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Thứ Bảy, 31 tháng 12, 2022

Soccer

Ancient tales recount that in antiquity, after battles, the victors would decapitate the losers and kick their skulls around for amusement! Such gruesome images were too horrifying to record in historical texts. Ultimately, these stories are considered legends; no one knows if they are true. Some believe this was the origin of soccer because the size of the skull resembled modern-day balls, and people in ancient times lacked the means to design a ball as we know it today.

It is believed that soccer originated from a game called Cuju (Thúc Cúc) in China during the Han dynasty (around the 3rd century BCE). Initially, the game was reserved for the elite but later evolved into a sport to train soldiers.

In ancient times, soccer balls were made of fabric stitched into spherical shapes, stuffed with feathers to keep them light yet firm. Players were only allowed to use their feet (hence, the sport is also called túc cầu). Skilled artisans also wove balls from rattan, creating lightweight and sturdy structures, as shown in the image on the right. Today, in underdeveloped countries, poor children use all sorts of discarded materials (like torn fabric or ropes) to make improvised balls, as seen in the image on the left. Form matters less; it’s the sporting spirit that counts!

In Vietnam, children only need to find a ball and gather friends to play. No fuss about shoes, uniforms, or exact player numbers. A soccer field could simply be a flat, open piece of land, wide enough for them to run freely—grass is unnecessary. Playing time is agreed upon beforehand and isn’t bound by formal rules. The "goal" could be two trees on the field, two makeshift sticks planted on the ground, or even two visible rocks. Children’s soccer games are simple: they just fight to control the ball and “shoot” into the goal. The most joyful moment is when someone “breaks the net”—that is when the goalkeeper fails to stop the ball, letting it slip into the goal. Unknowingly, children train their bodies and competitive spirit through this playful sport, creating joyful childhood memories that last a lifetime.

Ah Rihla (World Cup 2022)

As they grow older, those who aspire to be professional players must learn and practice rigorously, especially for international competitions. Children’s makeshift balls no longer suffice. FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), the global soccer governing body, sets strict standards for soccer balls, particularly those used in World Cup matches, such as a circumference of 0.685 m to 0.695 m and a weight of 0.420 kg to 0.445 kg. To learn about soccer balls used in World Cups since 1930, readers are encouraged to explore FIFA World Cup footballs over the years. Soccer ball design has improved over time; for example, the Al Rihla ball used in the 2022 World Cup includes a motion sensor that transmits ball movement data at a rate of 500 times per second, aiding match organizers in real-time tracking. Likewise, standards exist for playing fields, goals, and rules in international tournaments.

A soccer match consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a 15-minute halftime break. If the score remains tied after regulation time, two extra halves of 15 minutes each are played, with no halftime break. If the score is still tied after extra time, a penalty shootout ensues, with each team taking five penalty kicks.

Each soccer match is officiated by a head referee (who runs alongside players on the field) and two assistant referees (who monitor out-of-bounds plays). They enforce rules and penalize players who break them. The three most common penalties are offside, yellow card, and red card. In general, two yellow cards equal a red card, and players shown a red card are ejected from the game. Referees may also award penalty kicks to the attacking team if a player commits a yellow-card foul inside their penalty area. Modern technology has improved match officiating through tools like VAR (Video Assistant Referee, which allows referees to review plays), automatic offside detection, and goal-line technology (which confirms whether a ball has crossed the goal line).

All these details are useful for beginners. However, most soccer fans don’t care about these nuances for three reasons:

1.     They want their supported team to win (and possibly win their bets!);

2.     They look forward to spectacular dribbles and shots;

3.     They crave the tension of penalty kicks.

Some people watch soccer but are interested in other aspects, such as the factors that affect the ball's trajectory or creating animations of soccer players based on viewer conditions.

1. Betting

Nowadays (2022), those who enjoy gambling can easily bet on soccer matches online. The website https://www.arlesavignon.net/ summarizes and ranks 12 popular betting platforms, originating from Taiwan and featuring various sponsors. The website https://cadobongda.club/ highlights 5 selected platforms along with numerous others. Both sites explain how to place bets, including details about registration, payments, and withdrawals. Bets can be placed before or a few minutes after the match begins. If you are unfamiliar with betting terminology, continue reading.

