Football (Soccer) Vocabulary: 100 Key English Terms
English is the shared language of international football: match reports, tactical analysis, transfer news, referee decisions and live commentary often reach fans, players and coaches in English first. This glossary explains the words you need to follow a match, talk about tactics, understand the rules and VAR, read transfer stories and enjoy English commentary, with examples from the pitch, the dressing room and the stands.
100 terms
11 topics
68 core terms
204 example sentences
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Positions & Players
goalkeeper
noun
Meaning
The player who defends the goal and is the only one allowed to handle the ball, but only inside their own penalty area.
Where you use it
Often shortened to keeper, or goalie in informal speech. A goalkeeper makes saves, claims crosses, punches the ball clear and distributes it to teammates. Goalkeepers wear a different coloured kit from everyone else on the pitch.
Examples
Their goalkeeper made three brilliant saves in the first half.
Our second-choice goalkeeper will start the cup game.
A player whose main job is to stop the other team from attacking and scoring, usually playing in the line closest to their own goal.
Where you use it
A general word that covers centre-backs, full-backs and wing-backs. Coaches talk about defenders who are good in the air, strong in the tackle or comfortable on the ball.
Examples
We need another defender because two of our centre-backs are injured.
The striker got past two defenders and finished into the corner.
Usage note
Defender is the player; defence (US: defense) is the unit or the act of defending. Turkish "defans" usually means the defence.
Common phrases
central defender · experienced defender · left-sided defender · get past a defender
A player who operates in the middle of the pitch, linking defence and attack by winning the ball back and moving it forward.
Where you use it
Midfielders are described by their role: defensive, central, attacking or box-to-box. Coaches talk about controlling the midfield, and a midfielder can run the game or break up play.
Examples
Our midfielders kept the ball well and controlled the tempo.
He's a box-to-box midfielder who covers a huge amount of ground.
An attacking player who plays closest to the opponents' goal and whose main job is to score goals.
Where you use it
Also called a centre-forward or, informally, a number 9. Fans judge a striker by goals, and commentators praise a striker who is clinical, quick or good at holding the ball up with their back to goal.
Examples
We're looking for a striker who can score twenty goals a season.
The striker held the ball up and laid it off to the winger.
A player who starts the match on the bench and can come on to replace a teammate during the game.
Where you use it
Shortened to sub in everyday speech. A substitute comes on for a player who goes off. Commentators praise a substitute who makes an impact, and a super-sub is a player known for scoring after coming off the bench.
Examples
The substitute scored with his first touch.
We have nine substitutes on the bench today.
Common phrases
come on as a substitute · unused substitute · substitute goalkeeper · late substitute
The player chosen to lead the team on the pitch, who wears the armband, takes part in the coin toss and is the referee's main contact.
Where you use it
Players captain the side, wear the captain's armband and lead by example. The vice-captain takes over if the captain is injured or rested. Captain is also a verb: "She captained the team for six years."
Examples
As captain, he went to talk to the referee about the second yellow.
She was named club captain at only 23.
Common phrases
club captain · captain's armband · vice-captain · captain the side
A defender who plays on the right or left side of the back line, defending against wingers and often joining attacks down the flank.
Where you use it
Teams have a right-back and a left-back. Modern full-backs overlap, cross and sometimes move into midfield as inverted full-backs. When a team plays three centre-backs, the wide players are usually called wing-backs.
Examples
Our full-back overlapped and put in a great cross.
We need a left-sided full-back who can defend one-on-one.
A defender who plays in the middle of the back line, marking strikers, winning headers and clearing danger from the penalty area.
Where you use it
Also called a central defender or centre-half. Most teams play two centre-backs, and a back three uses three. Coaches look for centre-backs who are strong in the air, read the game well and can play out from the back. The American spelling is center-back.
Examples
Both centre-backs were outstanding in the air.
He's a ball-playing centre-back who starts most of our attacks.
Common phrases
centre-back pairing · ball-playing centre-back · play at centre-back · partner at centre-back
An attacking player who plays near the touchline on the right or left, using pace and dribbling to beat defenders and create chances.
Where you use it
Wingers stay wide, beat their full-back and cross or cut inside. An inverted winger plays on the side opposite their stronger foot so they can cut in and shoot. Commentators talk about "pace on the wings".
Examples
Their winger cut inside and curled it into the far corner.
Our wingers need to track back and help the full-backs.
A midfielder who plays just in front of the defence, breaks up the opponents' attacks and keeps the ball moving with simple passes.
Where you use it
Also called a holding midfielder, a number 6 or a pivot. Commentators praise a defensive midfielder who screens the back four, wins second balls and does the dirty work that others do not notice.
Examples
Without a proper defensive midfielder, we were wide open on the counter.
He plays as a defensive midfielder and rarely crosses the halfway line.
Common phrases
holding midfielder · play as a defensive midfielder · screen the defence · number 6 role
A creative player, often a midfielder, who directs the team's attacking play and creates chances with clever passes and vision.
Where you use it
Called a number 10 when playing behind the strikers, or a deep-lying playmaker when starting moves from in front of the defence. Commentators praise a playmaker's vision, range of passing and ability to unlock defences.
Examples
When our playmaker is marked out of the game, we struggle to create chances.
He's a classic playmaker who sees passes nobody else sees.
Common phrases
deep-lying playmaker · creative playmaker · playmaker role · number 10
A point scored when the whole ball crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar; also the frame with a net that teams try to put the ball into.
Where you use it
Players score goals and teams concede them; a goalkeeper plays in goal. A goal can be disallowed or ruled out, and match reports list who scored and in which minute. Both the point and the frame are simply goal in English.
Examples
Their striker scored the winning goal in the 88th minute.
We conceded two goals from corners, which is unacceptable.
Who's in goal for us today?
Usage note
Say "score a goal", not "throw a goal" or "hit a goal" (direct translations of "gol atmak").
Common phrases
score a goal · concede a goal · winning goal · disallowed goal · in goal
To get a goal by putting the ball into the opponents' net. As a noun, the score is the number of goals each team has at a given moment.
Where you use it
Used with or without an object: he scored, she scored twice, he scored a header. Commentators say a player has scored in five games in a row. The noun appears in "What's the score?" and "The final score was 2-1."
Examples
Our new signing scored twice on his debut.
What's the score? — We're 1-0 up.
Common phrases
score a goal · score twice · score from the spot · score a header · the final score
A kick, header or throw that sends the ball to a teammate. As a verb, to pass means to send the ball to a teammate in this way.
