Most domestic and international soccer games end after 90 minutes, even if both sides are level.
When the referee blows the final whistle, there typically does not have to be a winning team on the pitch. Instead, each side receives one point for a draw as opposed to three points for a win.
Some games, though, must have a winner. A knockout match in a tournament like the Copa America or Champions League cannot end until one team triumphs over the other. If the score line does not reflect a winner after 90 minutes, then the game goes to extra time.
This gives both teams an opportunity to break a tie and secure a victory.
So, how long is extra time in soccer?
How long is extra time in soccer?
Extra time in soccer is 30 minutes long.
The additional time is broken up into two 15-minute halves, bringing a game's total match time to 120 minutes, plus stoppage time.
Critical substitutions often play a major role in extra time. Fresh legs bring much-needed energy, and even possibly a new strategy, to a pitch full of tired players.
Mario Götze is one of the most legendary extra time substitutions in soccer history, coming onto the pitch in the 88th minute of the 2014 World Cup final before scoring the winner for Germany in the 113th minute.
If neither team nets a winner in extra time, then a penalty shootout decides the game.
Is extra time the same as stoppage time in soccer?
No, extra time is not the same as stoppage time in soccer.
Stoppage time occurs at the end of each half to make up for any stoppages in play, like prolonged goal celebrations, injuries, or substitutions.
Every soccer match has stoppage time, but only select games have extra time.
Is extra time in soccer "sudden death"?
In 1993, FIFA introduced the "golden goal" rule, which essentially meant that extra time acted as "sudden death."
If either team scored a goal during this period, they won the game.
The rule was abolished in 2004, however, because it was widely criticized for forcing teams to be overly cautious in extra time to mitigate their chances of losing.
Former France striker David Trezeguet scored perhaps the most famous-ever "golden goal."
In the final of the 2000 European Championships, he netted a superb half-volley in the 103rd minute to secure France victory over Italy.
Does extra time count for soccer betting?
Whether extra time counts in soccer betting depends on the type of bet placed.
For most standard bets, such as full-time score bets and goalscorer bets, only regular time is considered.
Bets like "to qualify" or "to win the match", however, typically include extra time and penalty shootouts.
It is essential that bettors carefully read the rules of their chosen betting platform to understand bet-specific conditions.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as How Long Is Extra Time in Soccer?.