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World Cup in numbers: The stats behind the drama at Russia 2018

17 Jul, 2018 09:50
World Cup in numbers: The stats behind the drama at Russia 2018
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FRANCK FIFE / AFP

The Russia 2018 World Cup came to a close on Sunday when France beat Croatia in Moscow, capping a thrilling four weeks of football that have been hailed by many as the best tournament ever.

READ MORE: France 4-2 Croatia - Les Bleus ease past courageous Croatia to World Cup victory in Moscow

The 2018 edition sent records tumbling and racked up some fascinating numbers. Here are some of the best as RT Sport looks back at the month-long festival of football.

2

France claimed their second World Cup title by beating Croatia 4-2 in Moscow, adding to their success on home soil in 1998. Manager Didier Deschamps became just the third man in history to win the tournament as a player and a coach, having lifted the trophy as captain in 1998.

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169

Russia saw 169 goals in its 64 games, an average of 2.64 goals per game. That’s slightly down on the 2.7 average at Brazil 2014, but is up on the 2.3 goals per game ratio from 2006 and 2010. All the World Cups since 1958 have averaged between 2 and 3 goals per game.

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16

The number of goals scored by Belgium – top scorers at Russia 2018. The Belgians went out at the semi-final stage, suffering defeat to France, but claimed third place after defeating fellow beaten semi-finalists England.

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2

The lowest tally of goals scored by 12 teams at the tournament, including defending champions Germany, who crashed out at the group stage following two defeats in their three games.

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11

The highest number of goals conceded, which came from Panama. Six of those came in the group stage defeat to England.  

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6

The number of goals scored by Golden Boot winner Harry Kane. The England captain scored three penalties, with one goal also deflecting off his heel.

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12

The number of own goals scored at Russia 2018 – beating the previous record of seven. Croatia's Mario Mandzukic became the first player to score an own goal in a World Cup final when he flicked the ball into his own net in the 18th minute of the game.  

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The number of goals that came in the 90th minute or later - more than at any previous World Cup, highlighting how you couldn't keep your eyes off the action until right at the end of the large majority of matches.

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43% 

The percentage of goals at Russia 2018 that were scored from set pieces, which was the highest figure since the tournament in 1966. England were the set-piece kings, scoring nine of their 12 tournament goals that way - the highest number by a single team at a World Cup since 1966. 

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1

The number of 0-0 games that Russia 2018 saw. There was a record run of 35 games without a goalless draw until Denmark and France drew their group stage encounter at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium. That run beat a record that had stood for 64 years.    

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22

The number of penalties awarded at Russia 2018 – a record. Nine were awarded after VAR reviews, including in the final when Antoine Griezmann converted a spot kick for France to hand them a 2-1 lead over Croatia. Russia 2018 saw seven missed penalties, including one apiece by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. 

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101

The number of second-half goals scored in Russia – comfortably more than the 65 first-half strikes.   

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55

The number of seconds it took Denmark to open the scoring in their last 16 game against Croatia – the fastest goal at Russia 2018. Croatia went on to win the game on penalties.

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4

The number of red cards at the tournament – the lowest number since 1978. None were issued for violent conduct.

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26 

The total number of times Brazil star Neymar was fouled at the tournament in Brazil's five matches. That was the second-highest behind Belgium's Eden Hazard (27 times in six games). Neymar came in for particular criticism for some of his theatrical responses to tackles.    

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72.5

The number of kilometers Croatia’s Ivan Perisic covered at the tournament – the longest distance of any player. Second and third were teammates Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric, who were just a few hundred meters behind.

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89.5     

The percentage of shots saved by Denmark ‘keeper Kasper Schmeichel, the highest of any goalie at the tournament.     

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19

The age of French teen sensation Kylian Mbappe, who became first teenager to score in a World Cup final since Pele in 1958. The PSG star bagged the fourth in his team’s 4-2 win against Croatia.

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47,371

The average attendance at the tournament – from a total of 3,031,768 fans across the tournament’s 64 matches.

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