In the world of soccer, certain terms and phrases are used to describe various aspects of the game. One such term is ‘brace,’ which is commonly used by soccer fans and commentators alike. In this article, I will explore what is a brace in soccer, its origin, and how it differs from other terms like a hat trick.
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What does a brace in soccer mean?
A brace in soccer refers to an instance in a single match where a player scores two goals. It is an impressive feat that showcases a player’s ability to find the back of the net on multiple occasions during the course of a match. The term ‘brace’ has its roots in the Anglo-French language and is used to describe a pair of items, in this case, two goals.
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Why is 2 goals called a brace?
The term brace is believed to have originated from Middle England, where it referred to the act of hunting down two birds with one shot. In the context of soccer, scoring two goals can be seen as the modern equivalent of this sporting achievement – hence the term ‘brace.’
Do both goals have to occur back to back to be considered a brace?
No, the two goals that make up a brace do not have to be scored consecutively. As long as a player scores two goals in the same match, it is counted as a brace regardless of when the goals were scored during the game.
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Top 5 players with the most braces in football
Some elite players in the soccer world have consistently impressed by scoring multiple braces throughout their careers.
Here are five players with the most braces in the 21st century:
| Players | Braces |
|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | 205 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 205 |
| Robert Lewandowski | 135 |
| Zlatan Ibrahimovic | 98 |
| Karim Benzema | 87 |
Difference between a Brace and a Hat Trick
While a brace signifies a player scoring two goals in a single match, a hat trick is achieved when a player scores three goals in the same game. The term ‘hat trick’ has its origins in cricket and originally referred to a bowler taking three wickets in three consecutive deliveries.
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Final thoughts
A brace in soccer is an impressive achievement that highlights a player’s ability to score goals in a single match. While it may not be as celebrated as a hat trick, scoring a brace still showcases the skill and talent of top-tier soccer players. Soccer enthusiasts should be familiar with these terms to understand and appreciate the game in greater detail.
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