Sorry that I've completely failed to post the last few days. It's been busy here. Anyway, Brazil were defeated by the Netherlands, and Uruguay beat Ghana in penalties after Gyan failed to get an in-game penalty at the end that would have put his team through. Oops!
Yesterday, there was an awesome victory for Germany over Argentina, and Spain beat Paraguay. So now the European dominance returns, with three of the four finalists in this continent. Two of the four haven't won a World Cup before, so it's quite possible that we could see a new country winning the cup. Personally, I'm with Spain.
Despite being a low-scoring team (in their five matches they have only had 6 goals), Spain also has the tournament's top goalscorer so far – David Villa, who has scored five of those goals. That's an average of one per game.
Germany's Mueller is also a top scorer with four goals, despite his young age (19). However, he will miss out on their next match – against Spain – because of the yellow card he got in yesterday's game. For all the other players, there is now a yellow card amnesty. This is so that people who get a yellow card in their semi-final game won't miss out on the final/third-place playoff. It's probably also because otherwise, so many people would have one yellow card that the teams might struggle to get enough people together for the final!
Anyway, no more stats on goals per game/cards per game. I'm a little behind on working these things out. I might have them later in the week.
Showing posts with label brazil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label brazil. Show all posts
04/07/2010
01/07/2010
The Quarter Finals: Continental Drift
Now we're up to the final eight teams in the competition. They come from three continents, but how does this compare to previous competitions? We were only ever going to get three European teams through, as a twist of fate meant they ended up playing each other instead of nations from other continents.
The perceived European dominance of football has been severely dented this year – only three sides made it from here, and most of the teams come from South America. In previous years, there was a European dominance, with maybe a couple of teams from South America. Even in 2002, Europe had more representation, and the other teams came from a wide spread of continents.
There has never been a World Cup winner outside of Europe or South America, and it looks like that will continue this year. Only Paraguay of the South American teams remaining has not won a cup, but only Germany from the European sides has done so. So it is possible that we may get a new World Cup winner this year – I'm supporting Spain.
| Continent | 1998 | 2002 | 2006 | 2010 |
| Africa | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Asia | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Australasia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Europe | 6 | 4 | 6 | 3 |
| North/Central America0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| South America | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
The perceived European dominance of football has been severely dented this year – only three sides made it from here, and most of the teams come from South America. In previous years, there was a European dominance, with maybe a couple of teams from South America. Even in 2002, Europe had more representation, and the other teams came from a wide spread of continents.
There has never been a World Cup winner outside of Europe or South America, and it looks like that will continue this year. Only Paraguay of the South American teams remaining has not won a cup, but only Germany from the European sides has done so. So it is possible that we may get a new World Cup winner this year – I'm supporting Spain.
The Quarter Finals: Odds
Eight teams have been eliminated from the competition, and eight remain. Obviously, the bookies have now had to revise their odds. In comparison to last time, the odds have changed a bit. The change (+ if you get more back, - if you get less back) is shown after the odds. Let's take a look at the teams. As before, the odds are bet365.com, Ladbrookes, William Hill (10.00am 1/7/2010):
1-Brazil. Brazil are, unsurprisingly, still top. They easily took care of Chile. They're up against Netherlands/Holland next, who are also a good side. (12-5, 9-4, 5-2 -)
2-Spain. Viva la Espana! They managed to beat Portugal, and now face Paraguay. Not too hard for the Euro Champions. (11-4, 3-1, 11-4 -)
4-Netherlands. Now the third-best in the competition, but they face Brazil next. Can they do it? (7-1, 7-1, 7-1 +)
6-Germany. Germany easily beat a terrible England team. They play Argentina next, who are another fantastic, England-beating side. (7-1, 6-1, 13-2 -)
7-Argentina. And Argentina are just below Germany in the rankings. Both countries have won cups before, so there's pressure at home for more. (4-1, 7-2, 9-2 -)
16-Uruguay. They face Ghana next, and have done well so far in the competition. They are the third of four South American sides still in the competition! (14-1, 14-1, 16-1 -)
31-Paraguay. Paraguay face Spain. They're a long way down, but can David beat Goliath this time? (40-1, 40-1, 50-1 +)
32-Ghana. The last African nation left. They have a nation upholding them, but they're playing Uruguay. (33-1, 33-1, 40-1 -)
The biggest changes were with Ghana (decreasing) and Paraguay (increasing). Paraguay have taken Slovakia's place as outsiders.
