Substitutions

In football, substitutions allow a team to replace one player on the field with another from the bench. This rule is an essential part of match strategy, used for various tactical, physical, and disciplinary reasons.

Each team is typically allowed up to five substitutions during regular time in most professional competitions, divided across three opportunities (not including halftime). In extra time, a sixth substitution is often allowed. Once a player is substituted out, they cannot return to the game.

Reasons for using substitutions:

1. Tactical Adjustments: Managers use substitutions to change the shape or strategy of the team. For example, if a team is losing, a manager might replace a defender with an extra striker to increase attacking options. Conversely, a team that’s winning might bring on a defensive midfielder to protect the lead.

   
   

   Example: In the UEFA Champions League final in 2014, Atlético Madrid led Real Madrid 1-0. Real’s coach Carlo Ancelotti substituted Isco for Khedira to increase creativity in midfield. The change helped Real Madrid dominate possession and eventually win 4-1 after extra time.

   
   

2. Injury or Fatigue: Football is physically demanding, and players often get tired or injured. Substitutions allow fresh players to come in and maintain the team’s intensity.

   
   

   Example: During the 2018 World Cup final, Croatia’s Ivan Strinić was visibly fatigued and had to be substituted in the second half. His replacement helped Croatia continue to compete energetically, though France ultimately won 4-2.

   
   

3. Disciplinary Reasons: If a player is on a yellow card or behaving aggressively, a coach might substitute them to avoid the risk of a red card.

   
   

   Example: In a Premier League match in 2019 between Manchester United and Arsenal, Scott McTominay was on a yellow card and was becoming more reckless in midfield. Ole Gunnar Solskjær subbed him out to avoid playing with ten men due to a potential red.

   
   

4. Impact Players and Game Changers: Some players are especially effective when coming off the bench. These “super-subs” can change the course of a game.

   
   

   Example: Ole Gunnar Solskjær famously came on as a substitute for Manchester United in the 1999 Champions League final and scored the winning goal in stoppage time, completing a historic comeback against Bayern Munich.

   
   

5. Penalty Shootouts: In knockout games likely to go to penalties, managers may substitute goalkeepers or bring on skilled penalty takers late in the game.

   
   

   Example: In the 2014 World Cup quarterfinal, Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal replaced goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen with Tim Krul in the final minutes of extra time. Krul saved two penalties in the shootout, helping the Dutch advance.

Substitutions are more than just replacements; they are strategic decisions that can significantly impact a match’s outcome. They reflect the manager’s reading of the game, the condition of players, and the team’s overall tactical plan. Used wisely, substitutions can turn a defeat into victory or preserve a precious lead under pressure.