The 48-team World Cup group stages ended in a historic flurry, witnessing a record 215 goals at a higher rate per match than any tournament since the 1950s. From Lionel Messi’s magic to goalkeeper nightmares, read our full breakdown of the staggering numbers. Photo: IANS
The group stages of the first 48-team Fifa World Cup ended in a flurry of goals — a fitting conclusion to an eye-catching first round.
The opening phase of the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the US witnessed a record 215 goals, at a higher rate per match — 2.99 — than any World Cup since the 1950s. Here, we look at what is behind the staggering numbers.
The Round of 32 head to head preview.
The race for the Golden Boot is often a sideshow, but this time it is anything but. The world's elite forwards are driving each other on in a captivating battle to finish as top scorer.
