Great minds: Russia’s most famous football coaches

Football is a passion that unites millions of people around the world. The rules of a football match may seem simple at first glance, but the essence of the game is hidden in the nuances. The more you know about the set standards, the more you understand why a game can become a real spectacle. Everyone has heard the referee shout, watched the goalkeeper make a crazy dive or seen the offside light go on. Let’s dive into these details to make football more than just a race for the ball.

The basics of the game: How the football pitch and the team are organised

The football pitch is the stage on which the drama plays out. The pitch has clear dimensions: It is between 100 and 110 metres long and between 64 and 75 metres wide. The exciting battles between the teams take place on these square metres. In the centre is the kick-off circle and each team has a goal, which is defended by a goalkeeper. The size of the goal is strictly regulated – 7.32 metres wide and 2.44 metres high.

A team consists of eleven players, each of whom plays an important role:

1. Goalkeeper: the last bastion of the defence. His job is to keep the ball out of the goal with his hands inside the penalty area.
2. Defenders: like fortress walls, they block the path of the opposing attackers and prevent them from getting into attacking positions.
3. Midfielders: They are the link between defence and attack, often initiating attacks and setting the rhythm of the game. They are the ones who receive the most passes.
4. Strikers: The ones who want to score goals and make the most of every opportunity. Their results are often decisive for the game and remain in the memory of the spectators.

Important areas on the pitch

There are several important areas on a football pitch:

1. Penalty area: the area in front of the goal, which is 16.5 metres long and 40.3 metres wide. Care and precision are particularly important here, as any offence can lead to a penalty.
2. Corner area: The radius of the corner area is 1 metre. This area is used for corner kicks when the ball is played over the goal line by a player of the defending team.
3. Central area of the pitch: The circle in the centre of the pitch has a radius of 9.15 metres. This area is used for the first draw and to restart play after a goal.

The corner area of the pitch is also very important. If the ball leaves the field of play behind the goal line by a player of the defending team, the opponent has the right to a corner kick. Corner kicks are attacking opportunities and often decisive goals are scored after this type of play. The central area of the pitch is important for the initial moves and strategic movements, as this is where the main distribution of attacking actions takes place.

The team on the pitch: who is responsible for what?

The rules of a football match stipulate that there must be eleven players from each team on the pitch, each of whom has a different task:

The goalkeeper is the only one allowed to touch the ball with his hands, but only within his own penalty area.
The defenders work at the back of the pitch and their main task is to prevent the opponent from getting into an attacking position.
Midfielders are versatile fighters who can be deployed both in defence and attack. They control the rhythm of the game like conductors control the orchestra, and most passes go through them.
Strikers are keen to score goals and often become the heroes of matches, as their effective actions are remembered by spectators.

Football terms: How not to get confused about offside and penalties?

Football is full of technical terms that can sometimes confuse even experienced fans. Let’s start with one of the most controversial terms – offside. What does it mean? It is a situation in which the striker is closer to the opponent’s goal than the ball and the penultimate defender at the time of the pass. This rule of football was invented to prevent strikers from being unfairly ‘hit’ near the goal.

Penalty and penalty kick: When does the referee blow the whistle?

A penalty kick is awarded for an offence outside the penalty area. There are two types of penalties: direct and indirect:

1. With a direct penalty kick, the athlete may immediately shoot at goal and if the ball hits the goal, the goal counts.
2. In an indirect penalty kick, the ball must first touch another player before it hits the goal. Penalty kicks are usually taken between 18 and 30 metres in front of the goal, which creates good attacking conditions. The referee indicates that it is an indirect penalty kick by raising his hand and holding it up until the ball touches another player or goes out of play.

The location of the penalty kick is determined according to where the offence was committed. A wall consisting of players from the defending team is placed 9.15 metres away from the ball to reduce the likelihood of a direct shot on goal. The execution requires great skill as you must either avoid the wall or find a gap between the players.

A penalty kick is the highest penalty for an offence inside the penalty area. It is taken from the penalty mark (11 metres in front of goal) and is one of the most dramatic moments in football when only the offending player and the goalkeeper remain on the pitch. The latter is obliged to remain on the goal line until the kick is taken, which makes the game even more difficult. The probability of scoring a penalty is 75-80%, but much depends on the psychology and technique of the player and the reaction of the goalkeeper.

Penalties are awarded for serious offences such as fouls, tripping, delaying an opponent or handball inside the penalty area. The outcome of the game is often decided in this phase, when nerves are on edge. There are many examples in history of teams winning or losing crucial games through penalty shoot-outs, such as the 2005 Champions League final between Liverpool and Milan, where a penalty shoot-out decided the championship title. In such situations, athletes and fans are in a state of incredible tension and every shot can be decisive.

Yellow and red cards: How the referee awards penalties

The referee is the main person responsible on the pitch for ensuring that the rules of a football match are adhered to. He hands out yellow cards for serious offences and unsportsmanlike behaviour in order to caution the player. If the offence is serious or the player receives a second yellow card, the referee shows a red card and the player must leave the pitch. This not only weakens the team, but often changes the entire course of the game. For example, the exclusion of the captain can demoralise the entire team, which the opponent is sure to exploit.

Rules for a football match: Conclusions

Now that we have learnt the rules of a football match in detail, we can safely say that football is an art of tactics, skill and emotion. From understanding the offside to recognising the meaning of each card, it all helps you to experience every moment on the pitch more intensely. Try watching a game and find yourself already understanding why the referee has shown a yellow card or why an offside has been whistled.

Who has soared to the top of football Olympus? The most successful footballers – people who have been able to change the game, inspire generations, and make the sport even more beautiful and exciting. Whose names will forever remain in history? Let’s tell you in our material.

