3pm
The 3pm Blackout
The 3pm Blackout refers to a rule in Britain which prohibits the live broadcast of football matches on Saturdays between 2:45pm and 5:15pm.
Example: Is it time to lift the 3pm Blackout? Considering how much sport is on TV nowadays, there is no sense in keeping the rule.
12th
The 12th man
The 12th man in football is a term of endearment for a team's supporters. Each team is made up of 11 players so, when supporters are so loud enough to influence the game, they are said to be the 12th player.
Example: Liverpool are up against it after losing the first leg 2-1 away from home, but the 12th man at Anfield is certainly significant and should help.
50+1
The 50+1 rule
The 50+1 rule refers to the clause in the German Football League (DFL) regulations which stipulates that clubs must be majority-owned by members, i.e. the fans, rather than commercial investors.
Example: Jurgen Klinsmann said: "I understand the 50+1 rule, it stems from the old club idea, but you can only get money from investors if they are allowed to have a say in the club, which is why the rule is a disadvantage for the Bundesliga on the international stage."
Act
Class act
= A player/manager that deserves praise especially with their attitude and manners off the field.
Advantage
آوانتاژ؛ اگر تیمی در حال حمله باشد و تیم مقابل روی یکی از بازیکنان خطا کند، داور آوانتاژ می‌دهد و به‌این‌ترتیب بازی جریان پیدا میکند تا موقعیت تیم به خاطر سوت بی‌جای داور خراب نشود.
African
African Nations
FA Cup / League Cup / World Cup / European Championships / Coppa America / African Nations
Against
Against the run of play
When a goal is described as being scored "against the run of play" it means it was scored by a team that has not been in control of the match.
چلسی بی‌امان به دروازه‌ی تاتنهام حمله میکند، اما در یک تک‌موقعیت، این تاتنهام است که به گل می‌رسد! اینطور وقت‌ها گزارشگر می‌گوید که گلی خلاف جهت بازی به ثمر رسید.
Example: "We were on top for the first 15 minutes and then conceded against the run of play. That really took the wind out of our sails, but we managed to get back into it and get the win."
Air
Air ball
توپی که سرگردان و به خاطر یک شوت یا پاس هوایی در هوا معلق است.
America
Coppa America
FA Cup / League Cup / World Cup / European Championships / Coppa America / African Nations
All
All ball
= This is said when a player attempts to tackle the ball, and connects with the ball rather than the player’.
GOAT
The GOAT means 'Greatest Of All Time'.
Example: The argument over whether Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi is the GOAT will go on forever.
Two all
Three-two / One-nil / Two all / a Draw / a Score draw / Won (to win / Lost (to lose) / Drew (to draw)
Allow
Allowed
≠
Disallowed
Offside / Disallowed / Ruled out
The goal has been disallowed (phrase)
Anchor
Midfield anchor
= A reliable defensive midfielder with the primary assignment of staying close to the defensive line and nipping attacks in the bud.
See: Daniele De Rossi, Michael Essien, N’Golo Kanté.
Anti
Football
≠
Anti-football
Football is commonly referred to as 'The Beautiful Game',
So anti-football is when a team's style of play is cynical, defensive and, in some cases, violent.
The term is understood to have been first used to describe the performance of Argentine club Estudiantes in the 1968 Intercontinental Cup final against Manchester United.
همان ضد فوتبال خودمان است. وقتی تیمی که جلو است و وقت را تلف میکند، گزارش گر از این اصطلاح استفاده میکند.
Example: Commenting on the 2010 World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain, Johan Cruyff said: "This ugly, vulgar, hard, hermetic, hardly eye-catching, hardly football style, yes it served the Dutch to unsettle Spain. If with this they got satisfaction, fine, but they ended up losing. They were playing anti-football."
Area
Penalty area
= Penalty box
= Danger zone
محدوده‌ی جلوی هر دروازه که به منطقه‌ی جریمه معروف است و خطا در آن باعث پنالتی یا ضربه مستقیم به دروازه می‌شود.
Corner flag / Goal mouth / Touch line / Penalty box / Penalty area / the box / the area / Post / Cross bar / Net
On the edge of the area
= on the edge of the penalty box
Assistant
Referee’s assistant
= Linesman
کمک داور
Association → Associations
FA = Football Association
= body governing men’s football in England)
WFA = Women’s Football Association
= body governing women’s football in England
PFA = Professional Footballers’ Association
UEFA = Union of European Football Associations
FIFA = Fédération Internationale de Football Association = International Association of Association Football
Attack → Counterattack
The attack, Forward, Striker, Attacker, Target man
Attack
حمله
≠
Attack → Counterattack
Counterattack:
ضد حمله
Direct attack
حمله مستقیم
≠
Indirect attack
حمله‌ی غیرمستقیم
Attacker → Attackers
The attack, Forward, Striker, Attacker, Target man
Dangerous Attackers
بازیکنانی که وارد محوطه جریمه می‌شوند و دیگر هر ضربه‌ای از طرفشان خطرناک است و بوی گل می‌دهد.
Attacking
Attacking Plan:
برنامه حمله‌ی یک تیم
Babe → Babes
Busby Babes
The Busby Babes was a nickname for the Manchester United team managed by Matt Busby during the 1950s and 1960s.
They were dubbed 'Babes' due to the relative youth of the team.
Away
Away goal
Away goals rule
The 'away goals rule' is a method of deciding the winner of a two-legged tie in the event of an aggregate draw. If the tie finishes 2-2 on aggregate, the team with the most goals scored away from home wins.
Example: "Lucas Moura's incredible second-half hat-trick saw Tottenham snatch a 3-2 win at Ajax and a place in the Champions League final on away goals."
Back
دفاع یا بخش عقبی تیم را دفاع می‌گویند.
Back heel
ضربه پشت پا؛ وقتی بازیکنی با پشت پا به توپ ضربه میزند و توپ را به عقب می‌فرستد.
Back of the net
= A commentator favorite to describe the ball crossing the line and hugging the net, in other words, a goal.
'Back of the net!' is an exclamation of excitement or joy used when a goal that is scored with such force that the ball not only crosses the line, but hits the net. The term was famously used as a catchphrase by Steve Coogan's character Alan Partridge in the sitcom I'm Alan Partridge.
Example: "That goal was buried into the back of the net!"
Back pass
پاس رو به عقب
a Tackle / a Pass / a Header / a Cross / a Shot / a Lob / a Back pass / a Dive / a Deflection / a Deflected shot / an Interception
Back side
ناحیه‌ی دفاعی زمین
Fullback
Right back
Left back
The defense / Defender / Fullback / Right back / Left back / Central defender / Centre half / Sweeper
Ball
Air ball
توپی که سرگردان و به خاطر یک شوت یا پاس هوایی در هوا معلق است.
All ball
= This is said when a player attempts to tackle the ball, and connects with the ball rather than the player’.
First-time ball
= Transferring the ball to a teammate with one single touch when a pass is received.
Hospital ball
= A reckless pass that’s within reach of two players from opposing teams that can give rise to injuries.
Through ball
A 'through ball' is a pass which is threaded through the opposition's lines of defense to a team-mate who has made a well timed run.
Example: "Kevin De Bruyne split the defense wide open with a sensational through ball to Gabriel Jesus."
Ball-to-hand
= The claim that the contact between the hand and the ball is inadvertent, therefore it shouldn’t warrant a free kick.
Hoofing the ball
To 'hoof the ball' is to aimlessly clear the ball out of defense instead of carefully picking a pass.
Example: "Everyone wants Ireland to play it out from the back, so why are they always hoofing the ball?"
Dead ball
Dead-ball specialist
A dead-ball specialist is a player who is particularly skilled at striking a ball when it is stationary, such as during a free kick or corner kick.
Example: "Andrea Pirlo's sumptuous free kick was the difference between the teams and served as a reminder of why he is considered one of the game's greatest dead-ball specialists."
Banana 🍌
Banana 🍌 Kick
ضربه کات دار یا موج‌دار
Bar
It’s hit the bar
= the shot hit the cross bar
Crossbar
تیر افقی دروازه
Goal post
تیر عمودی دروازه
Corner flag / Goal mouth / Touch line / Penalty box / Penalty area / the box / the area / Post / Cross bar / Net
Bath
an Early bath
= Left the pitch early
= Sent off
Behind
Behind closed doors
To play a match behind closed doors is to do so without spectators.
It is commonly used as a punishment by football authorities as it denies a club the chance to earn money through gate receipts.
However, it can also be used in the event of health concerns, such as an epidemic or global pandemic.
Example: "Following guidance from the Austrian government, Manchester United have been informed by UEFA and LASK that the Europa League game on Thursday will be played behind closed doors."
Bench
‘on the bench’
= a substitute
Bicycle
Bicycle kick
= Overhead kick
= The movement by a player where they jump up, throw both feet in the air and hit the ball in a pedaling motion to send the ball in the opposite direction they’re facing.
Bicycle kick
A bicycle kick is a method of shooting or passing which involves a player being airborne and usually playing the ball in the opposite direction to the way they are facing. Sometimes referred to as an 'overhead kick', the bicycle kick is so called because a player appears to cycle through the air upside down.
ضربه‌ی قیچی یا برگردان؛ وقتی بازیکن مهاجم روی هوا بلند می‌شود و باروی پا به شکل برگردان توپ را وارد دروازه میکند.
Example: Rio Ferdinand said: "The opposing fans in the stadium applauding the great Cristiano after the bicycle kick and rightly so. Keeps on upping the ante - relentless."
Big
Big game
Big-game player
A big-game player is one who routinely performs well in a highly pressurized environment such as a final, a heated derby match or a decisive league fixture.
Big-game players are not overwhelmed by nerves or the occasion and are capable of affecting the outcome of big games.
Example: "Lionel Messi is the all-time top scorer in the history of El Clasico. This guy is the ultimate big-game player for Barcelona."
Blackout
The 3pm Blackout
The 3pm Blackout refers to a rule in Britain which prohibits the live broadcast of football matches on Saturdays between 2:45pm and 5:15pm.
Example: Is it time to lift the 3pm Blackout? Considering how much sport is on TV nowadays, there is no sense in keeping the rule.
Blind
Blind side run
: به منطقه‌ای که از دید دفاع مقابل خارج است، blind side می‌گویند. وقتی بازیکن مهاجم تیم الف بدون توپ و در انتظار پاس به این منطقه می‌رود اصطلاحا می‌گویند: blind side run.
Block
Block tackle:
تکل
Blow → Blown
Blow his whistle
The ref has blown his whistle for half time (phrase)
Boat
Showboat
= Showing off for fans after cementing a safe score, accompanied by unnecessary displays of frivolous pieces of skill.
Book
Booked
Booked / Sent off / Red card / Yellow card / Foul / Hand ball / Obstruction / Trip / Push
Boot
1.
Football boots
: بله! می‌دانیم که boot به معنای کفش و چکمه است.
Kit / Shirt / Shorts / Socks / Football boots / Studs / Shin pads/guards
2.
اما اگر حین گزارش فوتبال به این کلمه به گوشتان خورد، بدانید که منظور گزارشگر همان شوت زدن است.
Boot it
= An instruction given by the teammates of a player for them to kick the ball with full power to get it away.
Bosman
Bosman ruling
The Bosman ruling was a decision made by the European Court of Justice in favor of Belgian footballer Jean-Marc Bosman against the Belgian Football Association, RFC Liege and UEFA in 1995, which protected the free movement of labor and altered the nature of football transfers.
Essentially, it allowed a footballer to leave a club and join another for no transfer fee - otherwise known as a free transfer - when their contract expired.
A player who joins another club upon the expiry of their contract is said to have moved 'on a Bosman'.
Bottling / Bottled it
If a team is accused of 'bottling it' it means they have thrown away a game from a position of (usually significant) advantage.
While the term 'to have a lot of bottle' refers to an individual possessing boldness of spirit, 'to bottle it' in football is to show a weakness of character.
Example: "The second Spurs get close to winning anything they go and bottle it. Biggest bottle-jobs in football!"
