The game of football is any of several similar teamsports, of similar origins which involve, to varying degrees, kicking a ball with the foot in anattempt to score a goal. The most popular of these sports worldwide is association football, more commonlyknown as just football or soccer.The word football is applied towhichever form of football is the most popular in each particular partof the world. Hence, the English language word football is applied to gridiron football, a name associated with American football and Canadian football, Australian rules football, Gaelic football, Rugbyleague, Rugby union and some related games. Thesevariations are known as codes.The various codes of football share the following elements in common:Two teamsof usually between 11 and 18 players; some variations that have fewerplayers (five or more per team) are also popular.A clearly defined area in which to play the game.Scoring goals or points, by moving the ball to an opposing team's end ofthe field and either into a goal area, or over a line.Goals or points resulting from players putting the ball between two goalposts.The goal or line being defended by the opposing team.Players being required to move the ball depending on the code bykicking, carrying, or hand-passing the ball.Players using only their body to move the ball.In most codes, there are rules restricting the movement of players offside, and players scoring a goal must put the balleither under or over a crossbarbetween the goalposts. Other features common to several football codesinclude: points being mostly scored by players carrying the ball acrossthe goal line; and players receiving a free kick after they take a mark or make a faircatch.Peoples from around the world have played games which involvedkicking or carrying a ball, since ancient times. However, most of the modern codesof football have their origins in England
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