Summary of the 4 most popular English football conversations

English vocabulary about football

Meaning

Example

Goal

/ɡoʊl/

(n)

(in many sports) a point scored when a player sends a ball or other object into a particular area of play or into a netted structure that is defended by the opposing team

The striker scored a beautiful goal in the match. 

Match

/mætʃ/

(n)

a sports competition or event in which two people or teams compete against each other

The match between the two rival teams ended in a draw. 

Stadium

/ˈsteɪdiəm/

(n)

a large closed area of land with rows of seats around the sides and often with no roof, used for sports events and musical performances

Thousands of fans gathered at the stadium to support their team. 

Player

/ˈpleɪər/

(n)

someone who takes part in a game or sport

Messi is known as one of the best players in the world. 

Team

/tiːm/

(n)

a number of people or animals who do something together as a group

The national team is preparing for the upcoming tournament. 

Referee

/ˌrɛfəˈriː/

(n)

in sports such as American football, association football, basketball, etc., a person who is in charge of making certain that the rules are followed

The referee awarded a penalty for the foul. 

Captain

/ˈkæptən/

(n)

the leader of a sports team

The captain leads the team with determination and skill. 

Coach

/koʊtʃ/

(n)

someone whose job is to train and organize a sports team

The coach is responsible for training and tactics.

Fan

/fæn/

(n)

someone who admires and supports a person, sport, sports team, etc.

The fans cheered loudly when their team scored a goal. 

Offside

/ˈɒfˌsaɪd/

(n)

(in particular sports, especially football and ice hockey) in a position that is not allowed by the rules of the game, often in front of the ball

The striker was ruled offside by the linesman. 

Substitution

/ˌsʌbstɪˈtuːʃən/

(n)

in team games, the act of changing one player for another during a game

The coach made a substitution to bring fresh legs onto the field. 

Penalty

/ˈpɛnəlti/

(n)

an advantage given in some sports to a team or player when the opposing team or player breaks a rule

The goalkeeper saved the penalty with a brilliant dive. 

Dribble

/ˈdrɪbəl/

(v)

in football or hockey, to move a ball along the ground with repeated small kicks or hits, or (in basketball) to move a ball by repeatedly hitting it against the floor with your hand

The winger showed excellent dribbling skills to evade defenders. 

Header

/ˈhɛdər/

(n)

the act of hitting the ball with your head in football

The striker scored a goal with a powerful header from a corner kick. 

Tackle

/ˈtækəl/

(n)

(especially in football or hockey) to try to take the ball from a player in the other team, or (in rugby or American football) to do this by taking hold of the player and making them fall

The defender made a perfectly timed tackle to dispossess the opponent.

Sample communication phrases about football

What's the score?

Who scored the goal?

Did you see that save by the goalkeeper?

Who's playing in midfield today?

How much stoppage time do you think we'll get?

What's the formation the team is playing?

Are there any substitutions planned for the second half?

Did you catch the match last night?

How many yellow cards has the referee given out?

Can you believe that offside call?

Who's the referee of today’s match?

What do you think of the referee's decisions?

Do you think they can hold onto this lead?

Who's your favorite player on the team?

Are there any injury concerns for the upcoming match?

English football conversations

• A: Hey, have you been following the football season?

• B: Yeah, I'm a huge fan! Do you have a favorite team?

• A: Definitely! I've been supporting Manchester United for years. How about you?

• B: Nice choice! I'm a die-hard Barcelona fan. It's always exciting to watch them play.

• A: Agreed! It's all about that passion and loyalty to your team, no matter what.

• B: Absolutely! So, do you think Manchester United will make it to the top this season?

• A: I hope so! We've got a strong lineup this year, so anything's possible.

English football conversations

• A: Hey, did you hear about the upcoming football match?

• B: Yeah, I heard it's going to be a big one! When's it happening?

• A: It's scheduled for this Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Emirate stadium.

• B: Perfect! I'll mark my calendar. Which teams are playing?

• A: It's going to be a showdown between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

• B: Wow, that's going to be an intense match! I can't wait to see it live.

English football conversations

• A: Hey, are you free this weekend?

• B: Yeah, I don't have any plans. Why, what's up?

• A: I was thinking we could catch the football match at the stadium on Saturday morning.

• B: That sounds like a blast! Count me in. What time does it start?

• A: The game kicks off at 8 am, so we should meet up around 7 to grab some snacks and find our seats.

• B: Sounds like a plan! I'll see you at the gate, and hopefully, we'll witness an epic match.

English football conversations

• A: Hey, have you heard about the upcoming football match between Liverpool and Chelsea?

• B: Yeah, it's going to be a tough one to predict. What's your guess for the final score?

• A: I'm thinking it'll be a close game, maybe 2-1 in favor of Liverpool.

• B: Interesting choice! I'm leaning towards a draw, maybe 1-1.

• A: That's a bold prediction! Either way, it's bound to be an exciting match.