In the European Championship, each soccer match consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a 15minute halftime break in between. In case of a tie at the end of the regulation time, the match may be extended into two 15minute periods of extra time. If the scores are still level after extra time, a penalty shootout is held to determine the winner. Overall, the duration of a standard European Championship match can vary depending on the occurrence of extra time or penalty shootouts, but the regular playing time is 90 minutes.