Sports - Intermediate LESSON 3 Soccer () Exercise Vocabulary 1

• Birthplace /ˈbɜː(r)θˌpleɪs/ - the place where something or someone started to exist; • Conceive /kənˈsiːv/ - to think of something new, such as a plan, idea, game, etc. • Violent /ˈvaɪələnt/ - a formal game or sports event in which people compete to win • Dribble /ˈdrɪb(ə)l/ - to move the forward with your feet or hands by touching it several times in games such as football or basketball; this term usually refers to passing a player using your skills in an attractive way; • Teamwork /ˈtiːmˌwɜː(r)k/ - work that you do with other people; in sports teamwork is the act of coordinating well with your teammates in order to win; Exercise Reading 2 Some historians say that football comes from Ancient Greece. A game that is recognized by international football association as the earliest form of football is called “Episkyros”. However, games that involved players kicking a ball existed all over the world throughout history, so we can’t say for sure where the birthplace of football is. Football, as we know it today, was conceived in England and it had undergone many changes before it had become an enjoyable game. It was a very violent game and it often resulted in heavy injuries of players or even deaths of some. In the 21 st century football is a game enjoyed by almost every nation in the world, its rules are strict and don’t allow players to seriously injure anyone on the field. Football belongs to a family of team sports that involve kicking the ball in order to put it in the goal. A football field has a rectangular shape. The size can be anywhere from 45 to 90 meters wide and 90 to 120 meters long. There are two goals on each side of the field and they consist of a metal frame and a net. There are 22 players and a referee on the field, 10 players and a goalkeeper on each side of the field at the start of the game. Exercise Reading 2

The point of the game is simple, a player and his teammates must find a way put the ball behind the goal line, using their feet. Passing the ball is more important than dribbling in this sport, so teamwork is a very important factor. Intentionally tripping, pulling or hitting players of the opposing team is strictly prohibited and it can be punished with a yellow, or a red card. Getting a red card means that you have to leave the , two yellow cards get you a red one. Football is the second most popular sport in Japan, J. League is the most successful football league in Asia. This sport came to Japan in 1873, when a member of the United Kingdom’s navy taught the game and its rules to Japanese navy cadets in Tsukiji, Tokyo. The first Japanese football club is considered to be Tokyo Shukyu-dan, founded in 1917. Exercise Fun facts 2

• The 1950 World Cup final between Brazil and Uruguay was spectated by 199.854 people. • The largest football stadium in the world is “Maracana” in Brazil. • The first women’s World Cup was held in 1991 in China. • More than 200 countries enter qualifications for the World Cup. • The fastest goal was scored within 11 seconds from the start, a Turkish player scored the goal against South Korea in 2002 World Cup. • Captain Tsubasa was a very popular soccer manga in Japan. • In 2011 Japan won Women’s World Cup. • Kashima Antlers were playing against Real Madrid in the finals of FIFA Club World Cup. Exercise Discussion 3

1. Do you play football? 2. Have you ever watched a football game? 3. Are football matches regularly broadcasted on Japanese TV stations? 4. Do you know of any famous soccer players from your country? 5. Which team is the most successful one in Japan? 6. What do you know about the rules of football? SEE YOU NEXT TIME