Box
He’s crossed it into the box (phrase)
Fox in the box
= Poacher
= A cunning and skilled striker that’s extremely dangerous in the penalty area.
See: Andy Cole, Miroslav Klose, Mario Jardel.
A 'fox in the box' is a phrase which describes a striker whose movement within the 18-yard box is clever enough to elude markers so that he can score goals.
The term evokes the idea of cunning which is commonly associated with foxes.
Example: "Michael Owen had bags of pace so he could always get in behind defenses
, but he was also a fox in the box - a total nightmare for defenders to keep an eye on.
Penalty box
= Penalty Area
= Dangerous Zone
Corner flag / Goal mouth / Touch line / Penalty box / Penalty area / the box / the area / Post / Cross bar / Net
Box to box
Box-to-box player
= A player that can successfully play both sides (defensive and offensive) of the game.
See: Radja Nainggolan, Yaya Touré, Patrick Vieira.
Brace
A brace in football is a term for two goals.
= A word to describe the achievement of a player that scores two goals in one game.
Example: "Mohamed Salah made the difference, bagging a brace to send Liverpool on their way to victory against Everton."
Own goal / Hat-trick / Brace
Scoring a brace
He’s scored a brace of goals
= he’s scored two goals in the same match
Break
Breakaway
: آن لحظه‌ای که بازیکن پا به توپ می‌شود و چند نفر را کنار میزند یا با یک استارت سریع با سرعت به سمت دروازه‌ی حریف می‌رود، اصطلاحا breakaway یا فرار نام دارد.
Bring down → Brought down
He’s brought him down and that will surely mean a yellow card (phrase)
Bus
Park the bus
= Playing ultra-defensive not to concede any goals, chiefly applied by team with the edge on the scoreboard.
Parking the bus
When a team 'parks the bus' it means that they played a completely defensive game with little or no intent of attacking. The term was coined by Jose Mourinho in his first stint as Chelsea manager when he accused Tottenham of 'bringing the bus' and leaving it in front of goal. Ironically, the term would later come to define Mourinho's tactical style.
Example: Mourinho talking about his Inter team beating Barcelona in 2010: "We won the tie in Barcelona but everyone talks about Barcelona winning and says we parked the bus in front of the goal. We didn't park the bus, we parked the plane and we did it for two reasons. One, because we only had 10 men and two, because we beat them 3-1 at San Siro, not by parking the bus, or the boat or the airplane but by smashing them."
Jose Mourinho Tottenham 2019-20
Busby
Busby Babes
The Busby Babes was a nickname for the Manchester United team managed by Matt Busby during the 1950s and 1960s.
They were dubbed 'Babes' due to the relative youth of the team.
Cap
Cap-tied
When a player is cap-tied in international football it means they have played a senior competitive game for one particular national team and cannot change to another for which they may have been eligible.
Example: Former Barcelona forward Munir El-Haddadi was eligible for Morocco, but cannot switch allegiance to them because he played for Spain once in a European Championship qualifier, meaning he is cap-tied to Spain.
Carry:
دریبل کردن
Card
Yellow Card
Booked / Sent off / Red card / Yellow card / Foul / Hand ball / Obstruction / Trip / Push
To get a yellow card
= to be booked
He’s brought him down and that will surely mean a yellow card (phrase)
Red card
To get a red card
= to be sent off
Catenaccio
Catenaccio is an Italian term for a tactical system of play which uses a strong defensive system.
The word means 'door bolt' or 'chain'.
It was notably used by Inter in the 1960s as well as many of Giovanni Trapattoni's teams.
Caught
Caught sleeping
When a player or defense is described as having been "caught sleeping" it means they have not been concentrating enough on their job or paying attention to the player they are supposed to be marking.
Variations of "caught sleeping" include "caught napping" and "switched off".
Example: "The Chelsea defense were caught sleeping when they failed to close down Ronaldinho, who used the space to pick his spot and send the ball sailing past Petr Cech."
Central
Central Defender
The defense / Defender / Fullback / Right back / Left back / Central defender / Centre half / Sweeper
Centre
Centre Circle ⭕
دایره‌ی مرکز زمین
Centre Spot
همان نقطه‌ی وسط دایره که بازیکن صاحب توپ باید با یک پاس بازی را شروع کند.
Center half
The defense / Defender / Fullback / Right back / Left back / Central defender / Centre half / Sweeper
Champion
The Champions League
The football league / The premiership / The Women’s Super League (WSL) / The champions’ league / Non-league
Championship
= second division in men’s football
European Championships
FA Cup / League Cup / World Cup / European Championships / Coppa America / African Nations
Changing
Changing room
Dressing room / Changing room / Dugout
Chest
Chest Reception
: دریافت توپ با قفسه‌ی سینه
Chip:
زدن به زیر توپ؛ وقتی مهاجم با دروازه‌بان اصطلاحا تک به تک شده است یا باید یک مدافع را رد کند، با نوک پا ضربه‌ای به زیر توپ میزند و توپ با یک قوس تمیز به هوا می‌رود و پشت سر دفاع یا دروازه‌بان فرود می‌آید.
Chip shot
= A shot that is kicked from underneath the ball to provide some arc for it to go over the opponent.
See: Lionel Messi.
Circle
Centre Circle ⭕
دایره‌ی مرکز زمین
Class
Class act
= A player/manager that deserves praise especially with their attitude and manners off the field.
Clean
Clean sheet
= The accolade a team/goalkeeper earns when a full game is played without conceding a goal.
A clean sheet is when a team does not concede any goals in a match. Sometimes known as 'a shutout' in North America, it uses the image of an unblemished garment.
Example: "Despite the best efforts of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, Alisson managed to keep a clean sheet at Anfield."
Clearance:
وقتی تیم مقابل توپ را از منطقه خطر دور میکند یا آن را می‌گیرد.
Cleats
= The plastic or metallic bumps on the sole of football shoes.
Also used for the shoes themselves.
Clinical
Clinical finish
= A top notch shot that leads to a goal.
The scorer of this goal is called the clinical finisher.
See: Ruud van Nistelrooy, Harry Kane, Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima.
Closed
Behind closed
Behind closed doors
To play a match behind closed doors is to do so without spectators.
It is commonly used as a punishment by football authorities as it denies a club the chance to earn money through gate receipts.
However, it can also be used in the event of health concerns, such as an epidemic or global pandemic.
Example: "Following guidance from the Austrian government, Manchester United have been informed by UEFA and LASK that the Europa League game on Thursday will be played behind closed doors."
Club
Match / Game / Commentator / Club / Team
Yo-yo club
= A yo-yo club is one which is always capable of earning promotion but cannot seem to maintain its status in the higher division.
Therefore they are regularly promoted and relegated.
Manchester City, West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace and Birmingham City are notable historic examples of yo-yo clubs in England.
Coach
= Head coach
= Manager
مربی-سرمربی
Footballer / Player / Manager / Player-manager / Coach
Cold
On a cold, wet night in Stoke
If one posits that a player cannot play 'on a cold, wet Wednesday night in Stoke' it means they would struggle to perform in England.
The phrase, since embellished, was first uttered in 2010 by pundit Andy Gray, who suggested that Barcelona star Lionel Messi would find it difficult to play well in the rain-sodden, wind-swept pitches of the Premier League.
Concede
Score
To score/a goal:
گل زدن
≠
To concede /a goal
: گل خوردن
Coppa
Coppa America
FA Cup / League Cup / World Cup / European Championships / Coppa America / African Nations
Corner
اگر نگاهی به زمین فوتبال کنید، چهارگوشه‌ی زمین یک ربع دایره وجود دارد که با پرچم هم علامت‌گذاری شده است؛ این منطقه، منطقه کرنر است و اگر بازیکن دفاع یک تیم توپ را از خط افقی بیرون فرستاد، تیم مقابل باید از منطقه کرنر، توپ را بزند.
Corner flag
پرچم کرنر که در چهارگوشه‌ی زمین وجود دارد.
Corner flag / Goal mouth / Touch line / Penalty box / Penalty area / the box / the area / Post / Cross bar / Net
Corner kick
Throw-in / Goal kick / Corner kick / Free kick / Penalty /Direct / Indirect free kick / Defensive wall
Cosh
Under the cosh
If a team is 'under the cosh' they are enduring severe pressure during a game and defending resolutely against wave after wave of attacks.
Example: "When Roy Keane was sent off, Manchester United spent the rest of the game under the cosh."
Counter
Attack → Counterattack
The attack / Forward, Striker / Attacker / Target man
Attack
حمله
≠
Attack → Counterattack
Counterattack:
ضد حمله
Direct attack
حمله مستقیم
≠
Indirect attack
حمله‌ی غیرمستقیم
Attacking
Attacking Plan:
برنامه حمله‌ی یک تیم
CR7
CR7 is a nickname for Cristiano Ronaldo which combines his initials and favored number. The Portugal star has turned the nickname into a brand, selling underwear, fragrance and other items under the name.
Cristiano Ronaldo Juventus 2019-20Getty Images
Cracker
= A breathtaking football match or an outstanding goal, mainly from a long distance.
Cross
Verb
To cross
to Shoot / to Score / to Tackle / to Cross / to Pass / to Dive / to Intercept
He’s crossed it into the box (phrase)
Noun
Crossbar
تیر افقی دروازه
Corner flag / Goal mouth / Touch line / Penalty box / Penalty area / the box / the area / Post / Cross bar / Net
a Tackle / a Pass / a Header / a Cross / a Shot / a Lob / a Back pass / a Dive / a Deflection / a Deflected shot / an Interception
Crow
Supporters / crow / fans
Cruyff
Cruyff Turn
The Cruyff Turn is the name of a dribble technique which was popularized by Netherlands star Johan Cruyff when he used it to evade Sweden's Jan Olsson at the 1974 World Cup.
The move involves feigning a pass and switching the ball to the standing foot by performing a 180 degree turn.
Cup
Mickey Mouse cup
'Mickey Mouse cup' is a pejorative term for a competition that is not deemed as important or competitive as others.
If a country has a number of cup competitions, the 'Mickey Mouse cup' is usually the one which has the lowest financial reward.
FA Cup
League Cup
World Cup
FA Cup / League Cup / World Cup / European Championships / Coppa America / African Nations
Cup-tied
The rules of many cup competitions prohibit a player for playing for two different clubs in the same competition in the same season.
If a player plays for one club in round one of a cup then transfers to another club which is competing in the same cup, they would be cup-tied for the remainder of the competition.
Danger
Danger zone
= Penalty area
محدوده‌ی جلوی هر دروازه که به منطقه‌ی جریمه معروف است و خطا در آن باعث پنالتی یا ضربه مستقیم به دروازه می‌شود.
Dangerous
Dangerous Attackers
بازیکنانی که وارد محوطه جریمه می‌شوند و دیگر هر ضربه‌ای از طرفشان خطرناک است و بوی گل می‌دهد.
Day
St Totteringham's Day
St Totteringham's Day is the day when Arsenal fans celebrate when it becomes mathematically impossible for Tottenham to finish above their team in the league.
It is therefore a moveable feast, which may not occur every year.
Dead
Dead ball
Dead-ball specialist
A dead-ball specialist is a player who is particularly skilled at striking a ball when it is stationary, such as during a free kick or corner kick.
Example: "Andrea Pirlo's sumptuous free kick was the difference between the teams and served as a reminder of why he is considered one of the game's greatest dead-ball specialists."
Death
Group of Death
A Group of Death is used to describe a group in a tournament (such as the World Cup) that is made up entirely of teams who are considered very strong.
Example: "Brazil 2014 served up a number of groups that were considered competitive enough to be described as 'Groups of Death'. One such example was Group B, which featured the two finalists from the 2010 World Cup - Spain and the Netherlands - as well as Chile and Australia."
