GOAL GALORE

The Friday File: Through the first two-thirds of round-robin play at the World Cup (the first two games), more goals are being scored than in any World Cup since 1958. Goals/match are averaging three, up 23%/game from 2022, and that number had been largely flat since 1958. Maybe it’s the new ball or the hydration stoppages, but the most likely reason, the 50% increase in the number of teams participating.