澳式足球（Australian Rules Football，简称 AFL）是澳大利亚最受欢迎的体育项目之一，对于英语学习者来说，阅读关于 AFL 的文章不仅是了解澳洲文化的好途径，更是学习地道体育英语、掌握特定术语的绝佳机会。
以下是一份专为 AFL 英语阅读理解设计的指南，包含核心词汇解析、实战模拟文章以及阅读理解练习。
核心词汇：读懂 AFL 的“密码”
在阅读 AFL 文章之前,你需要掌握几个最独特的动作和术语：
- The Bounce (拍球): 裁判将球垂直拍向空中,球员争抢落地后的球来开始比赛或重新开始比赛。
- The Mark (争球/接球): 当球员在空中抓住对手踢来的球，且双脚落地时，即构成“Mark”，这是 AFL 中最重要的战术动作,球员获得自由踢球的机会。
- Handball (手球): 用拳头将球击打给队友，这是 AFL 中最独特的传球方式,通常用于在被防守队员包夹时。
- Goal (球门进球): 球完全越过球门柱上方的横杆，得 6分。
- Behind (横杆进球): 球穿过两根球门柱之间，或被防守队员从球门内踢出，得 1分。
- Tackle (抢断): 用身体动作迫使持球球员失去控制或传球。
实战阅读：模拟 AFL 赛场报道
请阅读以下简短的 AFL 赛场报道，尝试理解上下文。 The Last-Minute Heroics**
The Western Bulldogs were trailing by four points against their fierce rivals, the Carlton Blues, in the dying minutes of the match. The crowd was roaring as the Bulldogs kicked the ball downfield to their star forward, Josh.
Josh received the handball from his teammate and began to sprint down the wing. Two Carlton defenders sprinted to close him down. With no space to run, Josh decided to mark the ball. He waited for the ball to come down and took a strong grab, landing firmly on his feet.
He was awarded a free kick just outside the 50-meter arc. The Bulldogs' captain stepped up to take the kick. He looked calm and focused. He struck the ball powerfully. It flew through the middle of the posts. It was a Goal!
The Bulldogs took the lead by two points, securing a stunning victory in the final seconds.
阅读理解题
根据上述文章,回答以下问题：
-
What was the score difference when the Bulldogs began their final attack?
- A) Two points
- B) Four points
- C) Six points
- D) One point
-
How did Josh pass the ball to his teammate before sprinting?
- A) He kicked it.
- B) He handballed it.
- C) He marked it.
- D) He tackled the defender.
-
What does the phrase "close him down" mean in this context?
- A) To give him a high five.
- B) To run towards him to stop him from moving.
- C) To cheer for him.
- D) To give him more space.
-
How many points did the captain's kick earn the team?
- A) 1 point (Behind)
- B