Deflection
Deflection shot
a Tackle / a Pass / a Header / a Cross / a Shot / a Lob / a Back pass / a Dive / a Deflection / a Deflected shot / an Interception
Defender
مدافع
Central Defender
The defense / Defender / Fullback / Right back / Left back / Central defender / Centre half / Sweeper
Defense
The defense / Defender / Fullback / Right back / Left back / Central defender / Centre half / Sweeper
Defensive
Defensive wall
Throw-in / Goal kick / Corner kick / Free kick / Penalty /Direct / Indirect free kick / Defensive wall
Designated
Designated Player
A Designated Player in Major League Soccer (MLS) is one who is not included in a team's salary cap, allowing them to be paid more.
It was introduced in 2007 in order to facilitate the transfer of David Beckham from Real Madrid to LA Galaxy.
Direct
≠
Indirect
Direct attack
حمله مستقیم
≠
Indirect attack
حمله‌ی غیرمستقیم
Direct free kick
≠
Indirect free kick
Throw-in / Goal kick / Corner kick / Free kick / Penalty /Direct / Indirect free kick / Defensive wall
Allow
Allowed
≠
Disallowed
Offside / Disallowed / Ruled out
The goal has been disallowed (phrase)
Dive
Verb
To Dive
to Shoot / to Score / to Tackle / to Cross / to Pass / to Dive / to Intercept
Noun
a dive
= pretending to be fouled by falling over
= The exaggerated falling move of a player to deceive the referee in order to win their team a foul call.
A dive in football is when a player deliberately attempts to hoodwink the referee into calling a foul by throwing themselves to the ground during a tackle. An attempt to deceive the referee is a yellow-card offense.
این همان لحظه‌ای است که بازیکن تیم بدون هیچ برخوردی خودش را زمین می‌اندازد تا خطا بگیرد.
Example: "Certain players have earned a reputation for theatrics and in some cases it is deeply unfair, but that was a blatant dive by Arjen Robben."
a Tackle / a Pass / a Header / a Cross / a Shot / a Lob / a Back pass / a Dive / a Deflection / a Deflected shot / an Interception
Door → doors
Early doors
= Early in the match
A common expression among footballers and pundits, 'early doors' simply means early in a game. It is believed to originate in northern England as a term to describe the early closing of a public house.
Example: "We nicked a goal early doors and then it was just a case of shutting up shop to grind out the win."
Behind closed doors
To play a match behind closed doors is to do so without spectators.
It is commonly used as a punishment by football authorities as it denies a club the chance to earn money through gate receipts.
However, it can also be used in the event of health concerns, such as an epidemic or global pandemic.
Example: "Following guidance from the Austrian government, Manchester United have been informed by UEFA and LASK that the Europa League game on Thursday will be played behind closed doors."
The Double
When a team wins two trophies it is described as a double.
In most cases, 'the Double' refers to a league and cup triumph.
Downing
Downing tools
'Downing tools' is a term used to describe the perception that footballers are no longer trying their best for their manager. Often, charges of players downing tools occur when a manager has annoyed a team or player, or his methods no longer inspire confidence.
Example: "Thanks to his treatment by Jose Mourinho, the feeling is that Paul Pogba has downed tools at Manchester United."
Draw
Noun
A score draw
Three-two / One-nil / Two all / a Draw / a Score draw / Won (to win) / Lost (to lose) / Drew (to draw)
Verb
To draw → Drew
Dressing
Dressing room
Dressing room / Changing room / Dugout
Lost the dressing room
= A phrase to describe a situation in which the manager has lost control over and the respect of the players.
If a manager has 'lost the dressing room' it means that they no longer have influence and control over their players.
Mistreatment of a popular player can lead to revolt in the group or it could just be down to a lack of confidence in a manager's ability and methods.
In effect, losing the dressing room means that a manager cannot lead their team sufficiently and usually ends up with them losing their job.
Example: "He started well and they bought into the philosophy, but when he stripped the captain of the armband he lost the dressing room."
Draw
Noun
It’s a draw (phrase)
Verb
To Draw → Drew
Three-two / One-nil / Two all / a Draw / a Score draw / Won (to win / Lost (to lose) / Drew (to draw)
Dryer
Hairdryer
Hairdryer treatment
= The hard scolding of players by their manager, usually taking place in the changing room.
Popularized by the former Manchester United Manager Alex Ferguson.
The 'hairdryer treatment' is a euphemism for a furious verbal assault on a player or players by a manager.
The idea is that a constant stream of hot hair is blown into one's face.
Example: "Manchester United were so bad in that first half that there is no doubt Alex Ferguson will give them the hairdryer treatment."
Dugout
Dressing room / Changing room / Dugout
Dummy
Dummy run
= An off-the-ball run made by an offensive player to create space for his teammate with the ball.
Used to trick opponents by pretending to move towards the ball.
Early
Early doors
= Early in the match
A common expression among footballers and pundits, 'early doors' simply means early in a game.
It is believed to originate in northern England as a term to describe the early closing of a public house.
Example: "We nicked a goal early doors and then it was just a case of shutting up shop to grind out the win."
an Early bath
= Left the pitch early
= Sent off
Edge
On the edge of the area
= on the edge of the penalty box
Engine
Traction engine
Foot like a traction engine
When someone says a player "must have a foot like a traction engine" they mean that they have a powerful shot.
The phrase comes from the satirical British television show
The Day Today. Steve Coogan's character on the show, Alan Partridge, was a parody of a sports reporter and, while doing commentary on a match, he says: "Sh*t! Did you see that? He must have a foot like a traction engine!"
European
European Championships
FA Cup / League Cup / World Cup / European Championships / Coppa America / African Nations
Expected
XG
XG is an abbreviation for 'Expected Goals'.
A modern statistical measurement,
FA = Football Association
= body governing men’s football in England)
FA Cup
FA Cup / League Cup / World Cup / European Championships / Coppa America / African Nations
False
False nine
The 'false nine' is a player who takes up the position of a central forward in a team, but performs a more withdrawn role than a traditional 'number nine' striker. A false nine is not as advanced as a conventional striker and drops deep to drag centre-backs out, allowing the left and right wingers to get in behind.
Example: Explaining the position, Lionel Messi said: "[Pep Guardiola] had been talking with Tito Vilanova and they had thought about me playing as a false nine. He was going to put Samuel [Eto'o] and Thierry Henry on the outside, and I was going to play as the false centre forward."
Fan → Fans
Supporters / Crow / Fans
Feet
Stay on your feet
'Stay on your feet' is a phrase that is usually directed at rash players, who are urged not to dive in and prematurely attempt to tackle an opponent.
It became an internet sensation when Ray Wilkins uttered the phrase repeatedly while doing commentary for the 2011 Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Tottenham.
Foot like a traction engine
When someone says a player "must have a foot like a traction engine" they mean that they have a powerful shot.
The phrase comes from the satirical British television show
The Day Today. Steve Coogan's character on the show, Alan Partridge, was a parody of a sports reporter and, while doing commentary on a match, he says: "Sh*t! Did you see that? He must have a foot like a traction engine!"
Feint
= Flip Flap
= The dribbling of the ball in one direction after faking the dribble in the other direction with a bogus body movement.
Also known as the snakebite for being resembling a snake’s agile attack on its prey.
Fergie
Fergie Time
'Fergie Time' describes the perception that former Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson had a psychological influence on referees that made them add just enough time after 90 minutes to allow the Red Devils to score. First used in the 1990s, the fact that Ferguson could often be seen pointing at his watch on the sideline and his teams scored plenty of late goals contributed to the perception.
Example: "Back in the 1992-93 season, with Manchester United and Sheffield Wednesday drawing 1-1, seven minutes of time was added at the end and Steve Bruce scored a winner. Thus Fergie Time was born."
Alex Ferguson Manchester UnitedGetty
Fergie's Fledglings
The term 'Fergie's Fledglings' describes the clutch of young players who graduated from the Manchester United academy to the first team under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson.
It is inspired by the Busby Babes.
Field
Midfield anchor
= A reliable defensive midfielder with the primary assignment of staying close to the defensive line and nipping attacks in the bud.
See: Daniele De Rossi, Michael Essien, N’Golo Kanté.
Fielder
Midfielder
هافبک
FIFA = Fédération Internationale de Football Association = International Association of Association Football
Fifty
Fifty-fifty / 50/50
A fifty-fifty (sometimes stylised 50/50) is when two players compete for possession of a loose ball, usually coming together at the same time. In order to win a fifty-fifty, a player usually needs to be strong in the tackle.
Example: "Nine times out of 10 if you go into a 50/50 challenge hard and committed, you will win the ball, but if you go in half-heartedly, you have more chance of getting injured."
Final
Final whistle
Half time / Full time / Final whistle
Finish
Clinical finish
= A top notch shot that leads to a goal.
The scorer of this goal is called the clinical finisher.
See: Ruud van Nistelrooy, Harry Kane, Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima.
First
First Team
Squad / Team / First team / Reserves / Substitutes
First time
First-time ball
= Transferring the ball to a teammate with one single touch when a pass is received.
Fixing
Match fixing
Match fixing in football is when the outcome of a particular game is deliberately influenced in order that someone - be it a player, players or criminal enterprise - can financially benefit. Match fixing is a serious offense which can result in prosecution.
Flag
Corner flag
پرچم کرنر که در چهارگوشه‌ی زمین وجود دارد.
Corner flag / Goal mouth / Touch line / Penalty box / Penalty area / the box / the area / Post / Cross bar / Net
Flap
Flip Flap
= Feint
= The dribbling of the ball in one direction after faking the dribble in the other direction with a bogus body movement.
Also known as the snakebite for being resembling a snake’s agile attack on its prey.
Fledgling
Fergie's Fledglings
The term 'Fergie's Fledglings' describes the clutch of young players who graduated from the Manchester United academy to the first team under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson.
It is inspired by the Busby Babes.
Flick-on
= A move where the offensive player hits a moving ball with their foot or head when it’s passing by them without controlling it first.
Flip
Flip Flap
= Feint
= The dribbling of the ball in one direction after faking the dribble in the other direction with a bogus body movement.
Also known as the snakebite for being resembling a snake’s agile attack on its prey.
Foot → Feet
Foot like a traction engine
When someone says a player "must have a foot like a traction engine" they mean that they have a powerful shot.
The phrase comes from the satirical British television show
The Day Today. Steve Coogan's character on the show, Alan Partridge, was a parody of a sports reporter and, while doing commentary on a match, he says: "Sh*t! Did you see that? He must have a foot like a traction engine!"
Stay on your feet
'Stay on your feet' is a phrase that is usually directed at rash players, who are urged not to dive in and prematurely attempt to tackle an opponent.
It became an internet sensation when Ray Wilkins uttered the phrase repeatedly while doing commentary for the 2011 Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Tottenham.
Football
≠
Anti-football
Football is commonly referred to as 'The Beautiful Game',
So anti-football is when a team's style of play is cynical, defensive and, in some cases, violent.
The term is understood to have been first used to describe the performance of Argentine club Estudiantes in the 1968 Intercontinental Cup final against Manchester United.
همان ضد فوتبال خودمان است. وقتی تیمی که جلو است و وقت را تلف میکند، گزارش گر از این اصطلاح استفاده میکند.
Example: Commenting on the 2010 World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain, Johan Cruyff said: "This ugly, vulgar, hard, hermetic, hardly eye-catching, hardly football style, yes it served the Dutch to unsettle Spain. If with this they got satisfaction, fine, but they ended up losing. They were playing anti-football."
Heavy metal football
The term 'heavy metal football' describes the style of play implemented by German football coach Jurgen Klopp.
As a style, it is high intensity and fast, involving rapid counter-attacking moves.
The term was first popularized when Klopp was manager of Borussia Dortmund.
Total football
Total Football (Totaal voetbal in Dutch) is the name of a tactical style of play that was pioneered by Ajax and the Netherlands national team in the 1970s.
The concept of Total Football is that any player on the team can fulfill any role as necessary, allowing a fluid, dynamic approach.
While it was popularized by the Dutch in the 1970s, it later became the foundation of the modern-day Barcelona team when Johan Cruyff took over as manager of the club in the late 1980s.
Football match stadium
Football pitch
Football pyramid
The football pyramid is the term for a football league system which is bound together as a unit by promotion and relegation.
In England, for example, it is possible for a club to progress from non-league football to the Premier League and vice versa.
