With the Brazil World Cup 2014 upon us let’s talk about some soccer vocabulary.
As most of you know I love soccer. The World Cup is one of those events that consumes my life. The 2014 World Cup in Brazil will be my first World Cup in Colombia. I am very excited and anxious to watch Colombia play. So in honor of this magnificent event I want to go over some soccer terms in English and Spanish.
First let’s go over the basics.
Player Positions
Goalkeeper (Keeper for short)/Goaltender/Goalie = Guardameta/Portero – A pesar de todas las estrellas que tiene Colombia en el terreno, el guardameta David Ospina sobresaldrá en el mundial. Despite all of the stars Colombia has on the field, goalkeeper David Ospina will stand out this World Cup.
Defender – Defensa – Como ultima defensa a Mario Yepes se le tiene confianza. As a last defender we can rely on Mario Yepes.
Midfielder – Mediocampista – James Rodrigues es un mediocampista con mucha creatividad. James Rodrigues is a midfielder with lots of creativity.
Forward/Striker – Delantero – Jackson Martinez es un delantero fuerte y veloz. Jackson Martinez is a strong and swift forward.
On the field terminology
The national team – La seleccion
The ground/field/pitch/field of play – El Campo/terreno de juego/césped
Kick off – Saque de salida.
Corner kick – Saque de esquina/tiro de esquina/corner
Free kick – Tiro libre
Set piece – Jugada preparada/jugada de laboratorio
Tie (noun) – Empate
Goal – Gol
Cracker of a goal – Golazo
Foul – Falta
Referee – Arbitro
Linesman – Juez de linea
Penalty shot/penalty kick – tiro penal/penalti
Off the field terminology
World Cup – Mundial
Stadium – Estadio
The score – El marcador
Match/game – Partido
Injury time – Tiempo de reposicion/descuento
Manager/coach – Etrenador/técnico
Fan/supporter – Hincha
Cheerleader – Porrista
Soccer is wonderful!
Needless to say, there are a lot of other vocabulary words. This is just a basic reference guide. If you have other words please share them in the comments below. I am sure that everyone would appreciate it.
My brother and my sister are visiting from California, so this will be a World Cup to remember. I hope you enjoy this year’s World Cup in Brazil, I know I will.
About the writer – Andrew Macia
Hello, my name is Andrew Macia and I am the founder of the Medellin Buzz. I am an advanced level English teacher here in Medellin, and I also have a website development, and marketing company which I run from home.
My idea with the Medellin Buzz is to push those who are learning English and to motivate those who are considering the option of learning English here in Medellin.
I love living in Medellin and I love Colombia. I want to give back to the community and this is the best way I know how. Let’s practice English/Spanish and have a great time!
One small quibble – in English, it’s draw, not tie.
Thanks Matt, I’m too used to the U.S. commentators, they always say “tie.”
Please more —
the Barda in English? And why? If not, why not?
— and help with the game such as why a free kick?
Level of fouls?
Rules of fouls?
Thanks, Anna in Mexico
Anna, what does Barda mean in Spanish?
Free kick is – Tiro Libre. Libre = Free.
As for fouls: you have a regular foul, yellow card, and red card (when a player gets a red card he is “sent off.)
If a player touches the ball with his hand it is called “a hand ball.” And usually gets a yellow card.
I hope this helps.