owngoal

An own goal is a goal scored into a team’s own net, resulting in a goal for the opposing team. It typically occurs when the defending team last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line, whether through a direct shot, a deflection, or a clearance that ends up in their own net.

In official records, the goal is charged to the defending player who last touched the ball before it crossed the goal line, including the goalkeeper. The goal is considered an own goal for statistical purposes, and the opposing team is credited with the score for that goal.

Common situations include a shot that deflects off a defender into the net, a cross or clearance that wrong-steps into the goal, or a goalkeeper mishandling a routine save that results in the ball crossing the line. Own goals can occur anywhere on the field and are a routine, if unfortunate, part of the game.

Own goals have occasionally influenced match outcomes and tournaments, and they appear in official statistics and match reports like any other goal. While they are often remembered for their misfortune, they are a recognized and lawful aspect of football scoring.