1-Brazil. Brazil are, unsurprisingly, still top. They easily took care of Chile. They're up against Netherlands/Holland next, who are also a good side. (12-5, 9-4, 5-2 -)
2-Spain. Viva la Espana! They managed to beat Portugal, and now face Paraguay. Not too hard for the Euro Champions. (11-4, 3-1, 11-4 -)
4-Netherlands. Now the third-best in the competition, but they face Brazil next. Can they do it? (7-1, 7-1, 7-1 +)
6-Germany. Germany easily beat a terrible England team. They play Argentina next, who are another fantastic, England-beating side. (7-1, 6-1, 13-2 -)
7-Argentina. And Argentina are just below Germany in the rankings. Both countries have won cups before, so there's pressure at home for more. (4-1, 7-2, 9-2 -)
16-Uruguay. They face Ghana next, and have done well so far in the competition. They are the third of four South American sides still in the competition! (14-1, 14-1, 16-1 -)
31-Paraguay. Paraguay face Spain. They're a long way down, but can David beat Goliath this time? (40-1, 40-1, 50-1 +)
32-Ghana. The last African nation left. They have a nation upholding them, but they're playing Uruguay. (33-1, 33-1, 40-1 -)
The biggest changes were with Ghana (decreasing) and Paraguay (increasing). Paraguay have taken Slovakia's place as outsiders.
Day Twenty-two preview: 2/6/2010
It's time for the first two quarter-final matches. Brazil vs Netherlands are first, and then Uruguay vs Ghana. Let's compare the teams.
Brazil vs Netherlands
Two strong teams here. Brazil are first in the world, Netherlands are fourth. It will be a close game, but Brazil just edge this one out.
In their nine previous matches, Brazil have won three, Netherlands have won two, and four have been drawn. I'd say this one's a tie.
As for previous World Cup ability, Brazil won in 1998 which gives them the point. Some Brazillian players who were in that game are still on the team now!
Finally, group stage performance. Brazil have a 2-1-0 record, but Netherlands have a 3-0-0 record. So the final point goes to Netherlands.
This means it's a close match, with Brazil having a slight advantage.
Uruguay vs Ghana
Uruguay and Ghana are some of the weaker teams in the competition. Uruguay are 16th in the world, and Ghana are 32nd. That's a difference of 16 places. So Uruguay win this point.
In their only previous game, it came out as a draw, so this one's also a tie.
In the last four World Cups, Uruguay only qualified in 2002, when they went out in the group stages. Ghana qualified for their first World Cup in 2006, but made it to the final sixteen. This point goes to the Africans.
As for group stage performance, Uruguay have a 2-1-0 record, while Ghana are 1-1-1. So Uruguay get the final point.
Once again, the stats say it could be close.
My predictions: Netherlands and Uruguay. I would love Ghana to get through, and be the best African nation of all time, but I don't think they will win. As for Brazil/Netherlands, I think the Dutchmen will edge it out of desperation.
Brazil vs Netherlands
Two strong teams here. Brazil are first in the world, Netherlands are fourth. It will be a close game, but Brazil just edge this one out.
In their nine previous matches, Brazil have won three, Netherlands have won two, and four have been drawn. I'd say this one's a tie.
As for previous World Cup ability, Brazil won in 1998 which gives them the point. Some Brazillian players who were in that game are still on the team now!
Finally, group stage performance. Brazil have a 2-1-0 record, but Netherlands have a 3-0-0 record. So the final point goes to Netherlands.
This means it's a close match, with Brazil having a slight advantage.
Uruguay vs Ghana
Uruguay and Ghana are some of the weaker teams in the competition. Uruguay are 16th in the world, and Ghana are 32nd. That's a difference of 16 places. So Uruguay win this point.
In their only previous game, it came out as a draw, so this one's also a tie.
