It is commonly known that only 22 players are allowed on the pitch at any given time, with each of them sharing the common objective of scoring goals. In order to win a soccer match, the ball must be successfully put into the net. Let’s now delve deeper into the mechanics of how this process actually works.
The Rule and Controversy
For a goal to be officially counted, it is necessary for the entire ball to cross over the goal line. If only half of the ball crosses the line while the other half remains outside, the goal will not be recognized.
This particular rule has sparked controversy in the past, prompting the implementation of goal-line technology. Furthermore, the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system has also been implemented to minimize disputes and controversies related to goal decisions.
In the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa, a match between Germany and England sparked controversy. During the game, English midfielder Frank Lampard took a long-range shot from outside the box that beat the German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
However, due to the lack of goal-line technology at the time, the goal was not awarded. This incident highlighted the need for advanced technological systems to assist in accurate goal decisions.
Based on the image provided, it is evident that the entire ball had crossed the line, indicating that the goal should have been awarded. However, due to the speed at which the ball struck the woodwork and rebounded back into play, the referee faced difficulty in making an immediate decision.
This controversy ultimately played a significant role in the subsequent development of goal-line technology. I’ve been saying goal-line technology for quite a bit now. Let me quickly explain how it works.
How Does Goal Line Technology Work?
Goal-line technology utilizes a sensor-based system where, once the entire ball crosses the goal line, it triggers a signal that is transmitted to the referee’s watch, thereby eliminating any controversy regarding whether the ball has fully crossed the line or not.
The Winning Team
In soccer, the team that scores more goals is determined as the winner. In the event of a tie, it will be recorded as a draw, and both teams will be awarded one point.
However, there are certain instances where competition rules mandate the determination of a winning team after a drawn match. So how will the winner be decided? The winner can be decided by:
- Away goal rule: The away goal rule is applied mostly to the home-and-away tie. If the final score is equal after both legs of the match, the team with the most goals scored away from home is declared the winner. In general, goals scored away from home are more significant or valuable. The rule typically works this way:
- The side with the most away goals is crowned the victor if the combined goals scored by each team over the course of the two legs are identical.
- Depending on the competition’s rules, a tie may move forward to extra time (usually two 15-minute halves) or a penalty shootout if the away goals scored by both sides are equal.
- The match will move to a penalty shootout to decide the winner if the away goal rule is not applicable in a particular competition or if the away goals are still tied after extra time.
- Penalty Shootout: If the match ended in a draw and a winner must be decided, and the competition doesn’t follow the away-goal rule, then the match will go into a penalty shootout. So how does it work?
The penalty shootout work in this way:
- Five players are chosen by each squad to take penalties. These athletes are typically selected based on their proficiency and comfort with taking penalties.
- Starting with Team A, the teams take penalties in turn. By using a coin toss or another method, the referee chooses which team receives the first penalty.
- The penalty spot, which is 12 yards (11 meters) from the goal line, is where a penalty is taken. While the goalie of the opposing team tries to stop it, the player who is given the penalty has one shot at scoring.
- If the penalty is scored, it shall be considered to have been a goal of the team taking the penalty. It shall not be considered as a goal if the penalty is missed for example when the ball goes out of bounds, over the crossbar, or saved by the keeper.
- When one of the teams gets a higher number of goals compared to the others, they shall be declared victors following the first set of five penalties. The shootout shall proceed to another round of one penalty for each team if the score remained tied until a winner is determined.
- A sudden death procedure shall be used when the score is still level after the first five penalties. Each team takes one penalty at a time, and if one team scores and the other misses or has their penalty saved, the scoring team is declared the winner.
FAQs
What is a goal in soccer?
A goal will only occur when the whole ball crosses the line. The goal will not stand if half of the ball lands over the line or is beyond it.
How many points do you get for a goal?
Scoring a goal does not result in any direct points being awarded. The team that earns the most goals by the end of the match will be the sole recipient of points.
What is the maximum number of goals a team can score?
There is no limit to the number of goals a team can score in soccer. As long as there are no officiating errors, fouls, or offside violations that contribute to a goal, any goal scored will be considered valid and will stand.
What is the difference between a win, draw, and loss?
Win: If one team has scored more goals than its opponent within the time limit, then a victory is achieved. The winning team shall be declared to have won. For league matches, 3 points will be awarded to the winning team in order to contribute to their total score.
Draw: When the two teams score an equal number of goals before the end of a game, it’s known as a tie. The winning team doesn’t come out. Each team will be given one point for a draw in the majority of competitions. However, if necessary, an extra period or a penalty shootout may be used to determine the winner in some knockout competitions.
Loss: Losing is a result where the team concedes more goals than their opponent within the time limit. The losing team shall not receive any points for each defeat in league competition. A number of losses would have a negative impact on the team’s overall ranking as well as its league position.
