Association football tactics and skills
Team tactics as well as individual skills are integral for playing association football. In theory, association football is a very simple game, as illustrated by Kevin Keegan's namely assertion that his tactics for winning a match were to "score more goals than the opposition". Tactical prowess within the sport is nonetheless a craftsmanship of its own, and one of the reasons why managers are paid well on the elite level. Well-organised and ready teams are often seen beating teams with more skillful players on paper. Manuals and books generally cover not only individual skills but tactics as well.
Free kick trickery at work - 1970 - Brasil vs Czechoslovakia: Jairzinho and Tostao of Brasil join the end of the defensive wall, then move off as Rivellino's powerful shot strikes through the gap. David Beckham made his first international goal for England from a set-piece kick.
Defenders must stop shots from the most dangerous area – the central zone in front of the goal
Brazil goal v Italy in 1970
As the last line of defence, goalkeepers must be able to make quick, athletic saves. Here, the skill of England's Gordon Banks robs Brazil's Pelé of a good scoring opportunity in their legendary confrontation. Mexico, 1970
Goalkeeper (association football)
The goalkeeper is a position in association football. It is the most specialised position in the sport. The goalkeeper's main role is to stop the opposing team from scoring. This is accomplished by having the goalkeeper move into the trajectory of the ball to either catch it or direct it further from the vicinity of the goal line. Within the penalty area goalkeepers are allowed to use their hands, giving them the sole rights on the field to handle the ball. The goalkeeper is indicated by wearing a different coloured kit from their teammates and opposition.
Former Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas – the first goalkeeper ever to keep one hundred international clean sheets (UEFA Euro 2012)
A goalkeeper (left, wearing a white shirt) being charged by a rival player (1905)
Maksym Koval (left) closes down Luis Suárez.
Goalkeeper Destin Onka Malonga (right) making a save