Football Glossary
What is a nutmeg? What does sixes and sevens mean? How about bottle? Why is football known as 'the beautiful game'? To answer these and other questions about the language of football then you have come to the right place: the FOOTBALL GLOSSARY page.
This page has a huge collection of football vocabulary, technical terms, clichés and football phrases complete with definitions and examples. Find a phrase by clicking on the letters below.
There are online crosswords and puzzles under each section of the glossary. Click on the link and a separate page will open. Donwload PDF versions on the Handouts page.
Football Language Resources / Football phrases / Football Clichés / Weekly Vocabulary / Handouts and Worksheets
A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P
Q-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z
Word Search A-D
A
All: When talking about football results it means ‘the same as’.
Example: Sunderland drew two all with Newcastle, i.e. 2-2.
All to play for: This means that both teams have a chance of winning the match or that there is an exciting finish to a game or the league because it is so close.
Example: When Chelsea beat Manchester United with only 4 games remaining it was all to play for as there were only three points between the teams (EFF: podcast 23).
Apertura: One of the two titles played for each year in Argentina (and other South American countries) (see Clausura)
Example: The Argentinian apertura usually starts in August with the 20 teams playing each other once.
Assistant referee: Formerly known as the linesman, this person helps the referee to make decisons during the game, especially offsides.
Example: With the new offside rule being introduced the work of the assistant referee is becoming more important.
(to/an) Assist: A pass or move that leads to a scoring opportunity.
Example: Not only did Cristiano Ronaldo score more than 40 goals last season he also had more than 10 assists for his team mates.
(to be) At sixes and sevens: To be completely in a mess, totally disorganised (usually describes poor defensive organisation)
Example: The Arsenal defence were at sixes and sevens and the Tottenham forwards took full advantage in their 5-1 victory.
(to/an) Attack: Rather than protecting the goal this means to try to score a goal. Always looking to score.
Example: Tottenham have always been regarded as being a team that likes to attack and under Juande Ramos it looks as if this philosophy will continue.
Attacker: A forward, someone on the team that plays up front.
Example: Who is the best attacker in the world now? Kaka? Messi? Ronaldo? Torres? Villa?
Attendance: The number of people who watch a match.
Example: The world record for a football attendance was 200.000 who watched Brazil lose to Uruguay in th 1950 World Cup final in the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
At the end of the day: When all is said and done. After thinking something through.
Example: At the end of the day teams with the most money tend to be the most successful (EFF: podcast 19).
(to) Avoid the drop: This means to survive or not be relegated
Example: Fulham avoided the drop on the last day of the season (EFF: podcast 36).
Away goals: In knock-out competitions a goal scored away from home can count double in the event of a draw.
Example: Atlas have two away goals after drawing 2-2 at Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores semi-final first leg.
Azzurri: This is the nickname of the Italian national team (it refers to the colour of the kit).
Example: The ‘Azzurri‘ won the World Cup in 2006 in Germany with a mixture of style and pragmatism.
B
Backs to the wall: Difficult situation, no way of retreating, desperate defending, to be under real pressure from an opposing team
Example: The Italian team found themselves in a backs to the wall situation after the defeat against the Dutch meant they could not lose another match.
Bafana Bafana: The nickname of the South African football tea
Example: Bafana Bafana fans are really looking forward to the World Cup in 2010.
(the) Beautiful game: A synonym for football but generally used to describe a pure style of football
Example: Brazil’s 1970 World Cup winning team played a style of football that epitomized the beautiful game.
Becks: Nickname for David Beckham
Example: ‘Becks’ soccer appeal cools in Asia’ (uk.eurosport.yahoo.com)
Bicycle kick: While in mid-air a kick that moves the ball so that it travels behind the player - usually a shot (scissors kick)
Example: Hugo Sanchez scored some amazing bicycle kicks for Real Madrid.
(to) Blow a chance: to miss out on an opportunity
Example: Inter blew another chance to win the Scudetto when they drew against Siena.
Bogey team: A team that always does well against another team even though it is not usually expected to.
Example: Bolton were often regarded as Arsenal’s bogey side.
(a) Booking: A caution or yellow card
Example: Gary Lineker never received a booking during his career in English football.
Bottle: Courage, particularly under pressure (to lack bottle)
Example: Before winning Euro 2008 Spain were often accused of lacking bottle in international tournaments.
(to) Bounce back: to come back strongly after a bad defeat (see bouncebackability EFF: podcast 6 2007)
Example: LA Galaxy bounced back with a win after their opening 4-0 loss to Dallas.
(to) Break a hoodoo: The word hoodoo is usually associated with bad luck or possibly even a curse. In football, if a team attempts to break its hoodoo it means that it probably has not beaten another team or won at a certain place for a long time.
