Have you ever thought about what the golden goal and silver goal systems are in football? The golden goal method formed a form of sudden – death rule. Let’s examine these unique football regulations more closely.

The Golden Goal System

What is the Golden Goal System?

The golden goal system, or sudden – death method, features a simple but dramatic core rule. In overtime, the team that scores first secures an immediate win, and the other team suffers an instant loss. The referee ends the game immediately. We call the goal scored during overtime the golden goal. FIFA implemented this system in the 1998 and 2002 World Cup finals.

Memorable Cases of the Golden Goal System

South Korea vs Italy in 2002 World Cup

Take the 2002 World Cup Round of 16 match between South Korea and Italy. The two teams tied 1 – 1 in regular time. In the 11th minute of the second half of overtime, Ahn Jung – hwan scored for South Korea. As soon as he scored, the game ended. South Korea then eliminated Italy 2 – 1 and advanced to the quarter – finals.

Turkey vs Senegal in 2002 World Cup

In the 2002 World Cup quarter – final between Turkey and Senegal, the score was 0 – 0 after 90 minutes. İlhan Mansız scored in the 4th minute of overtime. Right after that, Senegal lost, and Turkey won 1 – 0 to reach the semi – finals.

Why Was the Golden Goal System Abandoned?

The golden goal system aimed to encourage attacking play. However, in reality, many teams feared sudden death. So, they played more conservatively. Because of this, in 2003, people dropped the golden goal system and replaced it with the silver goal system.

The Silver Goal System

What is the Silver Goal System?

The silver goal system was an improved version of the golden goal system. Its rule is a bit more complex. In overtime, the first half of overtime must finish. If a team takes the lead in the first half, the second half won’t be played. If the score is still tied at the end of the first half, the second half will go on. If the game is still a draw after full overtime, a penalty shoot – out will decide the winner.

A Classic Case of the Silver Goal System

The 2004 UEFA European Championship semi – final between Greece and the Czech Republic is a great example. The two teams were 0 – 0 in regular time. In the last minute of the first half of overtime, Traianos Dellas scored a header from a corner kick. Since the first half was almost over, after the Czech Republic kicked off from the center – circle, the game ended. Greece won 1 – 0 and advanced to the final.

Why Was the Silver Goal System Abolished?

Even though the silver goal system tried to fix the problems of the golden goal system, it still couldn’t encourage attacking football effectively. In February 2004, the International Football Association Board officially abolished both the golden and silver goal systems. Dellas’ goal became the last silver goal.