Sports Then and Now

In some countries football is more than just a game; it is a national obsession that drives people crazy in a good way. Did you notice that during the football season, your colleagues and friends speak only about the game? If you don’t want to feel left out, learn important football terms, slang and cliches. The next FIFA World Cup will be held in Qatar in 2022, so it is better to start preparing for its ‘madness’ today.

Tiki-Taka

Tiki-Taka is Barcelona’s style of playing football. It was implemented by Johan Cruyff in the early 1990s. Basically, it means ‘taking quick, light steps.’ This style implies short passing. Also, team players are not positioned in a traditional formation. On the contrary, they are free to move and pass the ball. In 2009, it helped FC Barcelona to win six trophies.

A fox in the box

It is an English idiom that is used to describe deadly strikers who are extremely good in the penalty area. For instance, Filippo Inzaghi, Italian professional footballer is an excellent example of ‘the fox in the box. ’ He retired with over 300 career goals and deserved the title of a ‘ killer striker.’

Prawn sandwich brigade

There is an interesting story behind this derogatory term. It was originated from a media comment by Roy Keane, Manchester United Captain who was angry on team’s fans for being not supportive enough during the Champions League game against Dynamo Kyiv. Roy Keane said that fans were more interested in drinking beer and eating prawn sandwiches rather than paying attention to the game.

Hair dryer

The main task of a couch during the game is to inspire and support his team. However, sometimes the coach needs to use a ‘hairdryer’ in order to lift everyone’s spirit. Hairdryer treatment means angry verbal reprimand to a group of players within a dressing room. The list of managers who become furious during games and use ‘hairdryer’ includes Alex Ferguson, Louis Van Gaal, Roy Keane, Pepe Guardiola, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Surprisingly, football has a pretty rich language. Check out more terms and slang, according to MaxFreeBets: