Why SofaScore Updates Goals Before You See Them on TV

A lot o people have noticed that when watching, apps like SofaScore and Flashscore send a goal notification before the ball even gets close to the net on the TV.

This strange experience has gone viral recently, especially among football fans who watch matches through streaming platforms or at viewing centres.

This article breaks down why SofaScore updates so fast, how live-score apps get their data, why TV broadcasts naturally delay, and what you can do if you want to avoid spoilers.

What Is SofaScore and How Does It Work?

SofaScore is a real-time sports data app that gives live scores, stats, and match events.

Behind the scenes, it does not wait for TV broadcasters instead, it receives raw match events from:

• Professional data-collection networks
• Stadium observers
• Official league data providers
• Automated detection systems

These data providers send information almost instantly when a goal happens, often within 1–3 seconds.

This is why SofaScore can notify you before TV shows the goal.

Why SofaScore Sends Goal Updates Before the Broadcast

The simple truth behind the secret is that TV broadcast is usually delayed but SofaScore data feed is delivered almost instantly.

This is because television and streaming platforms go through several steps:

1. Camera captures the action
2. Footage goes to the broadcast center
3. Encoding
4. Signal distribution
5. Local re-broadcast
6. Internet delivery (for streaming)
7. Buffering on your device

This entire process can introduce delays of 10 to 45 seconds, depending on the platform (satellite is fastest; streaming is slowest), your network speed and the device’s buffering settings

Meanwhile, SofaScore receives its data directly from live data collectors, who may either be:

• At the stadium
• Connected to the officials’ data system
• Feeding an automated event-tracking tool

This is the exact reason why your app can show Goal, Red card, VAR check, Kick-off, before TV or streaming finishes processing the video.

Is SofaScore Faster Than the Match Itself?

No, SofaScore is not “predicting” goals. It is simply receiving the information earlier than your TV delivers the video.

The ball has already entered the net in real life but your device just hasn’t “caught up” visually due to broadcast delay.

Does SofaScore Ever Make Mistakes?

Yes, mistakes happen and this is mostly because SofaScore prioritizes speed, it sometimes sends:

• Goal alerts that later change to “no goal”
• Incorrect information during fast VAR checks
• Corrections to match events

This is rare but possible because they send the update before full confirmation.

How Live-Score Apps Collect Data (Simplified)

1. In-stadium data scouts

Professionals sit in the stadium and log every action in real time using special software.

2. Official data partners

Some leagues provide direct access to event data that updates instantly.

3. Automated tracking systems

These use AI, video analytics, and sensors to detect events like:

• Ball crossing the goal line
• Shots on target
• Fouls

4. Data distributors

The compiled data is sent through a fast cloud API to apps like SofaScore.

5. Your phone receives a push notification

This typically arrives long before your TV stream catches up.

Common Search Questions Answered

1. “Why is SofaScore faster than DSTV or streaming apps?”

Because live-score apps get raw event data, while TV goes through heavy processing and distribution.

2. “Can I turn off goal notifications to avoid spoilers?”

Yes.

Go to SofaScore → Settings → Notifications and disable:

• Goals
• Major events
• Match highlights

3. “Is this feature intentional?”

Yes, the platform is built to be as fast as possible, even if that means beating TV.

4. “Is SofaScore legal?”

Yes, it uses licensed data from official providers and scouting networks.

5. “Why do some people shout ‘Goal!’ before I see anything?”

They are using a fast live-score app or watching on a faster signal than yours.