In the last four World Cups, Uruguay only qualified in 2002, when they went out in the group stages. Ghana qualified for their first World Cup in 2006, but made it to the final sixteen. This point goes to the Africans.
As for group stage performance, Uruguay have a 2-1-0 record, while Ghana are 1-1-1. So Uruguay get the final point.
Once again, the stats say it could be close.
My predictions: Netherlands and Uruguay. I would love Ghana to get through, and be the best African nation of all time, but I don't think they will win. As for Brazil/Netherlands, I think the Dutchmen will edge it out of desperation.
28/06/2010
Day Eighteen: 28/6/2010 (again)
Brazil and Netherlands up to standard
Is there any surprise today? Just as yesterday, the teams live up to expectations as Netherlands beat Slovakia 2-1 (Slovakia's final goal came from a penalty), and Brazil beat Chile. Slovakia's goalscorer Vittek now has 4 goals, which matches Argentina's Higuain's amount. But with Slovakia out, Higuain just has to score once to go top.
Goals per game: Mean – 2.28, Median – 2, Mode – 2, Range - 7
Cards per game: Mean – 3.94, Median – 4, Mode – 5, Range – 10
Predictions for tomorrow: Japan to beat Paraguay, Spain to beat Portugal.
Is there any surprise today? Just as yesterday, the teams live up to expectations as Netherlands beat Slovakia 2-1 (Slovakia's final goal came from a penalty), and Brazil beat Chile. Slovakia's goalscorer Vittek now has 4 goals, which matches Argentina's Higuain's amount. But with Slovakia out, Higuain just has to score once to go top.
Goals per game: Mean – 2.28, Median – 2, Mode – 2, Range - 7
Cards per game: Mean – 3.94, Median – 4, Mode – 5, Range – 10
Predictions for tomorrow: Japan to beat Paraguay, Spain to beat Portugal.
Day Eighteen: 28/6/2010
Note: I'm graduating tomorrow from university so I may have trouble posting on time with family around, but I'll try!
Netherlands vs Slovakia, Brazil vs Chile
Really, do I need to give the statistics for these games? I will anyway, but just looking at the teams gives you the answers as to which side seems dominant.
Netherlands vs Slovakia, incidentally, is the second of three Europe-on-Europe games in the knockout stages. The other teams from around the world will not be playing European teams again until the next round. At least we know for sure, three European sides will make it to the quarter-finals.
Netherlands are ranked 4th, and Slovakia are ranked 34th. This is a 30-place difference! So point one to Netherlands.
Their only game against Slovakia resulted in a draw, so no points given.
Since this is Slovakia's first World Cup, the Netherlands win point three automatically.
And in terms of this cup, Netherlands have a 3-0-0 record, while Slovakia have a 1-1-1 record. Point four to Netherlands.
So the stats say Netherlands will win.
Brazil vs Chile is South America on South America. Brazil have the reputation, but Chile are like a second division side taking on the Premier League champions - going for it with all they've got!
Brazil are ranked first. This gives them point one without even looking at Chile, who are ranked 18th.
In the competitive record, these teams have met 71 times. Chile have won 8, drawn 13 and lost 50, with 57 goals for and 159 goals against! Point two to Brazil.
From 1994-2010, Brazil have qualified for every World Cup and even won it! Chile have only qualified twice - being banned in 1994, and making the final 16 in 1998. So point three to Brazil.
And finally, in this World Cup, Brazil have a 2-1-0 record in the group stages, while Chile have a 2-0-1 record. Point four to Brazil.
All the same, I'd like to see the little guys win for a change.
Netherlands vs Slovakia, Brazil vs Chile
Really, do I need to give the statistics for these games? I will anyway, but just looking at the teams gives you the answers as to which side seems dominant.
Netherlands vs Slovakia, incidentally, is the second of three Europe-on-Europe games in the knockout stages. The other teams from around the world will not be playing European teams again until the next round. At least we know for sure, three European sides will make it to the quarter-finals.
Netherlands are ranked 4th, and Slovakia are ranked 34th. This is a 30-place difference! So point one to Netherlands.
Their only game against Slovakia resulted in a draw, so no points given.
Since this is Slovakia's first World Cup, the Netherlands win point three automatically.
