TOP 5 most scandalous games in football history

Exciting dynamics, fast-paced combinations and constantly changing game situations – that’s what futsal is all about. This sport is played on a compact pitch and requires players to have not only speed and endurance, but also the highest level of technique, passing accuracy and quick decision-making. It is important to understand that futsal is not simply ‘indoor football’, but a unique sport with its own clear rules, special features of playing on hard surfaces and tactical nuances that make it incredibly spectacular.

Origins: from the indoor arena to the world stage

Futsal originated in the first half of the 20th century, when teams began to use sports halls due to a lack of full-size playing fields. There, the basic principles of the game were established: limited space, increased intensity of play, strict ball control. This version later established itself as a separate discipline – mini football, with an emphasis on technical components and quick changes of play.

The development of an official structure was initiated by an association that was supported at the international level. Over time, the discipline was codified under the auspices of FIFA Futsal, with each rule change accompanied by a level of detail aimed at balance and pace. The first tournaments formed the basis for the modern format, which values not only speed but also precision.

Differences from classic football: What is futsal?

The answer to the question of what futsal is and how it differs from football involves a number of parameters. The most important of these is the size of the pitch. In futsal, it is no longer than 42 metres and no wider than 25 metres, which is almost half the size of a standard stadium. The number of players is another important point. In futsal, there are 5 players on the field, including the goalkeeper, as opposed to 11 in the classic game.

There is no contact with the boards, the playing field is marked with lines, the balls are smaller and have a dampened bounce, the pace is higher and the duration of attacks is shorter. Shots on goal are made with the hands, there is a penalty area and foul limits. Futsal focuses on short passes, tight pressing and ball control, which is completely different from the expansive playing system of big football.

Ball and equipment

The futsal ball differs from the standard ball: its circumference is approximately 62–64 cm, and its weight is 400–440 grams. The surface is less elastic, and the bounce is limited to 65 cm when dropped from a height of 2 metres. This reduces random bounces and makes control predictable. Players wear special trainers with smooth soles without studs. All equipment must meet safety requirements and include shin guards, socks, a numbered jersey, shorts and sports socks.

Organisation of the game: time, composition, structure

The game consists of two halves of 20 minutes of pure playing time each. During interruptions, the stopwatch stops the break. A break of up to 15 minutes is provided between halves. In the event of a draw, two extra times of 5 minutes each are possible, followed by a penalty shootout.

Substitutions and composition

Each team has up to 14 players in its line-up. Five players, including the goalkeeper, are on the field at the same time. Substitutions can be made without restriction during the game, but the substitution and entry zones must be observed. Violation of this rule will result in a warning or a technical foul. The substitution system allows the game to be adapted to the pace, to use rotations and to give futsal games maximum dynamism. Fatigue sets in more quickly and the pace changes abruptly, so skilful use of the substitutes’ bench determines the outcome of the game.

Rules of the game: What beginners should learn

The answer to the question of what futsal is and how to play it involves knowing clear rules. The game starts from the centre circle. After a goal is scored, the game also continues from this point. If the ball crosses the sideline, it is brought back into play by the opponent with their foot. Violations are strictly punished: the accumulated fouls influence the course of the game. After a team’s fifth foul, the opponent is awarded a free kick from 10 metres without a wall.

Players are required to keep their distance in all set pieces, control their hand movements and avoid tackles with outstretched legs. The referees award cards – yellow for serious fouls, red for sending offs. After the last offence, the player leaves the field and the team remains outnumbered for 2 minutes or until the next goal is scored.

The referee also controls the goalkeeper’s possession time and limits it to 4 seconds. Receiving the ball again without touching a teammate is a violation of the rule. In the event of a violation, play will continue from the spot where the action took place, except in special situations – disputed ball, penalty kick, delayed foul.

Roles and tasks on the pitch: player interaction

The futsal game model requires an understanding of each player’s role. The centre forward organises the attacks and sets the pace. The wingers pull the opponent’s defence apart, using dribbling and quick passes. The goalkeeper is responsible for defence, acts closer to his goal and participates in the early stages of the attack. The goalkeeper occupies a special position: in addition to his main task of protecting the goal, he often participates in the start of attacks, plays precise passes and, if necessary, joins the play as the fifth field player.

