Football Glossary

A-B | C-D | E-F | G-H | I-K | L-N | O-Q | R-S | T-V | W-Z

W

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.

Wrap up (to): To win, to complete a victory – usually used to refer to a title race.

Example: Manchester United wrapped up their 19th title on Saturday by getting a point at Blackburn.

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: Paul Robinson, the former England keeper, never dominated his six-yard box which opposing forwards took advantage of.

Yellow card: A caution or booking: if a player commits a serious foul then the referee can give him a yellow card – one more similar offence and he will be sent off.

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: 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.