How Many Overtimes Are Played Before Penalty Kicks in Soccer?

Learn how many overtime periods are played before a soccer match proceeds to penalty kicks in professional play.

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In standard professional soccer, two overtimes are played before moving to penalty kicks, if the score remains tied. Each overtime, also known as extra time, consists of two 15-minute halves with a short break in between but no break between the first and second overtime. If the tie persists after these extra periods, the match is decided by penalty kicks. This rule helps ensure a winner in knockout stages of tournaments or in games where a draw is not a permissible outcome.

FAQs & Answers

  1. How long is each overtime period in soccer? Each overtime, or extra time period in soccer, consists of two 15-minute halves.
  2. What happens if the score is still tied after overtimes in soccer? If the score remains tied after two overtime periods, the match is decided by penalty kicks.
  3. Are there breaks between overtime halves in soccer? There is a short break between the two halves of each overtime period, but no break between the first and second overtime periods.