World Cup opener sets goals record
The opening match of this year’s World Cup set a new benchmark for the number of goals scored in the official opening game of a World Cup Finals tournament. Germany’s 4-2 victory finally put an end to the tradition which has seen low scoring matches, shock results (e.g. Argentina’s defeat to Belgium in 1982) and nervy wins for the favourites (e.g. Brazil’s 2-1 victory over Scotland at France 1998).
Opening matches
1966 (England): England v Uruguay 0-0
1970 (Mexico): Mexico v Soviet Union 0-0
1974 (Germany): Brazil v Yugoslavia 0-0
1978 (Argentina): West Germany v Poland 0-0
1982 (Spain): Argentina v Belgium 0-1
1986 (Mexico): Italy v Bulgaria 1-1
1990 (Italy): Argentina v Cameroon 0-1
1994 (USA): Germany v Bolivia 1-0
1998 (France): Brazil v Scotland 2-1
2002 (Japan/Korea): France v Senegal 0-1
2006 (Germany) Germany v Costa Rica 4-2
June 10th, 2006 at 12:42
[…] There was no shortage of chatter before the competition even began about the Teamgeist balls being used this year. After one day of play many commentators are already saying the ball is responsible for a record first day of scoring. Is this really the case? […]
June 10th, 2006 at 1:42
it’s difficult to say after only two matches. But you are right, before the tournament both Jens Lehmann Paul Robinson complained that the ball is a nightmare for goalkeepers. On Lahm’s goal showed yesterday the ball in both directions and there was no spin on it. For the fans it could be a great Wordl Cup full of spectacular goals.
June 10th, 2006 at 9:00
i do agree with that two some extent…looking from goalkeepers point of view , it is kinda nightmare for them …coz with no spin on it, one can imagine the ball. but out of the post, the performance which made a difference..germany being a strong (machanised:machine run) so to say, and coasta Ricca another charm, was’nt a surprise…
i do agree with nick on great World Cup full of spectacular goals.”it gotta b tht way”, as we are the sudience, we will definetly enjoy.
June 10th, 2006 at 10:54
[…] The world cup opener sets a goal record the 4-2 victory by german was a record. (maybe the ball?) […]
June 12th, 2006 at 11:58
actually after the 4-2 victory from Germany I bought myself a teamgeist (18euro wouldn’t harm me), and i got to say that ball is one piece of fine design
it’s light it sticks to your feet and omg you can strike it beautiful!
Adidas great work!