How does soccer scoring work? A beginner's guide

A soccer ball that has just hit the back of the net

Soccer, known as football in many parts of the world, has a straightforward scoring system compared to some other sports. The objective is simple: score more goals than your opponent. In this guide, examine the details of soccer scoring, covering everything from basic goals to complex rules and controversial situations.

The Basics of Soccer Scoring

At its core, soccer scoring is straightforward: the team that puts the ball into the opponent's goal more times wins the match. A standard match consists of two 45-minute halves, totaling 90 minutes of regular play, with additional "stoppage time" or "injury time" added to account for interruptions.

How to Score Goals in Soccer

A goal in soccer is scored when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar. The team with the most goals at the end of the match wins. Here's what you need to know:

Basic Goal Scoring: - The ball can be kicked, headed, or deflected off any part of the body (except hands and arms for offensive players) to score - It doesn't matter how weak or lucky the shot is – as long as the whole ball crosses the line, it's a goal - Even goalkeepers can score goals, though rare, during corner kicks, free kicks, or late-game situations

Referee's Decision: - The referee determines if a goal has been scored, which can be challenging in close calls - In professional matches, goal-line technology and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) systems are often used to assist with these decisions

Types of Goals: - Regular goals: Scored by the attacking team - Own goals: Accidentally scored by the defending team (these count in favor of the opposing team)

The goals on a soccer/football pitch

Soccer Statistics and Scoring Records

Goal Difference and Points System

In many soccer leagues and tournaments:

Teams earn 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss
Goal difference (goals scored minus goals conceded) serves as a tiebreaker
In tournaments like the World Cup, teams with the most points advance from group stages to knockout rounds

Historical Scoring Records

The highest-scoring professional match recorded was Arbroath's 36-0 victory over Bon Accord in a Scottish Cup match in 1885. Such high scores are now rare due to modern tactical and physical training improvements.

Assists and Player Statistics

While not part of the official rules, assists are recorded when a player makes the final pass or touch before a goal is scored. This statistic acknowledges their role in creating scoring opportunities.

Match Duration and Tie Scenarios

When a match is tied:

In league play, the match ends in a draw
In knockout tournaments, two 15-minute periods of extra time are played
If still tied after extra time, the match proceeds to a penalty shootout
The former "golden goal" rule (first team to score in extra time wins) is no longer used in most competitions

Understanding the Offside Rule

The offside rule is one of soccer's most complex and controversial rules, designed to prevent attacking players from gaining an unfair advantage.

When is a Player in an Offside Position?

A player is in an offside position if:

They are closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent
They are in the opponent's half of the field

When is Offside Penalized?

Being in an offside position becomes an offense only when:

The player interferes with play by touching the ball
The player interferes with an opponent
The player gains an advantage from being in that position

Offside Exceptions

A player cannot be offside when:

Receiving the ball directly from a goal kick, throw-in, or corner kick
They are in their own half of the field
The ball is last touched by an opponent

Penalty Kicks and Special Situations

Regular Penalty Kicks

Penalty kicks are awarded when:

A defending player commits a direct free kick offense inside their own penalty area
The offense occurs while the ball is in play

The penalty box and the penalty spot on a soccer field

Penalty Kick Execution

The ball is placed 12 yards (11 meters) from the goal
The goalkeeper must stay on the goal line until the ball is kicked
Other players must remain outside the penalty area and arc
The kicker can use any legal kicking technique

Penalty Shootouts

In knockout tournaments, if the match remains tied after extra time:

Each team takes five penalty kicks alternately
If still tied, the shootout continues in sudden-death format
The team with more goals after equal attempts wins

Advanced Scoring Scenarios and Set Pieces

Direct and Indirect Free Kicks

Direct Free Kicks: Goals can be scored directly
Indirect Free Kicks: The ball must touch another player before entering the goal

Special Scoring Situations

Goal Kicks: A goalkeeper can score directly if the ball travels the entire field
Throw-Ins: Goals cannot be scored directly; the ball must touch another player
Corner Kicks: Goals can be scored directly

Team Management and Substitutions

Teams are typically allowed five substitutions per match, an increase from the traditional three substitutions. This change was implemented partly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and congested match schedules.