goaldifference

Goal difference is a tie-breaking metric used in many sports, particularly in league or tournament formats, to separate teams that have finished with the same number of points. It is calculated by subtracting the total number of goals conceded by a team from the total number of goals scored by that team over the course of the competition. A positive goal difference indicates that a team has scored more goals than it has conceded, while a negative goal difference signifies the opposite.

In situations where two or more teams are tied on points, the team with the superior goal difference is typically ranked higher. This method is widely employed in football (soccer) leagues, international tournaments, and other sports where scoring is a primary objective. It reflects not only a team's ability to win matches but also the margin of victory and defensive solidity.

Other tie-breaking criteria may be used if goal difference is also equal. These can include head-to-head records between the tied teams, the total number of wins, or even a penalty shootout in some knockout stages of tournaments. However, goal difference remains one of the most common and straightforward methods for resolving ties in many sporting contexts.