Where you use it
Passes are described by length, direction and quality: a short pass, a long pass, a back pass, a square pass, a defence-splitting pass. You make, play or complete a pass, and statistics show pass completion as a percentage.
Examples
His pass to the left wing was too long and went out for a throw-in.
Pass and move! Don't stand still after you've played the ball.
Common phrases
make a pass · short pass · back pass · pass completion · pass and move
An attempt to score by kicking or heading the ball towards the opponents' goal.
Where you use it
Statistics count shots and shots on target. A player takes, has or fires a shot; a goalkeeper saves or parries it. A long-range shot comes from outside the penalty area, and a shot can be blocked by a defender.
Examples
We had fifteen shots but only three on target.
Take the shot early if the keeper is off his line!
Common phrases
take a shot · shot on target · long-range shot · blocked shot
An attempt to take the ball away from an opponent with your feet. A fair tackle wins the ball; a mistimed or reckless one is a foul.
Where you use it
Players make, win or go in for a tackle. A sliding tackle goes to ground, a last-ditch tackle stops a certain goal, and a late tackle arrives after the ball has gone. Tackle is also a verb: "Don't tackle him from behind."
Examples
What a tackle! He won the ball cleanly just before the striker could shoot.
He was booked for a late tackle on the halfway line.
Usage note
In American football, tackle means bringing down the player with the ball; in football you tackle for the ball, not the player.
Common phrases
sliding tackle · late tackle · last-ditch tackle · win a tackle · two-footed tackle
A shot or pass made by hitting the ball with the head, usually with the forehead.
Where you use it
Players score with a header, win headers in the air and flick the ball on with a header. A powerful header from a cross is one of the most common ways to score from set pieces. The verb is head: "He headed the ball into the net."
Examples
Her header from the corner went just wide of the post.
Our centre-backs won almost every header today.
Common phrases
score with a header · powerful header · glancing header · win a header · diving header
A pass from the side of the pitch into the penalty area, aimed at a teammate who can head or shoot. As a verb, to cross means to deliver such a pass.
Where you use it
Wingers and full-backs put in, whip in or deliver crosses. Crosses can be low, high, early, near-post or far-post, and defenders try to block or clear them. Commentators often judge the quality of the delivery.
Examples
His cross was perfect, but nobody attacked the near post.
Get to the byline and cross it low!
Common phrases
whip in a cross · early cross · low cross · far-post cross · cross into the box
To run with the ball while keeping it under control with small touches, often to get past one or more opponents.
Where you use it
Players dribble past, round or through defenders. The noun is also dribble, and statistics count successful dribbles. Coaches warn against dribbling too much in your own half, while fans love a player who can dribble in tight spaces.
Examples
He dribbled past three players before shooting.
Don't dribble out of defence; keep it simple.
Common phrases
dribble past a defender · dribble the ball · successful dribble · close dribbling
The final pass or touch that sets up a teammate to score a goal.
Where you use it
Players provide, make or get an assist, and statistics list goals and assists together. Assist is also a verb: "She assisted both goals." The pass before the assist is sometimes called a pre-assist or second assist.
Examples
He has six goals and four assists this season.
That's her third assist of the night, another perfect cross.
Common phrases
provide an assist · goals and assists · assist for the winner · second assist
A goalkeeper's action of stopping a shot or header from going in by catching, blocking or pushing the ball away.
Where you use it
Goalkeepers make, produce or pull off a save. A diving save, a double save and a point-blank save are common in commentary. Save is also a verb: "He saved the penalty." Statistics count saves for each goalkeeper.
Examples
What a save! She tipped it round the post with her fingertips.
Our keeper saved two penalties in the shootout.
Common phrases
make a save · diving save · double save · save a penalty · fingertip save
A goal that a player accidentally scores into their own team's net, so it counts for the opponents.
Where you use it
Players score or put through an own goal, and commentators say a ball "went in off the defender". When a shot is deflected in, the competition's officials decide whether it is the attacker's goal or an own goal. Written as OG in match reports.
Examples
We lost 1-0 to an own goal in the last minute.
The cross was so dangerous that the defender could only turn it into his own net: an own goal.
Common phrases
score an own goal · unlucky own goal · credited as an own goal · own goal from a cross
A kick or header by a defender that sends the ball away from danger near their own goal.
Where you use it
Defenders make a clearance, and a poor clearance can fall straight to an opponent. The verb is clear: "clear the ball", "clear it off the line". Coaches shout "Clear it!" when the ball is loose in the box.
Examples
His weak clearance fell to their midfielder, who scored from the edge of the box.
That goal-line clearance saved us a point.
Common phrases
make a clearance · goal-line clearance · poor clearance · headed clearance
A forward pass played between or behind defenders into space, so that a teammate can run onto it and go through on goal.
Where you use it
Playmakers play, thread or slide a through ball. A well-timed run and a through ball are the classic way to beat a high line. Commentators say a player was "played through" or is "through on goal".
Examples
She threaded a through ball between the centre-backs, and the striker finished calmly.
Look for the through ball as soon as their line steps up.
Common phrases
thread a through ball · perfect through ball · play a through ball · through on goal
An unfair or illegal action against an opponent, such as tripping, pushing or holding, for which the referee gives a free kick or a penalty.
Where you use it
Players commit a foul; the other team wins or gets a foul. A tactical foul stops a counter-attack on purpose, and a player who keeps fouling can be booked for persistent fouling. Foul is also a verb: "He was fouled."
Examples
That was a clear foul; he took the player, not the ball.
We committed too many fouls near our own box.
Common phrases
commit a foul · win a foul · tactical foul · foul throw · persistent fouling
Describes an attacker who, in the opponents' half, is nearer their goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent when a teammate plays the ball, and then takes part in play.
Where you use it
Used as an adjective (he was offside, an offside goal) and as a noun (the offside rule). The assistant referee raises the flag, and VAR can check tight offside calls. Being level with the second-last defender is onside. There is no offside from a goal kick, throw-in or corner.
Examples
The goal was ruled out because the striker was offside.
Stay level with the last defender or you'll be caught offside.
Usage note
Do not say "he made offside". Say "he was offside" or "he was caught offside". The opposite is onside.
Common phrases
caught offside · offside position · offside flag · offside rule · ruled out for offside
The break between the two halves of a match, which must not be longer than 15 minutes, when players rest and coaches give instructions.
