What causes a direct free kick to be awarded?

A direct free kick is awarded when a player commits a foul against an opponent. This encompasses various infractions such as tripping, pushing, holding, or striking the opponent. Direct free kicks provide the fouled team the opportunity to take a shot on goal directly from the spot of the foul, barring any other infringements that might nullify the kick.

In contrast, while injury can lead to a stoppage in play, it does not directly result in a free kick being awarded. Similarly, a goal is the outcome of a successful shot rather than a reason for awarding a free kick. Offside is a rule infringement that results in an indirect free kick being awarded to the opposing team, rather than a direct free kick. Thus, it's the occurrence of a foul that specifically triggers the awarding of a direct free kick.