What does fourth and goal mean at a football game?

Fourth and goal refers to the situation when a football team faces fourth down within ten yards of the goal line. The proximity to the end zone contributes to a coach being more aggressive in this situation compared to the average fourth down situation.

A fourth down usually occurs when a team has failed to gain at least ten yards in three previous plays. If a team fails to gain the requisite ten yards on fourth down, possession of the ball is given at that spot to the other team, which is why most teams opt to punt. However, fourth and goal requires less than ten yards, so teams usually attempt either a field goal or a touchdown play.