A look at 10 of the best soccer players in the world.

1.  Lionel Messi (Argentina & Barcelona)

Four times World Player of the Year, Messi has been considered by some distance the best player on the planet over the last six years. His ability to mesmerize defenders with a mix of skill and pace is unmatched and it often appears as though the ball is glued to his feet. The Barcelona star is versatile enough to play anywhere across the frontline, and he led his country to the 2014 World Cup final. Already one of the best soccer players of all time.

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2.  Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal & Real Madrid)

Ronaldo may have less of an influence on games than Messi, but he is stronger and taller than the Argentine, and his goals-to-games ratio similar. Since joining Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009, Ronaldo has been a revelation, making the world record outlay of US$131 look less outrageous with every hat-trick. His famous stepover is imitated in parks right across the world. 

3.  Luis Suarez (Uruguay & Barcelona)

The Barcelona striker is not everyone’s cup of tea, but his ability is not up for debate. Suarez is a master at weaving his way into the penalty box, deadly in one-on-one situations and an excellent free-kick taker. His link-up play with teammates is of the highest order, and he is a fighter who will always give 100% for the cause. A penchant for conning referees remains his Achilles heel, but that did not stop Barca paying Liverpool US$128.5 million for the player in July 2014. 

4.  Andres Iniesta (Spain & Barcelona)

Iniesta's understanding with club-mate Xavi Hernandez borders on the telepathic at times. The short, eye of the needle passing the pair produce can pierce holes in the most stubborn of rearguards. Iniesta is also very modest, never creating problems for the coaches he works under. Scored the winner in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands.

5.  Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast & Manchester City)

The all-round midfielder. The emergence of Sergio Busquets at Barcelona proved a blessing for Manchester City because it meant that the Catalans were willing to offload the Ivorian to the Etihad Stadium in 2011. Toure was one of the linchpins as City won their first league title since 1968. Few players are capable of switching through the gears so effortlessly and watching Toure rampage through Premier League midfields is one of the most spectacular sights in world soccer.

6.  Gareth Bale (Wales & Real Madrid)

The Welsh attacker completed his long-awaited move to Real Madrid on September 1, 2013 after a summer of protracted negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur. Bale is a supreme dribbler who boasts the pace and skill to beat multiple opponents. He is also a great finisher and capable of scoring consistently from long range.

7.  Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich)

The Bayern Munich fans love him, Pep Guardiola adores him. Philipp Lahm has been a stalwart for club and country over the last decade. The versatile Germany international can play in both of the full-back positions, while Guardiola has also used him as a defensive midfielder, such is his high opinion of Lahm’s tackling and distribution skills. Lahm captained Germany to the 2014 World Cup before retiring after the tournament. 

8.  Arjen Robben (Holland & Bayern Munich)

The winger further enhanced his glowing reputation with some impressive showings for Holland at the 2014 World Cup. Robben's deadly combination of pace and trickery is a nightmare for defenders, while he scores more goals than the average winger. Robben has been at the top of the game for 10 years now, having had stints with Chelsea, Real Madrid and current club Bayern Munich.

9.  Robin van Persie (Netherlands & Manchester United)

Having put the injury problems that blighted Van Persie throughout his mid-20s behind him, the Dutchman is now one of the most feared strikers in world soccer. Manchester United acquired the player from Arsenal in 2012 and it proved a masterful signing as he picked up where he had left off at the Emirates Stadium with goals galore to fire United to the 2012-13 Premier League title. A player of immaculate technique, with a left foot to die for and now playing under his fellow countrymanLouis van Gaal at Old Trafford. 

10.  Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden & Paris Saint-Germain)

Expect the unexpected with the mercurial Swede. Ibrahimovic is the moodiest player in world soccer, but completely unplayable when on his game. Just witness his stunning overhead kick against England in 2012. Ibra has won league titles in Holland, Italy, Spain and France with six different clubs and is something of a lucky charm for those willing to invest in his considerable talents. 

Robin Van Persie

Louis van Gaal has been left with another selection conundrum after he revealedRobin van Persie will be back for Manchester United’s match at Swansea on Saturday.