Lionel Messi – mastery in every movement

Lionel Messi was born in 1987 in Rosario, Argentina. Since childhood, he was singled out for his extraordinary football abilities, but because of a problem with growth hormone, his physical development has slowed down a lot. ‘Barcelona’ offered to pay for the treatment and moved the boy to Spain. Thus began the journey of one of the great footballers of our time. Messi quickly broke into the youth team and soon made his debut in the main team, and the first records of the footballer did not wait: he became the youngest player who scored for the club in La Liga.

Legendary achievements and records

Lionel Messi became the owner of a record number of Golden Balls – eight as of 2023, and also set an absolute record for the number of goals in a calendar year (91). Messi rewrote La Liga history by becoming the all-time top scorer and the league’s top assist man. His prowess in the Champions League has also given the world some unforgettable moments, including four goals against Arsenal in a single match in 2010.

Messi and his impact on football

Messi’s ability to hold the ball up, outmanoeuvre opponents and be part of the team makes many only dream of similar skills. Young athletes are keen to adopt his incredible technique and a philosophy that emphasises teamwork above all else. Messi changed the very tactics and perception of the sport: the “false nine”, where he often operated, became a new fulcrum in attacks, something that captured the attention of the tactical geniuses of the day.

Cristiano Ronaldo – the epitome of perseverance and success

Cristiano Ronaldo was born on the island of Madeira in 1985. The path to the top was difficult and required incredible efficiency. At the age of 12, he moved to Lisbon to join Sporting’s academy, where he became a star of the youth squad. The athlete soon moved to Manchester United, where his international career began. Ronaldo is characterised by his dedication and incredible work capacity, which brought him to the elite of the world stage. It is these qualities that make him one of the most successful footballers.

Records and Golden Balls

Ronaldo is the Champions League record holder for goals and assists, as well as the first to win the Golden Ball with three different clubs. As a member of Real Madrid, he scored in finals and semi-finals, dragging the team when needed. In the Portuguese national team, Ronaldo became a true leader and led the players to victory at Euro 2016, which was an achievement at the world level.

Impact on society and sport

Ronaldo is known not only for his footballing exploits, but also for his work off the pitch. He is actively involved in charity projects and helps children around the world as a goodwill ambassador. His openness and activism off the pitch has made him one of the most popular and recognisable people in the world. He inspires millions of people with his personal qualities, making him a significant figure in the list of the best footballers of all time.

Diego Maradona is the god of football and his legacy

Diego Maradona was born in Buenos Aires in 1960 and grew up in a poor neighbourhood where his talent was immediately recognised. He made his debut for Argentinos Juniors at the age of 15 before moving to Boca Juniors, where he became a national hero. His performance at the 1986 World Cup made history: Many associate the term football legend with Maradona.

‘Hand of God’ and other great moments

The match against England in 1986 became one of the most famous episodes in history. The goal with the ‘hand of God’ and another, considered the greatest goal of the century, came to symbolise the skill and cleverness of the sportsman. Maradona proved that individual style and passion can lead a team to victory. His influence is a lesson in creativity and perseverance for all generations. The most successful footballer in the world is not always defined by the number of trophies: Sometimes it’s a contribution to the culture and spirit of the discipline, and Maradona is a prime example.

Pelé – The king of football and his greatness

Pelé, real name Edson Arantes do Nascimento, was born in Tres Corazones, Brazil, in 1940. He developed a passion for football at a young age and played barefoot with homemade balls. He made his debut for Santos at the age of 15 and became an almost instant star thanks to his incredible technique and scoring instincts. At the age of 17, Pelé led the Brazilian national team to its first World Cup victory in 1958 and became the youngest world champion in history – a true icon among successful footballers.

World records and titles

Pelé won the World Cup three times (1958, 1962, 1970) – a record that has never been equalled. His ability to score goals from different positions, hold the ball up and work as part of a team made him the ideal player of his time. In a career that spanned both official and unofficial matches, he scored over 1,000 goals and his achievements are unrivalled by many modern footballers.

Influence on the game and popularisation of football

Pele’s game made football truly international. The athlete became a symbol of success for the whole of Brazil and inspired millions of children who played in the streets of the favelas. Through his contribution to the popularisation of football, Pelé became a cultural phenomenon.

Zinedine Zidane – French elegance on the football pitch

Zinedine Zidane was born in Marseille in 1972 to Algerian parents. His journey began by playing on the streets of the city, where he demonstrated his exceptional talent and technique. He began his career at Cannes, then moved to Bordeaux and was soon called up to the French national team. Right from the start of his career, Zidane became one of the most successful footballers in France.

Important successes and major victories

Zidane gave the world unforgettable moments, such as two headers in the 1998 World Cup final, with which he led France to a historic victory. He also won the Champions League with Real Madrid and became one of the Galactic’s most important players. His technique, skilful ball possession and elegant passes are still remembered by fans today.

Zidane’s legacy and coaching career

After his playing career, Zidane became a coach and enjoyed success with Real Madrid, winning three consecutive Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018. His coaching style is as elegant as his play on the pitch: he emphasised teamwork and individual player development. His legacy lives on in every young athlete who dreams of great things, and his achievements continue to inspire and confirm his status as the most successful footballer in French sporting history.

The most successful footballers: Conclusion

The most successful footballers have not only achieved incredible success – they have changed the game forever and made it more entertaining and interesting for billions of people around the world. Their influence extends far beyond the pitch and the stands, inspiring future generations to do great things. Watch their great goals and moments and get a flavour of what real football is all about.