What should happen if a player in the penalty area is denied a goal-scoring opportunity by a foul?

When a player in the penalty area is denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity due to a foul committed by a defending player, the rules state that a penalty kick is awarded to the attacking team. This is because the penalty area is a critical zone where fouls can have a direct impact on the outcome of the game. Awarding a penalty kick serves to hold the defending team accountable for actions that prevent a goal-scoring opportunity, reinforcing the importance of fair play while offering the attacking team a chance to score.

In this scenario, the foul directly affects the attacking player’s ability to score a goal, making a penalty kick the appropriate response according to the laws of soccer. This decision underscores the seriousness with which fouls in the penalty area are treated, as they can significantly change the momentum of a match.

The other options do not align with the rules governing fouls in the penalty area. Continuing the game without interruption would overlook the foul's impact, while awarding a free kick to the defending team does not apply when the foul occurs within the penalty area. Similarly, merely issuing a warning does not address the severity of denying a scoring opportunity through a foul in such a critical part of the field.