Footballers try to score goals by manoeuvering the ball between posts at their opponents end.

Football (soccer) is one of the most popular games in the world. Football ignites passion and excitement amongst millions of fans across the globe who follow the sport and its skilled players.

Football is played between two teams of 11 players each. The aim of the game is to put the ball into the opponent's goal by kicking or heading it in. Only goalkeepers can use their hands to handle or block the ball.

A regular game lasts for 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each with an interval of 15 minutes at the half time. The team that scores the most goals wins the match.

Did you know?

"By the 14th century football was so popular in England that King Edward II issued a proclamation in 1314 forbidding the game. Thirty five years on, Edward III objected to the game because it prevented the practice of archery."

Credit: Doha 2006

Please visit http://www.doha-2006.com/gis/menuroot/sports/Football.aspx for further information.