Where you use it
Used with at: at half-time. The score at the break is the half-time score, and a manager gives a half-time team talk or makes a half-time substitution. The two halves are the first half and the second half.
Examples
We were 2-0 down at half-time, but the manager's team talk changed everything.
He came on at half-time and scored within ten minutes.
Usage note
Turkish "devre arası" also means the league's winter break; in English that is the winter break or mid-season break, not half-time.
Common phrases
at half-time · half-time score · half-time team talk · half-time whistle
The kick from the centre spot that starts each half and restarts play after a goal; also the time a match is due to start.
Where you use it
Fans ask "What time is kick-off?" and reporters write "kick-off is at 8 pm". The verb is two words: the match kicks off at three. A goal can be scored directly from the kick-off, but it is very rare.
Examples
Kick-off has been moved to 7.45 because of the live TV broadcast.
They scored within 30 seconds of kick-off.
Common phrases
kick-off time · before kick-off · delayed kick-off · the match kicks off
Minutes the referee adds at the end of each half to make up for time lost through substitutions, injuries, VAR checks and other delays.
Where you use it
Also called added time or, informally, injury time. The fourth official holds up a board showing the minimum stoppage time. Goals are written as 90+3' in reports, and a late winner may come deep into stoppage time.
Examples
They equalised in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
There will be a minimum of six minutes of stoppage time.
Usage note
Stoppage time (added at the end of each half) is not extra time (two extra 15-minute periods). Turkish "uzatma" is used for both.
Common phrases
minutes of stoppage time · deep into stoppage time · added time · injury time
Two additional periods of 15 minutes played in some knockout matches when the score is level after 90 minutes; if it is still level, a penalty shootout follows.
Where you use it
A match goes to extra time; a team scores in extra time or holds on until penalties. American English uses overtime. Extra time is not played in league matches, which can simply end in a draw.
Examples
The cup final went to extra time after a 1-1 draw.
Our legs were gone by the end of extra time.
Usage note
Don't use extra time for the minutes added at the end of a half; that is stoppage time or added time.
Common phrases
go to extra time · after extra time · in extra time · first half of extra time
An offence in which a player, other than the goalkeeper in their own penalty area, touches the ball with the hand or arm in a way the rules do not allow.
Where you use it
Players and fans shout "Handball!" and the referee may give a free kick or a penalty for handball. Not every touch on the arm is an offence: referees judge whether it was deliberate or whether the arm made the body unnaturally bigger.
Examples
VAR checked for a possible handball, but the goal stood.
That's handball, ref! His arm was way out!
Common phrases
handball decision · penalty for handball · deliberate handball · handball rule · appeal for handball
To fall on purpose as if fouled, to trick the referee into giving a free kick or penalty; the official name for this is simulation.
Where you use it
Fans accuse players of diving, and referees book them for simulation. British English uses dived as the past tense; American English also uses dove. Goalkeepers dive too, but that is a normal movement to reach the ball.
Examples
He dived in the box and got a yellow card for simulation.
Stay on your feet; don't dive looking for a penalty.
Common phrases
accused of diving · dive in the box · booked for diving · simulation
Replacing a player on the pitch with a substitute; the number allowed depends on the competition, and a player who comes off cannot return.
Where you use it
Managers make a substitution or a double substitution, and the fourth official holds up the board with the numbers. Most top competitions allow five substitutions in three stoppages, plus half-time. A tactical substitution changes the shape; a forced one follows an injury.
Examples
The substitution on the hour changed the game.
We had to make an early substitution after his hamstring injury.
Common phrases
make a substitution · double substitution · tactical substitution · forced substitution · substitution board
The official in charge of a match who applies the rules, blows the whistle, gives fouls and shows yellow and red cards.
Where you use it
The referee is helped by two assistant referees, a fourth official and, in many competitions, VAR. Fans and players often say ref. Common verbs: the referee blows the whistle, awards a penalty, waves play on and books a player.
Examples
The referee pointed to the spot after the defender pulled his shirt.
Don't argue with the referee; you'll only get booked.
Common phrases
the referee blows the whistle · referee's decision · match referee · the referee awards a penalty
A card the referee shows to caution a player for offences such as reckless tackles, time-wasting or dissent; a second one in the same match means a red card.
Where you use it
A player gets, receives or picks up a yellow card; the referee shows it. The official term is a caution, and British speakers often say booking. In most leagues, collecting a set number of yellow cards over the season brings a one-match ban.
Examples
He picked up a yellow card for kicking the ball away.
Be careful, you're already on a yellow card.
Common phrases
get a yellow card · show a yellow card · second yellow card · on a yellow card
A card the referee shows to send a player off for a serious offence, such as violent conduct or denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity; the team then plays with one player fewer.
Where you use it
A straight red card is shown directly; a second yellow card also leads to a red. The player is sent off and usually misses the next match or more. Commentators say a team is down to ten men.
Examples
He got a straight red card for a two-footed tackle.
After the red card, we had to defend with ten men for an hour.
Common phrases
straight red card · show a red card · red card offence · overturn a red card
Video assistant referee: officials who watch replays and advise the referee about clear and obvious errors in key, match-changing situations.
Where you use it
VAR can review goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards and mistaken identity. Reporters say a goal is under review, VAR checked it, or the referee went to the monitor for an on-field review. Fans say "the goal was ruled out by VAR". Said as letters or as one word, /vɑːr/.
Examples
The goal was ruled out by VAR for a foul in the build-up.
After a long VAR check, the referee awarded the penalty.
Common phrases
VAR check · VAR review · on-field review · overturned by VAR · VAR room
One of the two officials who run along the touchlines with a flag, signalling offside, throw-ins, goal kicks and fouls the referee may have missed.
Where you use it
Often shortened to AR; the older word linesman is still heard. The assistant referee raises or waves the flag. When no offside is given, commentators say "the flag stayed down".
Examples
The assistant referee flagged for offside before the ball went in.
Their captain complained to the assistant referee about the throw-in.
Common phrases
raise the flag · the assistant referee's flag · the flag stayed down · linesman
To order a player to leave the pitch for the rest of the match by showing a red card.
Where you use it
Usually passive: a player is sent off or gets sent off. The noun is sending-off, and American English says a player was ejected. A player who is sent off cannot be replaced; substitutes and team officials can also be sent off.
Examples
He was sent off for a second yellow card just before half-time.
The referee had no choice but to send him off.
