The 2014 World Cup qualifiers continue this week and we feature games from Europe, South America, Africa, Central America and Asia.
In the doldrums: To be at a low point; to be in a bad way
(to be) In the bag: Looking to be safe; the result of the game does not appear to be in danger.
International: Used when describing a game between two countries or to describe a player who has played for his/her country.
Injury time: The time added on by the referee after 90 minutes (See also: stoppage/added time)
This English for Football phrase is to be in with a shout and it means to have a chance of doing well in something even though you may not...
An inept performance: A performance showing no skill; one that is clumsy or poor
The English for Football expression to stamp your authority on something has a basic meaning of showing who is in charge or demonstrating...
Today's English for Football expression is a classic footballing cliche - football is a funny old game.
The football phrase 'to set your sights on' means to have a goal, to decide you want to do something.
On this week's football podcast for learners of English, we look at the language associated with setting up goals, while in our English for...
When a plan goes wrong, is not successful, and it results in a disaster you can use the phrase 'go pear-shaped'
(a) Two-horse race: A close or tight battle between two teams for the title (three teams would be a three-horse race, and so on).
Hooligan: Football supporters involved in violence; yob (hooliganism).
Holders: The current champions of a competition or cup (they hold the trophy)
Hat-trick: To score three goals in one game
To hammer: (a) To thrash, crush, beat another team heavily.
(b) To hit the ball hard; to strike the ball with power
Half-time: The break between the first and second half of a match.
The languagecaster team explain a new football phrase or cliche for learners of English who love the sport. Click on the link below to...
Hairdryer treatment: An expression used to describe how Sir Alex Ferguson (see Fergie) angrily shouts at players at half-time if they are...
(the) Group stage: The earlier rounds of a competition or tournament when teams play each other to determine which sides progress to the...
(to be) Gutted: To feel completely down; be absolutely shattered for example after a last-minute goal or dramatic defeat
(the) Gunners: Nickname of Arsenal Football Club
(to) Go down: To be relegated, to move down a division.
Goalless: When a game finishes without any goals being scored (0-0 / nil-nil).
Goal: When a team scores this is known as a goal
We also sometimes refer to the net or place where players have to score as the goal
Welcome to the website that helps students interested in football improve their English language skills. Soccer fans can enhance these...
In this week's review section we look back at some of the big stories from the world of football to help learners of English improve their...
We feature two matches from the English FA Cup fifth round this weekend and the remaining first-leg last 16 Champions League matches.
Dribble: To beat a player while having the ball at your feet; to go around an opposing player
Dressing room: The place where the players prepare for a match
Cup draw: To decide which teams play which in a cup competition. Teams are sometimes seeded but usually this decision is random