What indicates that a team has scored a goal?

A team has scored a goal when the ball completely crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar. This is the fundamental requirement for a goal to be recognized in soccer, as specified by the Laws of the Game. When this condition is met, play continues with a kick-off from the center spot by the opposing team.

While the referee blowing the whistle signifies an event, such as the start or resumption of play, it does not, by itself, indicate that a goal has been scored. Additionally, if the ball hits the goalpost and bounces back into play, it has not crossed the goal line, so it does not count as a goal. Kicking the ball over the goal line does not count as a goal unless it passes between the goalposts and under the crossbar, fulfilling the criteria for scoring. This understanding is crucial for interpreting goal-scoring situations during a match accurately.