And in terms of this cup, Netherlands have a 3-0-0 record, while Slovakia have a 1-1-1 record. Point four to Netherlands.
So the stats say Netherlands will win.
Brazil vs Chile is South America on South America. Brazil have the reputation, but Chile are like a second division side taking on the Premier League champions - going for it with all they've got!
Brazil are ranked first. This gives them point one without even looking at Chile, who are ranked 18th.
In the competitive record, these teams have met 71 times. Chile have won 8, drawn 13 and lost 50, with 57 goals for and 159 goals against! Point two to Brazil.
From 1994-2010, Brazil have qualified for every World Cup and even won it! Chile have only qualified twice - being banned in 1994, and making the final 16 in 1998. So point three to Brazil.
And finally, in this World Cup, Brazil have a 2-1-0 record in the group stages, while Chile have a 2-0-1 record. Point four to Brazil.
All the same, I'd like to see the little guys win for a change.
25/06/2010
Day Fifteen: 25/6/2010
Sven's team win as Chile boil
Well, a disappointing day for Ivory Coast, who played a great match against North Korea but were let down by a draw between Brazil and Portugal, keeping them out of the final sixteen. They were relying on Brazil defeating (and destroying) Portugal, while they did the same to North Korea. You have to be inspired by the North Korean goalkeeper R Myong Guk, who played on to the end of the game despite injuries to his hand and thigh.
This was the first clean game of the World Cup; referee Alberto UNDIANO, who previously had a terrible match with Germany and Serbia, had a change of form. By contrast, seven yellow cards were given out in the game between Brazil and Portugal, which was played poorly by both sides.
So for group G, my predictions come through, but I was glad that I chose to watch Ivory Coast/North Korea rather than Brazil/Portugal.
Interestingly, the Americans seem to be getting deep into this tournament. They're really passionate about their team this year. I think it's because of that 1-1 draw originally and Robert Green's mess-up. 11Points even did a live blog for the first time, following that USA-Algeria game that ended so spectacularly. I think now they understand why the rest of us love football. The sport has always had a minor follow there. The question is: will it increase?
Again, I think 11points puts it succinctly: the people might love it, but the TV networks won't because it doesn't allow for them to take time out in the middle of a half for commercial breaks. What can I say? TOUGH! ITV has managed for years. But at any rate, I think Americans will get behind their national team rather than the league teams. American teams don't often participate in international competitions, so it's fantastic to see the World Cup uniting the USA.
The second pair of games was group H's finale. I had correctly predicted Spain and Chile would go through. All Spain had to do was win to guarantee survival, or draw if the other game turned in Honduras's favour. With the dominance of South America, and the loss of several European teams, it was vital to stay in.
Honduras didn't have much of a chance, though. Losing today means they're the first team to go out of a World Cup without points or goals since Saudi Arabia and China in 2002. (Source: FIFA.com. Someone tell me where all this stupid info comes from!)
The first half went well, as Spain scored two goals, meaning Chile no longer have a goalless tournament. Worse was to come for the South Americans, as Chile gained four yellow cards – two to the same player, and two to players who will also miss out on the next match.
Spain went into the second half feeling like they had already won against 10-man Chile, but were soundly shaken by substitute Millar's goal. However, they can be comforted by the fact that the last player to score against Chile in a World Cup was Brazil's Ronaldo back in 1998 in the final 16, which Brazil won 4-1. At the end of the half, they found themselves kicking around the ball and maintaining the score, just relaxing and keeping things away from Chile.
Thanks to Spain's victory, they will now play European neighbours and rivals Portugal in the final 16. They are only the third team in World Cup history to win their group having lost their opening game – the other two are West Germany (1982) and Mexico (1994).
Chile have never won their group in the World Cup. In 1998 they had 0-3-0 and got through. The most they have managed is two wins – in 1930, 1962 and this year. Only three teams have lost the group stages despite winning two matches: Chile (1930), Yugoslavia (1950) and Algeria (1982) although in the first two cases only the group winners went through.
