Short Answer
Complete Explanation
OG is a widely used abbreviation in association football (soccer) that denotes an “own goal.” An own goal occurs when a player unintentionally directs the ball into their own net, thereby awarding a goal to the opposing team. The notation appears in match summaries, live‑text commentary, statistical databases and official score sheets. It is distinct from a regular goal scored by an attacking player and is recorded under the defending team’s tally for the match.
- Definition:
OG indicates that the goal was scored by a player against his or her own side. - Recording:
Official match reports credit the goal to the opposing team, but the individual who last touched the ball is noted as the own‑goal scorer. - Statistical impact:
Own goals affect goal difference, player statistics (negative own‑goals), and betting outcomes that involve total goals. - Notation in live feeds:
During live text commentary, “OG” appears next to the player’s name or in the goal timeline (e.g., 23′ OG – Smith). - Rule basis:
The FIFA Laws of the Game define an own goal as a goal awarded to the attacking team when the ball enters the defending team’s goal without an infraction.
Common Misconceptions
OG stands for “offside goal.”
OG specifically means “own goal,” not related to the offside rule.
An own goal counts as a goal for the player who scored it.
The goal is credited to the opposing team; the player receives an own‑goal statistic, not a goal tally.
OG is used in other sports the same way.
While some sports may use similar abbreviations, in soccer OG universally refers to an own goal.
FAQ
How is an own goal recorded in official statistics?
The goal is credited to the opposing team, while the player who last touched the ball is listed as the own‑goal scorer. The player does not receive a goal in their personal tally.
Can a player be credited with both a goal and an own goal in the same match?
Yes, if a player scores for their own team and later scores an own goal, both events are recorded separately in match statistics.
Do own goals count towards a team's total goal difference?
Yes, an own goal adds to the opponent’s goal total, affecting the goal difference for both teams in league tables.
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