How Long is Extra Time in Soccer: Laws of the Game
How long is extra time in soccer? In soccer, extra time is used to determine the winner of a match that needs a clear winner but ended in a draw after regulation time. Extra time consists of two 15-minute halves, and a one-minute halftime break, plus additional stoppage time for each half.
In this guide I will explain everything you need to know about one of the most basic soccer rules, extra time.
When Does Extra Time Come into Play?
While every match includes stoppage time regardless of its outcome after regulation time, extra time is introduced only under specific circumstances: during knockout stages of tournaments and play-off games where a clear winner is needed. Usually, professional soccer matches consist of two 45-minute halves plus stoppage time and a 15-minute halftime break.
The team that scores the most goals at the end of regulation time wins the match, but if the match ends in a draw, several outcomes are possible. If the game is a league game, it will end in a tie, and both teams will get 1 point; if it needs a clear winner, it will go to extra time, a penalty shootout, or both.
The team that scores the most goals at the end of extra time wins the match; if the score is still tied, the game will be decided by a penalty shootout. During penalty shootouts, there are five main kickers, and whoever scores the most out of five wins.
If both teams are tied after five penalties each, the penalty shootout goes to a sudden-death, and the team that misses first loses.
Variations in Extra Time Rules
The extra time rules are basically the same everywhere, but there are slight variations based on the level of play, such as from youth to the professional level, and based on the tournament and league that is in charge of the match. Typically, all professional and college-level games will follow the rules above.
Straight to Penalties
Most youth soccer leagues and games will go straight to penalty shootouts after regulation time, unless it is the championship game, which usually allows overtime. Youth soccer overtimes will usually last about 10 minutes each.
Also, other leagues and domestic cup competitions, like England’s EFL Cup (formerly known as the Carling Cup), skip extra time altogether and go straight to penalty shootouts.
Golden Goal
A “golden goal” rule exists in some leagues and levels of play across the world, and it acts like a “sudden death.” The first team to score in extra time wins the match, and extra time ends there.
Silver Goals
In response to criticisms that “golden goals” led to overly cautious play among teams, UEFA introduced the Silver goal in specific tournaments between 2002 and 2004. Under these rules, if any team scored during either half of extra time but failed to maintain their lead until the end of that half, the game would continue to the next period or proceed to penalty kicks, if necessary.
Away goals
An alternative approach used by several competitions in the past, including the Champions League, involves counting away goals double when aggregate scores remain tied. If both sides have an equal total score over the two games, whoever scored the most away goals wins the overall match.
The “away goals” rule was very popular; however, it is no longer used in major competitions.
Summary
To summarize, understanding how long extra time lasts is very important for a soccer player, and it is one of the most basic rules to know. In this blog, I covered everything you need to know about extra time in soccer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is an overtime period in a soccer match after 90 minutes?
If a soccer match ends in a tie and needs a clear winner, the match will go into an overtime period of 30 minutes of game time plus injury time or added time.
What is the fourth official showing on the electronic board?
The fourth official will use an electronic board to signal how much injury time will be added to a half. They will also use the board for substitutions, posting the jersey numbers of players going in and out.
How long is a World Cup soccer game?
A World Cup soccer game, whether it is a group-stage, knockout-stage, or final, will last 90 minutes, plus a halftime break, and potentially extra time and penalty kicks if the match needs a clear winner.
What team takes the first penalty during a penalty shootout?
A coin toss determines which team takes the first penalty kick, which side of the field, and which goal the penalty shootout will take place at.
How can I learn more about the game?
To learn more about soccer, the most important thing is to join a team and play the game as much as possible. If possible, analyze high-level games as much as you can and your own games as well by recording them with a soccer camera. Also read soccer books, listen to podcasts and interviews, watch soccer documentaries, as well as some movies, TV shows, and anime.
