The expected over run of the highest goals scored in a single tournament achieved in India in 2017 may not fall at the 18th edition in Brazil after all. A total 183 goals were scored then but the present 163 goals scored in 48 matches in Brazil may not even equal the India achievement.
There are four matches to say goodbye in Brazil and begin to look forward to Peru in 2021 and to score 20 goals in the four matches means five goals are needed to be scored per match. This is herculean as goals scarcity traditionally prevails from the semis. A total 21 goals are needed to erase the Indian glory. As at the rounds of 16 stages, 148 goals were scored in 44 matches.
France has the highest number of goals in Brazil scoring 17 times and Brazil follows with 14 goals. Sontje Hansen of Netherlands is at advantage to win the Golden Boot for Highest scorer as he has 6 goals to his credit, while Nathaniel Mbuku, an African starring for France with 4 goals may win the Silver boot. Diego Duarte of Paraguay and Noah Botic of Australia have 4 goals each but they may not take anything since their teams have been ousted and other players may still score goals above them.
A total 7 own goals were recorded so far from Lantaro Cano of Argentina v Paraguay; Anton Mlinaric of Australia v Ecuador; Kobe Franklin of Canada v Brazil; Woodben Ceneus against Chile; Harry Bark of Australia v Angola; Daniel Jinadu of Nigeria v Ecuador and Alvero Carrillo v Tajiskistan.
There is also the Golden Ball given to the Most Valuable Player usually picked by the FIFA Technical Team, coaches and captains; there is the Golden Gloves given the Best Goal keeper picked by FIFA and the FIFA fair play trophy meant to encourage Disciplinary record but teams that have piled red and yellow cards may not be eligible.
The Yellow cards increased from 139 at the round of 16 stages to 148 (meaning that 9 yellows were awarded in 4 matches). The 10 red card at the round of 16 stages is what we still have but the 163goals or 3.4 goals per match shows 15 more goals were scored of which France got 6 or 40% of goals scored in quarterfinals alone.
The attendance increased to 144,819 (3,017 per match) from 124,058 as at the R16 stages meaning that means 20761 fans watched the 4 matches of the quarters. That is about 5,190 fans per match. That is not impressive.
– ENIOLA OLATUNJI.
