Advice Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on LinkedIn Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on LinkedIn Image Source: Getty / Robin Alam/ISI Photos The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is a huge deal for soccer fanatics everywhere — especially considering the fact that the US is going for its third consecutive title. Then there are those of us who love gathering with friends to eat, drink, and cheer on our team, though we aren’t exactly experts on the ins and outs of the sport (the offsides rule is confusing, OK?). Well, there’s no time like the present for a crash course on what to expect from a soccer game, from how long a match is to whether or not a game can end in a tie. It’s worth a little Googling; I can attest that watching sports is so much more exciting when you know at least a little bit about what’s going on. That brings us to the positions on the soccer field. The USWNT is bringing a team of 23 players to the World Cup, but at any given time, each team only has 11 players on the field — the goalkeeper and 10 outfielders, typically comprised of four defenders, four midfielders, and two forwards. Here’s a guide to the different positions in women’s soccer and what each position entails. Goalkeeper Image Source: Getty / Stephen McCarthy / Contributor This one is pretty self-explanatory: The goalkeeper (aka goalie) is responsible for, well, keeping goals out of the net. Needless to say, this position comes with a lot of pressure and it requires a variety of skills, including fast reflexes, agility, reading opponents, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to make quick decisions. It’s also key that goalkeepers communicate with their teammates throughout the game and direct the defense players to certain spots on the field — when communication is smooth and effective, it’s less likely that the ball will even need to be stopped by the goalkeeper at all. While only one goalie plays at a time for each team, the USWNT has three goalkeepers headed to the World Cup this year, including Alyssa Naeher (pictured here). 1 / 4 Defender Image Source: Getty / Joe Puetz / Contributor Playing in the outfield, a defender’s role is to keep the opposing team as far away from the goalpost as possible and prevent them from scoring. Defenders are considered the backbone of the team; their primary job is to prevent forwards from passing forward (duh), dribbling toward the goal, or shooting. In short, they do whatever it takes to prevent their opponents from taking a shot. Being a successful defender requires grit, speed, strong passing skills, and the ability to push offensive players off the ball. There are seven defenders on the US World Cup Team, including Kelley O’Hara (shown here). 2 / 4 Forward Image Source: Getty / Robin Alam/ISI Photos / Contributor The main role of a forward is to score goals, which is why these players frequently get the most attention (and are known for setting records or making achievements like hat tricks). You’ll first spot them kicking off at the beginning of the game (and again after halftime) and it’s almost always forwards who take penalty kicks. At the start of the game, forwards are positioned at the midfield line and once the game begins, they move toward the opponent’s goal. You won’t typically see a forward any closer to their team’s goalpost than the midfield line — their presence would interfere with defenders’ ability to do their jobs, and forwards always need to be prepared for the moment the ball comes back their way so they can seize the opportunity to score. Six forwards will play for the US Team in the World Cup, including Alex Morgan (pictured here). 3 / 4 Midfielder Image Source: Getty / Brad Smith/USSF / Contributor Positioned between the team’s defenders and forwards, midfielders excel at ball handling and passing skills — and knowing exactly when to pass and to whom. Midfielders are also responsible for stopping or slowing down opponents and preventing them from reaching their team’s last defensive line. There are seven midfielders on the US Team, including Ashley Sanchez (shown here). 4 / 4 This article was originally published by Popsugar.com. Read the original article here. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on LinkedIn Articles You May Like Prenatal Yoga | 22-Minute Home Yoga Practice