Van Persie missed the 3-1 FA Cup win over Preston on Monday because of an unspecified injury but the striker is in the squad for the game at the Liberty Stadium. Van Gaal will have to decide whether to hand him a start at the expense of Wayne Rooney or Radamel Falcao – or drop his captain into midfield.

Michael Carrick is to return to training next week following a calf injury, while the defender Phil Jones is fit to face Swansea having overcome his knee problem.

Van Gaal thinks United have got their swagger back – and he may have a point, given that United are third in the table having lost just once in their last 19 matches.

“When you see the scores of the last 19 or 20 matches we are the best team in the league. So that is why I think confidence is also high like it was at the beginning. The players know and have experience of playing in the system with my philosophy.”

United put in another unconvincing display at Deepdale on Monday when they had to come from behind to beat the League One side and set up an FA Cup sixth round tie against Arsenal. Van Gaal admits some of the criticism that has been aimed at his team recently has been valid and he is looking for an improvement from his squad in the final quarter of the season.

“I am never 100% happy,” he said. “We can play better but the main thing is to win your match, not to lose. We have shown this year a lot of times team spirit and that is very attractive for the fans but also for the coach, because then you can see a player wants to follow you.”

Van Gaal has spent over £150m on seven players since he arrived at United but the club are still willing to back him with significant funds in the next transfer window.

He has been linked with a number of players in recent weeks, including Nathaniel Clyne, Kyle Walker, Kevin Strootman and Mats Hummels.

Van Gaal declined an invitation to comment on how many changes he thinks he needs to make to his squad in the summer. “You will have to see and wait,” he said.

Soccer Rules

Soccer’s rules and regulations are maintained and updated annually by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The board consists of eight members, four of which come from FIFA, and the other four coming from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales – all countries that contributed to the development of the sport. FIFA’s most recently published rule book is 140 pages long, which is a bit ambitious for the casual player who is just becoming familiarized with the game. For this reason, we have prepared a simplified version below that should allow you to learn the basic rules of soccer. It is also important to note that although FIFA publishes an established set of rules, they are often modified by national and regional leagues and organizations. With that, you should ensure that you inquire with your coach, fellow players or league manager regarding any rules that deviate from the norm.•

 

Laws of the Game

IFAB currently acknowledges 17 laws of soccer that are the standard for any professional or international match played. They are as follows:

Law 1: The Field of Play

Soccer can be played on either grass or artificial turf, but the surface must be green in color. The field must be rectangular in shape, and distinctly marked by two short goal lines and two long-touch lines. The field is divided into halves, separated by the halfway line, which runs from the midpoints of each touchline. At the midpoint of the halfway line is a marked center point surrounded by a lined center circle with a radius of 10 yards. Opposing players are not allowed to enter this circle during the possessing team’s kick-off. The length of the touch line must be greater than the length of the goal line.

Regulation lengths are:

• Touch line: Minimum 90 meters (100 yards), maximum 120 meters (130 yards)
• Width (goal line): Minimum 45 m (50 yds), maximum 90 m (100 yds).
• At each end of the field is an eight-yard-wide goal centered along the goal line.
• Six yards from each goal post along the goal line and six yards out into the field (perpendicular to the goal line) is the goal box.
• Extending 18 yards from each goal post along the goal line and 18 yards out into the field (perpendicular to the goal line) is the penalty box.
• In each of the four corners of the field is a five-foot-high corner flag.

Law 2: The Ball

A soccer ball must be spherical in shape and made of leather or another comparable medium. Its circumference must be in the range of 27 to 28 inches. This rule is only applicable for official sanctioned matches, as youth leagues often employ the use of a smaller ball that is better suited to children.

Law 3: The Number of Players

Matches are generally played by two teams of 11 to a side. The goalkeeper is included in the 11-player total. If a team cannot field at least seven players at match time, the game is a forfeit. Teams of fewer than 11 a side can often be seen in youth leagues where smaller teams are used as a developmental tool. FIFA-sanctioned matches are generally limited to three substitutions per match, with the exception of friendly matches. Most youth leagues allow an unlimited number of substitutions, which must also be listed on the game card prior to the beginning of the match, otherwise those players are ineligible. Substitutions may only enter at the halfway line, upon the referee’s approval, and after the player being subbed out has left the pitch. The goalkeeper may be substituted with anyone on the pitch or any eligible substitute on the bench during a game stoppage.

