Every four years, the world's eyes turn to Europe to follow the most popular sport in the world, "足球 (
zúqiú) football," or "soccer" if you live in the US, Canada, South Africa, Australia or New Zealand. This June of 2016 is that time again! It's time to...
Read more Since 1980, each tournament has had a "吉祥物 (jíxiángwù) mascot." A "吉祥物 (jíxiángwù) mascot" is a cartoon character that is an animal, fairy tale character, or human and helps soccer fans get excited, or "pumped" for the games. This year's "吉祥物 (jíxiángwù) mascot" is Super Victor, a boy superhero with a cape.
Of course, Super Victor isn't actually playing soccer this summer. All that kicking is up to the
world-famous soccer players, or "footballers."
1. Cristiano Ronaldo is a "前锋 (qiánfēng) forward" for Portugal who is famous as a high-scorer
who is most likely the most famous player in the world.
2. Paul Pogba ia a "中锋 (zhōngfēng) center" from France who is versatile and makes plays all
over the field. His nickname is "The Octopus" due to his long legs.
Usually, the "前锋 (qiánfēng) forward," who score goals, get most of the attention from casual soccer fans around the world. However, there are 11 players (per team) at the many positions around the field (pitch) that make the game work.
"前锋 (qiánfēng) forward", or "strikers," move forward to attack the opposing team's goal and score points.
"中卫 (zhōngwèi) centre half back" provides additional defensive support.
"守门员 (shǒuményuán) goalkeeper, goaltender, goalie" is the only player who can grab the ball. The goalie defends the goal.
Examples:
Zuǒhòuwèi chuánqiú gěi zhōngwèi.
左后卫 传球 给 中卫。
The left back passed the ball to the center back.
Shǒuményuán jiē zhù le qiú.
守门员 接 住 了 球。
The goalie caught the ball.
