[Saba Sports News] In the second round of World Cup group stage matches, Spain faced Saudi Arabia. Saudi defender Hassan Al-Tambakti inadvertently scored an own goal. This marked the eighth own goal of the tournament, with an average of 0.21 own goals per game — a rate that suggests a new all-time record for own goals will be set at this World Cup! In World Cup history, France has benefited from more opposition own goals than any other nation, with a total of six. They are followed by the United States (five), Spain (four) and Mexico (four). Only 37 matches have been played so far at this World Cup, yet eight own goals have already occurred, equating to an average of 0.21 per fixture. This figure tops the all-time World Cup rankings, with the 2018 World Cup sitting second at an average of 0.18 own goals per game. Coincidentally, the 2018 tournament set the single-edition record with 12 own goals in total. If the current rate is sustained across all 104 scheduled matches at this World Cup, the total number of own goals will reach 21.
The editor believes that this World Cup has turned out to be one of the unluckiest tournaments ever for defenders. Less than half of the group stage has been played, yet the tally of own goals has already climbed to second place in the all-time rankings.