Example: Can Tottenham break their hoodoo at Anfield and win there this season? English for Football (EFF: podcast 38)
Bundesliga: The German League
Example: The current Bundesliga champions are Bayern Munich.
(the) Business end of the season: the time when results are decided, when the most important events happen
Example: The business end of the season is usually when the cups and trophies are being handed out or relegation is decided.
By the skin of their teeth: just about, miraculously, in an extremely lucky manner
Example: Fulham escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth yet again.
C
Cruyff Turn
(to) Call off: To cancel, to stop a game from being played
Example: In Argentina the match between Velez and Sarsfield had to be called off after a fan was killed on his way to the game.
Cap: An appearance for your country, the number of times someone plays international games
Example: David Beckham earned his 100th cap against the USA in May 2008.
The Carling Cup: A knock-out competition for English clubs. This tournament is not as prestigious as the FA Cup
Example: Tottenham won their first trophy in nine years after defeating Chelsea in the Carling Cup final.
(to) Cause an upset: This phrase is used to describe when a so-called weaker team defeats a stronger team, a shock result.
Example: Croatia caused an upset in Euro 2008 when defeating Germany 2-1 (EFF: summer podcast 3).
(to/a) Caution: A yellow card, a booking
Example: The referee gave Beckham a caution for a bad tackle from behind.
(to/a) Centre: A cross usually into the box or penalty area
Example: David Beckham did not have much pace or even skill but he could centre a ball brilliantly.
Centre back: Position in defence. Usually someone big, strong and good in the air (also centre half)
Example: Manchester United’s centre back Rio Ferdinand should be the captain of England.
Centre half: (see Centre back above)
Example: However, many other fans feel John Terry is a better centre half and captain than Rio.
The Champions League: Annual competition for the top European club sides
Example: Manchester United beat Chelsea in the Champions League final in Moscow in May 2008.
The Championship:The division below the English Premier League, the second tier (previously known as Division 2)
Example: After winning the Championship last season, West Brom will be hoping that they can survive in the Premiership this season.
(to) Choke: To not perform well under pressure (see bottle)
Example: Holland choked against Russia in the Euro 2008 quarter-final match and were beaten 3-1.
Clausura: One of the two titles played for each year in Argentina (and other South American countries) (see Apertura)
Example: The 2008 Argentinian clausura champions are River Plate.
(a) Clean sheet: When a team does not concede a goal or allow a goal to go in (to keep a clean sheet)
Example: Tottenham had many difficulties keeping a clean sheet last season, with many blaming the poor form of Paul Robinson.
(to) Close in on: to get close to, to be close to achieving (a transfer, winning the title etc.)
Example: Berbatov closes in on Manchester United (The Times Online headline)
(to) Come a cropper: This phrase is used to mean to fail badly at something particularly a big team against a smaller team.
Example: Scotland came a cropper against Macedonia in their World Cup qualifier losing 0-1 away from home (EFF: Podcast 4 2008-9).
(to) Come back from the dead: to make a remarkable comeback, to stage a fightback
Example: America came back from the dead against Flamengo in the Copa Libertadores quarter-final.
(to) Concede (a goal): to allow a goal in/to let in a goal
Example: Boca have yet to concede a goal in this campaign.
Copa America: The South American tournament for international teams on the continent
Example: Brazil beat Argentina 3-0 in the Copa America final in Venezuela in 2007.
Copa Libertadores: The South American club championship played between the top sides from each of the country’s leagues (European equivalent: Champions League).
Example: LDU Quito are the current Copa Libertadores champions after beating Brazilian side Fluminense in the final.
Corner: A set play that is taken from the corner of the pitch
Example: Tottenham’s defence always had trouble defending opponents corners last season.
Counter attack: A style of playing that breaks quickly from any part of the pitch when the ball is recovered
Example: Holland, Spain and Russia all played a swift counter attacking style during the 2008 European Championships.
(to) Crash out of: When a team is badly beaten in a cup competition. It is usually a surprise defeat or a heavy defeat.
Example: France crashed out of the European Championships after three poor performances (EFF: podcast 4).
(to/a) Cross: To pass the ball from a wide position into the centre (usually an attacking ploy)
Example: David Beckham did not have much pace or even skill but he could cross a ball brilliantly.
Crowd: The fans or supporters in the stadium who watch the game.
Example: The crowd voiced their displeasure as the home team lost yet again.
Example: The Valencia winger Vicente used a Cruyff turn to escape the attentions of the defender.
(to) Crush an opponent / team: to beat a team heavily, to thrash another team
Example: Holland crushed Italy 4-1 in Euro 2008.
D
Dark horses: Teams not expected to do well though they have a small chance of causing a surprise.
Example: Fenerbahce and Schalke were dark horses in last season’s Champions League.
Days are numbered: We use this expression to describe a situation in which a manager (or player) is about to lose their job: they are under intense pressure.
