Getting A Result

[toalisi]

As a non follower of football I am confused when I hear managers talking about their hopes for
a 'result' in a key game.
I take this to mean that they are hoping for a success/win?

As surely all games have a result - win, draw or loss how does a 'result' in football translate to a Win?

[another-view]

It means they want to win. Are you an English speaker?

[toalisi]

It is my second language.

So a result doesn't mean an outcome but a win ?

[another-view]

Ah sorry. Yes it means they want a "good" result.

[toalisi]

Thank you.

Maybe it would be clearer if they said they wanted a 'positive' result rather than just a result?

Just one of the many 'traps' for a foreigner using the English language!

[squarebear]

Indeed. Football managers are notable for their strange remarks.

"It was a game of two halves" meaning the two halves were very different.
"What we need now is a goal" - Well duh!

[toalisi]

I'm sure I heard one saying that although his team 'didn't get a result they gave 110%' ?

[squarebear]

Hehe! Yes, that's the sort of thing. It confuses the English speakers, never mind anyone else.

[barmy]

A result could be a draw if the opponents are particularly good - therefore getting a point would be a result , not as good as winning but still a a result.

Or if the game is crucial, i.e for promotion then a draw between the top 2 teams would be a result.

Tricky if you're not a fottball fan or English.

[toalisi]

It is tricky as you say.

So a result means not losing?

Sorry to be a nuisance but I'm trying to understand.

[squarebear]

Yes it could do. It means a result that is favourable, which is not always a win, it could also be a draw.

[toalisi]

Thanks everyone.

And as for cricket !

[jno]

I think 'result' is just shorthand for 'a result that I like'. Normally, in any other sense, it just means 'outcome', as you say.

[ll_billym]

Actually, 'result' in this context isn't just football manager slang. It is defined as 'a favourable outcome' in my Collins Dictionary.

[Count_Emmup]

Bit off topic, but what riles me is when they say Mugton Rover's striker lost them the game when he missed a penalty in added time, look at the recording.

The then they show it and Grimthorp Athletic's goalie makes a stunning leap from the middle to the top corner, just tipping it above the crossbar with his fingernails, but instead of crediting the 'keeper they say the striker missed!

[Count_Emmup]

Just don't even get me started on "It's a big ask"!

[sophie_1003]

As others have said, result in the terms you have mentioned usually means a favourable result but as you mention it can also mean outcome. E.g. managers in football who say "We're hoping for a result in this key game" means a favourable result but in the following sentence the word result means outcome "As a result of the crash the man suffered from head injuries"

[Quizmonster]

The word, results...ie the plural form...has been employed in general language usage for about the past century to mean a favourable outcome. You see that in sentences such as, "When I have a headache, aspirin usually gets results." I suppose football managers just decided to use the singular form, a result, as it seemed easier!

[andy-hughes]

I really sympathise with you trying to follow the phrases used by footballers and managers.

As a rule,neither are especially articulate, and they do tend to say things they hear others say, which leads to cliches and mis-used expressions - if you have any more trouble, come back, we are happy to help.

In fact, we'd be over the moon!

[Playbill]

i am also not interested in football but amused at some of the language. I used to ask my son what all these 'strikers' were doing scoring goals. I had imagined them standing huddled round a brazier with placards.

[standian]

My nana believed for years that hat tricks were goals scored from headers.