The clock runs UP in soccer. So if it says 88, that means there is actually 2 minutes left in the game, not 88 to go.
Did that help?
The game ended with 3 something on the clock and running up as you said but the period said "2". I think the second period was actually over except for the injury time like revolver mentioned. I watched the same thing happen in the GBR- Cameroon game and I guess I wasn't paying too close attention since soccer bores the living hell out of me. Now I'm watching USA Womens volleyball vs Korea. This is more interesting.