In the 70s, I would sometimes play soccer...but with 4 man teams. Designated goalie had to be ready to outrun the ball before it arrived at the goal. It was entirely possible to score from mid-field. And of course, we had to cover the entire field...no standing around, waiting for the ball to get closer.
Because you could score from midfield (or further if you had a strong leg), a typical score might be 20-17. THAT was fun!
Standing around, watching others, waiting for the ball to get closer, scoreless games....yawn. Zzzzzz.....
IMHO this is the perfect game, that takes the best of soccer and combines it with the other sports.
Gaelic Football
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEAbWrdB9XU