Own Goal

An own goal occurs in goal-scoring games when a player scores a goal that is registered against his or her own team. It is usually accidental, and may be a result of an attempt at defensive play that failed or was spoiled by opponents. It is considered one of the most embarrassing and humorous blunders in sports.

The term has become a metaphor for any action that backfires upon a person.

Read more about Own Goal:  Association Football, Other Sports

Famous quotes containing the word goal:

    Religion means goal and way, politics implies end and means. The political end is recognizable by the fact that it may be attained—in success—and its attainment is historically recorded. The religious goal remains, even in man’s highest experiences, that which simply provides direction on the mortal way; it never enters into historical consummation.
    Martin Buber (1878–1965)