In soccer, a draw occurs when both teams finish a match with the same number of goals. It means the game ends without a clear winner, and both teams earn one point in the league standings.
In this post, I’ll tell you all about a draw, or a tie, in soccer.
You’ll learn about:
- Different types of draws in soccer
- What happens if a game ends in a draw
- Why do teams play for a draw?
- And much more!
This will be a short one, so let’s get straight into it.
What is a Draw in Soccer?
In soccer, a draw, also known as a tie, is a match outcome where both teams finish with the same number of goals. So, at the end of the regulation time (90 minutes), both teams have scored the same number of goals.
As a result, neither team wins or loses that match.
There are two types of draws in soccer:
- Score draw: Both teams score goals, but they end up with the same number of goals. For instance, the final score could be 1-1, 2-2, and so on.
- 0-0 draw: Neither team manages to score a goal throughout the game.
In most soccer leagues worldwide, when a match ends in a draw, each team receives one point.
What Happens if a Soccer Game Ends in a Draw?
As I’ve already touched upon, both teams get one point each after a draw in the regular season.
But if it’s a knockout tournament, the rules change.
If a tournament game ends in a draw after the regular 90 minutes of play, the match can proceed to extra time. Extra time consists of two 15-minute periods with a short break in between.
Unlike some sports, there is no sudden death rule in soccer’s extra time. Though there was a golden goal rule until the early 2000s.
If the score remains tied even after extra time, the game is settled by a penalty shootout.
During a penalty shootout, each team takes turns shooting from the penalty spot. And the team with the most goals after five attempts wins.
If the score is still level after the five attempts, the game goes into sudden death.
So, the shootout continues until one team scores more goals than the other from the same number of kicks.
How Often Do Soccer Games End in a Draw?
According to statistics, a significant percentage of soccer matches end in a draw.
For example, OnlineBetting.Org.Uk conducted a study on draws in five European leagues. These leagues were:
- English Premier League,
- EFL Championship,
- Bundesliga,
- La Liga, and
- Serie A.
The study found that over twelve years, there were 6,086 draws out of 24,036 games in these leagues.
That means approximately 25.32% of matches ended in a draw.
So, you can safely assume that around a quarter of all soccer matches will end in a draw.
Why Do Draws Exist in Soccer?
The main reason why draws exist in soccer is to maintain the fairness and strategic nature of soccer.
Sometimes, both teams are evenly matched, and the game reflects that. So, a draw can be a fair result when neither side has been dominant in the game.
Draws also help maintain a competitive balance in leagues.
No one wants a powerhouse team to win every game in the regular season (except the fans of that team). Draws prevent this from happening and keep the title race exciting for a longer period.
Then, it would be unfair on underdog teams to go toe-to-toe with the giants and not come away with anything. A draw ensures that neither team is unfairly penalized for a closely contested match.
Additionally, draws play a significant role in determining league standings. It can help teams avoid relegation or qualify for tournaments like the Champions League.
This gives extra incentive to teams to secure a draw if they can’t win a game.
Finally, settling with a draw is important for the well-being of players. Soccer is a physically demanding sport.
Players can run up to nine miles during a match, with limited substitutions and no timeouts.
So, adding extra periods to games just for the sake of avoiding draws could put players at a higher risk of injuries.
The Disconnect Between Draws in Soccer and Other Sports
As a soccer fan, draws, or ties, seem like a very natural thing to me. But it surprised me to know that it’s not the case for fans of other sports. Especially for the sports fans in the US.
But why’s that?
As I dug deeper, I realized that a draw is an alien concept to fans of other sports. There are no draws in sports like American football, baseball, basketball, or ice hockey. You either win or you lose.
So, I can see why American sports fans see a draw in soccer as a letdown. After all, they’re more accustomed to clear winners and losers in sporting events.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis cultural difference might be the reason behind the limited popularity of soccer in the US.
But if you’re a sports fan in the US, I’d ask you to give soccer a go. I know the concept of a draw is a bit foreign.
But over the course of a season, draws add excitement to the league like nothing else.
Thank You For Reading
So I hope you enjoyed learning about a draw (tie) in soccer. If you did, then do consider sharing it with fellow soccer enthusiasts.
Your support and sharing of this content can help us reach a wider audience. It can also provide valuable information to more people who share our passion for the beautiful game.
I’d also like to hear what you have to say…
Do you think draws make soccer more boring? Why or why not?
Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below right now!
And thank you for supporting Soccer Mavericks!
If you liked this article, you will love reading:
- What Are the Four Moments of Soccer? (Definition, Strategies, and More)
- What is Diving in Soccer? Why is it so Common?
- A Complete Guide on AYSO (American Youth Soccer): Schedule, Registration, Fees, etc.
- 15 Best Youth Soccer Academies in the World
- What Does MLS Stand For in Soccer? A Guide on Major League Soccer in The USA
