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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Football and Soccer?

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The terms "football" and "soccer" can refer to the same sport or different sports, depending on the context. In the United States and Canada, "football" typically refers to American football, a sport played with an oblong-shaped ball, while "soccer" refers to association football, which is played with a round ball. In the rest of the world, "football" generally refers to association football, and the term "soccer" is not as prevalent.

The difference between the terms lies in their origins and usage:

  • Football: This term is a shortened version of "association football," which was coined in 1863 when the Football Association codified the rules of the game. The word "association" was added to distinguish it from other games such as rugby football.
  • Soccer: This word is believed to be derived from the term "association football." It was first recorded in 1889 as "socca," then as "socker," before finding its current form in 1895. In the United States, the term "soccer" became the prevailing term for the game of association football to distinguish it from American football.

In summary, the terms "football" and "soccer" can refer to the same sport (association football) or different sports (association football and American football), depending on the context and the country where the terms are being used.

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  • What is the Difference Between Football and Soccer?
  • Comparative Table: Football vs Soccer

    • Comparative Table: Football vs Soccer

    Feature Football Soccer
    Definition Football refers to a variety of sports that involve kicking a ball (with the foot) and trying to score goals against an opposing team. The most popular form of football worldwide is association football, which is also known as soccer. Soccer, or association football, is a specific type of football that involves two teams trying to score goals by kicking or heading a ball into the opposing team's goal. It is the most popular form of football globally.
    Origin The term "football" has been used since medieval times to describe sports involving kicking a ball around a field. Soccer, or association football, gets its name from the Football Association, which was founded in 1863 in England to govern the sport. "Soccer" is derived from the word "assoc," which is short for "association".
    Popularity Football is a generic term that encompasses various sports, making it difficult to determine its exact popularity. However, soccer is the most popular form of football globally, with millions of fans and players worldwide.
    Rules and Gameplay Football can refer to a wide range of sports with different rules and gameplay styles, such as American football, Australian rules football, and rugby. Soccer, or association football, has specific rules and gameplay elements, such as using only the feet, legs, and head to play the ball, and mimimum use of hands. It is played on a rectangular field with goals at each end. Two teams, each consisting of 11 players, attempt to score goals by moving the ball down the field and into the opposing team's goal. The team with the most goals at the end of the match wins.

    In summary, the main difference between football and soccer is that football is a generic term that refers to a variety of sports involving kicking a ball, while soccer, or association football, is a specific type of football with unique rules and gameplay elements. Soccer is the most popular form of football worldwide.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.