Like the World Cup, there is a group stage where each team plays 3 matches and is awarded 3 points for a win and 1 point for a draw. The top 2 teams in each of the four groups advance to the quarterfinals. It is only in the knockout stage that extra time is used, 2 halves of 15 minutes. One difference in the Olympics is that the extra time is sudden-death (golden goal). The first team that scores wins the match. If neither team scores in extra time the match is decided by penalties.
Matches are much like any international match, teams line up for photos, gifts may be exchanged, however they don't play the national anthems as these are only used in the medal ceremony at the end of the tournament. So they get on with the match fairly quickly.
As for the time to get out afterwards - depends entirely on the location, setup of the stadium and the size of the crowd. Obviously if you are at the final, the match is followed by the medal presentation which can linger on a bit.
The rules are the same as all other football tournaments, except with the age limit for the men.
So it's a standard 90 mins, 45 min halves. Extra time then penalties in the knock out stages.
As Mojo got his knickers in a twist yesterday, its my turn to correct him / her. All football matches are governed by an association. Whether it be FIFA, EUAFA or the FA. Therefore these matches will be 90 mins each way. In accordance with the laws of the game we dont do metric. There will be 11 players on the pitch for both men and women. Only junior football has a change in duration.
Because the modern Olympics were 'invented' by a Frenchman, Pierre de Coubertin, all events use the metric system. Football matches are therefore 100 minutes long with a ten minute half-time, and are ten-a-side.
I'm pretty sure it is 90 minutes.
Is it the same as a normal one? Will it start straight away - do they have something at the beginning, and how long does it normally take to get out of the stadium after the match? Thanks!
