That's Foul!

"They get a direct kick when I didn't even do anything?!"

Direct kicks can be awarded even though there was no deliberate contact.
FIFA Laws of the Game says in part:

A direct free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player... tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with the opponent before touching the ball.

So even if your foot accidently hits your opponents shin guard before it gets the ball, a direct kick can be awarded, and the other team may score directly from that kick.
We need to honor the game, and that includes its rules. For us that means playing the ball, no WWF wrestling, no secret shoves. We shall play fast and clean.

So don't give the other team a direct kick (and a potential shot on goal if its on your defending half) by running "afoul" of the Laws...

FIFA LAW 12 - Fouls and Misconduct

A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following six offences in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force:

• kicks or attempts to kick an opponent


• trips or attempts to trip an opponent


• jumps at an opponent


• charges an opponent


• strikes or attempts to strike an opponent


• pushes an opponent

A direct free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following four offences:

• tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with the opponent before touching the ball


• holds an opponent


• spits at an opponent


• handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area).

A direct free kick is taken from where the offence occurred.