Goals per game: Mean – 2.1, Median – 2, Mode – 2, Range – 7
Cards per game: Mean – 4, Median – 4, Mode – 5, Range - 10
Tomorrow, Uruguay play South Korea and the USA play Ghana. My predictions are on Uruguay and USA to win. So far I've had 86% correct predictions (only Italy and Serbia have failed me so far) but don't use me to bet with! From tomorrow, I will be posting statistics before the games about previous clashes between the teams.
Well, a disappointing day for Ivory Coast, who played a great match against North Korea but were let down by a draw between Brazil and Portugal, keeping them out of the final sixteen. They were relying on Brazil defeating (and destroying) Portugal, while they did the same to North Korea. You have to be inspired by the North Korean goalkeeper R Myong Guk, who played on to the end of the game despite injuries to his hand and thigh.
This was the first clean game of the World Cup; referee Alberto UNDIANO, who previously had a terrible match with Germany and Serbia, had a change of form. By contrast, seven yellow cards were given out in the game between Brazil and Portugal, which was played poorly by both sides.
So for group G, my predictions come through, but I was glad that I chose to watch Ivory Coast/North Korea rather than Brazil/Portugal.
Interestingly, the Americans seem to be getting deep into this tournament. They're really passionate about their team this year. I think it's because of that 1-1 draw originally and Robert Green's mess-up. 11Points even did a live blog for the first time, following that USA-Algeria game that ended so spectacularly. I think now they understand why the rest of us love football. The sport has always had a minor follow there. The question is: will it increase?
Again, I think 11points puts it succinctly: the people might love it, but the TV networks won't because it doesn't allow for them to take time out in the middle of a half for commercial breaks. What can I say? TOUGH! ITV has managed for years. But at any rate, I think Americans will get behind their national team rather than the league teams. American teams don't often participate in international competitions, so it's fantastic to see the World Cup uniting the USA.
The second pair of games was group H's finale. I had correctly predicted Spain and Chile would go through. All Spain had to do was win to guarantee survival, or draw if the other game turned in Honduras's favour. With the dominance of South America, and the loss of several European teams, it was vital to stay in.
Honduras didn't have much of a chance, though. Losing today means they're the first team to go out of a World Cup without points or goals since Saudi Arabia and China in 2002. (Source: FIFA.com. Someone tell me where all this stupid info comes from!)
The first half went well, as Spain scored two goals, meaning Chile no longer have a goalless tournament. Worse was to come for the South Americans, as Chile gained four yellow cards – two to the same player, and two to players who will also miss out on the next match.
Spain went into the second half feeling like they had already won against 10-man Chile, but were soundly shaken by substitute Millar's goal. However, they can be comforted by the fact that the last player to score against Chile in a World Cup was Brazil's Ronaldo back in 1998 in the final 16, which Brazil won 4-1. At the end of the half, they found themselves kicking around the ball and maintaining the score, just relaxing and keeping things away from Chile.
Thanks to Spain's victory, they will now play European neighbours and rivals Portugal in the final 16. They are only the third team in World Cup history to win their group having lost their opening game – the other two are West Germany (1982) and Mexico (1994).
Chile have never won their group in the World Cup. In 1998 they had 0-3-0 and got through. The most they have managed is two wins – in 1930, 1962 and this year. Only three teams have lost the group stages despite winning two matches: Chile (1930), Yugoslavia (1950) and Algeria (1982) although in the first two cases only the group winners went through.
Goals per game: Mean – 2.1, Median – 2, Mode – 2, Range – 7
Cards per game: Mean – 4, Median – 4, Mode – 5, Range - 10
Tomorrow, Uruguay play South Korea and the USA play Ghana. My predictions are on Uruguay and USA to win. So far I've had 86% correct predictions (only Italy and Serbia have failed me so far) but don't use me to bet with! From tomorrow, I will be posting statistics before the games about previous clashes between the teams.
20/06/2010
Day Ten: 20/6/2010
Italy continue to be bad, Brazil give no surprises
A shocking game from reigning world champions Italy, who have once again only drawn with supposedly-inferior opponents. New Zealand are the second-lowest FIFA/Coca-Cola ranked team in this World Cup, so what does that say about the Italians? The last time the reigning champions failed to win their first two matches in a World Cup was France back in 2002.
