When is a penalty kick awarded during a soccer match?

A penalty kick is awarded for a foul committed by a defender within their own penalty area that results in a direct free kick being granted to the opposing team. This includes actions such as tripping an opponent, pushing, holding, or any other type of foul that would normally see a free kick awarded outside the penalty area. The key point here is that the foul must occur within the specific area defined as the penalty area to trigger this penalty kick scenario.

The other options do not accurately reflect the conditions for awarding a penalty kick. Handling the ball by a player could indeed lead to a penalty kick, but it must be a defensive player’s infraction within the penalty area. Injuries to a player do not result in a penalty kick unless they are caused by a foul within the penalty area. Similarly, an offside infraction is a separate rule violation that results in an indirect free kick, not a penalty kick. Understanding these specific criteria helps referees make correct decisions during a match.