Opinion:FIFA World Cup goal average falls as Messi's goal no-100 is hit

16 teams were sent back home out of 32 in total as the first stage of the 21st FIFA World Cup concludes, with only the best ones moving to the knockout stage.

The crashed out teams also included defending champions Germany, after South Korea defeated the Joachim-led side 2-0 in the final group match at Kazan Arena.

Another favourite Argentina too was on the brink of elimination but somehow survived after Lionel Messi returned to form and Marcos Rojo scored the winner against Nigeria in their must-win final fixture.

Iceland's defeat to Croatia was another reason why Messi's side was able to make it.

With many other memorable moments and setbacks to the title favourite teams, the game has entered the elimination round.

But among all these events, onestatisticwhich was expected to break a jinx, existingsince 1958, was 'the average number of goals scored per game at the FIFA World Cup'

The tournament commenced on a high note with host Russia defeating hapless Saudi Arabia in the campaign opener by 5-0.

And the games followed with the similar digits which assured that this year the average score may reach 3, something which hasn't happened in last 14 World Cups.

The only game which remained scoreless was the clash between Denmark and France. The two teams had to settle with one point after 0-0 score.

But the average in the starting 20 games touched the 3.5 mark but fell drastically to 2.62 with the match count reaching to 40.

With Lionel Messi scoring his first and 100th goal of FIFA World Cup 2018, it seemed that the Barcelona star has returned to the form and will bet the balls a few times to break the high confidence of Nigeria into bits and pieces.

However, he again disappointed and settled with one while Argentina scored its second to end the game 2-1.

On the same day Iceland succumbed to the two goals of Croatia, while the debutant managed to reply with only one.

But the five goals in the two games took the total to 105 in 40 games which once again brings backthe average below three.

Meanwhile, the first games of the inaugural World Cup in Uruguay had set the tone for the tournament.

Eight goals were scored as France beat Mexico 4-1 and the USA saw off Belgium 3-0 on the opening day.

Champions Uruguay smashed in 15 goals in four games en route to becoming the first world champions, including a 6-1 victory over Yugoslavia in the semi-finals.

The tournament finished without a single draw, a ratio of 3.89 goals per game.


(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)