You just can’t keep playing for ever. I remember the Italy v Brazil game. Players were collapsing with cramp all over the place. This also happened in the Liverpool v West Ham cup final – the last 10 minutes just weren’t a game as players could barely walk.
If you went on forever than the winning team would be hopelessly out of shape for the next game.
Ever seen hockey players in the midst of a 4 OT game?
If the players fatigue, someone will eventually win. Believe me.
SD
The game is nearly 2 hours long and doesn't really allow for commercial interruptions. You play for 45 minutes or until the refree decides the half time has been met, take a 20 minute break and then go out and play a second 45 minute half. It makes for low scoring since you have to run across the field while controlling the ball with your feet and deciding how to pass it to teammates. And if you do get lucky to get set up for a goal you have to do before the other team can set up a block to deflect the ball back or take possession of it. So its completely understandable why goals generate such fan passion precisely because its a rare event.