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Larger World Cup led to predictions of lopsided affairs. The results tell a different story
Through 24 matches, the goal differential matched Qatar 2022 as underdogs like Cape Verde and Congo earned draws against favored teams.
- Early results from the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup challenge fears of lopsided matches, with the first 24 games showing a goal differential of 35, matching the level seen in Qatar four years ago.
- UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin faced criticism last Sunday after allegedly labeling the expanded tournament as producing "uninteresting" matches, though proponents argue the format allows smaller nations to participate.
- Underdog nations have defied expectations, with Cape Verde holding European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw and Congo securing a 1-1 result against tournament favorites Portugal.
- Spain coach Luis de la Fuente noted the tournament's complexity and equality, while Mexico coach Javier Aguirre observed that aside from Germany's rout of Curacao, most matches have been highly competitive.
- Analysts attribute this competitiveness to wider access to tactical knowledge and improved physical conditioning, while Tunisia coach Herve Renard said "when you are organized and together, you are able to compete.
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Associated Press News+17 Reposted by 17 other sources
Larger World Cup led to predictions of lopsided affairs. The results tell a different story
Criticism began to pour in about how the quality of the World Cup would likely be affected not long after FIFA announced an expanded 48-team tournament.
·New York, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources18
Leaning Left8Leaning Right0Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution53% Center
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources are Center
53% Center
L 47%
C 53%
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