Law 4: The Players’ Equipment

All players are required to wear a jersey, shorts, shin guards, socks and cleats. The socks must cover the shin guards entirely. If the referee deems a player’s equipment unsatisfactory, the player can be sent off until the issue is remedied.

Law 5: The Referee

The referee is the authority on the field, and his word is law. If you question a referee’s decision, you can be disciplined further simply for dissent.

Law 6: The Assistant Referees

The assistant referees are primarily responsible for assisting the referee in performing his duties – this includes signaling with a flag when a ball goes of play, when a player is fouled, or when a player is in an offside position.

Law 7: The Duration of the Match

A soccer match is comprised of two 45-minute halves, with extra time added for each at the referee’s discretion. The halves are separated by a half-time period not to exceed 15 minutes. The extra time generally corresponds with the referee’s determination of how much time was taken up due to substitutions and injuries. The amount of extra time is announced and displayed at the half line at the end of each 45-minute period. Although soccer does have an allotted time limit, it is ultimately up to the referee’s as to when to end a match.

Law 8: The Start and Restart of Play

Kick-off is generally determined by a coin toss, whereby the winning team can either choose to start with the ball or choose which goal they would like to attack. The losing team is then afforded whatever choice the winner does not elect to take. Kick-off occurs at the start of each half, and after each goal scored, and is taken at the center of the halfway line. If a team scores a goal, the opposing team is given the kick-off to restart the match.

Law 9: The Ball In and Out of Play

The ball is out of play when it fully crosses either the goal line or the touch line. It is also out of play if the referee stops play for any reason. If, for any reason, the ball strikes the frame of the goal or the referee and remains within the goal and touch lines, it is still in play.

Law 10: The Method of Scoring

A goal is scored when the entire ball has crossed the goal line within the frame of the goal. At the end of the match, the team with the most goals is the winner, barring the circumstantial necessity for extra time.

Law 11: Offside

When an attacking player receives the ball while on his opponents half, he must be level or behind the second to last defender (the last typically being the goalkeeper). However, this rule only applies if he is involved with the play. To get a better understanding of the offside rule, please see the guide section for a more detailed explanation.

Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct

A direct free kick is awarded when a player:

• Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent
• Trips or attempts to trip an opponent
• Jumps at an opponent
• Charges an opponent
• Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
• Pushes an opponent
• Tackles an opponent
• Holds an opponent
• Spits at an opponent
• Handles the ball deliberately

If any of these are fouls are committed by a player in their team’s penalty area, the opposing team is awarded a penalty kick. Indirect free kicks are awarded if a player:

• Plays in a dangerous manner
• Impedes the progress of an opponent
• Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his/her hands
• Commits any other unmentioned offense

Yellow cards are awarded as a caution or warning to a player and can be issued for the following offenses:

• Unsporting behavior
• Dissent by word or action
• Persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game
• Delaying the restart of play
• Failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick,free kick, or throw-in
• Entering or re-entering the field of play without the referee’s permission
• deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee’s permission

Red cards are used to send a player off the field, and can be issued for the following offenses:

• Serious foul play
• Violent conduct
• Spitting at an opponent or any other person
• Denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (the goalkeeper being an exception)
• Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player’s goal by an offense punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick
• Using offensive or abusive language and/or gestures
• Receiving a second caution (yellow card) in the same match

Law 13: Free Kicks

Free Kick is broken into two categories, direct and indirect. A direct kick can be shot directly into the opponent’s goal without touching another player. An indirect free kick is indicated by the referee raising his hand during the kick. An indirect kick can only go into the goal if it has subsequently been touched by another player before it enters the goal. The ball must be stationary for both types of kicks.