Example: If Fabio Cappello loses to Croatia his days as England coach will be numbered (EFF: podcast 7).
Dead ball: A free kick, corner or penalty
Example: David Beckham did not score from a dead ball situation last week but rather from open play.
Dead Man Walking: This refers to a manager who everyone knows will soon be sacked, will soon be fired. He will soon lose his job.
Example: Steve MacClaren was a dead man walking as soon as England lost to Croatia (EFF: podcast 13).
(a) Debut: To play for the first time, e.g. a game or a season
Example: Wayne Rooney made his debut for Everton when he was just 16 years old.
(a) Defeat: When a team loses a game they suffer a defeat
Example: After ten defeats in a row the Derby manager was sacked.
(to) Defeat: to beat another team
Example: Manchester United defeated Chelsea on penalties to win the Champions League.
Defence: The group of players that try to protect a team’s goal.
Example: Spain’s defence was the best at the recent Euro 2008 tournament - they only conceded 2 goals throughout.
Defender: A member of the defence, a player who protects his team’s goal.
Example: The Italian defender Paolo Maldini will play one more season with his club AC MIlan this year.
(a) Derby: A game between two local rivals usually with lots of tradition behind it.
Example: The big derbies in the Premier League include: Liverpool-Everton; Newcastle-Sunderland; Spurs-Arsenal and Man City-Man Utd.
(to) Dethrone: To remove, to beat a competitor to a title or cup win
Example: Barcelona are hoping to dethrone their rivals Real Madrid this season after two years without a title.
(a) Disallowed goal: A goal that has not been allowed due to a foul, an offside decision or another illegal action.
Example: Diego Maradona’s goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final should have been disallowed for handball.
Dissent: When a player verbally abuses the referee, to say something bad to the referee.
Example: Wayne Rooney often gets into trouble for showing dissent.
Division: Football teams are divided into categories or groups that depend on results. These groups are known as divisions.
Example: There are four professional divisions in England: The Premier League; The Championship; Division 1 and Division 2.
(the) Double: To win the domestic League and Cup in the same season.
Example: Spurs won the double in 1961 - the last time they won the league.
(to) Do the double over: To beat a team twice in the same season - home and away.
Example: Manchester City did the double over Manchester United last season (EFF: podcast 28).
(to go) Down to the wire: When a game, or more usually a league, has an exciting or tight finish.
Example: The Premier League title race of 2008 went down to the wire with Manchester United eventually winning it (EFF: podcast 26 - 2007-8)
(to/a) Draw: (1) When there is no winner in a match we call it a draw (US - tie). (2) To decide which teams play which in a competition
Example: The draw for the Champions league quarter-final saw Liverpool play Arsenal. The two teams drew the first leg 1-1 but Liverpool won the second game to progress.
Dressing room: Place where the players prepare for a match.
Example: The north dressing room at Wembley usually proves to be a lucky omen for teams that change in it.
(To lose the) Dressing room: This expression is used when a manager (or captain) has lost the respect of the rest of the players.
Example: Former manager Sam Allardyce had to leave Newcastle after losing the dressing room.
(to) Dribble: To beat a player with the ball at your feet.
Example: Cristiano Ronaldo loves to dribble with the ball at pace.
(the) Drop zone: the relegation places, the bottom two or three places of the league table
Example: Unfortunately for Derby County fans their team could not escape from the drop zone all season.
E
To end in tears
(to) End in tears: We use this expression to say that a team has started well, but ends up failing.
Example: The Champions League was going very well for Barcelona and Liverpool, but it ended in tears when these two teams were knocked out of the semi-finals (EFF: podcast 39).
End to end: A game is described as being end to end when both teams constantly attack each other.
Example: The Holland - Italy Euro 2008 game was an end to end affair with the Dutch eventually winning 3-0.
Extra Time: Time added on to a cup or knock-out match that has finished in a draw to try to find a winner (usually thirty minutes).
Example: England beat Germany 4-2 after extra time to win the World Cup in 1966.
F
The FA Cup
(the) FA: The Football Association, the organisers of the Premier League and the England national team.
Example: The FA came under a lot of criticism after appointing Steve MacClaren as England manager.
FA Cup: English knock-out competition for club sides. The oldest football tournament in the world.
Example: Portsmouth beat Cardiff City in the 2008 FA Cup final at Wembley.
(to) Fall through (a transfer): When a transfer or deal does not go ahead despite looking like it would do for a long time.
Example: Gareth Barry’s transfer to Liverpool fell through after Liverpool failed to meet Aston Villa’s valuation of the player.
Fans: Supporters of a team
Example: Derby County’s fans were amazing last year even though they only won one game at home all season they never criticised their team.
Fergie: Nickname of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson
Example: ‘Fergie: Ronaldo may stay longer’ (sport.aol.co.uk/football)
FIFA: The organising committee of world football, e.g. the World Cup is run by FIFA.
