Nouns
A large competition involving many matches and teams playing to win a single trophy (e.g., The World Cup).
Tournament
To take part in a race, game, or match against others to try to prove you are the best.
compete
Used to describe a game or person where everyone tries extremely hard to win against each other.
competitive
If the top-ranked team wins 6-0 against a very weak opponent, they won the match ___.
easily
The player who is chosen to lead the team on the pitch and wears a special armband.
captain
To encourage a specific team by cheering, singing, or wearing their colors during a match.
support
Involving two or more different nations, such as a match between Brazil and France.
international
When a strategy works perfectly and results in a goal, the tactic was executed ___.
successfully
A player who starts the match on the bench but enters the field later to replace a teammate.
substitute
To win enough matches or achieve the necessary score to earn a place in the main World Cup tournament.
qualify
Describing a player who has great natural ability, control, and technique with the ball (like Neymar).
skillful / talented
Before the game started, the players and the crowd sang their national anthem ___ (with deep emotion).
passionately
The large group of people who buy tickets to sit in the stadium and watch the live event.
spectators
To challenge an opponent physically and try to take the ball away from them using your feet.
tackle
How the fans and players feel when their team loses a match in the very last minute of the game.
disappointed
The defender was penalized because he went for the ball too ___ and accidentally hurt the striker.
aggressively
The dramatic method used to break a tie after extra time, where 5 players from each team shoot from 11 meters.
penalty shootout
To defeat a team in the knockout stage, forcing them to leave the tournament and go home.
eliminate
Showing immense emotion, love, and strong feelings for football, like the fans who travel across the world.
passionate
When a small, underdog team beats the reigning world champions, the victory happens completely ___.
unexpectedly