Posted on 07/04/2010 5:36:27 AM PDT by mattstat
It’s nice to be right once in a while. This was that while: taking into account Romero’s performance, it was easy to guess that Argentina would never have a chance against Germany.
But can we work our statistical magic for the rest of the tournament, and answer such questions as: Is the World Cup getting harder to win? Is the game becoming more rambunctious? And what will be the likely outcome?
The first Cup was held in 1930: there were only 13 teams that participated, and over the course of 18 games, 80 goals were made. Only one man was sent off (two yellows or one red card) in all of the 18 matches. By 2006, there were 32 teams in the tournament, with 64 games: 147 goals were scores and 28 men were sent to the showers early to curse their fate.
Here’s a picture, through time, of the goals per game scored (note that there were Cups while the world was engaged in its global folly):
(Excerpt) Read more at wmbriggs.com ...
Nevermind. I just realized that the Germans were playing against the Hungarians in the ‘54 Final.
Holland played against Argentina in ‘78, and lost to the Argies.
I’m told that along with EPL, South American fans find those horns as stupid and annoying as we do.
The Dutch came so close, Resenbrink hit the post with about a minute left in regulation that would have won it.
The Dutch certainly deserve to get one after all this time, with all of the greats that have played for them over the years.
Two Words: MARIO KEMPES.
Yes, the Dutch deserve to win this one.
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