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Americans are discovering the beauty of soccer during this World Cup — but remain confused by one thing

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Millions of Americans are discovering the beauty of soccer during this World Cup — and many are asking the same question: Why doesn’t anyone know exactly how much time is left?

They deserve an answer.

Unlike most major sports, soccer allows the clock to keep running during injuries, substitutions and video reviews, asking referees to estimate how much time should be added. This encourages time-wasting gambits. It frustrates fans and is easy to fix.

In its current state, soccer’s clock doesn’t stop even when play does. And play stops often in the closing minutes. Play stops for injuries — and ridiculous theatrics feigning injuries. Play stops for substitutions. Play stops for video reviews. Medical staffers stroll onto the field to “check” wailing players who are, in reality, fine. All the while, the clock runs, leaving referees to gauge afterward how much playing time should be restored.

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