rookie question

[rookie]

Sorry these are likely dumb questions - I'm a football newbie.

Just before the corner that Greece scored and won the game I was amazed at how slowly the Greek player set up the shot. I was watching the clock and it was getting really close to 15 minutes. In fact, when he kicked it I think 15 minutes had expired.

I guess what I'm trying to figure out is why he risked running out of time or did he?

In American football the game can't end on a penalty. Is this the same for this football? Could this be the reason, namely, that the corner had to be kicked?

Was there (or can there be) injury time added on to overtime periods? If so could he have been aware of it? But to add further to my confusion the game was over after he scored. If there was extra time added couldn't the Czech team have mounted one last advance?

Like I said probably dumb but it's been bothering me.

Any help clarifying would certainly be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Goggy]

Extra time can be added for injuries or time wasting. Since each half of extra time is only 15 minutes it is rare to have much time added but it can happen.

The ref can blow at any time but I think in the case of a free kick or corner it must be taken. I have never seen a ref blow a whistle before a free kick or corner is taken. The same goes for a penalty.

This year Euro 2004 tournament had a new twist added. If a goal is scored in the first half of extra time it became a silver goal. That means that the the first half was played out but the second half is not played. Unlike a golden goal (not used in thsi tourney) where the game would stop immediately. If the goal had been scored at the beginning of the second half of extra time the game would have continued until that half was over.

Confusing isn't it. :?

[Tam]

Yip goggy,s right and ater this tournament there will no longer be a silver goal rule.(Which i agree with as the only silver goal scored was against Celtic in last years UEFA Cup final!) All credit to Greece as they have proved that team work and commitment can overcome the overpaid and pampered stars of world football. Not that i supported any team i thought Portugal would have won if they had matched Greece workrate and organisation.(PS What a player the Greek right back is!!! Seitaridis best player of tournament i hope O,Neill and Moyes were watching!)