Common phrases
be sent off · get sent off · sending-off · sent off for a second yellow
A caution shown with a yellow card, which the referee writes down in a notebook; to be booked means to receive a yellow card.
Where you use it
Mainly British. A player picks up a booking or is booked for dissent, diving or a late tackle. Commentators say "that's his fifth booking of the season, so he'll miss the next game".
Examples
That's a booking for time-wasting; the referee had warned him twice.
One more booking and he'll be suspended for the derby.
Usage note
In everyday English a booking is a reservation; in football it is a yellow card.
Common phrases
pick up a booking · early booking · booking for dissent · avoid a booking
The referee's decision to let play continue after a foul because stopping it would hurt the team that was fouled.
Where you use it
The referee plays advantage and signals it with both arms stretched forward. If the expected advantage does not happen within a few seconds, the referee can go back and give the free kick. A yellow card can still be shown when play next stops.
Examples
Great refereeing: he played advantage and we scored from the move.
The referee waved play on, signalling advantage.
Common phrases
play advantage · signal advantage · come back for the foul · advantage rule
A ban that stops a player from playing in one or more matches, usually after a red card or after collecting too many yellow cards.
Where you use it
A player serves a suspension, misses a match through suspension or returns from suspension. Commentators often say a player is one booking away from a suspension. The adjective is suspended: "He's suspended for the derby." A disciplinary panel can also hand out a ban.
Examples
Our captain misses Saturday's game through suspension.
He's back from a three-match suspension.
Common phrases
serve a suspension · three-match suspension · miss a game through suspension · one booking away from a suspension
The match official who stands between the two technical areas, manages substitutions, shows the added time and helps the referee with other duties.
Where you use it
Managers often argue with the fourth official on the touchline. The fourth official holds up the electronic board for substitutions and stoppage time and, depending on competition rules, can replace another official who is injured.
Examples
The fourth official has indicated a minimum of five minutes of added time.
The manager was sent to the stands after shouting at the fourth official.
Common phrases
the fourth official's board · argue with the fourth official · the fourth official indicates · technical area
A shot at goal from the penalty spot, 11 metres (12 yards) from the goal line, given when a defender commits a direct free-kick offence inside their own penalty area.
Where you use it
The referee awards a penalty or points to the spot. A player wins, gives away, takes, scores or misses a penalty; scoring one is called scoring from the spot. Only the goalkeeper may stand between the taker and the goal.
Examples
The referee gave a penalty after a clear handball.
Who's on penalties today if Leo comes off?
Common phrases
award a penalty · take a penalty · miss a penalty · penalty spot · give away a penalty
A kick awarded after a foul or another offence by the opponents, taken from where the offence happened while opponents stand at least 9.15 metres (10 yards) away.
Where you use it
A direct free kick can go straight into the goal; an indirect free kick must touch another player first, and the referee raises an arm to show it. Players win, give away, take or curl a free kick, and the defending team lines up a wall.
Examples
She curled the free kick over the wall and into the top corner.
We gave away a silly free kick on the edge of the box.
Common phrases
direct free kick · indirect free kick · take a free kick · free-kick specialist · give away a free kick
A kick from the corner of the pitch, given to the attacking team when the ball crosses the goal line after last touching a defending player and no goal is scored.
Where you use it
Usually just called a corner. Teams win, take or defend corners, and coaches drill corner routines in training. Commentators say a team is sending bodies forward for a corner or that the ball was cleared at the near post.
Examples
We scored from a corner kick routine we practised all week.
Their keeper tipped the shot over the bar for a corner kick.
Common phrases
take a corner · win a corner · short corner · corner routine · near-post corner
The restart when the ball crosses a touchline: a player from the team that did not touch it last throws it in with both hands from behind and over the head.
Where you use it
Teams win, take or concede a throw-in. A long throw-in can be as dangerous as a corner. If the technique is wrong, the referee gives a foul throw and the other team takes it. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in, and there is no offside from one.
Examples
The ball went out for a throw-in near their corner flag.
Their long throw-in caused us problems all afternoon.
Common phrases
take a throw-in · long throw-in · foul throw · win a throw-in
A planned move from a restart of play, such as a corner kick, free kick or throw-in, which is usually practised in training.
Where you use it
Teams are strong or weak at set pieces, score from set pieces and defend set pieces. Many clubs employ a specialist set-piece coach. Commentators say "they're a real threat from set pieces".
Examples
Half of our goals this season have come from set pieces.
We worked on defending set pieces all week.
Common phrases
score from a set piece · set-piece coach · defend set pieces · set-piece routine
A line of defending players standing side by side, at least 9.15 metres (10 yards) from the ball, to block a free kick aimed at their goal.
Where you use it
The goalkeeper sets up or lines up the wall; players jump in the wall, and a free kick goes over, round or under it. Since 2019, attackers may not stand within one metre of a wall of three or more defenders.
Examples
He curled it over the wall and into the top corner.
Two in the wall! Quick, before they take it!
Common phrases
set up the wall · over the wall · jump in the wall · defensive wall
A kick from inside the goal area, given to the defending team when the ball crosses the goal line after last touching an attacker and no goal is scored.
Where you use it
Usually taken by the goalkeeper. Teams play out from the back or go long from a goal kick. Since 2019, the ball is in play as soon as it is kicked and clearly moves, even inside the penalty area. There is no offside from a goal kick.
Examples
His shot went well wide for a goal kick.
We play short from every goal kick to draw their press.
Usage note
Turkish "aut" means a goal kick situation, but English out simply means the ball has left the pitch anywhere. Say "It's a goal kick."
Common phrases
take a goal kick · short goal kick · long goal kick · award a goal kick
The way a team arranges its outfield players on the pitch, written as numbers from defence to attack, such as 4-4-2 or 4-3-3.
Where you use it
Coaches play a formation, switch to another or line up in one. 4-3-3 is said "four-three-three". Analysts point out that a formation changes in and out of possession, for example a 4-3-3 that becomes a 3-2-5 in attack.
Examples
We switched to a back-three formation at half-time.
Their formation looked like a 4-4-2 without the ball.
Common phrases
switch formation · attacking formation · back-three formation · line up in a 4-3-3
The list of players a team starts a match with, usually including their positions, published about an hour before kick-off.
Where you use it
Also called the starting line-up, starting eleven or team sheet. Fans wait for the line-up to be announced, and managers rotate, change or name an unchanged line-up. A player can be in the line-up or dropped from it.
