[For Seniors] Let’s Have Fun with Nostalgic Soccer Trivia Quizzes & Fun Facts

11 people

In a soccer match, there are 11 players on the field for each team. This includes one goalkeeper and ten outfield players. Because it’s a sport where overall team coordination and tactics are very important, each player performs their role while playing.

perfect hat-trick

In soccer, scoring three goals in a single match is called a “hat-trick.” Among those, if a player scores one goal each with the right foot, left foot, and head, it’s specially called a “perfect hat-trick.” This is very difficult, and because it requires not only technique but also well-balanced play, only a limited number of players can achieve it. Truly a perfect hat-trick!

1992

Japan’s first professional soccer league, the J.League, kicked off in 1992. Before that, there was a company-based league called the Japan Soccer League (JSL). To fully professionalize the sport and strengthen the national team, the J.League was newly established.

Masashi Nakayama

The first Japanese player to score a goal in a World Cup match was Masashi Nakayama. Japan made its World Cup debut at the 1998 tournament in France. In the team’s second group-stage match against Jamaica, Nakayama scored Japan’s historic first World Cup goal. This moment marked a major step forward for Japanese soccer.

United Kingdom

The place where the rules of modern soccer were created and developed is the United Kingdom. In the 19th century, standardized rules were established at British schools and universities, forming the basis of today’s game. For that reason, the UK is known as the birthplace of football.

Uruguay

The FIFA Men's World Cup is a tournament in which national teams from around the world compete, and the first edition was held in 1930. The inaugural champions were Uruguay. As the host nation, Uruguay capitalized on strong home support and demonstrated their strength, triumphing to win the title.

Handling

In soccer, when a player touches the ball with their hand or arm, it is called “handling.” This is prohibited by the rules, and if handling occurs, the opposing team is awarded a free kick or a penalty kick. However, the goalkeeper is allowed to use their hands to handle the ball within their own penalty area.