Extra-time, penalties and substitutes explained for Women’s World Cup final
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England will be looking to make history later today when they go up against Spain in the final of the Women’s World Cup. Neither side have tasted glory on the world stage and it will certainly be a tough game for the Lionesses, who are hoping to follow up last year’s Euros triumph by winning the biggest tournament in women’s football.
England breezed through the group stages without tasting defeat as they secured wins over Haiti, Denmark and China to reach the knockout rounds. They went on to beat Nigeria and Colombia before coming up against hosts Australia in the semi-finals, a game they won 3-1 thanks to goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.
Today’s final against Spain will be the ultimate test for England, who are brimming with confidence but will need to be at their very best to stand any chance of getting the job done.
Express Sport is on hand to explain the rules for those new to football ahead of the Women’s World Cup final…
READ MORE: Win a £100 Amazon voucher to celebrate the 2023 Women’s World Cup
What are the match rules?
The match will be played over two 45-minute halves, with the two teams swapping ends at half time. Stoppage time will be added at the end of each half to make up for substitutions, lengthy goal celebrations and other delays, unlike some other sports where the clock stops when the ball is not in play.
Teams can make a maximum of five substitutes during the match, although they will only have three opportunities to make changes. Teams will be able to make more than one substitution at each of their three opportunities.
What happens if the match ends level?
In the event of a draw after 90 minutes, extra time will be played. It will consist of another 30 minutes, divided into two 15-minute halves and separated by a short break.
Teams will be allowed to make a sixth substitution during extra time. If the scores are still level after extra time, a penalty shoot-out will take place.
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How does a penalty shoot-out work?
Each side will take five penalty kicks each. If the scores are still level at the end of the shoot-out, sudden death will come into effect. In sudden death, if a team scores and the other misses, the scoring team is the winner.
Penalties can only be taken by the 11 players that finished the game, meaning that unused substitutes are not allowed to take part. Goalkeepers must stay on their goal line until the penalty kick is taken, otherwise the referee will order a retake.
What happens after the match?
Each side will take five penalty kicks each. If the scores are still level at the end of the shoot-out, sudden death will come into effect. In sudden death, if a team scores and the other misses, the scoring team is the winner.
Penalties can only be taken by the 11 players that finished the game, meaning that unused substitutes are not allowed to take part. Goalkeepers must stay on their goal line until the penalty kick is taken, otherwise the referee will order a retake.
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