Examples
The line-up is out: our captain is back after injury.
He made four changes to the line-up for the cup tie.
Usage note
The noun is line-up (also lineup); the verb is two words: "They lined up in a 4-3-3."
Common phrases
starting line-up · unchanged line-up · name the line-up · the line-up is announced
A fast attack launched straight after winning the ball back, aiming to score before the opponents can reorganise their defence.
Where you use it
Teams launch a counter-attack, break on the counter or catch opponents on the counter; the short form is the counter. A counter-attacking team defends deep and uses pace up front. Coaches warn players about being caught on the counter.
Examples
We lost the ball in midfield and they scored on the counter-attack.
Their whole game plan is to sit deep and hit us on the counter-attack.
Common phrases
launch a counter-attack · on the counter-attack · quick counter-attack · caught on the counter
Control of the ball by a team; also the percentage of time each team has the ball during a match.
Where you use it
Teams keep, win back, lose or give away possession, and a team can dominate possession but still lose. Analysts talk about possession-based football, in-possession and out-of-possession phases, and sterile possession that creates no chances.
Examples
We had 68 percent possession but only two shots on target.
Don't give away possession so cheaply in midfield!
Common phrases
keep possession · lose possession · win back possession · possession statistics · possession-based football
A tactic in which players close down opponents quickly to win the ball back, often high up the pitch near the opponents' goal.
Where you use it
Coaches talk about high pressing, a pressing game and pressing triggers, the signals that tell players when to press. The verb is press: "We press as a unit." Gegenpressing, from German, means pressing straight after losing the ball.
Examples
Our pressing forced them into long balls all game.
The pressing dropped off in the second half because the players were tired.
Common phrases
high pressing · pressing game · pressing triggers · intense pressing · counter-pressing
A defensive set-up in which the back line stays far up the pitch, keeping the team compact and catching attackers offside, but leaving space behind.
Where you use it
Teams play, hold or push up a high line. It works well with pressing but is risky against quick strikers and good through balls. The opposite is a low block, or defending deep.
Examples
Playing such a high line against a striker that fast was asking for trouble.
We hold a high line so the midfield and defence stay compact.
Common phrases
play a high line · push up the line · behind a high line · risky high line
Staying close to an opponent, or guarding an area, to stop them receiving the ball or getting a clear shot or header.
Where you use it
Man-marking means following one opponent; zonal marking means guarding an area, especially at set pieces. Coaches blame poor or slack marking for goals. The verb is mark: "Who was marking their number 9?"
Examples
We conceded from a corner because the marking was terrible.
We use zonal marking at corners, plus two players man-marking their best headers.
Common phrases
man-marking · zonal marking · poor marking · tight marking · marking at set pieces
A defensive tactic in which defenders step up together just before a pass is played, leaving attackers in an offside position.
Where you use it
Teams play or spring the offside trap, and an attacker beats it with a well-timed run. It needs good communication: if one defender fails to step up, the trap is broken and the striker is through on goal.
Examples
Their striker kept getting caught in our offside trap.
He timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap.
Common phrases
play the offside trap · beat the offside trap · spring the offside trap · caught in the offside trap
To defend very deep with almost all players behind the ball, focusing on not conceding rather than on attacking.
Where you use it
Informal and usually critical. Fans and pundits say a team parked the bus to protect a lead or to get a draw against a stronger side. Coaches prefer neutral terms such as a low block or a compact defensive shape.
Examples
After going 1-0 up, they parked the bus for the last half an hour.
We can't just park the bus; we need a goal.
Common phrases
park the bus · accused of parking the bus · park the bus in front of goal
A game of football between two teams, normally made up of two 45-minute halves, with stoppage time added at the end of each half.
Where you use it
The standard word in British English and in official competition language. You play, win, lose or draw a match; reporters write a match report and fans go to a match. Game means the same and is very common in speech, especially in American English.
Examples
We've got a big match against Kestrel Athletic on Saturday.
The match was postponed because the pitch was frozen.
It was a tough match, but we got the three points.
Common phrases
win a match · home match · match report · match-winner · friendly match
A result in which both teams finish the match with the same number of goals. As a verb, to draw means to finish level.
Where you use it
In most leagues a draw is worth one point and a win three. A 0-0 is a goalless draw and a 2-2 is a score draw. American English often says tie. People say "we drew 1-1 with them" or "they held us to a draw".
Examples
A draw away from home against the leaders is a decent result.
It finished as a 2-2 draw after we conceded in stoppage time.
They were happy to play for a draw.
Common phrases
goalless draw · score draw · hold someone to a draw · settle for a draw · play for a draw
A competition in which teams play each other over a season, usually home and away, and are ranked in a table by points.
Where you use it
Teams win, top or lead the league and finish in a league position. A club can play in different divisions of a league system, moving up by promotion and down by relegation. League is often contrasted with cup competitions.
Examples
Millbrook City won the league with two games to spare.
Our priority this season is the league, not the cup.
Common phrases
win the league · top of the league · league title · league table · league position
A match in which a team, and especially its goalkeeper, does not concede a single goal.
Where you use it
Teams and goalkeepers keep a clean sheet, and the number of clean sheets is counted over a season. American English says shutout. It is a statistic fans quote about keepers and defenders: "He has twelve clean sheets this season."
Examples
Our goalkeeper kept his fifth clean sheet in a row.
We're delighted with the clean sheet, but we need to score more.
Common phrases
keep a clean sheet · clean sheet record · back-to-back clean sheets · first clean sheet of the season
To win a match against another team. You beat a team, but you win a match, a game or a trophy.
Where you use it
Very common in results and headlines: "Kestrel Athletic beat Redhaven United 3-1." The past tense is beat and the past participle is beaten: "We haven't been beaten at home all season." To beat a player means to get past him with skill or pace.
Examples
We beat them 2-0 last season, but they've improved a lot.
He beat his marker and crossed for the winner.
Usage note
Turkish speakers often say "we won them". Use beat for the team: "we beat them", or win for the match: "we won the match".
Common phrases
beat a team 2-1 · unbeaten run · beat the keeper · beat the offside trap
The list that ranks the teams in a league by points, with goal difference and other figures; also called the league table or standings.
Where you use it
Teams go top of the table, sit mid-table or are bottom of the table. A mid-table team is neither fighting relegation nor challenging for the title. American English prefers standings. Commentators say "a win would lift them to third in the table".