Example: FIFA’s president is Sepp Blatter.
Flyer (to get off to a): When a team has started a match or the season very well indeed at a very early stage.
Example: Last year in the Premier League Manchester City were unbeaten after the first 8 games - they got off to a flyer (EFF: podcast 2).
Football is a funny old game: This is a cliché that means football is unpredictable: that we just don’t know what is going to happen, or that anything could happen in football.
Example: To see a weakened Turkish side reach the Euro 2008 semi-final proved that football is indeed a funny old game (EFF: podcast 6).
(a/to) Foul: When an opponent stops a player by illegal means (e.g. a push or trip).
Example: Cristian Ronaldo suffers many fouls throughout the season as defenders try to stop him by any way possible.
Full back: A member of the defence (back four) that covers the flanks or sides.
Example: Brazilian full backs tend to be more attack-minded than their English counterparts.
G
Goalkeeper
Gaffer: The boss or manager of the club - a term used by players to refer to their manager.
Example: Paul Ince the new manager of Blackburn wants his players to call him ‘The Gaffer’.
(a) Game of two halves: A cliché that is used to describe a game that is dominated by one team in the first half and then the other team in the second half.
Example: When Man City came from behind to beat Spurs 4-3 after being 0-3 down at half-time, then manager Kevin Keegan described it as a classic game of two halves.
Giant killing: When a lower-placed team beats a ‘better’ team, particularly in a cup competition (giant killer).
Example: Barnsley beat Liverpool and Chelsea in last season’s FA Cup: two great acts of giant killing.
Goal: When a team scores it is a goal / the frame or place where the players have to score is known as the goal.
Example: Cristiano Ronaldo scored 43 goals last season - a truly fantastic record.
Goalkeeper: The player that protects the goal, the only player legally allowed to use his/her hands, the last line of defence (also: keeper).
Example: The Brazilian goalkeeper Dida was hit by a fan at Celtic Park last year.
Goalless: When a game finishes without any goals being scored (0-0 / nil-nil).
Example: The 1994 World Cup finished goalless between Brazil and Italy.
(to) Go down: To be relegated, to move down a division
Example: Stoke and Hull are both tipped to go down from the Premier league this season.
Group stage: The earlier rounds of a competition or tournament when teams play each other to determine which sides progress to the next round.
Example: Liverpool and Arsenal have made it to the Champions League group stage in this year’s competition after winning the preliminary round.
Gunners: The nickname of Arsenal
Example: ‘Arsenal new boy Samir Nasri is confident that he will fit easily into the Gunners’ open, attacking style of football…’ (www.football.co.uk)
(to be) Gutted: To feel completely down after a last-minute goal or dramatic defeat (be absolutely shattered)
Example: The Croatian players were gutted after conceding a last-minute equalizer against Turkey in the Euro 2008 quarter-final.
H
Hooligans
(the) Hairdryer treatment: An expression used to describe how Sir Alex Ferguson angrily shouts at players at half-time if they are underperforming.
Example: David Beckham fell out with Sir Alex Ferguson after receiving the hairdryer treatment (and a shoe!) in the face.
Half-time: The break between the first and second half of a match.
Example: The half-time team talk is an important part of a manager’s job.
(to) Hammer: to thrash, crush, beat heavily
Example: Manchester City were hammered 8-1 by Middlesbrough.
Hat trick: To score three goals in one game
Example: Geoff Hurst is the only man to have a scored a hat trick in a World Cup final, which he did in 1966.
(to) Hit form: to start playing well, to win a series of matches
Example: Boca are certainly hitting form at the right stage of the season (beating River in the League and getting to the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores).
Holders: the current champions of a competition
Example: Argentina are the current holders of the Olympic gold medal.
Hooligan: Football supporters involved in violence; yob (hooliganism)
Example: English football hooligans had an awful reputation during the 1980’s when travelling abroad.
(a two-) Horse-race: A battle between teams for the title (two-horse race; three-horse race, etc.)
Example: Last season’s Premier League title was a two-horse race between Chelsea and eventual winners Manchester United.
I
Injury
(to be) Inept: showing no skill, clumsy, poor
Example: Another inept performance by England against the Czech Republic.
Injury: When a player is hurt.
Example: Ronaldo will miss the start of the season through injury.
Injury time: The time added on by the referee after 90 minutes (also: stoppage/added time).
Example: Manchester United scored twice in injury time in the Champions league final in 1999.
(an) International: Used when describing a game between two countries or to describe a player who has played for his/her country.
Example: (1) Most Premier League managers are against the ideas of international friendlies.
(2) Bentley moved to Tottenham to improve his chances of being a regular international player.
(to be) In the bag: Looking to be safe, result of the game does not appear to be in danger
Example: The game looked to be in the bag until Riise scored the own goal in the 94th minute against Chelsea.
