sports
Numbers game: stats that tell stories from the first 24 World Cup matches
All 48 teams have played their first matches. From xG to assists to transfer value, here’s some of the more revealing bits of data
TL;DR
- Mexico exhibited the slowest build-up play, while South Africa offered minimal threat.
- Czechia utilized long throw-ins for a goal, and South Korea's equalizer involved a long passing sequence.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina relied heavily on set pieces, generating few open-play chances against Canada.
- Despite strong qualifying records, Paraguay conceded significant touches in their penalty area against the USA.
- Top-ranked teams like Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, and Uruguay struggled with low-quality shot selection, even with high possession and shot numbers.
- Underdogs have shown increased defensive fortitude, posing challenges for traditional giants.
- Brazil's midfield vulnerability was exposed, but reliance on Vinícius Júnior remains a key factor.
- Morocco's half-time adjustments limited Brazil's shots in the second half.
- The tournament has seen a high proportion of draws, possibly due to the expanded format.
- Germany's starting XI had a significantly higher market value than Curaçao's, with a predicted high chance of victory.
- The Netherlands increased their expected goals significantly, while Japan had a low xG despite scoring multiple goals.
- Ecuador and Panama's matches were statistically close, with late winners deciding the outcome.
- Sweden's performance may have overachieved against their expected goals, while Tunisia's coach was fired after the game.
- Egypt's failure to convert key chances contrasted with Romelu Lukaku's immediate impact after coming on as a substitute.
- Iran fielded one of the oldest starting XIs in World Cup history, featuring an effective attacking partnership with New Zealand.
- France produced a game of two halves, with strong early passing sequences.
- Iraq's defensive errors contributed to Norway's lead, with Erling Haaland leading the tournament in individual expected goals.
- Algeria had more touches in the opposition penalty area than Argentina, but failed to register a shot on target.
- Austria created more big chances than Jordan and benefited from an own goal.
- England created the most big chances, many from set-piece situations, with Harry Kane nearing a World Cup scoring milestone.
- Uzbekistan's goal came from a very high-value chance, though it wasn't enough to secure a draw against Colombia.