Tactical tricks: What are strategies in futsal?

The futsal game model is not only characterised by technical skill, but also by playing systems that ensure effective use of space and time.

Tactics:

1. Diamond – classic 1-2-1 formation. Provides width and control in the centre and creates opportunities for quick vertical passes.
2. Square – even distribution of players at the corners of an imaginary square. Increases pass density, but requires accuracy and constant movement.
3. 3–1 – one defensive defender and three attackers. Used when dominating and playing aggressively.
4. 4–0 – high mobility of all players, constant position changes. Suitable for teams with good preparation and high coordination.
5. Power play – the goalkeeper is used as a fifth player in attack when the team is behind. Used to apply pressure at the end.

The attacking system is selected depending on the opponent’s playing style, the condition of the pitch and the physical condition of the team. The successful implementation of the strategy depends on coordination, speed of thought and the ability to work at a high tempo.

Time-outs, referees and organisation of the game

When answering the question of what futsal is, one should also mention the game management. Each team has the right to request a time-out in each half. The duration is exactly 60 seconds. The team management uses this break to adjust tactics, recover and change plays. Permission for the break is requested via the match secretary, and the referee gives the signal at the first convenient moment.

The game is officiated by two referees: the main referee and the second referee, who is located on the opposite side of the pitch. In addition, a timekeeper and a secretary are involved. The main referee records fouls, tracks player substitutions, distributes cards and monitors the behaviour of the coaches and the technical zone. The second referee assists with monitoring from the other side, supplements decisions and works with the timekeeper. There is no video replay system at the grassroots level, so each situation is assessed based on the current situation.

Why choose futsal: advantages of this sport

Futsal has become the sport of choice for those looking for a high level of action and quick decisions. The density of events per square metre far exceeds that of other ball sports. Due to the size of the pitch, players come into contact more often, and attacking situations follow each other within seconds.

This format trains responsiveness, improves coordination and develops peripheral vision. Therefore, children’s and youth academies often use futsal as a basis for training future players for big football. The transition from the hall to the grass offers advantages in terms of ball control, working in limited space and understanding combinations.

Teams of all age groups use futsal as their main or additional discipline. Sports schools include it in their compulsory programme. Adult athletes appreciate the compactness of the season, the intensity of the games, the low risk of injury and the equal opportunities regardless of size or strength.

The game of the future in the present

The new format has created a unique ecosystem that combines tactical depth, technical skill and physical exertion in one format. Understanding futsal means not only learning the rules, but also grasping the dynamics, feeling the rhythm and learning to act under conditions that require quick decisions.

A theatre in which drama, triumph, and tragedy intermingle on the green pitch, creating unforgettable moments that are engraved in the hearts of millions. The best games of football are stories of heroism, perseverance, and incredible passion. Today we take a look at some of the most legendary events that changed the course of history and left spectators swooning.

How a single game can change everything

Passions run high and results are decided in a matter of seconds: some games have become legends thanks to their unpredictable outcome and the tenacity of teams unwilling to give up until the end. Let’s remember two legendary football matches:

1. Manchester United v Bayern Munich, the 1999 Champions League final – a match that can be described in one word: Miracle. Bayern were confident of victory until the 90th minute, but two goals from Manchester United in the final minute changed everything. The game became a symbol of perseverance and belief to the end – the best games in football are just as memorable.
2. Liverpool v Milan, the 2005 Champions League final – the famous final known as the ‘Miracle of Istanbul’. Liverpool were 3-0 down after the first half, but fought their way back into the game and eventually won on penalties. It was an evening when the football gods decided to give perseverance and faith a chance. It’s not just the goals, it’s the emotions that keep us thinking about these unique moments.

The most dramatic finals in football: last-second shots

Championship finals are always full of tension, but sometimes it’s the final seconds that decide the fate of the title:

1. Spain v Netherlands, 2010 World Cup final – the match in which Spain won thanks to a goal from Andres Iniesta in extra time. Iniesta’s goal symbolised the greatness of the Spanish national team and gave the country its first ever World Cup title. This moment was the crowning glory of the tournament, in which every episode was characterised by the fight and perseverance of both teams. This is a story that shows how a single moment can change the outcome.
2. Manchester City v Queens Park Rangers, 2012, was one of the most thrilling matches in Premier League history. In the 93rd minute, Sergio Agüero scored the decisive goal that gave Manchester City the championship. The epitome of drama that can only be found on a football pitch.

