What must happen before a goal is considered valid?

To determine whether a goal is valid in soccer, the primary criterion is that the entire ball must cross the goal line. This means that if any part of the ball is still on the line or outside the goal area, a goal should not be awarded. The concept of the entire ball crossing the goal line ensures clarity in whether a goal has been scored or not.

While other factors like player positioning (onside rule) and the referee's approval play significant roles in the context of play, they do not directly impact the basic requirement that must be met for a goal to be considered valid. The referee's role is to ensure the game is played fairly and according to the rules, which includes confirming the goal, but the fundamental condition leading to the recognition of a goal is the position of the ball relative to the goal line.