(to be) In the doldrums: To be at a low point
Example: Italian football was in the doldrums after the calciopoli scandal in 2006.
(to be) In with a shout: To have a chance of winning
Example: Despite spending lots of money during pre-season, Spurs fans do not think their team is in with a shout of winning the title.
J
Jinx: A curse or something that brings you a run of bad luck
Example: Tottenham’s jinx against Chelsea (over 20 matches without a win) ended with a 2-1 win at home last year (EFF: podcast 18).
Journeyman: A player that has played for many clubs without being a star at any of them.
Example: John Burridge played for 15 different clubs but never for his country - a real journeyman.
K
The Kop
(to) Kick out (be kicked out): to be thrown out of a game or competition
Example: PSG have been kicked out of next year’s League Cup competition in France.
Kit: What the players wear when playing (shirt, shorts and socks)
Example: Teams tend to change their kit designs every two years to make more money.
The Kop: This is the stand where traditionally the most vociferous Liverpool fans used to stand. Sometimes used to describe all Liverpool fans (though other stadiums have a ‘Kop’, it is generally associated with Liverpool.
Example: The Kop generally have a good reputation as knowledgeable fans that appreciate good football so they sometimes applaud the opposition as well as their own side.
L
La Liga: The Spanish top division
Example: Real Madrid are the current champions of La Liga.
Ligament: body tissue connecting muscles and bones (especially, knee and ankle)
Example: Having missed the whole of last season after tearing knee ligaments on the opening day, Manchester City and Bulgarian striker Valerie Bojinov is out again.
(to) Land: To sign a player, to make a transfer
Example: Tottenham landed Croatian star Luka Modric for 16 million pounds.
Example: In the Champions League knock out stage games are decided over two legs.
Example: There is speculation that Felipe Scolari will change Chelsea’s line-up this season.
Loan: This is when one club lends a player to another club for no money (loan signing / be on loan)
Example: New Premier League side Hull City have made 4 loan signings since being promoted.
Example: Derby County lost more games than any other club in the history of the Premier League.
(to) Lose faith in: To no longer trust or believe in someone.
Example: The Newcastle fans lost faith in manager Sam Allardyce (EFF: podcast 17).
Loss: A defeat, opposite of a victory
M
Managers
Manager: The person in charge of the team, the one who picks the players
Example: Sir Alex Ferguson has been manager of Manchester united for more than 20 years - longer than any other Premier League manager.
Merry-go-round: When managers lose their jobs or resign and move to other clubs. This can start a process where one manager takes the place of another manager who then moves on to another club.
Example: Grant was sacked from Chelsea and the managerial merry-go-round started as Scolari moved to Chelsea, Mourinho to Inter and Grant to Turkey (EFF: podcast 29 - 2006-7.)
Midfielder: Someone that plays in the middle section of the field; usually an all-round player.
Example: Liam Brady was the greatest ever Irish midfielder; he could pass, shoot, tackle and was tactically astute.
(the) Miracle of Istanbul: the final of the Champions League in 2005, held in Istanbul. Liverpool played AC Milan and came from 3-0 behind to win on penalties. Widely regarded as one of the most exciting games ever (though this is disputed!)
(to) Move to: When a player changes from club to another club, transfer
Example: Many Tottenham fans were upset when the club captain Robbie Keane moved to Liverpool.
N
Nil-Nil
Never say die: To not admit defeat, to have a great fighting spirit.
Example: Turkey showed a never say die attitude when coming from behind to beat Croatia and the Cezch Republic to win during Euro 2008 (EFF: summer podcast 5).
Nil: No score: when a team does not score a goal we use the word nil to describe their score
Example: The World Cup final of 1994 between Brazil and Italy finished nil-nil (0-0).
(a/to) Nutmeg: When a player puts the ball through an opponent’s legs and continues on with the ball.
Example: Cristiano Ronaldo nutmegged the defender and scored with a left-footed strike.
O
Offside: When an attacking team’s player is beyond the last defender, the game is stopped and there is a free kick for the defensive side.
Example: Italian sides traditionally played the offside trap to frustrate the opposing team’s forwards.
(to be) On a roll: When a team has a succession of good results, to be doing well over many games.
Example: When Newcastle finally won their first game under Kevin Keegan they went on a roll and remained unbeaten for ten matches.
One-way traffic: When only one team is doing all the attacking.
Example: It was one-way traffic as Holland thrashed France 4-1 in the European Championships.
(to be) On/Off target: We use the expression on target to describe when a forward shoots and the keeper has to make a save or a goal is scored. When the ball is wide or goes over it is off target.
Example: Fernando Torres had more shots on target last season than any other striker in the top division.
Outfit: Another word for team
Example: Tottenham played Celtic in a friendly with The Premiership outfit winning 2-0.
