Imagine a football where the goalkeeper could pick up the ball after a defender's pass. This was the norm before 1992! Many modern fans might find this practice unbelievable, but...
Imagine a football where the goalkeeper could pick up the ball after a defender's pass. This was the norm before 1992! Many modern fans might find this practice unbelievable, but that's how it was played for decades. The rule prohibiting goalkeepers from picking up a pass with their feet transformed football after the 1990 World Cup. It came into effect on June 1, 1992, forcing Peter Schmeichel and other goalkeepers to develop the game with their feet. And remember the "golden goal"? The match could end at any point during extra time, as in the Euro 2000 final, where France beat Italy thanks to Trezeguet's goal in the 103rd minute. This rule was abolished in 2004! A much older change concerned offside. Until 1925, an attacking player was considered offside if there were fewer than THREE opponents between him and the goal! Today, two players are enough, including the goalkeeper. This has significantly increased the number of goals. Even the ability to take a corner kick yourself while dribbling with the ball was only banned in 1937! These repealed rules demonstrate how the game is constantly changing. What other repealed law do you find most surprising?
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