Whether you’re watching or playing in a soccer match, you might experience a goalless draw. In other words, neither team has managed to score a goal in the game.
While this is a regular occurrence in soccer, you might be wondering – what happens when no goals in soccer are scored? Does either team get a point? Let’s find out now.
What happens if no goals are scored in a soccer match?
When no goals in soccer are scored, the result is known as a goalless tie, and the fixture is listed as 0-0. In this instance, in a league match, both teams receive one point, even though they’ve failed to score. In knockout cup matches, a 0-0 tie goes to thirty minutes of extra time and then penalty kicks if required. The winning team is then decided by who manages to score the most penalties. We take a look at goalless ties in more detail below.
Do goalless ties go to extra time and penalties?
If a goalless tie occurs in a knockout cup competition, then extra time and penalties are required to settle the outcome. Thirty minutes of extra time are played, giving players another chance to try and find the back of the net.
However, if they don’t manage to score in the additional period, each team is given five penalty kicks that will decide on the winner.
But if a match in the regular soccer season finishes 0-0 (such as a game in the MLS), no extra time or penalty kicks are awarded. The scoreline is recorded, and the match stands as a goalless tie, with both teams receiving one point.
Do both teams get points for a goalless tie?
Yes, if a league match finishes 0-0, both teams receive one point, even though they haven’t scored! Points scoring in soccer is actually really simple to understand, and it’s a topic that we covered extensively in this recent blog post.
Interestingly, whether no goals in soccer are scored, or if each team scores five for the match to end 5-5, the outcome is the same – both teams receive one point. The number of goals scored doesn’t actually contribute to the points awarded at the end of the match.
The only important thing at the end of a soccer match is which team has scored the most goals, and three points are awarded for a win, and one point is awarded for a tie.
Although it might seem strange to some people, a goalless tie is a good result for some teams, and sometimes, coaches will set up their side to play defensively to try and secure a point, as we explain below.
Do teams actually plan for goalless ties?
In some cases, teams will set up to try and secure a point as a result of a goalless tie. In other words, scoring no goals in soccer can be a good thing!
A tactic – known as parking the bus in soccer – is an excellent way to prevent the other team from scoring and often results in a defensive shutout for one of the teams. It’s only really a good idea to park the bus if you don’t fancy your chances of beating your opponents, as it’s a very negative way to play soccer.
Still, if you’re going up against a seriously talented opponent, adopting the right tactics and playing for a 0-0 draw is much better than conceding a bucket load of goals and losing the match!
Are goalless ties boring to watch?
If you’ve ever sat through a goalless tie, you will probably agree that they’re normally relatively boring. This is because both teams struggle to create chances, and scoring goals is the most exciting thing about a soccer match in general!
However, as this piece in the Guardian explored, there have been some memorable 0-0 draws over the years. Much depends on the players involved in the match and the tempo the game is played at.
If the match is end-to-end and there’s a lot of goalmouth action on the field, then there’s no reason why a goalless tie can’t be enjoyable! But generally, 0-0 ties aren’t particularly exciting, and fans much prefer watching games that are full of excitement and goalscoring.
What is the best 0-0 match in history?
While goalless draws don’t stick in the memory for very long, one of the most memorable 0-0 draws we can remember happened in Italy in 1997. England arrived at Stadio Olympic in Rome – one of the world’s fiercest footballing fortresses – knowing that a point would be enough to take them to World Cup 1998.
The defense stood remarkably firm against an attack spearheaded by Christian Vieri, and the English left Italy with the point they needed. While the game won’t be fondly remembered by soccer purists, it goes down as one of England’s finest achievements at a time when they were transitioning between squads.
Speak to anyone in English football about ‘that night in Rome,’ and they will reminisce fondly about their battling performance at Olympico.
Recap: No goals in soccer explained
Soccer is a sport in which goals are essential. After all, it’s impossible to win a match without scoring goals. However, it’s important to remember that teams receive one point for a 0-0 tie.
So, while it might not be particularly enjoyable for supporters to watch, when no goals in soccer are scored, it can benefit both teams, depending on their pre-match expectations.
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