(to) Outshine: if someone (or another team) is better than you, to be beaten by someone else’ performance.
Example: Lionel Messi has been outshone by Ronaldo over the season.
(to) Overcome: to beat, to defeat
Example: Manchester United overcame Barcelona in the Champions League 1-0.
(to be) Over the moon: To be absolutely delighted (cliché)
Example: On winning the World Cup in 1966 the England captain Bobby Moore said ‘he was over the moon’.
P
Playmaker
(to) Park the bus: When a team is very defensive and does not attack, when the team is very negative
Example: What Stoke did was park their bus in front of Sorensen’s goal and challenge Liverpool to find a way past. (The Daily Telegraph)
(to go/to be) Pear-shaped: When things do not go as planned: to go dramatically wrong
Example: Things went pear-shaped for Andrei Schevchenko after leaving Milan for Chelsea (EFF: podcast 8).
(to be) Pipped at the post: This means to be beaten at the last moment, just before the post, just before the end of the race or game. In football, we use this to talk about a team who loses the race to be champions at the last minute.
Example: Inter were almost pipped at the post by Roma in the race for the Scudetto in Italy last year (podcast 42: 2007-8).
(a) Playmaker: A player on a team that controls the tempo of his side and is usually regarded as the one to break down opposing defences.
Example: Barcelona playmaker Xavi was voted the best player at the 2008 European Championships
Premier League (the Premiership): The top division or league in England. Replaced the old Division 1 in 1992
Example: Two teams from the Premier League contested the Champions League final in Moscow in 2008.
Prima donna: A player who thinks that they are above everything, overly selfish and egotistical
Example: Though Ronaldo has often been termed a prima donna surely he is nowhere near as bad as Ashley Cole.
Promotion: When a team moves up a division (opposite of relegation)
Example: West Brom won promotion for the second time in three years last summer.
Promotion race: When a group of teams are fighting to move up a division.
Example: Last season’s promotion race in The Championship was a truly exciting one with West Brom; Hull and Stoke eventually winning the promotion spots.
Pundit: An expert on football usually on TV or radio and quite often a former professional player.
Example: Former Scottish international Andy Gray is Sky Sports top pundit, though Damon and Damian both think that they are better than him!
Word Search (Q-T)
Crossword Puzzles (Q-T)
Q
(to) Qualify: In order to play in important tournaments or rounds teams have to play and win a set of preliminary matches.
Example: England did not qualify for the last European Championships.
Quarter-final: The last 8 of a knock-out or cup competition, i.e. there 8 teams left in the tournament
Example: England reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2002 and 2006.
R
Referee
Referee: The person who is in charge of the game, he or she controls the match
Example: Last season Premier League referees came under fire for some poor performances.
(to be) Relegated: To move down a division because of poor performances
Example: Derby were relegated from the Premier League in 2008.
Relegation: When a team is relegated it has to move down a division
Example: The three new clubs in the Premier League this season will all be hoping to avoid relegation.
(to) Retain: To win a cup, league or title again
Example: Inter retained the scudetto once again in 2008.
Rival: An opponent that is either challenging your team in the league or is a team that you do not like much.
Example: Tottenham’s biggest rivals are Arsenal but the Gunners’ rivals are Manchester United or Chelsea.
S
Sent off
Scapegoat: This word is used as a metaphor for someone who is blamed for something bad happening. Blaming this person hides the real cause of the problem.
Example: Steve MacClaren was made the scapegoat for England not qualifying for Euro 2008 though the players should take some blame too (EFF: podcast 5).
Scissor kick: While in mid-air a kick that moves the ball so that it travels behind you - usually a shot (bicycle kick)
Example: Hugo Sanchez scored some amazing scissor kicks for Real Madrid
(a) Screamer: A really hard shot, an unstoppable shot that usually results in a goal.
Example: Steven Gerrard scored a thirty-yard screamer against West Ham in the 2007 FA Cup final.
Scudetto: Name for the Italian league (Serie A).
Example: Inter Milan have won the last three scudetto titles in Italy.
(to) Seal a deal: To complete a deal or transaction. In football we use it when talking about player transfers, the movement of players between clubs.
Example: Manchester United are trying to seal a deal with Tottenham over Dimitar Berbatov (EFF: podcast 2 2008-9).
Season: The season in England lasts from August till May with 38 games in total
Example: All football fans are hopeful before the season starts.
(la) Seleccion: Nickname for the Spanish international football team
Example: La Seleccion are the new champions of Europe after beating Germany in the 2008 final.
(to) Send (s.o.) off: If a player receives a red card he has to leave the pitch.
Example: The Argentinian referee sent Zinadine Zidane off in the World Cup final in 2006.
(to be) Sent to the stands: to be sent off, to receive a red card.
Example: Roy Keane was sent to the stands for blowing his top at the referee in a friendly match.
