English Vocabulary Football Words and Phrases

The World Cup 2018 is being hosted by Russia (in case you did not know!) and World Cup FeverĀ (excitement) has taken hold of everyone. Here are some useful English vocabulary football words andĀ phrases that you might find useful.

learning English vocabulary football words and phrases
Football is trulyĀ (really) an international language. When it comes toĀ (when it arrives) the WorldĀ Cup even those individuals who normally do not watch games will be glued toĀ (watchingĀ enthusiastically) their TV screens. The tournamentĀ (competition) is well under wayĀ (has begun) andĀ the excitement is building.Ā Thirty two teams qualified for the final stagesĀ (the last part of the competition) after more than twoĀ years of qualifying matches in various regions<Ā (zones) all over the world. These teams came togetherĀ and the competition kicked offĀ (started) on the 15th June 2018. The qualifiers were divided in to eightĀ groups of four teams (4 teams in each group A- H). The teams were seededĀ (separated/divided) soĀ that all the best teams could not be drawnĀ (placed) together in the same group. There were fourĀ seedings 1-4. This draw took place in December 2017so everyone has known for several months whichĀ teams they would play. Every team has now played the other three teams in its group. So each teamĀ has three matchesĀ (games) and the top two teams in each group qualify for the next stage (part/round) of the competition. This is referred to as the knock out stagesĀ (if you lose you go home!) orĀ the last 16.

English Football Vocabulary

English Vocabulary Football Idioms and Phrases. Intermediate level English. #learnenglish #ingles #englishlessons #idioms #expressions #english #vocabulary

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After that roundĀ (last 16) we then have the quarter finalsĀ (last eight) then the semi finalsĀ (last four) until we only have 2 teams remaining in the final game. The decider (to decide who is the overallĀ winner). Before the final match scheduled for the 15 th July there is a play-off between the 2 losingĀ semi finalists (the 2 teams who lost in the semi final games). This will decide who finishes 3 rd and 4 th . I always think this is an unnecessary game as most teams are tired and when you have lost at theĀ semi-final stage you really only want to get awayĀ (leave) and go home. However, the organisers require this game to take place and it is usually heldĀ (happens) on the eve of the final (the eveningĀ before the final game). People seldomĀ (rarely) remember who finished 3 rd or 4 th in any World Cup. At thisĀ stage I hope your favourite team is still involved (still in with a chance of winning) and you can lookĀ forward to a few more exciting games. This World Cup has been different for many reasons. It is being held in a country unknown to manyĀ many people and I think everyone has been taken back byĀ (surprised) the friendly reception theĀ utter joyĀ (pleasure) that so many fans have experienced in the 12 cities in which the games areĀ being stagedĀ (played). In addition we also have the use of technology and this has certainly had anĀ impactĀ (effect) on many of the games. Firstly there is goal line technology which confirms that theĀ ballĀ (football) crosses the goal lineĀ (the white line between the goal posts) and secondly the use ofĀ VARĀ (Video assisted Referee) which the referee can use to decide whether a penalty kick can beĀ awardedĀ (can be given) or not inside the penalty area and also whether there is justificationĀ (if heĀ the referee has the right) to dismissĀ (send off/red card)Ā a player for a serious foul.Ā Already there have been more penalties awarded than in any previous World Cup. Whether you loveĀ or loathe itĀ (like or hate it) it has certainly added to the excitement and resulted in many interestingĀ discussions and arguments about the ā€œbeautiful gameā€.

English Vocabulary Football Words and Phrases

Here are some well known English vocabulary football words and phrases:

TO BLOW THE WHISTLE ON SOMETHING

This usually refers to somebody who tells the boss or someoneĀ in authority that something illegal or wrong is going on. In modern language they are called
ā€œwhistleblowersā€.

ex. A whistleblower in the banks treasury department told the managers that someĀ illegal trades were taking place. He blew the whistle on those traders.

TO KICK FOR TOUCH

When you are undecided or do not want/wish to commit yourself to somethingĀ then you often kick for touch and hope to avoid having to make a decision immediately.

ex. His bossĀ asked him to let him know if he would go to Hungary for 1 month to sort a business problem out. HeĀ really didnā€™t want to go for such a long period. He decided to kick for touch and told his boss heĀ would give him an answer the following week.

OVER THE LINE

We usually use this phrase to confirm when a business deal has been concludedĀ satisfactorily.

ex. He had been working on this potential client for 6 months. He was delighted when theĀ client finally agreed to deal with his company and signed the contract there and then. The deal wasĀ finally over the line after a long six months.

A REAL TEAM PLAYER

A person who works well in a team. In business some employees are selfish and only interested in their ownĀ objectives and focus only on their career. Others help their colleagues work hard and late when
necessary and generally go the “extra mile” if asked by the boss. These are real team players andĀ every business needs them.

ex. Chris is a real team player, he is always prepared to go the “extra mile” to get the job done.

Now when we have covered most useful English vocabulary football words and phrases, it’s time for you to get the best seats in the house and watch your favourite team play!

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For more information in English Expressions, English Phrasal Verbs and English Grammar Rules, check ou the following links:

English Verbs Expressing Sounds

Present Simple vs Present Continuous

English Expressions with LOOK

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