In Association football, a goal is achieved after one kicker gets the game ball past a line that is designated to determine when a goal has actually been scored or not, and between two poles. Many people believe the goal is actually scored when the ball touches a net put between these poles, however, that is not the case. While most times the goal scoring shot does make the net move, the goal is actually scored if the ball passes over the line, not when it reaches the net. A goalie is the player who is set into position to try to block shots into the goal line.
The goal rule is similar in Hockey.
In American Football, a field goal is achieved when a kicker kicks the ball into the air and it goes between the lines of two posts that are set specially at the end of the playing field for each game. If the ball goes over the set of posts but is still inside the area covered by the posts, it still counts as a field goal. Field goals in American football count for three points.
In Rugby football, a drop goal refers to the same concept.
In addition, some refer to baskets made at a basketball game as field goal.