on goal vs in goal

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ostap77

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1) Does the goalkeeper play on goal or in goal?

2) Does a player kick the ball on goal or in goal?
 
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The goalkeeper (just one word) plays in goal.
Players want to get the ball in/into the goal.
They get a shot on target if it goes in the goal.
 
In hockey, the goalie plays in goal.

They keep track of "shots on goal," but it is the ones that go in the goal that score.
 
Is 'on goal' used only in phrases like "a kick on goal" or "a shot on goal"?
 
They get a shot on target if it goes in the goal.

Afraid not, ems. A shot on target is a shot which would have scored if the ball had not been saved or deflected by a defender.
 
Does it sound OK to say "He made a kick on goal."?
 
A native English speaker wouldn't say that.

'He took a shot' is what we say. Everybody understands he is trying to score — not aiming a kick at the corner flag.
 
Afraid not, ems. A shot on target is a shot which would have scored if the ball had not been saved or deflected by a defender.

Really? I thought a shot on target either went in or was saved but the important point was that its angle and trajectory were correct! Well, blow me down. I started going to live football matches when I was 8 and I have believed that to be the case ever since. Next you'll be telling me I've got the offside rule wrong and you'll be ruing the day women started watching football! ;-)
 
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