Women's football duration

Regulation time in women's football

Like men's football, a standard women's football match consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes. This adds up to a total regulation time of 90 minutes. This is governed by the Laws of the Game, set forth by FIFA. For example, the FIFA Women's World Cup and UEFA Women's Champions League adhere to these regulations. The uniformity ensures fair competition across different leagues and tournaments.

It's important to note that the 90 minutes is just the base. The actual duration of the game usually exceeds this due to added time.

Understanding injury time (added time)

Injury time, also referred to as added time or stoppage time, is extra time added at the end of each half to compensate for time lost during the game. Reasons for adding time include injuries, substitutions, time-wasting tactics, and other delays. The referee is responsible for calculating the amount of added time, and the fourth official displays this information. The amount of injury time added can vary significantly from match to match. For example, a match with numerous injuries and stoppages will likely have more added time than a relatively clean game.

A real-world example: In a crucial Women's Champions League final, a significant injury could easily lead to 5+ minutes of added time.

Factors influencing women's football duration

Several factors can influence the duration of a women's football match. These include:

• Injuries: Player injuries requiring on-field treatment inevitably lead to added time.
• Substitutions: Each substitution takes time, which the referee considers when calculating added time.
• Time-wasting: Deliberate actions to slow down the game, such as a player taking a long time to take a throw-in or corner kick, can result in added time.
• Goal Celebrations: Excessive celebrations after a goal can also contribute to added time, though this is usually a small factor.
• VAR Reviews: If the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is used, the time spent reviewing incidents is also added to the game.

The referee's interpretation of these factors significantly influences the ultimate match length. Referees are instructed to be consistent, but the subjective nature of some delays means there will always be variation.

Overtime and penalty shootouts

In certain knockout competitions, if the score is tied after 90 minutes plus added time, the match proceeds to extra time. Extra time typically consists of two 15-minute periods. A brief break occurs between full-time and extra time, and another break in the middle of extra time after the first 15-minute period. The "golden goal" rule, where the first goal scored in extra time wins the match, is no longer used in official FIFA and UEFA competitions.

If the score remains tied after extra time, the match is decided by a penalty shootout. Each team takes turns attempting penalty kicks until a winner is determined. The shootout procedure is strictly governed by FIFA rules.

Analyzing match duration and player performance

Understanding the duration of a women's football match is crucial for effective match analysis and player performance evaluation. Coaches and analysts use data on the amount of added time and the frequency of stoppages to assess the physical demands placed on players. This information can then be used to optimize training regimes and tactical strategies.

For example, if a team consistently faces matches with significant added time, the coaching staff might focus on improving players' endurance and stamina. understanding how the team manages its energy levels throughout the full match duration, including added time, can provide valuable insights for in-game adjustments. In-depth knowledge of these factors can give teams a competitive edge.