Before the New Zealand game today SKy had the goal stats at that point:
2010 - 18 goals
2006 - 27 goals
2002 - 31 goals
We're definitely behind this time round
Was just about to say this. It's been poor, a lot poorer than previous tournaments. As i keep saying, it was the group stages in 2006 that had all the excitement. After Mexico/Argies in the Last Sixteen (which was a belter) - it died completely, and it's started in the same fashion.
However, so long as Germany, Argies, Spain and probably Brazil are all still in it - there'll be a good game just around the corner. Disappointingly cagey so far though.
Part of the fun of the World Cup is seeing smaller teams go for it, teams with the odd star player (like Slovakia today and Hamsik) shining against others. I don't think we normally have to rely on the big teams to provide entertainment - it should be reasonably exciting throughout with the exception of the odd dud game. This whole thing has been boring so far though.