Examples
After the win, we're top of the table on goal difference.
Have you seen the table? We're only three points above the drop zone.
Common phrases
top of the table · league table · mid-table · bottom of the table · climb the table
The way a drawn knockout match is decided: each team takes five penalties in turn, then one each in sudden death if they are still level.
Where you use it
A match goes to penalties or is decided on penalties, and a team wins or loses the shootout. In the Laws of the Game it is called kicks from the penalty mark. Shootout goals do not count in the score: a result is written as 1-1, won 4-3 on penalties.
Examples
We lost the penalty shootout 5-4 after a goalless draw.
Our keeper is brilliant in a penalty shootout.
Common phrases
win a penalty shootout · go to a penalty shootout · decided on penalties · sudden death
Dropping down to a lower division at the end of the season after finishing in one of the bottom places of the league.
Where you use it
Teams fight against relegation, are in a relegation battle or sit in the relegation zone, also called the drop zone. They avoid or escape relegation. The verb is relegate: "They were relegated on the final day." Fans simply say "we went down".
Examples
One more defeat and we're in serious relegation trouble.
Moving up to a higher division at the end of the season by finishing in one of the top places or by winning a play-off.
Where you use it
Teams win, earn or secure promotion and are in the promotion race. A promoted club goes up, and fans celebrate with "we're going up". Teams just below the automatic promotion places usually fight for the last spot in the promotion play-offs.
Examples
A win on Saturday will secure promotion for Kestrel Athletic.
They won promotion through the play-offs.
Usage note
In business English promotion means a better job, and in marketing a special offer; in football it means going up a division.
A match arranged for a particular date; the fixtures, or the fixture list, are all the matches a team or league has scheduled for the season.
Where you use it
Mainly British. The fixtures are released before the season and fans check the fixture list. A fixture can be rearranged or postponed, and fixture congestion means too many games in a short time, often blamed for injuries.
Examples
Our next fixture is away at Millbrook City on Tuesday night.
The fixture list gives us three away games in the first four weeks.
Usage note
Turkish "fikstür" usually means the whole schedule; an English fixture is often a single match.
Common phrases
fixture list · home fixture · rearranged fixture · fixture congestion · the fixtures are released
The number of goals a team has scored minus the number it has conceded, used to separate teams that are level on points in a league table.
Where you use it
Teams are separated on goal difference or win the league on goal difference. Tables show it as GD, with a plus or minus sign. Some competitions look at head-to-head results before goal difference, so always check the rules.
Examples
We're level on points, but they're ahead on goal difference.
A 4-0 win would do our goal difference a lot of good.
Usage note
Don't say average for this in English; the term is goal difference.
Common phrases
on goal difference · superior goal difference · a goal difference of plus ten · head-to-head record
A match a team plays at the opponents' stadium rather than at its own ground.
Where you use it
Teams play away or travel for an away game; the opposite is a home game. People talk about an away win, the away fans and a team's away form. In two-legged ties, teams play home and away.
Examples
Our next away game is a long trip to the coast.
We haven't won an away game since October.
Usage note
Turkish "deplasman" comes from French. In English say away: "We're playing away on Sunday."
Common phrases
away win · away fans · away form · home and away · away kit
In British football, the person in charge of the first team who picks the side, decides tactics and often has a say in transfers.
Where you use it
In the UK the manager is the public face of the team: they give press conferences, speak after matches and get sacked when results are poor. Many clubs use head coach for a similar role with less control over transfers. Players often call the manager "gaffer" or "boss".
Examples
The manager made three changes to the starting line-up.
After five defeats in a row, the club sacked the manager.
Usage note
False friend: a player's "menajer" in Turkish is an agent in English. The manager is the teknik direktör.
Common phrases
sack the manager · appoint a manager · caretaker manager · assistant manager · manager of the month
The person in charge of training, tactics and team selection; at many clubs the role focuses on coaching, while a sporting director handles transfers.
Where you use it
Common in continental Europe, in national teams and in the US, and more and more in English clubs. A head coach leads the coaching staff: assistant coaches, a goalkeeper coach and fitness coaches. In Turkish both manager and head coach are usually teknik direktör.
Examples
The club appointed a new head coach on a two-year contract.
The head coach wants us to press higher from the first minute.
Common phrases
new head coach · appoint a head coach · interim head coach · head coach and staff
All the players available to a team for a season or a competition, from whom the starting eleven and the substitutes are chosen.
Where you use it
Clubs build, strengthen or trim a squad, and a match squad is the group named for one game. Squad depth means having good players in every position. A squad number is the shirt number a player keeps all season.
Examples
We need a bigger squad if we want to compete in Europe.
Three academy players have been named in the squad for Sunday.
Common phrases
squad depth · squad number · first-team squad · match squad · strengthen the squad
Physical damage to a player's body, such as a muscle strain or a broken bone, that can stop them from training or playing.
Where you use it
Players pick up, suffer or recover from an injury, and a long-term injury can keep someone out for months. Clubs give an injury update before matches. Common examples are a hamstring injury, a groin strain and a knee ligament injury.
Examples
She picked up a hamstring injury in training and will miss the next two games.
We've got a few injury worries ahead of the derby.
Common phrases
pick up an injury · injury update · long-term injury · hamstring injury · injury list
A planned period of practice in which a team works on fitness, technique and tactics under the coaches' guidance.
Where you use it
Teams hold a training session; players train or are at training. A closed session is not open to the media or fans, and a recovery session usually follows a match. British speakers often just say training: "See you at training."
Examples
Today's training session will focus on defending crosses.
He missed Thursday's training session with a knock.
Common phrases
closed training session · light training session · recovery session · at training · training ground
The seats beside the pitch for the substitutes and coaching staff; also the group of substitutes available in a match.
Where you use it
A player is on the bench, starts on the bench, comes off the bench or is left on the bench. A strong bench means good substitutes. As a verb, to bench a player means to leave them out of the starting line-up.
Examples
He came off the bench to score the winner.
Our bench is much stronger than last season.
Common phrases
on the bench · come off the bench · start on the bench · strong bench
The move of a player from one club to another, usually with a fee paid to the selling club and a new contract for the player.
Where you use it
Clubs complete, agree or seal a transfer, and a transfer can collapse or fall through. Reporters write about transfer targets, transfer rumours and a club's transfer budget. As a verb, a player transfers or is transferred to another club.
Examples
The transfer was completed just before the deadline.