Football boots
Kit / Shirt / Shorts / Socks / Football boots / Studs / Shin pads/guards
FA = Football Association
= body governing men’s football in England)
WFA = Women’s Football Association
= body governing women’s football in England
The football league
The football league / The premiership / The Women’s Super League (WSL) / The champions’ league / Non-league
UEFA = Union of European Football Associations
FIFA = Fédération Internationale de Football Association = International Association of Association Football
Footballer → Footballers
Footballer / Player / Manager / Player-manager / Coach
YouTube footballer
= YouTuber
= is a player who appears to attempt complicated things on the pitch solely for the purpose of their highlight reel rather than the good of the team. It is a derogatory tag that is fixed to players who are perceived to be selfish.
Former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness famous described Paul Pogba as a YouTube footballer.
PFA = Professional Footballers’ Association
Forward
= Striker
مهاجم
Foul
Booked / Sent off / Red card / Yellow card / Foul / Hand ball / Obstruction / Trip / Push
Professional foul
A professional foul is when a player deliberately obstructs an opponent in order to prevent them from scoring a goal or initiating a counter attack.
It is a cynical premeditated tactic which is punished by a yellow card and sometimes a red card, depending on the severity of the foul.
Fourth
Fourth official
Referee / Ref / Linesman / Lineswoman / Fourth official
Fox
Fox in the box
= Poacher
= A cunning and skilled striker that’s extremely dangerous in the penalty area.
See: Andy Cole, Miroslav Klose, Mario Jardel.
A 'fox in the box' is a phrase which describes a striker whose movement within the 18-yard box is clever enough to elude markers so that he can score goals.
The term evokes the idea of cunning which is commonly associated with foxes.
Example: "Michael Owen had bags of pace so he could always get in behind defenses
, but he was also a fox in the box - a total nightmare for defenders to keep an eye on.
Free
Free kick
وقتی تیمی خطا میکند، داور به تیم مقابل ضربه آزاد می‌دهد.که به این ضربه free kick می‌گویند.
Direct free kick
≠
Indirect free kick
Throw-in / Goal kick / Corner kick / Free kick / Penalty /Direct / Indirect free kick / Defensive wall
Friend → Friends
Girlfriend → Girlfriends
WAG
The term WAG means 'Wives And Girlfriends',
referring to the partners of footballers.
Cristiano Ronaldo Georgina Rodriguez 2019Getty
Full
Fullback
The defense / Defender / Fullback / Right back / Left back / Central defender, Centre half / Sweeper
Full time
Half time / Full time / Final whistle
Gaffer
The 'gaffer' is the head coach or manager of a football team.
It is an informal British term for a boss, such as a foreman on a building site.
Example: "We always knew the game was going to be tough, but the gaffer prepared us well and we got the job done."
Galactico
A galactico - Spanish meaning 'galactic' - is an exceptionally talented player of worldwide renown who usually transfers for a considerable transfer fee.
A galactico is a player who is 'out of this world'.
The term became popularized in the early 2000s thanks to a transfer policy enacted by Real Madrid which saw them sign Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and David Beckham.
Example: “I'm not a 'Galactico', not yet, [but] I hope to be one day,” said Eden Hazard after joining Real Madrid.
Game
Match / Game / Commentator / Club / Team
Game of two halves
= A cliché that commentators resort to when a match has consisted of two halves with huge disparities in character and score.
When a football match is described as being 'a game of two halves' it usually means that one team dominated the first half and then the other dominated the second half.
Football is by definition a game of two 45-minute periods broken up by a 15 minute half-time interval.
The pitch itself is also divided into two halves.
Big-game player
A big-game player is one who routinely performs well in a highly pressurized environment such as a final, a heated derby match or a decisive league fixture.
Big-game players are not overwhelmed by nerves or the occasion and are capable of affecting the outcome of big games.
Example: "Lionel Messi is the all-time top scorer in the history of El Clasico. This guy is the ultimate big-game player for Barcelona."
Guards
Shin pads / guards
Kit / Shirt / Shorts / Socks / Football boots / Studs / Shin pads/guards
Get
To get a red card
= to be sent off
To get a yellow card
= to be booked
Ghost 👻
Ghost 👻 goal
A ghost goal is a goal that has been awarded despite the whole of the ball not crossing the line.
Ghost goals are now increasingly unlikely thanks to VAR and goal-line technology, but can still occur.
Giant
Giant-killing
In football, a giant-killing is when a top level club is beaten in a cup competition by a club of much smaller stature, usually from a number of tiers below the top.
The term evokes the imagery of the biblical story of David and Goliath.
Girl → Girls
Girlfriend → Girlfriends
WAG
The term WAG means 'Wives And Girlfriends',
referring to the partners of footballers.
Cristiano Ronaldo Georgina Rodriguez 2019Getty
Greatest
GOAT
The GOAT means 'Greatest Of All Time'.
Example: The argument over whether Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi is the GOAT will go on forever.
Goal → Goals
دروازه
The goal has been disallowed (phrase)
Goal post
تیر عمودی دروازه
Goal mouth
Corner flag / Goal mouth / Touch line / Penalty box / Penalty area / the box / the area / Post / Cross bar / Net
Goalkeeper
دروازه‌بان
Goalkeeper / Keeper / Goalie
To concede /a goal
: گل خوردن
To score/a goal:
گل زدن
He’s scored a brace of goals
= he’s scored two goals in the same match
Goal kick
Throw-in / Goal kick / Corner kick / Free kick / Penalty /Direct / Indirect free kick / Defensive wall
XG
XG is an abbreviation for 'Expected Goals'.
A modern statistical measurement,
Golden goal
A golden goal is a method of deciding a game that has gone into extra-time, where the team which scores first wins.
Own goal
An own goal happens when a player puts the ball into his own net.
An own goal is often a source of deep disappointment for a player and can haunt them through the remainder of a game, particularly if their team loses.
: از آن اصطلاحات فوتبال به انگلیسی که خدا نصیب هیچ بازیکنی نکند. این اصطلاح فوتبال به معنی گل به خودی است.
Own goal / Hat-trick / Brace
Ghost 👻 goal
A ghost goal is a goal that has been awarded despite the whole of the ball not crossing the line.
Ghost goals are now increasingly unlikely thanks to VAR and goal-line technology, but can still occur.
Away goal
Away goals rule
The 'away goals rule' is a method of deciding the winner of a two-legged tie in the event of an aggregate draw. If the tie finishes 2-2 on aggregate, the team with the most goals scored away from home wins.
Example: "Lucas Moura's incredible second-half hat-trick saw Tottenham snatch a 3-2 win at Ajax and a place in the Champions League final on away goals."
GOAT
The GOAT means 'Greatest Of All Time'.
Example: The argument over whether Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi is the GOAT will go on forever.
Goalie
Goalkeeper / Keeper / Goalie
God
Hand of God
The 'Hand of God' describes a goal scored by Diego Maradona for Argentina in the quarter-final of the 1986 World Cup against England. Maradona illegally used his hand to punch the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and into the back of the net.
Despite protestations, the goal was awarded.
Diego Maradona Peter Shilton Argentina England 1986 World Cup
Golden
Golden goal
A golden goal is a method of deciding a game that has gone into extra-time, where the team which scores first wins.
The Grecque
= The Poznan
= , is a celebratory dance performed by supporters in order to taunt the opposition.
The supporters turn their backs to the pitch, link arms and proceed to jump up and down while chanting their preferred song.
The implication is that their team is so good that they know they will win - they do not need to watch.
Ground
Pitch / Ground / Stands / Stadium / Terrace
Group
Group of Death
A Group of Death is used to describe a group in a tournament (such as the World Cup) that is made up entirely of teams who are considered very strong.
Example: "Brazil 2014 served up a number of groups that were considered competitive enough to be described as 'Groups of Death'. One such example was Group B, which featured the two finalists from the 2010 World Cup - Spain and the Netherlands - as well as Chile and Australia."
Hair
Hairdryer
Hairdryer treatment
= The hard scolding of players by their manager, usually taking place in the changing room.
Popularized by the former Manchester United Manager Alex Ferguson.
The 'hairdryer treatment' is a euphemism for a furious verbal assault on a player or players by a manager.
The idea is that a constant stream of hot hair is blown into one's face.
Example: "Manchester United were so bad in that first half that there is no doubt Alex Ferguson will give them the hairdryer treatment."
Half → Halves
Half time
Half time / Full time / Final whistle
How long until half time? (Phrase)
The ref has blown his whistle for half time (phrase)
Halfway
Halfway line
خط وسط زمین؛ هر تیم در یک‌طرف خط زمین مستقر می‌شود (در شروع بازی)
Game of two halves
= A cliché that commentators resort to when a match has consisted of two halves with huge disparities in character and score.
When a football match is described as being 'a game of two halves' it usually means that one team dominated the first half and then the other dominated the second half.
Football is by definition a game of two 45-minute periods broken up by a 15 minute half-time interval.
The pitch itself is also divided into two halves.
Hand
Handball
Booked / Sent off / Red card / Yellow card / Foul / Hand ball / Obstruction / Trip / Push
Ball-to-hand
= The claim that the contact between the hand and the ball is inadvertent, therefore it shouldn’t warrant a free kick.
Hand of God
The 'Hand of God' describes a goal scored by Diego Maradona for Argentina in the quarter-final of the 1986 World Cup against England. Maradona illegally used his hand to punch the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and into the back of the net.
Despite protestations, the goal was awarded.
Diego Maradona Peter Shilton Argentina England 1986 World Cup
Hard
Hard man
= A player notorious for their tough, physical, and assertive style of football.
See: Roy Keane, Gennaro Gattuso, Graeme Souness.
Hat-trick
When one player scores three goals in a single game it is known as a hat-trick.
A perfect hat-trick involves the three goals being scored with the left foot, right foot and head.
Own goal / Hat-trick / Brace
That’s a hat-trick
= when someone has scored three goals in the same match
Head → Overhead
To head
: با سر ضربه زدن
Head coach
= Coach
= Manager
مربی-سرمربی
Header
a Tackle, a Pass, a Header, a Cross, a Shot, a Lob, a Back pass, a Dive, a Deflection, a Deflected shot, an Interception
Heavy
Heavy metal
Heavy metal football
The term 'heavy metal football' describes the style of play implemented by German football coach Jurgen Klopp.
As a style, it is high intensity and fast, involving rapid counter-attacking moves.
The term was first popularized when Klopp was manager of Borussia Dortmund.
Heel
Back heel
ضربه پشت پا؛ وقتی بازیکنی با پشت پا به توپ ضربه میزند و توپ را به عقب می‌فرستد.
Hit
(Hit the) woodwork
= Having the ball strike one of the sidebars of the goal.
It’s hit the bar
= the shot hit the crossbar
Holding
Holding role
The holding role describes a midfield position where the main objective is to protect the defense by breaking up play with tackles before initiating counter-attacks.
Famous examples of a holding midfielder include Claude Makelele, N'Golo Kante and Roy Keane.
Hole
In the hole
When a player is described as playing 'in the hole' it means they are occupying the space between midfield and attack.
Playmakers or traditional 'number 10s' generally play 'in the hole'.
Some examples of players who play 'in the hole' include Paul Scholes, Lionel Messi and Francesco Totti.
Hollywood
Hollywood pass
A 'Hollywood pass' is a pass which looks impressive,
but doesn't necessarily achieve much, such as a cross-field diagonal ball.
Hollywood involves more risk than a short pass.
Example: "Steven Gerrard is incredibly gifted, but he tries too many Hollywood passes when he should just keep it simple."
Hoof
= Purposelessly kicking the ball towards the opposite goal with power.
Hoofing the ball
To 'hoof the ball' is to aimlessly clear the ball out of defense instead of carefully picking a pass.
Example: "Everyone wants Ireland to play it out from the back, so why are they always hoofing the ball?"
Hospital
Hospital ball
= A reckless pass that’s within reach of two players from opposing teams that can give rise to injuries.
Hospital pass
A 'hospital pass' is a pass which puts the receiver at risk of being injured or places them immediately in danger.
