Interesting stat (probably not
)
For all that everyone was saying about the ball, that it moves all over the place in the air and more goals would therefore be scored. Well the stats of the opening round of group games don't bear that out.
In 2006 there have been 39 goals in the 16 games (2.44 per game) with 12 shutouts (including 2 0-0 draws).
Whilst in 2002 there were 46 goals in the first 16 games (2.88 per game) with only 8 shutouts.
The final goal per game average ifor the 2002 tournament was 2.52.