1. In sports (especially soccer/football), to postpone or prevent the scoring of a goal through defensive tactics or time management
The goalkeeper made a crucial save to delay the goal in the final minutes.
O goleiro fez uma defesa crucial para adiar o gol nos minutos finais.
2. More broadly, to postpone or defer the achievement of an objective or target
Budget cuts may delay the goal of completing the project by next quarter.
Os cortes orçamentários podem adiar o objetivo de concluir o projeto no próximo trimestre.