Plata of Ecuador celebrates scoring during their Fifa World Cup Group E match against Germany.
The expanded World Cup format all but guaranteed a record-breaking total number of goals with more teams in the mix, but nobody quite predicted the sheer efficiency of the onslaught.
The tournament is averaging close to three goals per match, placing it among the highest-scoring World Cups in modern history.
Even with only half the groups completed, this is already shaping into a relentless showcase of attacking football, late drama, and shifting momentum.
If the early rounds were meant to settle nerves, they have done the opposite, feeling less like a structured group phase and more like a continuous wave of attacking intent.
