In the context of football, are 'match' and 'game' the same for you?

[Dogtrousers]

Except, ever heard "match of cricket"? I'd always expect people to say "a game of cricket".

Well no, but no one would talk about a "a match of" anything, because that's not how the word is used. No one would say "A match of football" or "a match of rugby". You'd say a football match, rugby match, cricket match etc.

Edit. I've just got your point. Someone might say "I saw a game of cricket on telly" as an alternative to "I saw a cricket game on telly".

"A game of cricket on telly" still doesn't sound right.

But "we had a game of cricket on the beach" is fine. That's just pure participation and not a formal match.

 

[yello]

You have just destroyed my neat Cricket hypothesis

Nah, not at all. Your hypothesis still has legs. Or should that be overs?

I'm still leaning into the cultural distinction you alluded to. That, and a player v spectator difference.

 

[T4tomo]

Very good point. You have just destroyed my neat Cricket hypothesis. I hate you.

😭

Nah, not at all. Your hypothesis still has legs. Or should that be overs?

I'm still leaning into the cultural distinction you alluded to. That, and a player v spectator difference.

@Dogtrousers So does that mean you love me, hate me or are completely indifferent towards me?

I think we've now established most things are:
a game of {insert sport}
and equally and coexistently:
a {insert sport} match

but things could differ if the sport isn't mentioned
i.e are you going to the game?
or are you going to the match?

maybe

 

[PaulSB]

Game? Match?

Prior to the match: "Are you going to Rovers?" "Are you going, today?" (Nothing else needed on match day).

Post match: "Did you go to Rovers?" "Did you go to the game?"

While we're there "I've seen worse games." "This is a good game." "Must win game, tonight." (For my lot it actually is this evening). "We gave them a good game."

I suppose I must use "match" from time to time but all the above with the one exception don't feel in anyway right. It's match day, from then on it's Rovers or game.

Even on a match day or asked if I'm busy/free it's more likely to be "Rovers are at home."

 

[Dogtrousers]

How about a cup tie? Why is it a tie and not a match (or a game)

 

[yello]

For my lot it actually is this evening

Mine too

And I pleased to find someone else who more naturally uses 'game'.

 

[PaulSB]

How about a cup tie? Why is it a tie and not a match (or a game)

It's a cup game. Nowt else.

 

[PaulSB]

Mine too

And I pleased to find someone else who more naturally uses 'game'.

Are you in Sheffield by any chance?

 

[yello]

Are you in Sheffield by any chance?

Nah. Hull.

 

[yello]

It's a cup game. Nowt else.

Indeed. Cup 'match'? ...that is just out and out no questions wrong

 

[PaulSB]

Nah. Hull.

Ah! I see. Good luck.

 

[Electric_Andy]

"game" refers to the sport as a whole. "The game of football is played with 11 players per side", whereas "match" refers to a specific contest. "The football match was cancelled".

Yes that's what I think. However, I have texted "game" before when referring to my son playing at the weekend, so I think they have merged into the same meaning for me.

 

[matticus]

It's a bit like the diffrence between gig and concert - quite a few events can be either.