The club has confirmed his transfer to Eastport Rovers.
Common phrases
complete a transfer · transfer target · transfer budget · transfer rumours · the transfer fell through
One of the fixed periods in the year when clubs are allowed to register new players, usually a long one in summer and a shorter one in winter.
Where you use it
The transfer window opens and closes; its last day is deadline day, famous for late deals. Clubs do business in the January window or wait for the summer window. Under some rules, free agents can be registered outside the window.
Examples
We'll look for a new centre-back when the transfer window opens.
The deal was done minutes before the transfer window closed.
Common phrases
the transfer window opens · January transfer window · summer transfer window · deadline day · outside the transfer window
For a club, to bring a player in on a contract; for a player, to agree a contract and join a club.
Where you use it
A club signs a player, and a player signs for a club (British) or with a club (American). Reporters write that a player has signed a three-year deal or a new contract. The noun signing means both the act and the new player: "He's our best signing."
Examples
Redhaven United have signed a young winger from Eastport Rovers.
She signed for the club on a two-year deal.
Our new signing trains with the squad for the first time today.
Common phrases
sign a player · sign for a club · sign a new contract · new signing · marquee signing
An arrangement in which a player temporarily joins another club for a set period, often a season, while still under contract with their parent club.
Where you use it
A player goes out on loan, is loaned out or joins on a season-long loan. Deals can include a loan fee, an option to buy or an obligation to buy. Young players are often loaned out to get regular first-team football.
Examples
He spent last season on loan at a second-division club.
We've agreed a loan with an option to buy for €4 million.
Common phrases
on loan · season-long loan · loan with an option to buy · loan spell · loan fee
The amount of money a buying club pays a selling club to take a player who is still under contract there.
Where you use it
Clubs pay, agree or receive a transfer fee. Reporters mention a reported or undisclosed fee, a club-record fee and add-ons, extra payments linked to appearances or success. Fees are often paid in instalments over several years.
Examples
The transfer fee is around €12 million plus add-ons.
Neither club would reveal the transfer fee.
Common phrases
club-record transfer fee · undisclosed fee · pay a transfer fee · fee plus add-ons
A clause in a player's contract that sets a fee; if another club pays it, the player's club must let them leave or start talks.
Where you use it
A club triggers, activates or pays a release clause. In Spain every professional contract must include one, often called a buyout clause. Reporters write that a player "has a release clause of €50 million".
Examples
His release clause is €40 million, and two clubs are ready to pay it.
We'd rather sell him now than lose him through his release clause next summer.
Common phrases
trigger a release clause · pay the release clause · release clause of · buyout clause
A player whose contract has ended or been cancelled, so they can join any club without a transfer fee.
Where you use it
A player becomes a free agent when his contract runs out and joins a new club on a free transfer; clubs say they signed him "on a free". Depending on the rules, a player in the last six months of a contract can agree a pre-contract with a new club.
Examples
He's been a free agent since leaving Harbour Athletic in June.
Free agents can sometimes be signed after the transfer window has closed.
Common phrases
become a free agent · sign a free agent · free transfer · on a free
The health and fitness examination a player goes through before a transfer is completed, to check for injuries or medical problems.
Where you use it
Reporters write that a player is undergoing a medical, has passed a medical or has failed a medical. It is usually the last step before the contract is signed and the club makes the official announcement.
Examples
He flew in this morning and will have a medical before signing.
The move collapsed after he failed a medical.
Usage note
Medical is usually an adjective (medical staff); in transfer news it is a noun meaning the health check.
Common phrases
undergo a medical · pass a medical · fail a medical · complete a medical
A licensed person who represents a player or coach in contract and transfer talks and earns a fee or commission from the deal.
Where you use it
Clubs hold talks with a player's agent, and agents negotiate wages, bonuses and signing-on fees. FIFA calls them football agents and requires them to hold a licence. Fans sometimes blame agents for pushing a player towards a move.
Examples
His agent says he wants to stay and fight for his place.
The club is in talks with the player's agent about a new contract.
Usage note
False friend: Turkish "menajer" is agent in English; an English manager is the teknik direktör.
Common phrases
player's agent · agent's fee · football agent · talks with the agent
The rectangular grass or artificial surface on which football is played, marked with lines for the halfway line, penalty areas and goal areas.
Where you use it
British English uses pitch; American English prefers field. Players go out onto the pitch, a fan may run onto the pitch, and a heavy or bumpy pitch can affect the game. Groundstaff prepare the playing surface before kick-off.
Examples
The pitch was waterlogged, so the referee called the game off.
Their artificial pitch is much faster than ours.
Common phrases
on the pitch · artificial pitch · pitch invasion · pitch inspection · training pitch
The large marked box in front of each goal, 16.5 metres (18 yards) deep, where a defender's direct free-kick offence leads to a penalty and the goalkeeper may handle the ball.
Where you use it
Commonly called the box or the 18-yard box. Commentators say a player is in the box or on the edge of the box, or that he went down in the box. The smaller box inside it is the goal area, or six-yard box.
Examples
He was brought down inside the penalty area, but the referee waved play on.
Our full-backs must track runners into the penalty area.
Common phrases
inside the penalty area · edge of the penalty area · the box · six-yard box
A person who supports a particular team or follows football with passion, watching matches at the stadium or on screen.
Where you use it
In British football, supporter is the more traditional word, and fan groups often prefer it. Fans travel to away games, sing chants, buy season tickets and react on fan forums and social media.
Examples
Around 3,000 fans travelled to the away game.
I've been a Harbour Athletic fan since I was six.
Common phrases
home fans · away fans · lifelong fan · fan zone · fan base
The venue where matches are played, made up of the pitch and the stands around it for spectators.
Where you use it
A stadium has a capacity, stands and a tunnel that players walk out of. British fans often call their stadium the ground. Matches are played in front of a sell-out or capacity crowd, and clubs talk about moving to a new stadium.
Examples
The stadium was packed an hour before kick-off.
The new stadium will hold 42,000 fans.
Common phrases
home stadium · stadium capacity · new stadium · packed stadium · stadium tour
A match between two rival teams, usually from the same city or region, followed with special passion by both sets of fans.
Where you use it
Often called a local derby or city derby. The atmosphere, bragging rights and security are big talking points before a derby. Commentators like to say that form goes out of the window in a derby.
Examples
Tickets for the derby sold out in an hour.
Winning the derby means more to our fans than anything else.
