If you have arrived here, you may have recently come across the term “OG” in soccer and might be curious about its meaning. OG stands for “Own Goal,” which occurs when a player unintentionally scores a goal for the opposing team. Own goal happens when a player accidentally redirects the ball into their team’s net while trying to clear it away.
Undoubtedly, an own goal can be a frustrating and embarrassing moment for both the player and their team. However, it is often considered an unfortunate occurrence. This mostly comes in way when a player finds themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.
In this article, we will try to clear any of your queries about the concept of OG or your own goals.
Origin of the Term “OG”
The expression “own goal” has been a part of soccer terminology for more than a century. the abbreviation “OG” has been seen in the near past and can be regarded as a modern addition. The precise origin of the term’s abbreviation is not clear, but it gained popularity likely during the 1990s or 2000s.
How is an OG scored in soccer?
A player can score on their own goal in soccer by accidentally or intentionally kicking or heading the ball into their own team’s goal. The outcome is that the opposition gets the goal.
This can happen due to misjudgment and some more reasons. These can include a player attempting to head the ball to their goalkeeper. Moreover, putting the ball out of play, or misfortune, or when a player is the victim of a deflection.
Other reasons can include wrong positioning in front of the goalkeeper or being under pressure from the opposition
Below are some of the reasons that can lead in own goal situations in soccer:
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Deflection:
This can happen unintentionally when a player is attempting to block or intercept a shot from the opposing team. The ball’s unexpected trajectory can catch them off guard.
Misjudgment:
Sometimes, a player might miscalculate the force or direction when clearing the ball. This can cause it to inadvertently end up in their own net instead of getting cleared from the danger zone.
Communication Errors:
Lack of communication between teammates can lead to confusion. This can lead to accidental scoring of own goal. This usually happens when trying to respond to a situation that the player believed a teammate was handling.
Pressure from Opponents:
In high-pressure situations, players may feel rushed or anxious, leading to errors in their decision-making and accidentally scoring on their own goal.
Back-pass Gone Wrong:
A back-pass to the goalkeeper can usually go wrong. This is because the ball can take an unexpected bounce or if the goalkeeper fails to control it.
Slip-ups or Missteps:
Players may slip or lose their balance while defending, inadvertently knocking the ball into their own net in the process.
Goalkeeper Errors:
Even goalkeepers, under pressure or misjudging the ball’s trajectory, can commit their own goals. This can either be by fumbling a save attempt or making an unintended touch.
Rules and Regulations
The credit for an own goal is given to the offensive player who last made contact with the ball before it went into their own team’s goal.
As per the rules and regulations of soccer. An own goal (OG) is awarded when the ball crosses the goal line and enters the net of the team that the player is defending. This is totally without any involvement from an attacking player.
In essence, the player who scores the own goal does so unintentionally. It occurs without any deliberate action from an opposing player.
If such a goal were to be intentional, teams would face a more significant issue to contend with.
Effects of an Own Goal (OG) in Soccer
Impact on the Game
Own goals sometimes have a really substantial influence on the outcome of a soccer match.
The opposing team has a significant advantage because of the shift in momentum that occurs when a player unintentionally scores a goal in their own team’s net.
Own goal can be really devastating. Especially during high-stakes matches, such as championship games or international matches.
OG can leave very serious and profound psychological effects on the scoring player as well as on other teammates.
Players can sometimes feel frustration, guilt, and even embarrassment. Subsequently influencing the player’s performance for the remainder of the current game and potentially future matches. In such instances, possessing a short-term memory of the event can prove advantageous.
Own Goal Statistics
Own goals are officially recorded in match records. This is because they are used for further studies and they help in tracking a team’s defensive performance.
A significant number of own goals can indicate vulnerabilities in a team’s defense, prompting coaches to consider strategic changes.
Analysis has revealed that defenders are the most likely players to score an own goal. This is entirely logical given their role in protecting their team’s net.
Famous Own Goal Records
In soccer player records are usually achievements that players take pride in. But when it comes to records of own goals, no player wishes to be associated with them.
Martin Skrtel:
He is a player from Liverpool, holds the unpleasant record for the most own goals in a single Premier League season. He scored four times in the wrong net during the 2013/14 season.
Richard Dunne:
He is an Irishman who holds the record for the most own goals throughout a Premier League career. He has a record of 10 own goals.
Jamie Carragher:
This player unfortunately holds a rather undesirable record in England. He scored three goals for his team but also had seven own goals to his name.
Stan van den Buys:
A notably unfortunate defensive performance came from him while playing for Germinal Beerschot in Belgium. He scored a hat-trick of own goals, leading to his team’s 3-2 defeat by Anderlecht.
Pat Kruse:
The quickest own goal on record occurred in a match between Torquay United and Cambridge United in 1977. Kruse was playing for Torquay, he incredibly put the ball into his own net just eight seconds after kick-off.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is meant by an OG in soccer?
An own goal in soccer occurs when a player unintentionally or deliberately kicks or heads the ball into their team’s own goal, resulting in a point being scored for the opposing team.
Who gets the credit for an Own Goal in soccer?
In soccer, when an own goal is scored, the goal is credited to the player on the opposing team who last touched the ball before it went into the net.
How many points does the opposing team get for an Own Goal in soccer?
An own goal in soccer is worth one point, and it is added to the score of the opposing team.
Conclusion
You can now feel free to confidently use the term “OG” while discussing the sport.
Remember, OG is a shorthand for “own goal,” which refers to a situation when a player accidentally scores a point for the opposing team.
This scenario is very common in the world of soccer. But own goals can be embarrassing for the player who scores it.
This is not a lack in the skills of a player. Rather they occur because of mistakes or misjudgments. In some cases, an own goal can even be attributed to bad luck or an unpredictable bounce of the ball.
That’s a wrap!
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