The World Cup has seen a high number of draws in its first two rounds, with 14 out of 48 matches ending without a winner. Cape Verde, a tiny nation with a population of around 530,000, has been one of the surprises of the tournament, drawing 0-0 with Spain and 2-2 with Uruguay.
What is a Draw?
A draw, also known as a tie, is a result in which both teams score the same number of goals, or no goals at all. In soccer, a draw can be a thrilling outcome, as it often requires a strong defensive performance from one or both teams. The word ‘draw’ has been used to describe a contest without a clear winner since the 17th century, and it is now a fundamental part of the game.
According to Philipp Gollner, a historian and host of the podcast ‘The Assistant Professor of Football,’ a draw can be a very exciting outcome, especially when the power differential between the teams is strong. ‘Imagine you’re playing a kind of a fortress, a team that never gives away any point at home, and you go there and you battle them to nil-nil,’ he says. ‘That ought to count for something.’
Why are there so many Draws in this World Cup?
Gollner attributes the high number of draws in this World Cup to the increasing similarity of soccer cultures across the globe. Many national teams now have players who were trained in international soccer academies or who compete at the club level in Europe’s top leagues. Additionally, coaches are emphasizing defensive tactics such as pressing and close formation, which can lead to more draws.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
