Why are there so many goals in this World Cup?

Is it coincidence, down to VAR or any other reason?

There was no var in that game! Maybe it’s down to them just playing differently, less teams have been overly defensive than before, except Denmark 😒. And teams actually feel like teams rather than just collections of players like a lot did in qualifying

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@Mildreadful Perhaps VAR has an indirect impact though? Teams are more scared to foul in the box. This is especially true on set-pieces and Belgium scored like that.

It might not be the reason, or it might not be the only reason but its something worth considering.

Mildreadful · F

@Burnley123 i guess so. But either way it’s been a good thing!

MartinII · 70-79, M

@Mildreadful I agree with that. And on the whole those who play like teams have done well, those who don’t haven’t.

Picklebobble2 · 56-60, M

Weird world cup this one.
All those who should be in form aren't.
Minnows are taking their chances against the big boys rather than trying to play safe......It's good !

MartinII · 70-79, M

Most teams, most of the time, have played aggressively and without fear. Those who haven’t, most obviously Germany, have not scored goals. The speed of modern football makes defending more difficult, even though defenders are also fit and fast. Nevertheless Russia and Denmark both managed to get to penalties with essentially defensive performances. VAR has nothing to do with it.

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@MartinII I dunno. Euro 2016 was pretty defensive.

MartinII · 70-79, M

@Burnley123 Yes, that’s true, and it’s true, as you imply, that the one thing that’s obviously new is VAR. But logically, I can’t see why it should make any difference to a team’s style of play. Anyway, I think a World Cup is different - more teams are just glad to be there and give it their best shot, fewer are weighed down by expectation. And of course at least three of the latter have gone out.

Anyway, looking forward to today’s games.

lorne13 · 61-69, M

Teams seem more evenly matched this time, there are no really great teams

Burnley123 · 41-45, M

@lorne13 Normally when teams are well matched, the games are low scoring. A lot of games have been even and high scoring, which is what you want.

InOtterWords · F

Only one 0-0 result in the group games. Idk but it's a great word Cup with some exciting games

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