In every match, there is always a favorite team (the home team or the stronger side, abbreviated as H for Home), while the other team is the underdog (abbreviated as A for Away). A draw is written as D (Draw).In general, there are three main types of bets: European odds, Over/Under, and Asian Handicap. You can bet on the result of the first half or the full match. The most common abbreviations are:

  • HH: Home team wins both the first half and the full match.
  • HA: Home team wins the first half, but the away team wins the match.
  • AA: Away team wins both the first half and the match.
  • HD: Home team wins the first half, but the match ends in a draw.
  • DD: Both teams draw in the first half and the full match.
  • DH: Teams draw in the first half, but the home team wins the match.
  • AH: Away team wins the first half, but the home team wins the match.
  • DA: Teams draw in the first half, but the away team wins the match.
  • AD: Away team wins the first half, but the match ends in a draw.

The odds are the numbers set by the bookmakers: if you win, you will receive your bet amount plus the odds multiplied by the bet amount. Since bookmakers’ odds vary, you should compare and choose the bookmaker offering the best odds before placing your bet.

European Odds

In European betting (also known as 1X2 betting), players only focus on which team wins or whether the match ends in a draw. The exact score does not matter. The odds are:

  • 1: Home team wins.
  • X: The match ends in a draw.
  • 2: Away team wins.

Example:

  • Team A = Home team; Team B = Away team.
  • Odds: 2 + 0.70, 2.65, and 3.30.
  • Bet amount = $100.

If Team A wins:

  • You receive $100 x (2 + 0.70) = $270.

If Team A loses:

  • You receive $100 x 2.65 = $265.

If the match ends in a draw:

  • You receive $100 x 3.30 = $330.

Over/Under Betting (Tài/Xỉu)

This type of bet, also known as O/U, focuses on the total number of goals. Bookmakers set a “line” for total goals. For example, in an “Over/Under 2” bet, the line is 2 goals:

  • Bet “Over” (Tài): You win if the total goals exceed 2.
  • Bet “Under” (Xỉu): You win if the total goals are fewer than 2.
  • If the total is exactly 2, the bet is refunded.

The same principle applies to other Over/Under lines. Payouts depend on the odds set by the bookmaker.

Asian Handicap Betting

Asian Handicap betting involves “handicap odds,” where the stronger team gives a goal advantage to the weaker team. In the bookmaker's list:

  • The team in bold is the favorite (stronger team).
  • The team not in bold is the underdog (weaker team).
  • If no team is bolded, the match is “even” with no handicap.

Types of Asian Handicap Bets:

  • Level Handicap (0.0): No handicap. You win if your chosen team wins, and lose if they don’t. If the match ends in a draw, your bet is refunded.
  • Quarter Handicap (0.25 or 0–0.5): The favorite gives a 0.25-goal advantage to the underdog.
    • If the favorite wins, you win half the stake.
    • If the match is a draw, you lose half the stake.
    • If the favorite loses, you lose the full stake.
  • Half Handicap (0.5): The favorite gives a 0.5-goal advantage.
    • You win if the favorite wins the match.
    • If the underdog wins or the match ends in a draw, bets on the underdog win.
  • One Goal Handicap (1.0): The favorite gives a 1-goal advantage.
    • If the favorite wins by 2 or more goals, bets on the favorite win.
    • If the margin is exactly 1 goal, bets are refunded.
    • If the underdog wins or the match ends in a draw, bets on the underdog win.

Other variations include Corner Betting, Card Betting, Throw-In Betting, Goal Kick Betting, Substitution Betting, Offside Betting, Penalty Betting, Group Stage Betting, Champion Betting, Relegation Betting, and Top Scorer Betting.

2. Dribbling and Playing Soccer 

More than six decades ago, before television existed, soccer was a beloved pastime in southern Vietnam, and no one could forget the legendary sports commentator Huyền Vũ (1915–2005). He was revered as the King of Soccer Commentary, as no one before or since has described soccer matches with such clarity, accuracy, and excitement. Indeed, listeners tuning into his live radio broadcasts felt as though they were right there on the field, witnessing the impressive dribbles, incredible passes, and spectacular shots firsthand. Remarkably, some spectators at the stadium would even bring transistor radios to hear Huyền Vũ explain and comment on the action unfolding before their eyes!