First, the card stats. There have been:
4 red cards
5 double-yellows to a single player in the same game
8 players have received two yellow cards in separate group-stages games
85 players have only had one yellow card
The two teams with the least cards given are North Korea and Spain, having not had any, although both teams are yet to play their second group stage matches.
The roughest team so far is Serbia, who have received 8 cards so far including one player sent off with two yellow cards against Ghana. This is partly because of their participation in the nine-card game.
The first game played today was Paraguay against Slovakia. Paraguay held Italy to a 1-1 draw in their first game, which is a mixture of good Paraguayan and bad Italian football. Slovakia lost 2-0, and also had three yellow cards, having previously drawn with New Zealand. If Italy beat Slovakia they will qualify, but if they draw then Paraguay have to beat New Zealand to go through. If Slovakia (somehow) beats Italy, they will qualify provided Paraguay lose. So this group is (surprisingly) anyone's game.
After Italy's disappointing draw with New Zealand, you can only assume that they're not going to retain the cup. A lot of supposedly-good teams this year are failing to do well. France and England have done especially poorly, and after a fantastic start, Germany have also fallen behind. However, Argentina and Brazil are doing well, and we've yet to hear from Portugal.
The big news is that France's star player Nicolas ANELKA has been sent home, and the entire French squad has disputed this decision, and thus refused to train. It remains to be seen how well they will fare against South Africa.
Brazil had another good match against Ivory Coast, winning 3-1. It's Brazil's second victory this World Cup, and continues their fantastic record. Ivory Coast is team led by ex-England coach Sven Goran-Ericcson, who led England to the quarter-finals of the last two World Cups. He may not have been able to beat Brazil, but bringing Portugal to a 1-1 draw is fantastic!
Goals per game: Mean - 1.97, Median - 2, Mode - 2, Range - 5
Cards per game: Mean - 3.93, Median - 4, Mode - 3,5, Range - 8
A shocking game from reigning world champions Italy, who have once again only drawn with supposedly-inferior opponents. New Zealand are the second-lowest FIFA/Coca-Cola ranked team in this World Cup, so what does that say about the Italians? The last time the reigning champions failed to win their first two matches in a World Cup was France back in 2002.
First, the card stats. There have been:
4 red cards
5 double-yellows to a single player in the same game
8 players have received two yellow cards in separate group-stages games
85 players have only had one yellow card
The two teams with the least cards given are North Korea and Spain, having not had any, although both teams are yet to play their second group stage matches.
The roughest team so far is Serbia, who have received 8 cards so far including one player sent off with two yellow cards against Ghana. This is partly because of their participation in the nine-card game.
The first game played today was Paraguay against Slovakia. Paraguay held Italy to a 1-1 draw in their first game, which is a mixture of good Paraguayan and bad Italian football. Slovakia lost 2-0, and also had three yellow cards, having previously drawn with New Zealand. If Italy beat Slovakia they will qualify, but if they draw then Paraguay have to beat New Zealand to go through. If Slovakia (somehow) beats Italy, they will qualify provided Paraguay lose. So this group is (surprisingly) anyone's game.
After Italy's disappointing draw with New Zealand, you can only assume that they're not going to retain the cup. A lot of supposedly-good teams this year are failing to do well. France and England have done especially poorly, and after a fantastic start, Germany have also fallen behind. However, Argentina and Brazil are doing well, and we've yet to hear from Portugal.
The big news is that France's star player Nicolas ANELKA has been sent home, and the entire French squad has disputed this decision, and thus refused to train. It remains to be seen how well they will fare against South Africa.
Brazil had another good match against Ivory Coast, winning 3-1. It's Brazil's second victory this World Cup, and continues their fantastic record. Ivory Coast is team led by ex-England coach Sven Goran-Ericcson, who led England to the quarter-finals of the last two World Cups. He may not have been able to beat Brazil, but bringing Portugal to a 1-1 draw is fantastic!
Goals per game: Mean - 1.97, Median - 2, Mode - 2, Range - 5
Cards per game: Mean - 3.93, Median - 4, Mode - 3,5, Range - 8
15/06/2010
Day Five: 15/6/2010
North Korea battle well against Brazil!
