What is an own goal?

An own goal is a term used in sports such as soccer, hockey, and rugby when a player accidentally scores a point or goal against their own team. This often happens when a player unintentionally kicks or hits the ball in the wrong direction, usually because they are trying to clear the ball or make a defensive play. Own goals can be a highly embarrassing mistake for the player who commits them and can also have a significant impact on the outcome of the game, sometimes leading to a loss for their team. In some cases, own goals are awarded to the opposing team as a point or score, while in other cases they are simply recorded as a mistake in the player's stats.