A Massive 215 Goals Scored in the Group Stage
215 goals were scored in 72 matches across 12 groups and 48 teams as the Group Stage culminated at the FIFA World Cup, with the elimination of 16 teams.
2.99 Goals/Match The Average
The average number of goals scored per match came to a terrific 2.99, which was testimony to the entertaining football played by the teams. Of all the 48 teams, only Panama could not score a single goal in the Group Stage.
The ‘Wow’ Factor
The football was sublime, and the skill on display was simply incredible. The goals scored were brilliant, but a few just had that ‘wow’ factor, the best of which I have tried to assimilate in the top 5 bracket. It was not an easy task, and there is a possibility that I may have missed a few.
My Top 5
5. Pape Gueye: Senegal vs Iraq, 71′
This left-footed effort from Senegal’s Pape Gueye, who came on as a substitute in the 58th minute in a do-or-die contest for Senegal against Iraq, was a cracker of a shot. From inside the box, Gueye struck so ferociously that the ball flew into the net in no time. There was no stopping it. The incredible pace on the ball and the swirl in the air were incredible, which made it to my top 5 list.
4. Yasin Ayari: Sweden vs Tunisia, 7′
The young gun from Sweden, Yasin Ayari, was spectacular against Tunisia, netting two outstanding goals. The best of the two came in the 7th minute when Ayari struck a rocket that pierced the air and beat the goalkeeper absolutely with sheer pace from well outside the box. That goal got Sweden underway in the tournament.
3. Lionel Messi: Argentina vs Jordan, 80′
This free-kick from Messi was simply incredible. He had just arrived on the pitch against Jordan and then struck one. The ball passed through the only little space available in the wall with speed and tremendous precision. The goalkeeper, who was wrong-footed for a moment, just didn’t have a chance as the ball sped past him. It was vintage Messi, so unbelievably skilful.
2. Kylian Mbappé: France vs Senegal, 90+6′
It was pure magic from Kylian Mbappé as this outstanding goal from him sealed France’s victory over a tough Senegal side. The ball was struck by Mbappé from well outside the box with incredible power and placement. The goalkeeper was beaten to his right as the ball flew into the air and swirled away to enter the net. It was a goal to remember.
1. Kevin Pina: Cape Verde vs Uruguay, 21′
This one is my favourite from Kevin Pina of Cape Verde from a free-kick, miles outside the box. It was hit with sensational power and accuracy, so deadly. The ball sped past the turf and on the bounce entered the net with the goalkeeper completely beaten for pace, and the slight movement of the ball after the bounce. This goal will be the highlight of Cape Verde’s exceptional performance in the World Cup so far.
The knockouts have begun, and I will come back with my top goals from the round of 32.
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