The Goalkeeper The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to use his hands and that can only occur within the confines of the penalty area. There are never more than two goalkeepers on the field at any time — one on each team. The goalkeeper’s uniform is different from the rest of his team’s to make it obvious which player may use his hands. The jersey, often with long sleeves, is colored to clash with the others. And since the 1970s, goalkeepers have worn gloves to both protect their hands and enhance their grip on the ball. The Defenders A…

Soccer has long been the most popular sport on the planet, but more than ever before, it is now truly the world’s greatest game. Two of the many reasons why soccer has dominated other sports? The game itself At the basic level, soccer is a very simple game; eleven men, trying to kick the ball into the other team’s goal. An alien could come down from Mars and watch a soccer game and figure out quickly what is going on.  I don’t think the simplicity alone explains soccer’s popularity. Consider the contrast with ice hockey. Hockey, after all, it has…