Law 14: The Penalty Kick

A penalty kick is awarded either when a defensive player fouls an attacking player or commits a handball in his/her team’s penalty area. The penalty kick is placed at the penalty spot, and all players on both teams must remain outside the penalty box during the shot. They may enter the box immediately after the shot is taken. The goalkeeper may move horizontally along the goal line before the shot is taken, but he may not come off the line until the ball is struck.

Law 15: The Throw-In

A throw-in is awarded when the possessing team plays the ball out of bounds over the touchline. While taking a throw-in, a player must release the ball with both hands simultaneously and keep both feet firmly planted on the ground. If these conditions are not met, play is stopped and the throw-in is given to the opposing team. Players are not allowed to score directly off a throw-in.

Law 16: The Goal Kick

A goal kick is awarded when the offensive team plays the ball out of bounds over the defensive team’s goal line. After the ball is out of play, the defender or goalkeeper may place the ball anywhere within the six-yard goal box and kick the ball back into play.

Law 17: The Corner Kick

A corner kick is awarded to the offensive team when the defensive team plays the ball out of bounds over its goal line. The ball is placed within the corner area and is kicked back into play by the offensive team. Players can score directly off a corner kick.

 The ways to kick a soccer ball.

There are a number of ways to kick a soccer ball, whether that's trying to shoot for power or bending the ball. There are also a number of different parts of the foot to use to kick a soccer ball, whether that's the outside of the foot or the laces. Here's a run down of all the ways you can shoot, pass, and kick a soccer ball, and which parts of the foot to use.

Instep - Use the top surface area of your shoe just before the laces begin. Do this when you want to strike the ball with power.  Land on your shooting foot when you want to increase the power. Keep your head down and your knee over the ball. Your hips should face where you want the ball to go.
Side of the Foot – Kick with the flat portion of your shoe. Turn your body to the right or left, depending upon which foot you are kicking with. This is used more for accuracy and placement. Pass the ball into the net. Strike the ball low and to the corners.
Outside of the Foot - Use the outer surface of the front part of your foot (also referred to as "tres dedos" or “three toes” in Brazil). It’s best used to bend the ball but it's important to strike through the center of the ball. 
Using the outside of your foot like this is common when you can't get to the ball on your foot just how you'd like to, say the keeper is rushing out to you in a one on one and there's just enough window at the far post, so you bend the ball around the keeper. Or, a player makes a run and you don't have time to set the ball up to your other foot so you first time it with the outside of the foot—bending the ball into their path. See some amazing. The key point when striking the ball with the outside of your foot, and really, whenever you're striking the ball, is to hit the center of the ball and strike the ball with power.

Inside of the Foot - Wrap your foot around the ball by using the inner surface of your foot. This move is also used to bend the ball, as above, except with the inner part of your shoe and the upper portion of your foot.
The Volley - This is striking the ball out of the air. Keep your ankle locked and drive through the ball. However, when striking the ball in the air, make sure you are in a balanced position and you are not reaching out too far to meet the ball. Otherwise, the ball will not go straight and in the direction you want it to. Try to have your hips square to the ball and follow through. Click here to see an amazing and perfect example

Indoor Soccer History

1885 The first recorded "indoor soccer" match (the first of three in a series) takes place between the Western Football Association of Ontario and the O.N.T.'s of Newark on December 2nd in the Newark Roller Skating Rink. The series is part of a challenge cup including both outdoor and "rink" games. The rink games are at night, beginning at 9:00 p.m., played under "electric lights." Among the largest in the country at that time, the rink measures 165 by 80 feet, with goals 8 by 15 feet. The field is bounded by the first few rows of empty seats, the crowd being protected by netting. Each team has six players, and no substitutes. The referee initiates most restarts by tossing the ball into the air, and there are off-sides. At the end of two twenty-minute halves of regulation play, the Toronto Globe (December 7, 1885) reports, "...the score stood one to nothing in favour of the Canadians, who thus won one of the fastest, most exciting, as well as most novel games in the history of football." Canada goes on to win each of the rink games, and the series, before a largely partisan, Canadian crowd.

