be a game of two halves

sports cliché In football (soccer), to have one team outplay the other in the first half of the game, only to be outplayed themselves in the second half. Used especially in sports reporting and analysis. In a stunning conclusion, Barcelona has overcome a four-goal deficit at half-time to defeat Real Madrid! It truly was a game of two halves. The Saints seemed to be firmly in control for the first 30 minutes of the game, but it became a game of two halves when the Chargers evened the score in the third quarter. I know we have a sizable lead, but I'm still nervous—any game can be a game of two halves!