Larry and Liverpool

©Morgan Paar/Nomadic Frames

My goal for this blog is simple: I want you to spend a weekend watching Football with real supporters. I don't care what team or what time--that's up to you. But in addition to showing you how devoted people are to their club, I want to teach you more about "The Beautiful Game" of Football. 

Larry is watching his favorite club, Liverpool Football Club, with the New York City Liverpool supporters. He is new to Football and this is his first time venturing out to the 11th Street Bar (where the supporters group has been meeting since 2003). Seeing the walls decorated with vintage Liverpool jerseys, everyone covered in red, and the large television in the back showing the match against Aston Villa gives Larry an exhilarating feeling. Liverpool have been attacking since the start of the game. A goal is imminent, the supporters can feel it. In an instant, with grace and flawless finishing, Liverpool's Fabio Borini gets his boot on the end of a cross and the ball flies into the Aston Villa net. Liverpool 1. Aston Villa 0. 

There is a loud roar of approval from the supporters inside the 11th Street Bar. Somewhere people are just starting their Saturday--it's not even 11 o'clock--but Larry and his fellow supporters are already having a memorable day. Suddenly Larry feels a tap on his shoulder from someone next to him. "Nothing like watching the Reds keep a clean sheet aye?" Larry is startled. What's a "clean sheet?" He wonders. Larry panics and simply agrees with the man, but he feels lost. 

It's okay to feel lost Larry, but for the future, here are 10 definitions for terms you might hear while watching a Football match:

1) Clean Sheet = When one team prevents another team from scoring. Also known as a “Shutout” in other sports. It is important to remember that since a game can end scoreless, both sides can record a clean sheet. For example, if a game ends 0-0, both sides have earned a clean sheet.

2) Tackle = Don't get too excited NFL fans, a tackle is the act of taking the ball away from an opponent. The ball can be taken away by engaging an opponent and knocking the ball away or sliding on the ground to move the ball away (better known as a “Slide Tackle”). A player challenging for the ball must always target the ball. If a player challenging for the ball hits the player in possession first it may result in a foul.

3) Booking = A player is "booked" when they receive a penalty card. The two types of penalty cards in Football are Yellow cards (which represent a caution or warning) and Red cards (automatic ejection). When a player receives a card the referee makes note of it in his black book. Thus, the player has been booked. 

4) Free Kick = A Free Kick is awarded to a team after a foul. The ball is placed at the spot of the foul and a team member can kick it back into play.

5) Through Ball = Playing a pass to a player through the opposing team's Defensive Line. A Through Balls works best when a player is already in full stride. This allows them to continue running at full speed and catch up to the ball. Through Balls are also very effective on counter attacks.

6) Nutmeg = Is the act of playing the ball through an opponent’s legs. It is most commonly a means of getting passed a defender, but it can be a pass or a shot on goal as well. It is not fun being nutmegged, believe me I know.  

7) Equalizer = An equalizer is a goal scored that ties the game. For example, if Team A is beating Team B 1-0 and Team B scores it is now 1-1. The goal scored by Team B is an equalizer. 

8) Added Time = As a way to make up for any wasted time during the game (substitutions, injuries, etc.) additional minutes can be added on by the referee at the end of each half. All the same rules and regulations apply in added time.  

9) "In Touch" = When the ball crosses the Touch Line and goes out of play it is sometimes referred to as being "in touch." To bring the ball back into play it must be thrown in (called a Throw-in) by a player of the possessing team. This is the only time players besides the goalie can handle the ball. 

10) Fixture = In my first post I encouraged you to "look up a fixture list." If you were left stumped, here is the answer. A fixture is another way of saying a game. A fixture list is a list of all the games to be played in a week or competition depending how long the list is.

            Liverpool have won their fixture against Aston Villa and Larry could not be happier. The 11^th Street Bar is beginning to feel like home for him. Listening to everyone celebrate and sing puts Larry in a happy place—especially now that he understands a lot of Football terminologies. If you ever find yourself in a tight spot like Larry was, never be afraid to ask someone what something means. Some supporters might seem loud and intimidating, but they all want you to learn and love the club the way they do. Even when you are just starting out remember that once you have a team in your heart You'll Never Walk Alone (especially if you’re a Liverpool supporter).