The Football Goal
1. The football goal itself
Two posts, a crossbar, and a net; the standard size of the goal opening is 7.32 m x 2.44 m (8 yds. x 8 ft.). This might be an abridged description of the football goal. However, there is much more to it than that: The two uprights must be attached to the crossbar in a stable yet flexible manner. The net must be fastened securely and tensioned to make it ball-proof and the goal must be securely anchored to the ground. What materials and constructions are most advantageous to the game, what security precautions must be taken?
Being the hardest-fought ground on the pitch, the goal has undergone some changes since its very beginning. For example, in most stadiums the square timber posts were replaced by light metal posts with round cross-section. The most fantastical net attachments have been created. Firstly, they aim to prevent a knot of players landing in the net or the keeper from getting too entangled in it, and secondly, when the ball is propelled into the goal, they will ensure that it hits the net effectively and clearly.
