Welcome back to our exploration of the Jiangsu Football City League! Now that you know what the 苏超 is, let’s get you ready to watch a match and understand the action. Here’s your essential Chinese football vocabulary guide.

On the Pitch:

球员 (qiúyuán): Player. The stars of the show!

队长 (duìzhǎng): Captain. Often the team's leader and motivator.

教练 (jiàoliàn): Coach. The mastermind on the sidelines.

裁判 (cáipàn): Referee. The official who makes the calls.

前锋 (qiánfēng): Forward/Striker. Their job is to 射门 (shèmén - shoot)!

中场 (zhōngchǎng): Midfielder. The engine of the team.

后卫 (hòuwèi): Defender. They try to stop the 进攻 (jìngōng - attack).

守门员 (shǒuményuán): Goalkeeper. The last line of 防守 (fángshǒu - defense).

 

The Action:

The game is split into two 半场 (bànchǎng - halves). If a player breaks the rules, the referee may call a 犯规 (fànguī - foul). For serious fouls, a player might receive a 黄牌 (huángpái - yellow card) or even a 红牌 (hóngpái - red card), meaning they are sent off.

The ultimate goal? To score a 进球 (jìnqiú - goal)! When a player scores, you’ll hear the crowd roar! If the scores are level after full time, the game might go to 点球 (diǎnqiú - penalty kick), a thrilling and nerve-wracking way to decide a winner.

 

Be a Fan:

Now you’re ready to join the crowd! Cheer on your 主场 (zhǔchǎng - home ground) team by shouting 加油 (jiāyóu - go for it/come on)! Applaud a great 扑救 (pūjiù - save) by the goalkeeper. Enjoy the incredible sense of 社区 (shèqū - community) that makes the 苏超 so much more than just a game.

So, find a local match, practice your new vocabulary, and immerse yourself in the passionate world of grassroots Chinese football!