sports dictionary Football - SILVER GOAL

Football SILVER GOAL the rule that was in effect in 2003-2004 for determining the winner in playoff matches, if the strongest player could not be identified in regular time. The referee assigned the standard extra two halves of 15 minutes each. If one of the teams managed to score an unanswered goal, then only the current overtime was played. For example, one of the teams scored a goal in the first extra half. If the opponents did not manage to equalize the score, then the second overtime was not played. If the first extra period ended in a draw, then another one was played. If the second overtime did not help to identify the winner, then a series of penalty shootouts broke through. The only major tournament where the silver goal rule was applied was the 2004 European Championship in Portugal. The first "silver goal" (scored in the first overtime) was recorded in the semifinal match between the national teams of Greece and the Czech Republic. After the Portuguese tournament, the "silver goal" rule was abolished.