Here's the 400-word SEO article focusing on "Football":

You kick off, the roar of the crowd fills the air – it's Football. Whether you call it soccer, futbol, or simply the beautiful game, football captivates billions globally. Ever wondered exactly how it's played or why it dominates the sporting world? Let's break it down.

The core objective is simple: score more goals than the opposing team within two 45-minute halves. Players maneuver an inflated spherical ball primarily using their feet, head, or torso; deliberately handling the ball (except for the designated goalkeeper within their penalty area) is strictly forbidden, resulting in a free kick.

Each team fields eleven players: one goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, and forwards or strikers. The goalkeeper is the last line of defence, shielding the net. Defenders aim to stop opponents' attacks, midfielders control the flow of the game linking defence to attack, and forwards specialize in scoring goals. Success relies heavily on teamwork, strategic passing, individual skill (dribbling), spatial awareness, and stamina.

The pitch, a rectangular field with goals at each end, is bordered by touchlines and goal lines. Essential rules include the offside position, preventing attackers from gaining an unfair advantage near the opponent's goal, and avoiding fouls like tripping, pushing, or dangerous tackles, which lead to free kicks or penalty kicks (if committed inside the defender's penalty area). Throw-ins restart play when the ball crosses the touchline; corner kicks occur when the defending team last touches it over their own goal line. Goal kicks restart after an attacking team last touches it over the defending goal line.

Modern football, or association football, traces its formalized roots back to England in the mid-19th century. The Football Association, founded in 1863, established the first unified rules that form the bedrock of today's game. This sets it apart from rugby football and American football. The sport's global explosion began soon after, driven by British sailors, traders, and industrial workers introducing it worldwide.

Today, major leagues like England's Premier League, Spain's La Liga, Germany's Bundesliga, Italy's Serie A, and France's Ligue 1 showcase elite football. International tournaments like the FIFA World Cup (the biggest sporting event globally), the UEFA European Championship (Euros), and the Copa América inspire unmatched national passion and rivalry. Major League Soccer (MLS) signifies the sport's rapid growth in the United States and Canada. From local parks to colossal stadiums, football unites people, transcends cultures, and fosters a shared global passion. What’s your favourite aspect of the beautiful game? Share your views!