Advance to the last 16
To advance to the last 16 means to qualify for the next round of the tournament, following the round of 32. What does it mean? 'Advance' is another way of saying 'qualify' or 'progress' in a tournament context - moving forward from one round to the next, for example from...
Brace
A brace is when a player scores two goals in the same match. Sometimes it can be called a double - the player scored a double. What does it mean? If a player scores twice in one game, we say they scored a brace, or that they got a brace....
Breeze past
To breeze past an opponent means to beat them easily and comfortably, without any real difficulty or late drama. What does it mean? The verb 'breeze' suggests something happening smoothly and effortlessly, like a light wind. In football this phrase is used to describe an easy victory for one team....
Bronze final
The Bronze Final is the match between the two losing semi-finalists at a major tournament. It is played to decide third place. It was previously known as the 'third-place play-off.' What does it mean? Traditionally, this match had a reputation as a game neither team really wanted to play, coming...
Can't live with an opponent
Can't live with an opponent means a team are unable to match the level of their opponent (e.g. pace, skill or intensity) during a match. What does it mean? This phrase describes a clear gap in quality or performance between two teams. The weaker side simply cannot keep up with...
Come off the bench to score
Come off the bench to score means a player has entered the match as a substitute rather than starting the game and then scored a goal. What does it mean? A player who 'comes off the bench' was not in the starting eleven but was brought on during the match,...
Complete the comeback
To complete the comeback means to overturn a losing position, scoring the goal that turns a losing scoreline into a winning one. What does it mean? A comeback happens when a losing team scores enough goals to go ahead. A goal that starts this process might be described as 'sparking'...
Deft touch
Deft touch describes a light, skilful touch of the ball that is often used to lift a shot just over a goalkeeper or defender. What does it mean? 'Deft' means skilful and delicate. In football, it's used to praise a touch that requires precision and finesse rather than power which...
Dismissed
To be dismissed means a player has been sent off by the referee and has to leave the pitch for the rest of the match. The player receives a red card. What does it mean? When a player commits a serious foul or receives two yellow cards, the referee shows...
Dump out of
To dump out of a competition means to eliminate a team, often with the sense that the defeat was embarrassing or unexpected. What does it mean? This phrase is most often used with cup competitions or knockout tournaments. It carries a slightly stronger sense than simply 'to eliminate' - there's...