For upper-intermediate learners — master nuanced vocabulary for analysing performance, rivalries, and sporting culture.
35 cards
perseverance
the quality of continuing to work hard despite difficulty or failure
resilience
the ability to recover quickly after a setback or defeat
consecutive
happening one after another without a break
unprecedented
never having happened or been done before
controversial
causing strong disagreement or debate among people
dominant
more powerful or successful than all others over a period
tactical
relating to careful plans made to gain an advantage in sport
proficiency
a high level of skill in a particular activity
benchmark
a standard used to measure or compare levels of achievement
rivalry
a long, intense competition between two opponents who are evenly matched
underdog
a competitor not expected to win who defeats a stronger opponent
gruelling
extremely tiring and demanding over a long period
aggregate score
the combined total of goals or points from two legs of a tie
redemption
the act of making up for a past failure or defeat
accolade
an award or praise given in recognition of achievement
marginal gain
a very small improvement that contributes to a much bigger overall advantage
momentum shift
a sudden change in which side has the advantage during a game
conditioning
the process of training the body to reach peak physical fitness
tactical foul
a deliberate rule break made to stop a dangerous attack
clinical
very precise and effective in taking chances in a game
composure
the ability to stay calm and controlled under pressure
concede ground
to allow an opponent to gain an advantage during competition
gruelling schedule
a very demanding series of games or events over a short period
formidable
inspiring fear or respect because of being very powerful or capable
set piece
a planned move from a free kick, corner, or throw-in in football
demoralise
to cause someone to lose confidence or the will to keep competing
tenacious
refusing to give up and fighting hard throughout a competition
prolific
producing a large number of goals or points regularly
physicality
the strength and physical presence a player brings to a game
transfer window
a set period during which teams may buy and sell players
sporting integrity
the quality of competing honestly and following the spirit of the rules
narrow defeat
a loss by a very small margin of points or goals
high-stakes
involving very important or serious outcomes if you win or lose
press
a tactic of putting intense pressure on opponents to win the ball back quickly
veteran
an experienced player who has competed at the top level for many years