Usage note
In British English it is pronounced like "DAR-bee"; Americans say "DUR-bee".
A ticket bought once that lets a fan attend all of a club's home league matches in a season, usually from the same seat.
Where you use it
Fans buy or renew a season ticket and are called season-ticket holders. Clubs announce season-ticket prices, waiting lists and renewal deadlines. Cup matches are often not included.
Examples
I've had a season ticket in the East Stand for fifteen years.
Season ticket prices will stay the same next season.
Common phrases
season-ticket holder · renew a season ticket · season ticket prices · season ticket waiting list
A short song or phrase that fans sing or shout together in the stands to support their team or players, or to tease the other side.
Where you use it
Fans sing, start or join in a chant, and popular players often have their own. Discriminatory chanting is banned and can lead to fines or stadium closures. The verb is chant: "The fans chanted his name."
Examples
The away end started a chant as soon as the team came out.
The club was fined for offensive chanting.
Common phrases
sing a chant · terrace chant · chant someone's name · offensive chanting
The covered shelter at the side of the pitch where the manager, coaching staff and substitutes sit during a match.
Where you use it
Managers pace the technical area in front of the dugout and can be sent from the dugout to the stands. Reporters also use the dugout to mean the manager's job: "his first game in the dugout".
Examples
The new manager takes charge in the dugout for the first time on Saturday.
Both dugouts emptied after the late challenge.
Common phrases
in the dugout · technical area · home dugout · sent from the dugout
A goal that makes the score level, for example the goal that changes 1-0 to 1-1.
Where you use it
Commentators say a team finds, grabs or snatches an equaliser, or pushes for one. A late equaliser can feel like a win for one side and a defeat for the other. The American spelling is equalizer, and the verb is equalise: "They equalised in the 90th minute."
Examples
Just as we thought we'd won it, they snatched a late equaliser.
The equaliser came from a set piece, again.
Common phrases
late equaliser · find an equaliser · push for an equaliser · deserved equaliser
Three goals scored by the same player in a single match; a perfect hat-trick is one with the left foot, one with the right foot and one header.
Where you use it
Players score or complete a hat-trick, and by tradition they take home the match ball. When a player has two goals, commentators say he is "on a hat-trick". The expression comes from cricket.
Examples
She scored a hat-trick in the first half alone.
He completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.
Common phrases
score a hat-trick · first-half hat-trick · perfect hat-trick · on a hat-trick
Zero, used in British English when saying football scores aloud, as in two-nil for 2-0.
Where you use it
Scores are read as "three-nil" or "one-nil to the visitors", and a 0-0 is "nil-nil" or a goalless draw. Level scores use all: 1-1 is "one-all". American speakers usually say "two to nothing" or "two-zero".
Examples
We won two-nil, and it could have been more.
It finished nil-nil, but it was an entertaining game.
Usage note
Don't read 2-0 as "two minus zero" or "two to zero"; in British football English it is "two-nil".
The net behind the goal line; to put the ball in the back of the net means to score, and the phrase is a favourite of commentators.
Where you use it
Used in commentary and match reports to make scoring sound exciting: "And it's in the back of the net!" Players use it too: "I just wanted to find the back of the net." Similar phrases are find the net and hit the net.
Examples
He controlled it on his chest and smashed it into the back of the net.
It's in the back of the net! What a finish!
Common phrases
in the back of the net · find the back of the net · into the back of the net
Describes a goal or result that comes when the other team has been playing better and looked more likely to score.
Where you use it
A favourite of commentators and reporters: "They went ahead against the run of play." It shows that the score does not reflect the pattern of the game. An undeserved away win is sometimes called a smash and grab.
Examples
Kestrel Athletic took the lead against the run of play just before half-time.
Their goal came completely against the run of play.
Common phrases
score against the run of play · completely against the run of play · goal against the run of play
A person who describes a match live on TV, radio or online, explaining the action as it happens.
Where you use it
The main commentator describes the action, and a co-commentator, often a former player, adds analysis. A pundit gives opinions in the studio before and after the match. Commentators are known for their catchphrases and for describing goals with emotion.
Examples
The commentator could hardly believe what he was seeing.
I like to turn the TV sound down and listen to the radio commentator.
Usage note
Turkish "spiker" also means a news presenter; an English speaker is anyone who speaks, never a match commentator.
Common phrases
match commentator · radio commentator · co-commentator · commentary box
Ten questions from this glossary. Pick the right meaning for each term and see your score.
How to learn football (soccer) vocabulary
Watch matches with English commentary and write down the phrases commentators repeat, such as "against the run of play", "into the back of the net" and "keep a clean sheet".
Read real football texts in English: match reports, club announcements about new signings, post-match interviews and the Laws of the Game published by IFAB. Notice how each term is used in context.
Learn verbs together with their nouns: score or concede a goal, make a save, win or give away a penalty, pick up a booking, keep a clean sheet.
Notice British and American differences (football and soccer, pitch and field, nil and zero, draw and tie). International football English is mostly British.
Be careful with Turkish football words that look English or French but mean something else: menajer is an agent, averaj is goal difference, aut is a goal kick and deplasman is away.
Frequently asked questions
Should I say football or soccer?
Both are correct English. Football is the normal word in the UK, Europe and most of the world, and it is the word FIFA and UEFA use. Soccer is standard in the United States and Canada, where football usually means American football. If you are talking to an international or European audience, say football.
What is the difference between a manager, a head coach and an agent?
In British football the manager runs the first team and often has a say in transfers. Head coach is used for a similar role, especially when a sporting director handles transfers. Both are usually called teknik direktör in Turkish. The person who represents a player in contract talks is an agent, which Turkish calls menajer, so be careful not to mix up manager and menajer.
How do you say football scores in English?
In British English, zero is nil: 2-0 is "two-nil" and 0-0 is "nil-nil" or a goalless draw. Level scores use all: 1-1 is "one-all". You can also say who is ahead: "It's two-one to the home side." Americans often say "two to nothing" or "two-zero".
What can VAR check during a match?
VAR, the video assistant referee, can only step in for clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents in four situations: goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards and mistaken identity, when the wrong player is cautioned or sent off. The referee makes the final decision, sometimes after an on-field review at the pitch-side monitor.
Do you win a team or beat a team?
You beat a team and you win a match, a game, a league or a cup. So say "We beat them 3-1" or "We won the match 3-1", never "We won them". In the passive, a team is beaten: "They haven't been beaten at home this season."