It exposes bad decision-making on the part of the passer.
Example: "His passing is normally very accurate, but he's sold his team-mate short there with a complete hospital pass."
Howler
= An inexplicable mistake by a player that generally proves costly.
A 'howler' is an embarrassing mistake, usually made under little pressure.
Goalkeepers are most associated with howlers,
but it can happen to any player on the pitch.
Example: "What seemed like a routine pass back has turned into a nightmare situation for the goalkeeper. What a howler!"
Hug
Hug the line
= The instruction given to wing players to stay closer to the sidelines, especially when dribbling forward.
Direct
≠
Indirect
Direct attack
حمله مستقیم
≠
Indirect attack
حمله‌ی غیرمستقیم
Direct free kick
≠
Indirect free kick
Throw-in / Goal kick / Corner kick / Free kick / Penalty /Direct / Indirect free kick / Defensive wall
Injury
Injury time
Normal time in football is 90 minutes, but a referee can add on time at the end of the match based on stoppages for injuries and so forth.
This is known as injury time.
Other names include stoppage time and added time.
این اصطلاح فوتبال به انگلیسی در واقع همان وقت اضافه خودمان است.
To Intercept
Verb
to Shoot / to Score / to Tackle / to Cross / to Pass / to Dive / to Intercept
Interception
Noun
a Tackle / a Pass / a Header / a Cross / a Shot / a Lob / a Back pass / a Dive / a Deflection / a Deflected shot / an Interception
International
FIFA = Fédération Internationale de Football Association = International Association of Association Football
Keeper
Goalkeeper / Keeper / Goalie
Goalkeeper
دروازه‌بان
To kick
: ضربه زدن با پا به توپ؛
Bicycle kick
= Overhead kick
.= The movement by a player where they jump up, throw both feet in the air and hit the ball in a pedaling motion to send the ball in the opposite direction they’re facing.
Bicycle kick
A bicycle kick is a method of shooting or passing which involves a player being airborne and usually playing the ball in the opposite direction to the way they are facing. Sometimes referred to as an 'overhead kick', the bicycle kick is so called because a player appears to cycle through the air upside down.
ضربه‌ی قیچی یا برگردان؛ وقتی بازیکن مهاجم روی هوا بلند می‌شود و باروی پا به شکل برگردان توپ را وارد دروازه میکند.
Example: Rio Ferdinand said: "The opposing fans in the stadium applauding the great Cristiano after the bicycle kick and rightly so. Keeps on upping the ante - relentless."
Banana 🍌 Kick
ضربه کات دار یا موج‌دار.
Free kick
وقتی تیمی خطا میکند، داور به تیم مقابل ضربه آزاد می‌دهد.که به این ضربه free kick می‌گویند.
Direct free kick
≠
Indirect free kick
Goal kick
Corner kick
Throw-in / Goal kick / Corner kick / Free kick / Penalty /Direct / Indirect free kick / Defensive wall
Kick off
ضربه‌ی شروع بازی بعد از سوت داور.
Killing
Giant-killing
In football, a giant-killing is when a top level club is beaten in a cup competition by a club of much smaller stature, usually from a number of tiers below the top.
The term evokes the imagery of the biblical story of David and Goliath.
Kit
Kit / Shirt / Shorts / Socks / Football boots / Studs / Shin pads/guards
La Masia
La Masia is the name of Barcelona's youth academy, where young footballers are educated and trained.
La Masia is a Catalan word which means 'the Farmhouse'.
League
The football league
WSL = Women’s Super League
= top division in women’s football
The Champions League
Non League
The football league / The premiership / The Women’s Super League (WSL) / The champions’ league / Non-league
League Cup
FA Cup / League Cup / World Cup / European Championships / Coppa America / African Nations
Premier League
= top division in men’s football
Left
Left back
The defense / Defender / Fullback / Right back / Left back / Central defender, Centre half / Sweeper
Line
Halfway line
خط وسط زمین؛ هر تیم در یک‌طرف خط زمین مستقر می‌شود (در شروع بازی)
Off the line
= The act of saving the ball from crossing the line, clearing the ball.
Touchline
خط کنار زمین که در صورت خروج توپ از آن خط، توپ اصطلاحا اوت شده است و تیم مقابل باید توپ را به درون زمین پرتاب کند.
Corner flag / Goal mouth / Touch line / Penalty box / Penalty area / the box / the area / Post / Cross bar / Net
Lineswoman
Linesman
= Referee’s assistant
کمک داور
Referee / Ref / Linesman / Lineswoman / Fourth official
Line-o
= One of the nicknames for the assistant referees that work on the sidelines.
Hug the line
= The instruction given to wing players to stay closer to the sidelines, especially when dribbling forward.
Lob
a Tackle / a Pass / a Header / a Cross / a Shot / a Lob / a Back pass / a Dive / a Deflection / a Deflected shot / an Interception
To lose → Lost
Verb
Three-two / One-nil / Two all / a Draw / a Score draw / Won (to win / Lost (to lose) / Drew (to draw)
To lose → Lost
Lost
Lost the dressing room
= A phrase to describe a situation in which the manager has lost control over and the respect of the players.
If a manager has 'lost the dressing room' it means that they no longer have influence and control over their players.
Mistreatment of a popular player can lead to revolt in the group or it could just be down to a lack of confidence in a manager's ability and methods.
In effect, losing the dressing room means that a manager cannot lead their team sufficiently and usually ends up with them losing their job.
Example: "He started well and they bought into the philosophy, but when he stripped the captain of the armband he lost the dressing room."
Three-two / One-nil / Two all / a Draw / a Score draw / Won (to win / Lost (to lose) / Drew (to draw)
Magic
Magic sponge
The 'magic sponge' is a tongue-in-cheek term for the rudimentary medical treatment of an injury through the use of a wet sponge.
Example: "When Eden Hazard went down it looked fairly serious,
but he's back up again now thanks to the magic sponge."
Man
Man of the match
The 'man of the match' is the player who is judged to have played the best or had the most influence on a game.
Man of the match / Player of the match
Man manager
A head coach is described as a 'man manager' if they are considered particularly adept at motivating different players.
A good man manager usually possesses good communication skills and emotional intuition. Someone with good man management skills knows when to eviscerate or encourage each individual on their team.
Jurgen Klopp Andy Robertson Liverpool Watford 2019-20
The 12th man
The 12th man in football is a term of endearment for a team's supporters. Each team is made up of 11 players so, when supporters are so loud enough to influence the game, they are said to be the 12th player.
Example: Liverpool are up against it after losing the first leg 2-1 away from home, but the 12th man at Anfield is certainly significant and should help.
Linesman
= Referee’s assistant
کمک داور
Target man
= A tall striker that’s often targeted by crosses, long balls, and high passes for their aerial superiority and prowess as a finisher.
See: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Didier Drogba, Romelu Lukaku.
The attack, Forward, Striker, Attacker, Target man
Hard man
= A player notorious for their tough, physical, and assertive style of football.
See: Roy Keane, Gennaro Gattuso, Graeme Souness.
Man on
= The loud cry to inform a teammate with the ball that an opponent is approaching or dangerously close by.
Manager
= Coach
= Head coach
مربی-سرمربی
Footballer / Player / Manager / Player-manager / Coach
Player manager
Man manager
A head coach is described as a 'man manager' if they are considered particularly adept at motivating different players.
A good man manager usually possesses good communication skills and emotional intuition. Someone with good man management skills knows when to eviscerate or encourage each individual on their team.
Jurgen Klopp Andy Robertson Liverpool Watford 2019-20
To mark:
وقتی دو بازیکن عین سایه حرکت می‌کنند و اصطلاحا تن‌به‌تن باهم جلو می‌روند، از عبارت to mark استفاده می‌شود.
La Masia
La Masia is the name of Barcelona's youth academy, where young footballers are educated and trained.
La Masia is a Catalan word which means 'the Farmhouse'.
Match
Match / Game / Commentator / Club / Team
Football match stadium
Man of the match
The 'man of the match' is the player who is judged to have played the best or had the most influence on a game.
Man of the match / Player of the match
Match fixing
Match fixing in football is when the outcome of a particular game is deliberately influenced in order that someone - be it a player, players or criminal enterprise - can financially benefit. Match fixing is a serious offense which can result in prosecution.
Metal
Heavy metal
Heavy metal football
The term 'heavy metal football' describes the style of play implemented by German football coach Jurgen Klopp.
As a style, it is high intensity and fast, involving rapid counter-attacking moves.
The term was first popularized when Klopp was manager of Borussia Dortmund.
Mickey mouse 🐁 🐀
Mickey Mouse cup
'Mickey Mouse cup' is a pejorative term for a competition that is not deemed as important or competitive as others.
If a country has a number of cup competitions, the 'Mickey Mouse cup' is usually the one which has the lowest financial reward.
Mid
Midfield
The midfield, / Midfielder / Winger
Midfield anchor
= A reliable defensive midfielder with the primary assignment of staying close to the defensive line and nipping attacks in the bud.
See: Daniele De Rossi, Michael Essien, N’Golo Kanté.
Midfielder
هافبک
The midfield, / Midfielder / Winger
Minnows
= A small team from a lower-level league with limited resources.
Mouse
Mickey mouse 🐁 🐀
Mickey Mouse cup
'Mickey Mouse cup' is a pejorative term for a competition that is not deemed as important or competitive as others.
If a country has a number of cup competitions, the 'Mickey Mouse cup' is usually the one which has the lowest financial reward.
Mouth
Goal mouth
Corner flag / Goal mouth / Touch line / Penalty box / Penalty area / the box / the area / Post / Cross bar / Net
Nations
African Nations
FA Cup / League Cup / World Cup / European Championships / Coppa America / African Nations
Net
تور دروازه
Corner flag / Goal mouth / Touch line / Penalty box / Penalty area / the box / the area / Post / Cross bar / Net
Back of the net
= A commentator favorite to describe the ball crossing the line and hugging the net, in other words, a goal.
'Back of the net!' is an exclamation of excitement or joy used when a goal that is scored with such force that the ball not only crosses the line, but hits the net. The term was famously used as a catchphrase by Steve Coogan's character Alan Partridge in the sitcom I'm Alan Partridge.
Example: "That goal was buried into the back of the net!"
Night
On a cold, wet night in Stoke
If one posits that a player cannot play 'on a cold, wet Wednesday night in Stoke' it means they would struggle to perform in England.
The phrase, since embellished, was first uttered in 2010 by pundit Andy Gray, who suggested that Barcelona star Lionel Messi would find it difficult to play well in the rain-sodden, wind-swept pitches of the Premier League.
Nil
One - nil
The score is one – nil (phrase)
Three-two / One-nil / Two all / a Draw / a Score draw / Won (to win / Lost (to lose) / Drew (to draw)
Nine
False nine
The 'false nine' is a player who takes up the position of a central forward in a team, but performs a more withdrawn role than a traditional 'number nine' striker. A false nine is not as advanced as a conventional striker and drops deep to drag center-backs out, allowing the left and right wingers to get in behind.
Example: Explaining the position, Lionel Messi said: "[Pep Guardiola] had been talking with Tito Vilanova and they had thought about me playing as a false nine. He was going to put Samuel [Eto'o] and Thierry Henry on the outside, and I was going to play as the false center forward."
Non
Non League
The football league / The premiership / The Women’s Super League (WSL) / The champions’ league / Non-league
Nutmeg
A nutmeg
= a cheeky move where a player passes the ball through another player’s legs
= Kicking or putting the ball through an opponent’s legs
A nutmeg is a football skill move whereby the ball is put through the legs of a player.
Obstruction
Booked / Sent off / Red card / Yellow card / Foul / Hand ball / Obstruction / Trip / Push
Off
Off the line
= The act of saving the ball from crossing the line, clearing the ball.
Off the woodwork
When the ball is said to 'hit the woodwork' or 'come off the woodwork' it means it has hit the post or crossbar.
The term is a throwback to a time when goalposts were made out of wood.
