The World Cup extra time rules, used for the first time in the 2010 World Cup, have no golden goals, to the early relief of the USA. Although it ultimately did no good, the Americans still had nearly 30 minutes to rally after Ghana’s early goal. The tournament had the golden goal rule in place for 1998 and 2002, but they got rid of it before long. Rusty fans were reminded of that yesterday, as the 2010 World Cup extra time rules applied for a full 30 minutes, which several future games might need too.
For the first round of the tournament, matches ended in draws after 90+ minutes. However, that no longer applies in the knockout stage, as one way or another, someone has to win. Given how every USA game came down to the wire, it was fitting that the first 2010 World Cup extra time game was between them and Ghana.
As American fans were briefly relieved to remember, Ghana’s 93’rd minute goal didn’t end the match. The 2010 World Cup extra time rules have no golden goal, like in 1998 and 2002. No matter how many goals are scored, there will be two 15 minute periods in each extra time match. If things are still even after that, penalty kicks will decide who advances.
Yesterday, the 2010 World Cup extra time rules did not extend to penalty kicks for the USA. Although Ghana didn’t score a golden goal, the Americans couldn’t get an equalizer in the next 27+ minutes. As such, the tournament is still waiting for its first penalty kick shootout.
For much of the tournament’s history, the golden goal format has not been used. They introduced it in 1998 and 2002, which ended a handful of games early in extra time. However, FIFA changed its mind and went back to the old format in 2006, so teams wouldn’t play to reach penalty kicks.
The 2010 World Cup extra time rules are bound to be used a few more times in the knockout stage. They may even be used in the finals, like they were in 1994 and 2006. Deciding a championship in penalty kicks may be anticlimactic, but without them, a match could go on for hours. In the absence of a golden goal, teams will be guaranteed 30 minutes to stay alive, at the least.
The USA couldn’t take advantage of that, whereas Ghana did yesterday. With 14 games left in the tournament, the extra time rules are bound to be analyzed a few more times in the next two weeks. Whether it will be to settle a championship or not is uncertain, however.
Sources
ESPN- “The rules and regulations of shootouts”
ContiSoccerWorld- “The Golden Goal Makes Its FIFA World Cup debut”
