What Is an Own Goal in Football? Scoring and Attribution
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TL;DR
An own goal occurs when a player’s touch causes the ball to enter their own goal. The opponent receives the goal, while the player’s individual attribution is handled by the competition or data provider.
Deflection or own goal
A shot heading on target may remain credited to the attacker if a defender’s touch does not materially change its path. If the defender’s action sends it in or changes an off-target ball into a goal, the own-goal label is more likely.
Why attribution varies
Leagues use different statistical policies for deflections, crosses and goalkeeper touches. Match reports and official data should take priority over a fantasy or media database.
Impact on the match
An own goal is a normal goal for the scoreline. It can affect standings, aggregate scores and knockout qualification just like an opponent-scored goal.
Common misconceptions
A player does not need to be the last defender, and an own goal is not automatically a mistake. A deliberate clearance can take an unlucky deflection without being reckless.
Related football terms
Read aggregate score, what is xG, a clean sheet and a derby.
Sources
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