Official
Fourth official
Referee / Ref / Linesman / Lineswoman / Fourth official
Offside
Offside / Disallowed / Ruled out
One
One - nil
The score is one – nil (phrase)
Three-two / One-nil / Two all / a Draw / a Score draw / Won (to win / Lost (to lose) / Drew (to draw)
a One-two
= a fast, one-touch move where a player passes the ball to a team mate and receives the ball straight back again
Head → Overhead
Overhead
Overhead kick
= Bicycle kick
= The movement by a player where they jump up, throw both feet in the air and hit the ball in a pedaling motion to send the ball in the opposite direction they’re facing.
ضربه‌ی قیچی یا برگردان؛ وقتی بازیکن مهاجم روی هوا بلند می‌شود و باروی پا به شکل برگردان توپ را وارد دروازه میکند.
Own
Own goal
An own goal happens when a player puts the ball into his own net.
An own goal is often a source of deep disappointment for a player and can haunt them through the remainder of a game, particularly if their team loses.
: از آن اصطلاحات فوتبال به انگلیسی که خدا نصیب هیچ بازیکنی نکند. این اصطلاح فوتبال به معنی گل به خودی است.
Own goal / Hat-trick / Brace
Pads
Shin pads / guards
Kit / Shirt / Shorts / Socks / Football boots / Studs / Shin pads/guards
Panenka
The Panenka is the name for a penalty kick that is chipped delicately into the back of the net.
Named after Czech footballer Antonin Panenka, the technique has been deployed by the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Andrea Pirlo among others.
Park
Park the bus
= Playing ultra-defensive not to concede any goals, chiefly applied by team with the edge on the scoreboard.
Parking
Parking the bus
When a team 'parks the bus' it means that they played a completely defensive game with little or no intent of attacking. The term was coined by Jose Mourinho in his first stint as Chelsea manager when he accused Tottenham of 'bringing the bus' and leaving it in front of goal. Ironically, the term would later come to define Mourinho's tactical style.
Example: Mourinho talking about his Inter team beating Barcelona in 2010: "We won the tie in Barcelona but everyone talks about Barcelona winning and says we parked the bus in front of the goal. We didn't park the bus, we parked the plane and we did it for two reasons. One, because we only had 10 men and two, because we beat them 3-1 at San Siro, not by parking the bus, or the boat or the airplane but by smashing them."
Jose Mourinho Tottenham 2019-20
Paper
On paper
= Indicates how the events should play out in theory, the expected scenario based on pre-existing statistics and conditions.
Pass
Verb
To pass
پاس دادن
to Shoot / to Score / to Tackle / to Cross / to Pass / to Dive / to Intercept
Noun
Back pass
پاس رو به عقب
a Tackle / a Pass / a Header / a Cross / a Shot / a Lob / a Back pass / a Dive / a Deflection / a Deflected shot / an Interception
Hospital pass
A 'hospital pass' is a pass which puts the receiver at risk of being injured or places them immediately in danger.
It exposes bad decision-making on the part of the passer.
Example: "His passing is normally very accurate, but he's sold his team-mate short there with a complete hospital pass."
Hollywood pass
A 'Hollywood pass' is a pass which looks impressive,
but doesn't necessarily achieve much, such as a cross-field diagonal ball.
Hollywood involves more risk than a short pass.
Example: "Steven Gerrard is incredibly gifted, but he tries too many Hollywood passes when he should just keep it simple."
Pea
Pea roller
= A feeble shot attempt that doesn’t present any threat to the defensive team.
Penalty
That must be a penalty! (Phrase)
Penalty box
= Penalty area
= Danger zone
محدوده‌ی جلوی هر دروازه که به منطقه‌ی جریمه معروف است و خطا در آن باعث پنالتی یا ضربه مستقیم به دروازه می‌شود.
Corner flag / Goal mouth / Touch line / Penalty box / Penalty area / the box / the area / Post / Cross bar / Net
Penalty shootout
: این از همان اصطلاحات فوتبال به انگلیسی است که با شنیدنش ضربان قلبمان به هزار می‌رسد. وقتی در یک بازی حذفی دو تیم در وقت قانونی نتوانستند از پس یکدیگر بر بیایند، کار به آن پنج ضربه پنالتی نهایی می‌کشد و از این اصطلاح برای گفتن این شرایط استفاده می‌شود.
Penalty Spot
نقطه‌ی پنالتی
PFA = Professional Footballers’ Association
Pitch
Football pitch
Pitch / Ground / Stands / Stadium / Terrace up
Plan
Attacking Plan:
برنامه حمله‌ی یک تیم
Plate
Put it on a plate
To 'put it on a plate' for a team-mate is to create an easy chance for them to score.
Example: "Lionel Messi dribbled past four players before putting it on a plate for Luis Suarez to tap in."
Play
Verb
How long have they been playing? (Phrase)
Noun
Against the run of play
When a goal is described as being scored "against the run of play" it means it was scored by a team that has not been in control of the match.
چلسی بی‌امان به دروازه‌ی تاتنهام حمله میکند، اما در یک تک‌موقعیت، این تاتنهام است که به گل می‌رسد! اینطور وقت‌ها گزارشگر می‌گوید که گلی خلاف جهت بازی به ثمر رسید.
Example: "We were on top for the first 15 minutes and then conceded against the run of play. That really took the wind out of our sails, but we managed to get back into it and get the win."
Switch play
= Moving the ball from one flank to the other in an abrupt fashion, mostly by a long pass.
Play on
= A potentially controversial possession where the referee does not blow their whistle after concluding there’s no reason to stop the game.
Playable
≠
Unplayable
1. When a player is described as being 'unplayable' it means that they are performing so well that they cannot be contained.
Example: "Zlatan Ibrahimovic was unplayable in his prime. He could do what he wanted."
2. When a football pitch is in such a bad condition that a game of football cannot be played on it.
Player
Footballer / Player / Manager / Player-manager / Coach
Player manager
Box-to-box player
= A player that can successfully play both sides (defensive and offensive) of the game.
See: Radja Nainggolan, Yaya Touré, Patrick Vieira.
Designated Player
A Designated Player in Major League Soccer (MLS) is one who is not included in a team's salary cap, allowing them to be paid more.
It was introduced in 2007 in order to facilitate the transfer of David Beckham from Real Madrid to LA Galaxy.
Big-game player
A big-game player is one who routinely performs well in a highly pressurized environment such as a final, a heated derby match or a decisive league fixture.
Big-game players are not overwhelmed by nerves or the occasion and are capable of affecting the outcome of big games.
Example: "Lionel Messi is the all-time top scorer in the history of El Clasico. This guy is the ultimate big-game player for Barcelona."
Player of match
Man of the match / Player of the match
Poacher
= Fox in the box
A 'poacher' in football is a striker who is opportunistic and takes their chances.
Similar to the 'fox in the box', a goal poacher scores a lot of goals in the box,
but is generally not very active in other areas of the pitch.
= A cunning and skilled striker that’s extremely dangerous in the penalty area.
See: Andy Cole, Miroslav Klose, Mario Jardel.
A 'fox in the box' is a phrase which describes a striker whose movement within the 18-yard box is clever enough to elude markers so that he can score goals.
The term evokes the idea of cunning which is commonly associated with foxes.
Example: "Michael Owen had bags of pace so he could always get in behind defenses
, but he was also a fox in the box - a total nightmare for defenders to keep an eye on.
Pocket
In his/her pocket
= Refers to one player having dominated an opposition player.
When a player is deemed to be in another player's pocket, they are being kept under control.
The term 'in his pocket' is normally used to indicate when a defender has marked an attacker well.
Example: "Not many people can keep Sergio Aguero quiet, but Virgil van Dijk has had him in his pocket all afternoon."
Post
Goal post
تیر عمودی دروازه
Corner flag / Goal mouth / Touch line / Penalty box / Penalty area / the box / the area / Post / Cross bar / Net
The Poznan
= The Grecque
= , is a celebratory dance performed by supporters in order to taunt the opposition.
The supporters turn their backs to the pitch, link arms and proceed to jump up and down while chanting their preferred song.
The implication is that their team is so good that they know they will win - they do not need to watch.
Premier
Premier League
= top division in men’s football
The premiership
The football league / The premiership / The Women’s Super League (WSL) / The champions’ league / Non-league
Professional
Professional foul
A professional foul is when a player deliberately obstructs an opponent in order to prevent them from scoring a goal or initiating a counter attack.
It is a cynical premeditated tactic which is punished by a yellow card and sometimes a red card, depending on the severity of the foul.
PFA = Professional Footballers’ Association
Push
Booked / Sent off / Red card / Yellow card / Foul / Hand ball / Obstruction / Trip / Push
Put in
Put in a shift
= The situation where a player fulfills their given tasks but fails to make a strong impression on the pundits or put their fingerprints on the game.
Put on
Put it on a plate
To 'put it on a plate' for a team-mate is to create an easy chance for them to score.
Example: "Lionel Messi dribbled past four players before putting it on a plate for Luis Suarez to tap in."
Pyramid
Football pyramid
The football pyramid is the term for a football league system which is bound together as a unit by promotion and relegation.
In England, for example, it is possible for a club to progress from non-league football to the Premier League and vice versa.
Rabona
A 'rabona' is a skill move which involves kicking the ball with one's legs crossed by wrapping the kicking leg behind the standing leg.
Rabona is the Spanish term for skipping school and the move involves a level of deception.
Ref
Referee / Ref / Linesman / Lineswoman / Fourth official
The ref has blown his whistle for half time (phrase)
Referee
داور
Referee’s assistant
= Linesman
کمک داور
Referee / Ref / Linesman / Lineswoman / Fourth official
Reception
Chest Reception
: دریافت توپ با قفسه‌ی سینه
Red
Red card
Booked / Sent off / Red card / Yellow card / Foul / Hand ball / Obstruction / Trip / Push
To get a red card
= to be sent off
Remontada
Remontada is the Spanish word for 'recovery' or 'comeback' and it is used to describe a remarkable turnaround in fortunes by a team that had been on course to lose.
Reverse
Squad / Team / First team / Reserves / Substitutes
Right
Right back
The defense / Defender / Fullback / Right back / Left back / Central defender / Centre half / Sweeper
Role
Holding role
The holding role describes a midfield position where the main objective is to protect the defense by breaking up play with tackles before initiating counter-attacks.
Famous examples of a holding midfielder include Claude Makelele, N'Golo Kante and Roy Keane.
Roller
Pea roller
= A feeble shot attempt that doesn’t present any threat to the defensive team.
Room
Changing room
Dressing room
Dressing room / Changing room / Dugout
Lost the dressing room
= A phrase to describe a situation in which the manager has lost control over and the respect of the players.
If a manager has 'lost the dressing room' it means that they no longer have influence and control over their players.
Mistreatment of a popular player can lead to revolt in the group or it could just be down to a lack of confidence in a manager's ability and methods.
In effect, losing the dressing room means that a manager cannot lead their team sufficiently and usually ends up with them losing their job.
Example: "He started well and they bought into the philosophy, but when he stripped the captain of the armband he lost the dressing room."
Row
Row Z
= The row in the stands that’s the farthest from the pitch. Usually said
when a player tries to shoot and they hit the ball so hard and off target that it goes high into the stands.
Predominantly used as hyperbole to underscore how far the ball’s traveled.
Into row Z
Putting the ball 'into row Z' means clearing it as far and high as possible in order to avert danger.
The idea is that row Z is the highest part of the stadium.
Example: "He took no chances there and blasted it into row Z!"
Rule
The 50+1 rule
The 50+1 rule refers to the clause in the German Football League (DFL) regulations which stipulates that clubs must be majority-owned by members, i.e. the fans, rather than commercial investors.
Example: Jurgen Klinsmann said: "I understand the 50+1 rule, it stems from the old club idea, but you can only get money from investors if they are allowed to have a say in the club, which is why the rule is a disadvantage for the Bundesliga on the international stage."
Away goals rule
The 'away goals rule' is a method of deciding the winner of a two-legged tie in the event of an aggregate draw. If the tie finishes 2-2 on aggregate, the team with the most goals scored away from home wins.
Example: "Lucas Moura's incredible second-half hat-trick saw Tottenham snatch a 3-2 win at Ajax and a place in the Champions League final on away goals."
Ruling
Bosman ruling
The Bosman ruling was a decision made by the European Court of Justice in favor of Belgian footballer Jean-Marc Bosman against the Belgian Football Association, RFC Liege and UEFA in 1995, which protected the free movement of labor and altered the nature of football transfers.
Essentially, it allowed a footballer to leave a club and join another for no transfer fee - otherwise known as a free transfer - when their contract expired.
A player who joins another club upon the expiry of their contract is said to have moved 'on a Bosman'.
Rule out
Ruled out
Offside / Disallowed / Ruled out
Run
Noun
That’s a good run (phrase)
Against the run of play
When a goal is described as being scored "against the run of play" it means it was scored by a team that has not been in control of the match.
چلسی بی‌امان به دروازه‌ی تاتنهام حمله میکند، اما در یک تک‌موقعیت، این تاتنهام است که به گل می‌رسد! اینطور وقت‌ها گزارشگر می‌گوید که گلی خلاف جهت بازی به ثمر رسید.
Example: "We were on top for the first 15 minutes and then conceded against the run of play. That really took the wind out of our sails, but we managed to get back into it and get the win."
Dummy run
= An off-the-ball run made by an offensive player to create space for his teammate with the ball.
Used to trick opponents by pretending to move towards the ball.
Blind side run
: به منطقه‌ای که از دید دفاع مقابل خارج است، blind side می‌گویند. وقتی بازیکن مهاجم تیم الف بدون توپ و در انتظار پاس به این منطقه می‌رود اصطلاحا می‌گویند: blind side run.
Run it off
= An instruction for a player that’s suffered a minor injury to carry on playing.
Sacked
= It means fired. Used for managers that lose their jobs.
Sarriball
Sarriball or Sarrismo is the term used to describe the tactical style of football employed by Italian football coach Maurizio Sarri.
A fast-paced, attacking style which prizes possession, Sarri has implemented it at Napoli, Chelsea and Juventus.
Score
Noun
A score draw
The score is one – nil (phrase)
Three-two / One-nil / Two all / a Draw / a Score draw / Won (to win / Lost (to lose) / Drew (to draw)
To Score
Verb
I can’t believe he didn’t score from there! (Phrase)
to Shoot / to Score / to Tackle / to Cross / to Pass / to Dive / to Intercept
To score/a goal:
گل زدن
≠
To concede /a goal
: گل خوردن
He’s scored a brace of goals
= he’s scored two goals in the same match
Scoring
Scoring a brace
= A word to describe the achievement of a player that scores two goals in one game.
Screamer
A spectacular, long-range goal which involves the ball moving rapidly through the air.
Example: "Clarence Seedorf has just scored an absolute screamer from 40 yards!"
Scudetto
Scudetto is Italian for 'little shield' and it is shorthand for the Italian football championship.
The scudetto, which is an Italian flag within a shield, appears on the jersey of the team which won Serie A the previous season.
Second
Second season syndrome
When a promoted team performs well in its first season in the new division then flounders in the second, it is known as 'second season syndrome'.
It can also be applied to individual players who dazzle in their debut year at a club only to endure a downturn in fortunes.
Season
Second season syndrome
When a promoted team performs well in its first season in the new division then flounders in the second, it is known as 'second season syndrome'.
It can also be applied to individual players who dazzle in their debut year at a club only to endure a downturn in fortunes.
Send → Sent
Send off → Sent off
Booked / Sent off / Red card / Yellow card / Foul / Hand ball / Obstruction / Trip / Push
Sheet
Clean sheet
= The accolade a team/goalkeeper earns when a full game is played without conceding a goal.
A clean sheet is when a team does not concede any goals in a match. Sometimes known as 'a shutout' in North America, it uses the image of an unblemished garment.
Example: "Despite the best efforts of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, Alisson managed to keep a clean sheet at Anfield."
Shift
Put in a shift
= The situation where a player fulfills their given tasks but fails to make a strong impression on the pundits or put their fingerprints on the game.
Shimmy
= to shuffle the feet to confuse another player
Shin
Shin pads / gaurds
Kit / Shirt / Shorts / Socks / Football boots / Studs / Shin pads/guards
Shirt
Kit / Shirt / Shorts / Socks / Football boots / Studs / Shin pads/guards
To Shoot
Verb
to Shoot / to Score / to Tackle / to Cross / to Pass / to Dive / to Intercept
Shootout
Penalty shootout
: این از همان اصطلاحات فوتبال به انگلیسی است که با شنیدنش ضربان قلبمان به هزار می‌رسد. وقتی در یک بازی حذفی دو تیم در وقت قانونی نتوانستند از پس یکدیگر بر بیایند، کار به آن پنج ضربه پنالتی نهایی می‌کشد و از این اصطلاح برای گفتن این شرایط استفاده می‌شود.
Shorts
Kit / Shirt / Shorts / Socks / Football boots / Studs / Shin pads/guards
Shot
Deflection shot
a Tackle / a Pass / a Header / a Cross / a Shot / a Lob / a Back pass / a Dive / a Deflection / a Deflected shot / an Interception
Chip shot
= A shot that is kicked from underneath the ball to provide some arc for it to go over the opponent.
See: Lionel Messi.
Show
Showboat
= Showing off for fans after cementing a safe score, accompanied by unnecessary displays of frivolous pieces of skill.
Side
Back side
ناحیه‌ی دفاعی زمین
Blind side run
: به منطقه‌ای که از دید دفاع مقابل خارج است، blind side می‌گویند. وقتی بازیکن مهاجم تیم الف بدون توپ و در انتظار پاس به این منطقه می‌رود اصطلاحا می‌گویند: blind side run.
Sitter
= A shocking miss by an attacker that was considered to be immensely easy to convert.
A 'sitter' is an easy chance, usually one which seems almost impossible to miss.
Example: "All he had to do with guide it into the net, but he mistimed the kick. He's missed a sitter."
Skipper
The skipper of a football team is the captain.
Sleeping
Caught sleeping
When a player or defense is described as having been "caught sleeping" it means they have not been concentrating enough on their job or paying attention to the player they are supposed to be marking.
Variations of "caught sleeping" include "caught napping" and "switched off".
Example: "The Chelsea defense were caught sleeping when they failed to close down Ronaldinho, who used the space to pick his spot and send the ball sailing past Petr Cech."
Socks
Kit / Shirt / Shorts / Socks / Football boots / Studs / Shin pads/guards
Specialist
Dead-ball specialist
A dead-ball specialist is a player who is particularly skilled at striking a ball when it is stationary, such as during a free kick or corner kick.
Example: "Andrea Pirlo's sumptuous free kick was the difference between the teams and served as a reminder of why he is considered one of the game's greatest dead-ball specialists."
Sponge
Magic sponge
The 'magic sponge' is a tongue-in-cheek term for the rudimentary medical treatment of an injury through the use of a wet sponge.
Example: "When Eden Hazard went down it looked fairly serious,
but he's back up again now thanks to the magic sponge."
Spot
Centre Spot
همان نقطه‌ی وسط دایره که بازیکن صاحب توپ باید با یک پاس بازی را شروع کند.
Penalty Spot
نقطه‌ی پنالتی
Squad
Squad / Team / First team / Reserves / Substitutes
St
St Totteringham's Day
St Totteringham's Day is the day when Arsenal fans celebrate when it becomes mathematically impossible for Tottenham to finish above their team in the league.
It is therefore a moveable feast, which may not occur every year.
Stadium
Football match stadium
Pitch / Ground / Stands / Stadium / Terrace
Stands
Pitch / Ground / Stands / Stadium / Terrace
Stay
Stay on your feet
'Stay on your feet' is a phrase that is usually directed at rash players, who are urged not to dive in and prematurely attempt to tackle an opponent.
It became an internet sensation when Ray Wilkins uttered the phrase repeatedly while doing commentary for the 2011 Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Tottenham.
Stepover
The stepover is a dribbling technique which involves stepping over the ball with one or both legs in order to confuse an opponent.
Long a tactic of technical players, it is notably associated with Brazil icon Ronaldo and Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Striker
= Forward
مهاجم
The attack, Forward, Striker, Attacker, Target man
Stoke
On a cold, wet night in Stoke
If one posits that a player cannot play 'on a cold, wet Wednesday night in Stoke' it means they would struggle to perform in England.
The phrase, since embellished, was first uttered in 2010 by pundit Andy Gray, who suggested that Barcelona star Lionel Messi would find it difficult to play well in the rain-sodden, wind-swept pitches of the Premier League.
Stuck
Get stuck in
To 'get stuck in' is to play football in a determined, tough fashion, particularly
when it comes to tackling.
It is a command against sitting back and allowing an opponent to play.
Example: "We showed them a little too much respect in the first half, standing off a bit, so the manager told us to get stuck in in the second half."
Studs
Kit / Shirt / Shorts / Socks / Football boots / Studs / Shin pads/guards
Substitute → Substitutes
Noun
تعویض
Squad / Team / First team / Reserves / Substitutes
Verb
To substitute
: تعویض بازیکن به خاطر تغییر در تاکتیک تیم یا مصدومیت
Super
WSL = Women’s Super League
= top division in women’s football
The football league / The premiership / The Women’s Super League (WSL) / The champions’ league / Non-league
Support
Verb
Which team do you support? (Phrase)
Supporter → Supporters
Supporters / Crow / Fans
Noun
Sweeper
Sweeper is the name given to a central defender whose job is to 'sweep up' trouble and then use the ball in an intelligent manner by passing to a team-mate or carrying it out of defense.
The role of the sweeper, or libero, is not as rigid as that of a traditional center-back. Notable examples of sweepers include Franco Baresi, Bobby Moore and Franz Beckenbauer.
The defense / Defender / Fullback / Right back / Left back / Central defender / Centre half / Sweeper
Switch
Switch play
= Moving the ball from one flank to the other in an abrupt fashion, mostly by a long pass.
Syndrome
Second season syndrome
When a promoted team performs well in its first season in the new division then flounders in the second, it is known as 'second season syndrome'.
It can also be applied to individual players who dazzle in their debut year at a club only to endure a downturn in fortunes.
Tackle
Did you see that tackle? (Phrase)
a Tackle / a Pass / a Header / a Cross / a Shot / a Lob / a Back pass / a Dive / a Deflection / a Deflected shot / an Interception
Block tackle:
تکل
A tap in
= an easy goal where a player just taps the ball into the net from close range
Tapping up
The term 'tapping up' in football is used to describe the act of approaching a player who is under contract with another club without express permission of that club in order to initiate a transfer.
Strictly speaking, tapping up a player is not permitted, but in reality it happens a lot and is difficult to avoid.
Target
Target man
= A tall striker that’s often targeted by crosses, long balls, and high passes for their aerial superiority and prowess as a finisher.
See: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Didier Drogba, Romelu Lukaku.
The attack / Forward, Striker / Attacker / Target man
Team
Which team do you support? (Phrase)
Squad / Team / First team / Reserves / Substitutes
Match / Game / Commentator / Club / Team
First Team
Terrace
Pitch / Ground / Stands / Stadium / Terrace
Testimonial
A testimonial is an exhibition football match that is held to honor a player who has contributed a considerable portion of their career to a club. While there is no official length of time, it tends to be reserved for players who have played for a club for 10 years or thereabouts.
Theatrical
= An adjective to describe a player’s tendency for over the top reactions.
Three
Three - Two
Three-two / One-nil / Two all / a Draw / a Score draw / Won (to win / Lost (to lose) / Drew (to draw)
Through ball
A 'through ball' is a pass which is threaded through the opposition's lines of defense to a team-mate who has made a well timed run.
Example: "Kevin De Bruyne split the defense wide open with a sensational through ball to Gabriel Jesus."
Throw in
Throw-in / Goal kick / Corner kick / Free kick / Penalty /Direct / Indirect free kick / Defensive wall
Tied
Cap-tied
When a player is cap-tied in international football it means they have played a senior competitive game for one particular national team and cannot change to another for which they may have been eligible.