The most beautiful goals in football history: one touch, a million emotions

Some shots on goal go down in history, not only for their accuracy, but also for their incredible beauty. Let’s remember two cases in which a single touch of the ball caused a storm of emotion not only among the athletes but also among the fans:

1. Argentina v England, 1986 World Cup – Diego Maradona’s shot, known as the ‘goal of the century’. This moment came to symbolise skill and pure passion as Maradona ran halfway across the pitch, dodging several defenders and showing not only technical skill but also incredible stamina. The goal thrilled millions of fans around the world and was one of the most impressive examples of how a player can single-handedly change the course of a competition.
2. Real Madrid v Bayer Leverkusen, Champions League final 2002 – Zinedine Zidane scored one of the most beautiful goals of all time with a bicycle kick. This moment was a true example of how football is not just a sport, but also an art.

Top 10 best football matches that are worth watching again

There are matches that you want to watch again and again. They surprise, inspire and arouse endless emotions:

1. Brazil v Italy, 1970 World Cup final – the best example of a brilliant encounter that made the Brazilian national team a winner and Pelé a legend. The match was a demonstration of supreme skill and technique in which the Brazilian team gave their opponents no chance. Pelé, one of the leaders of the team, not only scored a goal, but also inspired his team-mates with a brilliant performance that immortalised this final in history.
2. France v Argentina, 2018 World Cup – a match with an impressive attacking performance in which Mbappe showed the world that the future of football is in safe hands. France and Argentina offered spectators a spectacle full of thrilling moments and attacks that kept everyone on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
3. Barcelona v PSG, 2017 – Barcelona’s historic comeback from 4-0 down to win 6-1 when nobody believed a miracle would happen, but it did. It was one of the greatest comebacks in history, in which Barcelona showed not only skill but also an incredible will to win.
4. Germany vs Brazil, World Cup semi-final 2014 – the match that ended with a 7:1 victory for Brazil was a real shock for all fans. The German team showed absolute dominance, leaving the hosts of the tournament baffled and writing their name in the annals.
5. Chelsea v Bayern Munich, 2012 Champions League final – Chelsea’s dramatic penalty shoot-out victory earned the club their first ever Champions League title. The match took place in Munich, FC Bayern’s home stadium, and Chelsea’s victory in front of this crowd was a great achievement for the London club.
6. Italy v France, 2006 World Cup final – a contest with the episode when Zinedine Zidane hit Materazzi and the subsequent decisive penalty. The kick was not only the final of the football tournament, but also a symbol of the emotional tension and drama that can prevail on the pitch.
7. Arsenal v Liverpool, 1989 – the final preliminary round match in which Arsenal scored the decisive goal in the final minutes to become English champions. This moment went down in history as one of the most thrilling finals and showed how determination in the final seconds can change everything.
8. Milan v Barcelona, Champions League final 1994 – Milan’s dominant 4-0 victory that went down in history as one of football’s greatest finals. Milan played a brilliant combination game, completely outplayed their opponents and showed exceptional skill.
9. Portugal v France, Euro 2016 final – Portugal’s unexpected victory without Cristiano Ronaldo, who had to leave the pitch through injury. Despite the loss of their leader, Portugal showed incredible resilience and won thanks to the efforts of the whole team, with the decisive goal scored by Eder in extra time.
10. Netherlands v Argentina, 1998 World Cup – Dennis Bergkamp’s goal in the final minutes that became a true symbol of elegance. The goal was not only the result of a marvellous pass from Frank de Boer, but also a masterful first touch from Bergkamp that allowed him to outwit a defender. This moment has remained in the hearts of fans forever and shows how precision and composure can transform an exciting game into the highest art of football.

Conclusion

The best football matches teach us that we should never give up and that emotions on the pitch can change the lives of millions of people. No matter how many years have passed since these encounters, they remain vivid in our memories. Perhaps now is the time to relive those games to feel the passion and inspiration that the best players and fans in the world once experienced.