It’s now the fifth day of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil and the goal output has more than doubled in the past 11 games compared to four years ago (based on 90 minutes per game). What are the possible reasons?
1. The brazuca
[The increase in goals] shows that players are getting used to this new ball. The brazuca. This new cut was introduced four years ago and players didn’t get used to it until now.
2. Not-as-tough defending?
I don’t think the defending is not as tough as it has been. I think they’re allowing them far more room. The defenders have been standing there.
3. A more offensive game?
I think a lot of the teams are taking an offensive approach and looking to win. In the last World Cup, it was all about trying not to lose your first game. It’s completely the opposite here. Everyone is trying to go out and win the games.
Whatever the case, we don’t want nil-nil games.
The hope is that teams that were rewarded for that offensive start to the tournament with three points continue along that vein and keep the excitement going. Maybe it’s Brazil. They’re in this country of flair, a goal-scoring country. Hopefully it continues.Credit to the coaches and the players in the conditions they’re going out in while trying to make this World Cup a truly special one.
