What is extra time in the World Cup knockout stage? Complete rules explained
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Extra time in soccer occurs during knockout matches if the 90 minutes end in a draw, consisting of two 15-minute halves, with teams allowed an additional substitution during this period.
- If scores remain tied after extra time, the match proceeds to a penalty shootout, where five players from each team take turns shooting, followed by sudden death if still unresolved.
- Extra time was first introduced in the 1875 FA Cup final and has been used in World Cup knockout stages since 1930, with experimental rules like the 'golden goal' and 'silver goal' tried and later abandoned.
- In recent World Cups, about 35% of knockout matches have gone to extra time, including eight finals, with some producing dramatic moments such as goals by Andres Iniesta in 2010 and Mario Gotze in 2014.
- While extra time can be thrilling and decisive, it often leads to fatigue and cautious play, making it sometimes dull, but the prospect of penalties ensures a climactic finish to tied matches.