Example: Former Barcelona forward Munir El-Haddadi was eligible for Morocco, but cannot switch allegiance to them because he played for Spain once in a European Championship qualifier, meaning he is cap-tied to Spain.
Cup-tied
The rules of many cup competitions prohibit a player for playing for two different clubs in the same competition in the same season.
If a player plays for one club in round one of a cup then transfers to another club which is competing in the same cup, they would be cup-tied for the remainder of the competition.
Tifo
A tifo is a colorful, coordinated display by supporters, usually inside a stadium, but also outside.
Tifo is the Italian word for typhus fever.
Tiki taka
Tiki taka is a tactical style of football which involves dominating possession and passing the ball quickly in order to overwhelm the opponent and unpick their defense.
It is associated with Pep Guardiola's Barcelona team of 2008-2012 and the all-conquering Spain team that won Euro 08, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012.
Interestingly, while the style was admired across the world, Guardiola took issue with the term because he felt it implied simply keeping the ball for the sake of it.
“I loathe all that passing for the sake of it, all that tiki-taka.
It's so much rubbish and has no purpose,” the Catalan said to journalist Marti Perarnau in 2014.
“You have to pass the ball with a clear intention, with the aim of making it into the opposition's goal. It's not about passing for the sake of it.”
Pep Guardiola Manchester City Real Madrid 2019-20
Time
Full time
Half time
How long until half time? (Phrase)
The ref has blown his whistle for half time (phrase)
Half time / Full time / Final whistle
First time
First-time ball
= Transferring the ball to a teammate with one single touch when a pass is received.
Injury time
Normal time in football is 90 minutes, but a referee can add on time at the end of the match based on stoppages for injuries and so forth.
This is known as injury time.
Other names include stoppage time and added time.
این اصطلاح فوتبال به انگلیسی در واقع همان وقت اضافه خودمان است.
Fergie Time
'Fergie Time' describes the perception that former Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson had a psychological influence on referees that made them add just enough time after 90 minutes to allow the Red Devils to score. First used in the 1990s, the fact that Ferguson could often be seen pointing at his watch on the sideline and his teams scored plenty of late goals contributed to the perception.
Example: "Back in the 1992-93 season, with Manchester United and Sheffield Wednesday drawing 1-1, seven minutes of time was added at the end and Steve Bruce scored a winner. Thus Fergie Time was born."
Alex Ferguson Manchester UnitedGetty
GOAT
The GOAT means 'Greatest Of All Time'.
Example: The argument over whether Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi is the GOAT will go on forever.
Total
Total football
Total Football (Totaal voetbal in Dutch) is the name of a tactical style of play that was pioneered by Ajax and the Netherlands national team in the 1970s.
The concept of Total Football is that any player on the team can fulfil any role as necessary, allowing a fluid, dynamic approach.
While it was popularized by the Dutch in the 1970s, it later became the foundation of the modern-day Barcelona team when Johan Cruyff took over as manager of the club in the late 1980s.
Totteringham
St Totteringham's Day
St Totteringham's Day is the day when Arsenal fans celebrate when it becomes mathematically impossible for Tottenham to finish above their team in the league.
It is therefore a moveable feast, which may not occur every year.
Touch
Touchline
خط کنار زمین که در صورت خروج توپ از آن خط، توپ اصطلاحا اوت شده است و تیم مقابل باید توپ را به درون زمین پرتاب کند.
Corner flag / Goal mouth / Touch line / Penalty box / Penalty area / the box / the area / Post / Cross bar / Net
Tools
Downing tools
'Downing tools' is a term used to describe the perception that footballers are no longer trying their best for their manager. Often, charges of players downing tools occur when a manager has annoyed a team or player, or his methods no longer inspire confidence.
Example: "Thanks to his treatment by Jose Mourinho, the feeling is that Paul Pogba has downed tools at Manchester United."
Traction
Traction engine
Foot like a traction engine
When someone says a player "must have a foot like a traction engine" they mean that they have a powerful shot.
The phrase comes from the satirical British television show
The Day Today. Steve Coogan's character on the show, Alan Partridge, was a parody of a sports reporter and, while doing commentary on a match, he says: "Sh*t! Did you see that? He must have a foot like a traction engine!"
Treatment
Hairdryer treatment
= The hard scolding of players by their manager, usually taking place in the changing room.
Popularized by the former Manchester United Manager Alex Ferguson.
The 'hairdryer treatment' is a euphemism for a furious verbal assault on a player or players by a manager.
The idea is that a constant stream of hot hair is blown into one's face.
Example: "Manchester United were so bad in that first half that there is no doubt Alex Ferguson will give them the hairdryer treatment."
Treble
= Winning three major competitions in a single season.
The Treble
When a team wins three trophies it is described as 'doing the Treble'.
Generally speaking, a treble requires a team to win their domestic league along with two important cup competitions.
Lesser competitions are often disregarded.
Trip
Booked / Sent off / Red card / Yellow card / Foul / Hand ball / Obstruction / Trip / Push
Turn
Cruyff Turn
The Cruyff Turn is the name of a dribble technique which was popularized by Netherlands star Johan Cruyff when he used it to evade Sweden's Jan Olsson at the 1974 World Cup.
The move involves feigning a pass and switching the ball to the standing foot by performing a 180 degree turn.
Two
Game of two halves
= A cliché that commentators resort to when a match has consisted of two halves with huge disparities in character and score.
When a football match is described as being 'a game of two halves' it usually means that one team dominated the first half and then the other dominated the second half.
Football is by definition a game of two 45-minute periods broken up by a 15 minute half-time interval.
The pitch itself is also divided into two halves.
Three - Two
Three-two / One-nil / Two all / a Draw / a Score draw / Won (to win / Lost (to lose) / Drew (to draw)
Two all
Three-two / One-nil / Two all / a Draw / a Score draw / Won (to win / Lost (to lose) / Drew (to draw)
a One-two
= a fast, one-touch move where a player passes the ball to a team mate and receives the ball straight back again
UEFA = Union of European Football Associations
Ultras
The term 'ultras' is used to describe a branch of football fans who demonstrate great fervor in their passion for a club by creating loud, colorful displays during matches.
While it is not always the case, some ultra groups have a tendency towards hooliganism and are associated with organized crime.
Under
Under the cosh
If a team is 'under the cosh' they are enduring severe pressure during a game and defending resolutely against wave after wave of attacks.
Example: "When Roy Keane was sent off, Manchester United spent the rest of the game under the cosh."
Union
UEFA = Union of European Football Associations
Playable
≠
Unplayable
1. When a player is described as being 'unplayable' it means that they are performing so well that they cannot be contained.
Example: "Zlatan Ibrahimovic was unplayable in his prime. He could do what he wanted."
2. When a football pitch is in such a bad condition that a game of football cannot be played on it.
To volley:
ضربه زدن به توپ قبل از اینکه توپ به زمین بخورد.
WAG
The term WAG means 'Wives And Girlfriends',
referring to the partners of footballers.
Cristiano Ronaldo Georgina Rodriguez 2019Getty
Wall
Defensive wall
Throw-in / Goal kick / Corner kick / Free kick / Penalty /Direct / Indirect free kick / Defensive wall
Wardrobe
= In football, the term wardrobe is used to describe a defender who is massive in stature and who blocks and clears every ball that comes into their area.
Manchester United center-back Harry Maguire is affectionately referred to as 'the Wardrobe' by Red Devils fans.
Way
Breakaway
: آن لحظه‌ای که بازیکن پا به توپ می‌شود و چند نفر را کنار میزند یا با یک استارت سریع با سرعت به سمت دروازه‌ی حریف می‌رود، اصطلاحا breakaway یا فرار نام دارد.
Halfway
Halfway line
خط وسط زمین؛ هر تیم در یک‌طرف خط زمین مستقر می‌شود (در شروع بازی)
Wet
On a cold, wet night in Stoke
If one posits that a player cannot play 'on a cold, wet Wednesday night in Stoke' it means they would struggle to perform in England.
The phrase, since embellished, was first uttered in 2010 by pundit Andy Gray, who suggested that Barcelona star Lionel Messi would find it difficult to play well in the rain-sodden, wind-swept pitches of the Premier League.
WFA = Women’s Football Association
= body governing women’s football in England
Wife → Wives
WAG
The term WAG means 'Wives And Girlfriends',
referring to the partners of footballers.
Cristiano Ronaldo Georgina Rodriguez 2019Getty
To Win → Won
Verb
Three-two / One-nil / Two all / a Draw / a Score draw / Won (to win / Lost (to lose) / Drew (to draw)
Winger
The midfield, / Midfielder / Winger
Whistle
Final whistle
Half time / Full time / Final whistle
Blow his whistle
The ref has blown his whistle for half time (phrase)
Woman
Lineswoman
Referee / Ref / Linesman / Lineswoman / Fourth official
WSL = Women’s Super League
= top division in women’s football
The football league / The premiership / The Women’s Super League (WSL) / The champions’ league / Non-league
WFA = Women’s Football Association
= body governing women’s football in England
Wood
Woodwork
(Hit the) woodwork
= Having the ball strike one of the sidebars of the goal.
Off the woodwork
When the ball is said to 'hit the woodwork' or 'come off the woodwork' it means it has hit the post or crossbar.
The term is a throwback to a time when goalposts were made out of wood.
To Win → Won
Verb
Three-two / One-nil / Two all / a Draw / a Score draw / Won (to win / Lost (to lose) / Drew (to draw)
Work
Woodwork
(Hit the) woodwork
= Having the ball strike one of the sidebars of the goal.
Off the woodwork
When the ball is said to 'hit the woodwork' or 'come off the woodwork' it means it has hit the post or crossbar.
The term is a throwback to a time when goalposts were made out of wood.
World
World Cup
FA Cup / League Cup / World Cup / European Championships / Coppa America / African Nations
Worldy
A 'worldy' is another term a goal that is considered to be of world-class quality.
Worldies tend to be long-range shots, but they can also be difficult maneuvers such as bicycle kicks.
"Wayne Rooney has curled in a worldy from 35 yards. Sensational goal."
WSL = Women’s Super League
= top division in women’s football
The football league / The premiership / The Women’s Super League (WSL) / The champions’ league / Non-league
XG
XG is an abbreviation for 'Expected Goals'.
A modern statistical measurement,
Yellow
Yellow Card
Booked / Sent off / Red card / Yellow card / Foul / Hand ball / Obstruction / Trip / Push
To get a yellow card
= to be booked
He’s brought him down and that will surely mean a yellow card (phrase)
YouTube
YouTube footballer
= YouTuber
= is a player who appears to attempt complicated things on the pitch solely for the purpose of their highlight reel rather than the good of the team. It is a derogatory tag that is fixed to players who are perceived to be selfish.
Former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness famous described Paul Pogba as a YouTube footballer.
YouTuber
= YouTube footballer
= is a player who appears to attempt complicated things on the pitch solely for the purpose of their highlight reel rather than the good of the team. It is a derogatory tag that is fixed to players who are perceived to be selfish.
Former Liverpool captain Graeme Souness famous described Paul Pogba as a YouTube footballer.
Yoyo
Yo-yo club
= A yo-yo club is one which is always capable of earning promotion but cannot seem to maintain its status in the higher division.
Therefore they are regularly promoted and relegated.
Manchester City, West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace and Birmingham City are notable historic examples of yo-yo clubs in England
Z
Row Z
= The row in the stands that’s the farthest from the pitch. Usually said
when a player tries to shoot and they hit the ball so hard and off target that it goes high into the stands.
Predominantly used as hyperbole to underscore how far the ball’s traveled.
Into row Z
Putting the ball 'into row Z' means clearing it as far and high as possible in order to avert danger.
The idea is that row Z is the highest part of the stadium.
Example: "He took no chances there and blasted it into row Z!"
Zone
Danger zone
= Penalty area
محدوده‌ی جلوی هر دروازه که به منطقه‌ی جریمه معروف است و خطا در آن باعث پنالتی یا ضربه مستقیم به دروازه می‌شود.
