a seventh time or for a seventh time

[joham]

Martin Hewings' ADVANCED GRAMMAR IN USE contains such a sentence:

When Germany scored for a seventh time, the crowd went wild with excitement. (UNIT 26: 26.3.8)

We usually say "do sth a seventh time", I wonder if you could tell me what the difference is between "a seventh time" and "for a seventh time".

Could anyone help me?

[Anglika]

In this sentence "for" is being used as used as a function word to indicate the number of occasions - in this case seven - on which Germany scored.

[joham]

Originally Posted by Anglika

In this sentence "for" is being used as used as a function word to indicate the number of occasions - in this case seven - on which Germany scored.

But without "for", the sentence still indicates the number of occasions - in this case seven - on which Germany scored! I just don't understand why the preposition "for" is used here and if it can be left out. Thank you.

[2006]

"for" certainly can be left out.