1923 The world's first indoor soccer league with 11 players per side open the winter season at the Commonwealth Calvary Armory in Boston, MA. Mid-1920's An indoor league forms in New York City, with games taking place at Madison Square Garden.
1930 Juan Carlos Ceriani, from Uraguay, devises the first set of rules of "futsal," played on a basketball court with five players per side.
1939 The American Soccer League hosts occasional indoor soccer matches at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
1950 The National Soccer League stages a complete season of indoor soccer games, including some local television.
1958 The American Soccer League stages an all-day indoor soccer tournament, played on dirt and with boards, at Madison Square Garden, attracting over 14,000 fans.
1970 The North American Indoor Soccer League begins to organize periodic indoor soccer games and tournaments.

1973 The World Indoor Soccer Association, a 6-a-side league consisting of 6 U.S. and Canadian teams, featuring international stars along side of local talent, and offering a glimpse into the following year's World Cup, holds its first contest at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Canada.
1974 North American Soccer League All-stars plays the Soviet Red Army in the hockey rink at Maple Leaf Gardens on astroturf with goals 4 feet by 16 feet, the first televised indoor soccer game, appearing on ABC's Wide World of Sports. After three 20-minute periods, the NASL All-stars fall 8 to 4 in front of 11,535 fans. The NASL goes on to stage indoor tournaments in 1975, 1976, and 1979.
1978 Major Indoor Soccer League begins play with 6 US teams, coinciding in 1979 with the NASL's indoor league, comprised of 10 teams. Games are played in four 15-minute quarters. Goals are 6 1/2 feet by 12 feet. Average attendance reach 6,000 to 8,000 over ensuing seasons.
1984 National Professional Soccer League (known as the American Indoor Soccer Association until 1990, initially established as a minor league) forms, consisting of 6 teams, chiefly in the northeastern United States. Play takes place during the late fall and winter. The number of teams reaches a height of 15 teams in 1996.
1985 The NASL folds.
1986 Southwest Indoor Soccer League, the precursor to today's USL (A-League and D3), forms with 5 teams. In 1988 the league changed its name to the Southwest Independent Soccer League and expanded to include outdoor soccer in 1989. The SISL became the Sunbelt Independent Soccer League in 1990, the United States Interregional Soccer League in 1991, the United States System of Independent Soccer Leagues in 1994 and the United Soccer Leagues in February 2000. In 1996, its indoor soccer component became known as the I-League. At its height, the indoor league reached 18 teams in 1990.
1988 The AISA (NPSL) institutes a multi-point scoring system
1990 MISL changes its name to Major Soccer League in an attempt to position itself as a Division I outdoor league in time for the 1994 World Cup.
1992 Having reached as many as 14 teams (with some occasionally reaching average attendance near 10,000) the MSL (formerly MISL) folds, largely due to bidding wars over players both with the NASL and NPSL and within its own league.

1993 Continental Indoor Soccer League begins its first competitive season with seven teams, including one from Mexico. Play takes place during the summer.
1995 Inaugural North American Indoor Soccer Championships (having changed its name in 1999 to National Indoor Championship) held for youth players (U9 through U18, boys and girls) and adults (men and coed).
1997 Eastern Indoor Soccer League forms in the southeastern United States with 7 teams, positioning itself as a minor, professional league.
After reaching as many as 15 teams in 1995, the CISL folds due to team owners' loss of confidence in the league's future.
 
United States places second to Mexico in the inaugural World Indoor Championship held in Mexico City. Other contestants include teams from Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Uruguay, South Africa, El Salvador, Iran, France, Portugal,
and Canada.
1998 The Premier Soccer Alliance (having changed its name in 1999 to the World Indoor Soccer League), consisting of some owners common to the former CISL, begins its inaugural season with four teams and a revitalized business plan. Play takes place during the late summer and fall. League play includes competition against foreign teams.
Having dropped to 4 teams, the I-League goes dormant.
The EISL folds after two seasons.
Based in Northern California, the Premier Arena Soccer League (amateur) is founded, later becoming known as PASL-Premier.
The United States Indoor Soccer Association is founded, the first such organization in the world, designed to provide general support and promotion of the at every level of the game, for participants and related businesses.