Serie A: The Italian top league
Example: Inter have won the Serie A title for three years in a row.
(a) Set piece: A free kick, corner kick or penalty (usually the first two).
Example: Aston Villa scored more goals from set pieces than any other team in the Premier League last season.
(to) Sign (s.o.): When a club buys a new player from another club
Example: Liverpool signed Robbie Keane from Tottenham.
Signing: The new player at a team: he has come from another team on a transfer.
Example: Fernando Torres is Liverpool’s record signing
Sitter: A really easy chance, usually in front of goal.
Example: Michael Ballack missed a sitter in the final of the European Championship final against Spain and his team went on to lose.
Skipper: The captain or leader of the team
Example: Steven Gerrard is the Liverpool skipper.
(a) Slump: A bad run of form, a time of bad luck or bad results
Example: Inter came out of their slump - three successive defeats - to eventually win away at Fiorentina
(to) Sneak something - to get something without deserving it, to obtain something in a sneaky way
Example: England did sneak a 2-2 draw, but it was a poor performance against The Czech Republic.
(to) Spark: to start, to incite
Example: The trouble at Stamford Bridge was sparked by a possible racist comment.
Squad: The squad is the number of payers at the club (i.e. more than simply the 11 in the team), the whole complement of players.
Example: Chelsea’s squad is the most expensive in the Premier League.
Squeaky-bum time: This phrase was made famous by Manchester United manager, Alex Ferguson in 2004. He used it to describe the very tense, nervous, finish to the league title race.
Example: It was squeaky-bum time for Manchester United fans last season as they were unsure of the title until the final day (podcast 40: 2007-8).
Stalemate: A 0-0 draw (scoreless)
Example: Modric broke the stalemate with a goal from outside the box.
(a) Stalwart: This refers to player that has stayed at a club for a long time.
Example: Manchester United are hoping that their stalwart defender Gary Neville returns from injury this season.
Stoppage time: The time added on by the referee after the 90 minutes have finished (injury/added time).
Example: Manchester United scored twice in stoppage time in the Champions league final in 1999.
Surprise package: In football this expression refers to a team that unexpectedly does well despite the fact that not many people think that they will do well in a competition.
Example: The Greek team was the surprise package at Euro 2004 - no one expected them to win the tournament (EFF: 14).
Sweeper: A position in defence - usually behind the centre halves.
Example: It is hard to say who was the better sweeper, AC Milan’s Baresi or Bayern Munich’s Beckenbauer as both were such quality players.
T
Tackle
Table: The table shows the position of the teams in each division.
Example: The end of the season table showed that Manchester United were first followed by Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.
(a/to) Tackle: To take the ball / possession from an opponent (fair tackle/hard tackle/ sliding tackle)
Example: Roy Keane was an all-round midfield player, he could tackle, pass, organise his team and shoot.
(to) Take apart: When a team easily beats an opponent (crush, heavily defeat, hammer)
Example: Spain took Russia apart 3-0 in the semi-final of the European Championships while Holland took France and Italy apart in their earlier group matches (EFF: summer podcast 5).
(a) Tap in: A simple chance to score usually from close distance.
Example: Torres’ shot was saved by the keeper but the ball ran loose to Gerrard who had a simple tap in to score.
(to) Tap up: To illegally or secretly, approach another team’s player, and try to persuade them to join your club.
Example: Tottenham have accused Manchester United of tapping up their player. They think Manchester United didn’t follow the rules about buying a player and met Berbatov secretly (EFF: Podcast 1 - 2008-9).
Target man: A big strong centre forward that can hold up the ball and wait for colleagues to support him - usually good in the air.
Example: John Carew at Aston Villa is a good example of a target man, big, strong and holds the ball up well.
Team: A group of 11 players form one team
Example: In the Premier League 20 teams play against each other twice a season.
(to be) Thrashed: to be beaten badly, to lose by a lot of goals
Example: Saudi Arabia were thrashed 8-1 in the World Cup by Germany in 2002.
(a) Throw-in: When the ball leaves the pitch at the side one team can restart the game by throwing the ball in
Example: Bolton use the throw-in to great effect as an attacking tactic.
Tier: level, rank, division
Example: AFC Liverpool have joined the tenth tier of the football league pyramid along with FC United and AFC Wimbledon.
(to) Top it all (off): to make something better, to improve a great situation, to add the final touch
Example: To top it all off, Real Madrid demolished their rivals Barcelona 4-1 on Wednesday night to claim the Spanish title.
Top of the table clash: A match between two sides from the top of the league, two of the best teams in the division.
Example: Last season’s top of the table clash between Chelsea and Manchester United was a fiery affair indeed.
Trophy: Cup, award, prize
Example: Arsenal Ladies team won two trophies last season - the FA Cup and the Championship.
