Goal average group matches: 1.46
Goal average knock-out matches (without 3rd place): 
Knock-out matches into extra time:
Knock-out matches into penalties:

characteristics of matches:
 

	A	B	C	D	groups	quarter-f	semi-f	3rd pl.	final
matches predecided in 1st half	2	1	2	2	7	1	1	1
matches decided in 2nd half	1		2	2	5	3
scoreless matches	1	3	2	2	8
matches with altering scenarios (1:0-1:1(-2:1))	2	1			3		1
matches turned around (f.e. 2:1 after 0:1)		1			1
total	6	6	6	6	24	4	2	1	1

 
Careful group matches, patient quarter finals, closer semi-finals. And more entertainment in Group A. Was ist the better pitch of the stadium or the less consistent depth in the squads of Liberia and Algeria? 

remarkable:

Since the Nations Cup format has expanded from 8 teams, no team had won all their matches at a Nations Cup final tournament. 
1998 eventual winners Egypt lost to Morocco and drew with Côte d'Ivoire. 1996 South Africa lost to Egypt. 1994 Nigeria drew with Egypt and Côte d'Ivoire. 1992 Côte d'Ivoire drew with Ghana, Cameroon, and Congo. 
In 1990, the last 8 team edition had been won by an unprecedented 5 win row of hosts Algeria. Before 1968 there had been only 3 matches to play for the winner. In the 1992 and 1994 editions a 12 team format required 5 matches, like in the 8 teams format. Since 1996 the winner will have played 6 matches. 
In World Cup history, teams winning all three of their first round matches, often have been struggling in the following rounds. Exceptions: Brazil 1970 (just elected the best team of the 20th century by an Italian soccer magazine) and France 1998, whose perfect record was spoiled by a draw with Italy in the quarter finals then (a penalty shoot-out saved the campaign as you know). 

 back to top