against the run of play

against the run of play

Contrary to the pace or flow of a game or situation, usually in the context of sports. Brazil dominated the game, but Japan secured a draw with a late goal against the run of play.
See also: of, play, run
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • no score
  • in the game
  • home game
  • fair play
  • fair play (to you)
  • monkey in the middle
  • away game
  • be game
  • a shell game
  • shell game
References in periodicals archive
Tunisia went ahead against the run of play in the 34th minute of the Group E match when Msakni fired his spot kick into the roof of the net after Naim Sliti was upended by Salomao Paizo.
Angola hit back to force draw with uninspiring Tunisia
Against the run of play, goalkeeper Sabi Acquah came out to clear a ball which fortunately dropped to Manaf Umar who dipped it inside the post.
Hearts thump WAFA 4-0 to go top
They could have taken lead in the 5th minute, but Zahid missed the golden opportunity, which later cost them dearly, as against the run of play, Ghouri FC took lead in the 23rd minute through penalty, which Adil converted very successfully.
Ghouri stun Ravi FC in Azadi Football
Real, eyeing a third straight title, needed a 44th-minute equaliser by Marcelo against the run of play to cancel out Joshua Kimmich's opener after Bayern, chasing three trophies this season, had missed a hatful of chances.
Real Madrid snatch 2-1 comeback win at Bayern
In the first of two SSE Airtricity League Premier Division matches between the sides inside a week, Pat's enjoyed an early lead against the run of play thanks to Christy Fagan's (above) opener before Alan Bennett equalized on the stroke of half-time.
A LONG WAY BACK FOR CITY AS PAT'S DENT TITLE HOPES
The sides shared a goal apiece after that - Will Foster heading home Regan Orr's corner to extend Rangers' lead and the hosts pulling one back against the run of play.
Middleton take points
Silsden increased their advantage in the 68th minute, once again against the run of play, when Robert Grimes struck.
Town run is finished
The visitors took the lead against the run of play with Kevin McKinlay heading home in 24 minutes before Shaun Byrne's effort brought the home side level before the break.
Pars hero Al sets his goals; DUNFERMLINE .........3 STENNY ......................2
Isco hit Real's 33rd-minute opener against the run of play but his goal sparked the visitors into life as they added two more from Karim Benzema and Ronaldo's first of the night.
Sub Gareth makes impression in easy Euro victory for Real
Rangers dominated the opening half at Villa Park and deservedly led through a goal from midfielder Jermaine Jenas, only for Gabriel Agbonlahor to level against the run of play just before the interval.
CHRIS OF LIFE; Big Ben boosts Villa
Will Morford added a second against the run of play ten minutes from time firing past Rob Peet from 18 yards as Hinckley waited for an offside flag.
Knitters mauled; BLUE SQUARE BET NORTH
The champions only had a Yaya Toure strike to show for their total dominance when Bobby Zamora stunned them with a 59th-minute equaliser against the run of play.
CITY SLACKERS RILE ROBBIE
I'd much rather play well and lose at this level, than play badly and win against the run of play. I don't think the players would learn anything from winning against the run of play."
Result is not main priority - Roberts
It looked like that may not be the case when Jermaine Beckford headed Leicester in front against the run of play.
Allardyce's side stay in automatic promotion chase
Against the run of play, Barkston Ash took the lead in 28th minute when Jackson Walker challenged Huddersfield keeper Alex Briggs for a cross from the right.
Late Stewart double provides the edge