When should a penalty kick be awarded?

A penalty kick is awarded specifically as a consequence of a foul that occurs inside the penalty area that is punishable by a direct free kick. This includes actions such as tripping, pushing, or holding an opponent within the box, which are clear violations of the rules denying an opportunity to score a goal.

Fouls occurring outside the penalty area, handling the ball under certain circumstances, and situations where the ball goes out of play do not meet the criteria for a penalty kick. Actions like handling the ball or fouling outside the box typically result in a direct free kick or an indirect free kick rather than a penalty kick. Hence, the scenario where a foul occurs within the penalty area that is punishable by a direct free kick is the correct situation that warrants awarding a penalty kick.