How Long is Extra Time in Soccer: Laws of the Game
How long is extra time in soccer? In the beautiful game, extra time is used to determine the winner of a match that ends in a draw after regulation time, but needs a clear winner. 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 only introduced under specific circumstances – primarily during knockout stages of tournaments and play-off games where there needs to be a clear winner. 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 then multiple things can happen. If the game is a league game, the game will end in a tie and both teams will get one point, but if the game needs a clear winner, the game will either go to extra time, a penalty shootout, or both.
Extra Time Soccer Rules
The rules in extra time are the same exact rules as the rules in regulation time, the only difference is the length of the two halves and each team gets an extra substitution to make up for the extra running. Just like during the start of regulation time, a referee must perform a coin toss with the captains of each team to decide who gets the ball, who kicks off, and the team that scores the most goals wins.
After regulation time, if there is extra time the players will get a 5 minute break to recover, hydrate and eat healthy snacks if they need to. Extra time is made up of two 15 minute halves plus stoppage time that is added at the end of each half, plus a one minute halftime break.
The team that scores the most goals at the end of extra time wins the match, but if there is still a tie 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 into sudden death format and from there 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 youth soccer games will go straight to penalty shootouts after regulation time, unless it is the championship game, which usually does allow 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 into 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 a goal during extra time wins the match and extra time stops there.
Silver Goals
In response to criticisms about “golden goals” causing overly cautious play styles among teams, UEFA introduced silver plans between 2002 and 2004 in specific tournaments. Under these rules, if any team scored during either half of extra time but failed to maintain their lead until the end of said half, the game would continue onto the next period or even penalty kicks as 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 level following home-and-away legs within two-legged ties.
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 a very popular rule, however, it is no longer used in major competitions.
Image by Jeffrey F Lin
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 by putting up 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 game, knockout stage game, or a final will last 90 minutes, plus 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 and which side of the field and which goal the penalty shootout will take place at.
What is the best soccer training program?
The best online soccer training program and soccer app is Football Entangled. There is no other program like Football Entangled on the market and this community, much more than just an app, will help you get closer to making your dreams a reality.
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.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding how long extra time is very important as 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.