1999 On the heels of its World Cup Triumph, the US Women's National Team takes part in a 12 city "Victory Tour" in the US vs a team of World All-Stars. USIndoor is named the "Official Referee and Rules Provider."
2000 USIndoor broadcasts on its sister site USIndoorTV.com the first-ever "live" video webcast of an indoor soccer game. The broadcast features simultaneous audio, video, and chat - another first in all of sports.
GOAL Indoor, the Official Magazine of USIndoor and the only national publication exclusively dedicated to indoor soccer, begins circulation.  In 2009 the publication changes its name to GO Indoor.

2001 NPSL reorganizes, bringing back the moniker, Major Indoor Soccer League, and begins play with 6 teams.
2002 The WISL folds and 2 teams join the MISL for the 2002-2003 season.
The American Indoor Soccer League kicks off its first season as a six-team regional league, based in the northeastern US. The league positions itself a a "grass-roots" league for top local players.
2004 The United States captures the FIFA Gold Cup (Futsal).
2007 The AISL ceases operation, as does the second iteration of the MISL.  The Xtreme Soccer League andNational Indoor Soccer League emerge from the MISL, having 5 and 4 teams, respectively.  The XSL folds after its first season.
2009 The NISL changes its name to the MISL and adds its fifth and sixth teams.
The United States Indoor Soccer Association begins publication of GOAL Online, an exclusive indoor soccer publication covering topics of interest to players, fans, coaches and referees.

2011 The Canadian Indoor Soccer Association forms in partnership with USIndoor.
The United Soccer Leagues accepts management of the MISL, and merges it with the USL's fledgling I-League. The new-look MISL kicks off in November with seven teams.
2013 The Federacion Internacional de Futbol Rapido announced the first indoor soccer World Cup event to be played in 2015 in the United States.

2014 Almost immediately after the MISL Championship Series ended, six MISL teams left the league, eventually joining the Professional Arena Soccer League.  The former MISL teams and a group of PASL teams transformed the PASL into the Major Arena Soccer League.
The USL announced that it would not hold a 2014-15 MISL season to reform the league.

PRESENT

The MASL is a professional league consisting of 23 teams across the United States and Mexico.
Nearly 50 men’s teams participate in PASL-Premier; the league also has a women’s circuit.
The National Indoor Championship (youth and adult) continues to be held in the United States with over 1,200 teams.

The history of soccer in Mexico is not one of huge success internationally. However, the Mexican people love soccer, and their passion for the game makes them worth remembering.

History of Soccer in Mexico - A Rough Beginning

The history of soccer in Mexico really began in 1927 with Mexico's first international match. The game was played on home soil against Guatemala. Mexico came out of that game with a 3-2 victory, winning their very first match!

Despite this promising start, Mexico was put to the test in 1930 in the first World Cup. They came out at the bottom in the group stage with nothing but defeats.

This was the beginning of the "dark ages" for Mexican soccer. Their game struggled due to corruption in the system and poor training conditions.

Up until 1970, Mexico won only one World Cup match: a 3-1 victory against Czechoslovakia in 1962.

History of Soccer in Mexico - Growth of the Game

Finally, soccer began to pick up in Mexico due to more investments (which also helped to cut back on corruption in the system), and Mexico gained the honor of hosting the 1970 World Cup.

This was probably the biggest marker in Mexican soccer history. Not only did this World Cup bring the game home for the Mexican people, but the national team made it to the quarter finals!

Though this would not be regarded as a huge success in the eyes of most soccer fans, it was huge for this country after their terrible performances in previous World Cups.

Mexico was again allowed to host the World Cup in 1986. This time they came out at the top of the group stages for the first time ever! Things were looking good for Mexico and many thought they could win the trophy.

However, they were once again defeated in the quarter finals in a game against West Germany.

History of Soccer in Mexico - Closing

Though Mexico has produced many good teams and players, they have yet to make it past the quarter finals in a World Cup.

However, many believe that it is just a matter of time before this country of soccer lovers pulls together and wins their first World Cup.