I swear, I’ve watched too many teams are just playing pause soccer. Standing at midfield, 4 players continuously passing to each other. Not trying to move the ball forward at all.
It doesn’t matter whether they are ahead, behind, or tied. Same passing. Again, Again, and again.
The game’s tempo depends on the quality of the opposing teams. It can get very fast if you have a great team vs a weak one.
Less so if they’re balanced in strength. And it takes superb teamwork to score goals, retain possession and keep one’s opponent from scoring.
Only true aficionados appreciate how football can draw them into the point you identify with the team and its defeats and victories.
No wonder football is the world’s most popular sport.