 10-minute break.

When we are talking about middle school tournaments, the length of games can be slightly different.

Matches can be split into two halves of 20 minutes each with a 5-minute intermission, two halves of 25 minutes each with a 5-minute interval, or two halves lasting 35 minutes each with a 10-minute rest.

What is Added Time in Soccer?

Stoppage time is also known as added time. It is the extra time added to the end-of-halves to compensate for any lost time caused by injuries or substitutions.

FIFA Law 7 is the standard FIFA referee law to account for time lost. Referees record time lost due to substitutions, injuries or disciplinary actions. This time is added to each half in which the incidents occurred.

If a player is injured on the field during a match, for example, five minutes of game time is lost, and five minutes are added to the second half to compensate.

An additional time is given shortly before the 45-minute mark and the 90-minute mark in the second half of a game. The game will continue for as long as the announce time ends until the referee blows his whistle to signal the end.

Referees have the right to prolong the extra time if there is an injury or interruption.

In the late 1800s, added time was created when teams began to kick the ball out bounds after scoring a game winning goal. This was done to reduce the time and allow the opposing team more time to score.

Four official manages the game's time with two watches. The one watch is used to stop the clock for any injury, substitution, goal celebrations, etc. The time spent at each stoppage is recorded by the other watch.

Only professional leagues have added time. College soccer and younger leagues follow the rules. There may be overtime for certain age groups or leagues.

A professional soccer match will last for three minutes more than the usual time. The referee can decide how much time is added to a match.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This article will answer the question "How long does a soccer match take?" Most people answer 90 minutes. We have different time frames for each tournament, such as youth soccer or professional soccer.

You also need to be aware of other times like stoppage time. This will make your soccer watching experience more enjoyable. You can ask any questions about the question "How long are soccer games?" in the comments section below.



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