What is own goal in soccer?

An own goal in soccer refers to a situation where a player unintentionally scores a goal for the opposing team. It occurs when the ball enters the defending team's net due to a player's accidental deflection or miscalculated attempt. Own goals can happen in various ways, including a defender's misdirected clearance, a failed interception, or even a goalkeeper's mistake.

Own goals can be attributed to a lack of communication or miscoordination among teammates. They often occur in moments of pressure or confusion during a match. It is crucial for players to constantly communicate and be aware of their surroundings to avoid these unfortunate occurrences.

In terms of scoring, an own goal is credited to the player who last touched or controlled the ball before it crossed the goal line, regardless of whether it was a deliberate play or accidental. The goal is added to the opposing team's score, increasing their lead in the game.

While own goals are often met with frustration by the team at fault, they can also be a source of amusement or frustration for spectators, as they can sometimes be quite unusual or unexpected. However, own goals are generally treated as an unfortunate part of the game rather than a deliberate action, and players usually strive to make up for such mistakes as the match progresses.