Why Does A Soccer Game Go Over 90 Minutes?
Soccer is a full contact sport that requires an exceptional level of physical fitness, strategy, and endurance. This is why soccer matches can sometimes exceed the standard time for a soccer match – 90 minutes. Why does this happen? Below are some of the reasons why a soccer match may exceed 90 minutes:
Injuries
Given the physical nature of the game, soccer players can often suffer from muscle or joint injuries during a match. When this happens, the referee will add time onto the clock in order to allow for medical treatment to occur on the field. This is why soccer players need to be in peak physical shape.
Retake
When a soccer ball goes out of bounds or when the referee calls for a retake, additional time is added to the clock. Most retake’s require two minutes, but if something more complex occurs then more time may be needed.
Time Wasting tactics
Time wasting is an unethical strategy used by teams when they are trying to protect a lead. Teams may strategically slow down the game, pass the ball around, take extra time to take throw-ins, or take other strategic measures to run down the clock.
Extra time
If a soccer match ends in a draw at the end of the regulation 90 minutes, then there will be an extra period of time called “extra time”. This is to give both teams a chance to score and settle the match. The extra time is divided into two halves and the team that scores the most goals during the extra time period will be the winner of the match.
In summary, soccer games may exceed 90 minutes for several reasons. It could be due to injuries, retakes, time wasting tactics, and extra time if the match ends in a draw.
