Football Language: To run down the clock

Now, each football match lasts for 90 minutes plus added time and so when a team is winning, especially by a narrow margin of one goal, say 1-0 or 2-1, they usually want the game to end as soon as possible. However, the referee decides when to blow the whistle to signal the end of the game, and anyway, they must play 90 minutes minimum. You have to play to the whistle. So, teams will try to run down the clock. Run down means to expend, use, or decline. To run down the clock means to use or waste time. Teams will do this by trying to keep possession of the ball, taking their time over set pieces like throw-ins, and even by faking injury.