At the time, everywhere you went, people spoke of Phạm Văn Rạng (1934–2008), known as the Number One Goalkeeper of Asia. He was one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of the Republic of Vietnam's soccer. In 1966, he was invited to join the Asian All-Stars team, where they played against the Chelsea Football Club of England and won 2-1. Malaysian newspapers praised Phạm Văn Rạng as the key contributor to the Asian team’s victory. Unfortunately, after this legendary match, he retired from soccer and took a modest civil servant job. After 1975, he lived a life of hardship until he passed away from a stroke. These stories now remain as beautiful memories of a bygone era.

Today, most soccer matches are broadcast live worldwide on local television stations or streamed online. Those unable to watch live can record the match using a PVR (Personal Video Recorder) to watch later. Many devoted fans upload highlights to YouTube, ensuring that no one misses the most exciting moments. Wealthier fans with time to spare do not hesitate to travel to stadiums, even if they are halfway across the world, to watch international soccer matches in person.

Watching a soccer match live at the stadium is an exhilarating experience, filled with cheers, drum beats, and enthusiastic support for the home team. Surrounding the field and above the turf, hundreds of cameras transmit detailed footage to broadcasting stations, which select and send the most engaging moments to television audiences. Ironically, spectators at the stadium can only see the players—tiny as ants—running around the field, whereas television viewers have a better vantage point, clearly observing who is doing what on the field. Moreover, instant replays allow them to follow the match more closely, even just seconds after a play unfolds!

IIndeed, when watching on television, viewers can clearly see precise passes, dribbles as cunning as a cat playing with a mouse, forward strikes, subtle back passes, shots with the right foot, the left foot, or even spectacular “flying” kicks that send the ball backward into the goal. Generally, soccer players need the stamina to outrun opponents, the skill to dribble past defenders (so they cannot intercept the ball), and the ability to strike the ball accurately (to make it follow the desired trajectory while evading the opposing team’s defense). Most importantly, they must make split-second decisions when taking shots on goal. No words can fully capture the thrill of watching soccer better than the experience of watching it yourself.

For decades, the world has witnessed the unparalleled achievements of legendary soccer players such as Pelé (Brazil), Lionel Messi (Argentina), David Beckham (England), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Ronaldinho (Brazil), Roberto Carlos (Brazil), Ronaldo (Brazil), Zinedine Zidane (France), and Kylian Mbappé (France). Countless videos showcasing their accomplishments, in multiple languages, can still be found online. Below are some notable examples:

In soccer history, some legendary free kicks remain unforgettable—shots so spectacular that goalkeepers stood no chance. One iconic example is Roberto Carlos’ incredible free kick for Brazil in 1997, as shown in the video below.

Unforgettable goals

Moments in the life of famous players and goalkeepers 

Goalkeeper Mistakes Recorded in Soccer History

Memorable Moments from the 2022 World Cup

3. Penalty kicks


Penalty kicks have a significant psychological impact on both the goalkeeper and the penalty taker. Goalkeepers often jump back and forth in the goal to distract the shooter. The penalty taker, in turn, tries to deceive the goalkeeper by pretending to shoot to the right (but actually aiming left or straight down the center), feigning a high shot (but kicking low), pretending to strike straight (but curving the ball), or faking a powerful shot (but striking lightly). If the penalty taker successfully deceives the goalkeeper, the chances of scoring increase significantly.

In 2022, analyst Pablo López Landeros used video data from World Cup penalty kicks to determine which areas of the goal were most frequently targeted for scoring.

In reality, goalkeepers have very little time to react during penalty kicks. The distance from the penalty spot to the far left or right corner of the goal is 11.85 meters. With the fastest recorded ball speed (by Ronny Heberson of Brazil) reaching 210.9 km/h, goalkeepers have just 0.203 seconds to block the shot!

Here are some of  the most "impressive" penalty kicks

Here are some resources showcasing the most impressive penalty kicks:

Additionally, you can play penalty kick video games on your computer, iPad, or smartphone. https://www.crazygames.com/game/penalty-kicks

Concluding remarks

 Whether or not you are a soccer fan, you might have wondered how soccer began in Vietnam and where its roots lie. If so, I invite you to explore the history of Vietnamese soccer, which dates back to the late 19th century, and view the following video clips that provide insight.

For Vietnamese soccer news, you can visit:

Nowadays, all you need is a computer with an internet connection or a smartphone, and you can sit at home and access soccer-related information - a feat unimaginable just a few decades ago!

 

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