(a) Turn up (for the books): a surprise, unexpected
Example: The Spanish giants, Barcelona, have to qualify for this season’s Champions League which is a real turn up for the books.
Two-footed tackle: A dangerous tackle using both feet that is ‘over the ball’. A red card offence.
Example: The two-footed tackle is now illegal in football.
(a) Two-horse race: When two teams are closely battling it out for the title (also three-horse race)
Example: last season’s Premier League was a two-horse race between Chelsea and Manchester United.
Word Search (U-Z)
Crossword Puzzle (U-Z)
U
UEFA Cup
UEFA: The European football organisation
Example: Michel Platini is the head of UEFA.
UEFA Cup: A club competition for European clubs though not as prestigious as the Champions League.
Example: Zenit St Petersburg defeated Rangers in the final of the 2008 UEFA Cup final.
Under-21: European international tournaments for players under the age of 21. The Olympics allows players that are under 23.
Example: Argentina’s U-21 teams have supplied many full internationals over the years unlike England
Underachievers: This is used to describe something or someone that fails to achieve or reach their potential. In football we use this expression when a player or team does not do as well as expected beforehand.
Example: Spain finally shook off the term underachievers when they won the European Championship in 2008 (summer podcast 1: 2008).
Underdog: The team that no one expects to win (opposite of favourites), usually popular with fans.
Example: Championship side Cardiff were the underdogs against Premier League side Portsmouth in last season’s FA Cup final.
(to be) Under fire: This means to be under pressure, to be criticized and in danger of losing your job. In the football world, the phrase is usually used with managers or referees for decisions they have made or poor performances they have had, but it is sometimes used with players.
Example: England’s goalkeeper, Robinson, is under fire after his poor performance against Germany (EFF: podcast 3).
Under par (also below par): A below average performance, a poor display compared to the usual standard
Example: Liverpool put in another under par performance against Aston Villa this Sunday.
Unsettled: When a player is unhappy at a club and wants to move somewhere else
Example: Unsettled striker Dimitar Berbatov wants to leave Spurs to play Champions League football.
V
Volley
Venue: The place where the game is played
Example: The venue for the Champions League final 2008 was Moscow.
Versus: Against (sometimes written vs e.g. Celtic vs Rangers)
Example: Tottenham versus Arsenal is always a tempestuous affair.
Victory: When a team wins: the opposite of a loss or a defeat
Example: Derby County only recorded one victory during the 2007-8 Premier League season. An unwanted record.
Volley: To strike the ball while it is in mid-air
Example: Carlos Tevez’ volley against Manchester United kept West Ham in the top flight last season.
W
Wembley Stadium
WAGs: Wives and girlfriends (originally the England football team’s partners but now refers to most high-profile girlfriends and wives).
Example: Lead by Victoria Beckham the WAGs became a national phenomena thanks to their off-the-field antics at the Germany 2006 World Cup.
Wembley: The home of English football; where the England national team play their home matches, one of the most famous stadiums in the world.
Example: The FA Cup final, the Carling Cup final and England home international games are all played at Wembley.
(to) Win: To not lose or draw a game, to gain a victory, to win a tournament
Example: Spain won the Euro 2008 championships.
Winger: A position on the team, on the left or right-hand side. Players are usually very fast and skillful.
Example: The Manchester United winger, Ryan Giggs, has played more times than anyone else for the club.
Winning Streak: When a team wins a series of matches.
Example: Manchester United went on a nine-match winning streak in March and April.
Woodwork: Refers to the goal frame (post and crossbar). To hit the woodwork is to hit the post, almost score.
Example: Luca Toni’s penalty came back off the woodwork and Italy failed to score.
World Cup: The biggest football tournament in the world is held every four years and features 32 international teams.
Example: Italy won the 2006 World Cup held in Germany.
X
X-rated tackle: a terrible tackle that ends in a bad injury, a tackle that is horrible to watch
Example: Arsenal captain Kolo Toure believes Alexander Hleb was lucky not to be seriously injured after he was on the end of another X-rated tackle as the Gunners went back to the top of the table. (The Independent)
Y
Yard: A form of measurement that is still used to describe sections of the pitch, e.g. the six-yard line is the area closest to the goal line.
Example: Gary Lineker never received a yellow card during his career in English football.
Yob: A hooligan, thug, someone involved in violent behaviour at a football match
Example: Yobs from the home team attacked the opposing team’s fans causing many injuries.
Z
Zizou
Zizou: The nickname of Zinadine Zidane
Example: Despite his sending off in the World Cup Final of 2006 Zizou ’s reputation of a great player remains intact.
Zonal marking: This is a system of defence that marks space rather than individual players.
Example: Rafa Benitez attempted to play zonal marking on his arrival at Liverpool but without much success.
If you have any more football phrases or vocabulary that you would like to add then click on the comment below or contact us at admin@languagecaster.com
Handouts / Worksheets
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