Some info on the ages of goalscorers:
Oldest scorer: 33 years, 7 months, 26 days – JI Yun Nam (North Korea) against Brazil
Youngest scorer: 20 years, 9 months, 0 days – Thomas MUELLER (Germany) against Australia
Mean age: 27.5
Mode age: 29 (5 players)
Range: 13
Interestingly, nobody has scored more than one goal yet. Let's hope that changes soon! Tomorrow: info on the times the goals were scored during the game.
So today we had New Zealand verses Slovakia (two teams lucky that there's only one good team in their group – Italy – so they have a chance of going through). This game resulted in a draw, and New Zealand defender Winston REID made the best use of injury time to score a goal in the 93rd minute. Reid is the second-youngest goalscorer, aged 21. Between him and the next-youngest is a gap of about three years. Slovakia's Robert VITTEK, who plays his football in Turkey, had scored in the 50th minute. He's 28 – which fits the goalscorer profile better!
Next up was the Ivory Coast, playing Portugal. You'd think Portugal would win, but like many other supposedly-good teams this tournament, they failed to impress, only getting a 0-0 draw with the African side. There were three yellow cards in this game, including one for Christiano RONALDO, who's well known for his diving – and his winking!
Finally, the North Koreans won the hearts of the world as they played against Brazil. Brazil will always be one of the best teams, having never failed to qualify for a world cup, and won it five times as well, most recently in 1998. They scored two goals and gained a yellow card in a clean game, but North Korea managed to hold back Brazil for the entirety of the first half, and Korean defender JI Yun-Nam, the oldest scorer in the World Cup so far, got a last minute goal to show just how good their team are. I may not approve of the country's government, but I care for the players. I was especially moved by JONG Tae-Se's passion.
Goals per game: Mean- 1.571, Median – 1.5, Mode – 1,2, Range - 4
Cards per game: Mean – 3.643, Median – 3, Mode – 2,3,6, Range – 6
Games seem to be getting cleaner, and the goals more interesting. Tomorrow is the sixth day of the tournament. Group H round off the first matches, and South Africa play Uruguay in their second games.
Some info on the ages of goalscorers:
Oldest scorer: 33 years, 7 months, 26 days – JI Yun Nam (North Korea) against Brazil
Youngest scorer: 20 years, 9 months, 0 days – Thomas MUELLER (Germany) against Australia
Mean age: 27.5
Mode age: 29 (5 players)
Range: 13
Interestingly, nobody has scored more than one goal yet. Let's hope that changes soon! Tomorrow: info on the times the goals were scored during the game.
So today we had New Zealand verses Slovakia (two teams lucky that there's only one good team in their group – Italy – so they have a chance of going through). This game resulted in a draw, and New Zealand defender Winston REID made the best use of injury time to score a goal in the 93rd minute. Reid is the second-youngest goalscorer, aged 21. Between him and the next-youngest is a gap of about three years. Slovakia's Robert VITTEK, who plays his football in Turkey, had scored in the 50th minute. He's 28 – which fits the goalscorer profile better!
Next up was the Ivory Coast, playing Portugal. You'd think Portugal would win, but like many other supposedly-good teams this tournament, they failed to impress, only getting a 0-0 draw with the African side. There were three yellow cards in this game, including one for Christiano RONALDO, who's well known for his diving – and his winking!
Finally, the North Koreans won the hearts of the world as they played against Brazil. Brazil will always be one of the best teams, having never failed to qualify for a world cup, and won it five times as well, most recently in 1998. They scored two goals and gained a yellow card in a clean game, but North Korea managed to hold back Brazil for the entirety of the first half, and Korean defender JI Yun-Nam, the oldest scorer in the World Cup so far, got a last minute goal to show just how good their team are. I may not approve of the country's government, but I care for the players. I was especially moved by JONG Tae-Se's passion.
Goals per game: Mean- 1.571, Median – 1.5, Mode – 1,2, Range - 4
Cards per game: Mean – 3.643, Median – 3, Mode – 2,3,6, Range – 6
Games seem to be getting cleaner, and the goals more interesting. Tomorrow is the sixth day of the tournament. Group H round off the first matches, and South Africa play Uruguay in their second games.
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