Opta Analyst
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Spain 2-1 Belgium Stats: Merino Punishes Lammens Error to Tee up Semi-Final Showdown With France
Spain will face France for a place in the World Cup final on Tuesday, after Mikel Merino provided the heroics once again to down Belgium. The post Spain 2-1 Belgium Stats: Merino Punishes Lammens Error to Tee up Semi-Final Showdown With France appeared first on Opta Analyst .
The Oldest Players to Score at a World Cup
Who are the oldest FIFA World Cup scorers? We look back at the 10 oldest men to score a goal at the tournament, plus some other age-related goal records. The post The Oldest Players to Score at a World Cup appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Captain, Creator, and Everything In Between: How Martin Ødegaard is Leading the Charge for Norway
Norway have exceeded expectations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and captain Martin Ødegaard has been key to their success. The post Captain, Creator, and Everything In Between: How Martin Ødegaard is Leading the Charge for Norway appeared first on Opta Analyst .
The Oldest Players in World Cup History
Who are the oldest players in World Cup history? Here, we go through the oldest 10 players to feature in a World Cup finals match. The post The Oldest Players in World Cup History appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Six Things England Must (Try to) Do to Beat Norway
England have reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup, but they now face a dangerous Norway side in the last eight. Here is what they need to do to progress. The post Six Things England Must (Try to) Do to Beat Norway appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Spain vs Belgium Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview
Can Rudi Garcia’s side breach Spain’s impenetrable defence? We look ahead to Friday’s FIFA World Cup quarter-final with our Spain vs Belgium prediction and preview. The post Spain vs Belgium Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview appeared first on Opta Analyst .
France 2-0 Morocco Stats: Mbappé Scores, Assists and Sees Penalty Saved in Quarter-Final Win
Kylian Mbappé scored, assisted and was denied from the penalty spot as France overcame Morocco in this FIFA World Cup quarter-final tie. The post France 2-0 Morocco Stats: Mbappé Scores, Assists and Sees Penalty Saved in Quarter-Final Win appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Barcelona to Bromley: Alexia Putellas’ Shock Move Indicative of London City Lionesses and WSL Ambition
One of the greatest players of all time, Alexia Putellas has made the switch from Barcelona to London City Lionesses - but why? The post Barcelona to Bromley: Alexia Putellas’ Shock Move Indicative of London City Lionesses and WSL Ambition appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Does Going First or Second in a Penalty Shootout Matter?
All four penalty shootouts at the 2026 World Cup have been won by the team going second. Does it point to a broader advantage, or is it just a coincidence? The post Does Going First or Second in a Penalty Shootout Matter? appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Lionel Messi is Worse Than the Average Penalty-Taker – Do Argentina Need to Make a Change?
Lionel Messi is having a sensational World Cup, but his penalties have left a lot to be desired. Should Argentina look at other options from the spot? The post Lionel Messi is Worse Than the Average Penalty-Taker – Do Argentina Need to Make a Change? appeared first on Opta Analyst .
62% Conversion: Why Are Defenders Still Taking Penalties At the World Cup?
Defenders, specifically centre-backs, have missed penalties at an alarming rate during the 2026 World Cup. But has it always been this way? Are defenders genuinely worse penalty takers than everyone else? The post 62% Conversion: Why Are Defenders Still Taking Penalties At the World Cup? appeared first on Opta Analyst .
France vs Morocco Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview
Morocco will be looking to avenge their semi-final defeat to France in 2022 when they meet in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on Thursday. The post France vs Morocco Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview appeared first on Opta Analyst .
College Football 2026: Here Are Seven of the Most Fascinating QBs in the FBS
In a season with top college football QBs returning, here are seven to pay particular attention to during preseason camp and the early season. The post College Football 2026: Here Are Seven of the Most Fascinating QBs in the FBS appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Super Subs, Late Goals and Penalty Woes: Six 2026 FIFA World Cup Trends
The business end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins later this week, but let's first take a break and look at some of the most interesting trends we have seen in North America thus far. The post Super Subs, Late Goals and Penalty Woes: Six 2026 FIFA World Cup Trends appeared first on Opta Analyst .
FIFA World Cup 2026 Predictions: The Opta Supercomputer Projections Ahead of the Quarter-Finals
The final eight of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have now been confirmed, but who is likeliest to emerge victorious? We check in on the latest Opta supercomputer projections. The post FIFA World Cup 2026 Predictions: The Opta Supercomputer Projections Ahead of the Quarter-Finals appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Stop Calling 2026 the USMNT’s Best World Cup Performance Ever
It’s our first day off from World Cup matches. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the reality of the United States’ performance and the claim this was their best World Cup ever. The post Stop Calling 2026 the USMNT’s Best World Cup Performance Ever appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Key Dates in the 2026 FCS Football Season
The 2026 FCS football season figures to be stuffed with one thrill after another. Here’s a list of key dates to know from July to January. The post Key Dates in the 2026 FCS Football Season appeared first on Opta Analyst .
If You’re Good Enough, You’re Young Enough: How the 2026 World Cup Became the Oldest on Record
Has it felt like there have been a lot of older players featuring at the 2026 World Cup? Well, we're happy to confirm it's not just your imagination. The post If You’re Good Enough, You’re Young Enough: How the 2026 World Cup Became the Oldest on Record appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Switzerland 0-0 Colombia Stats (4-3 pens): Swiss Seal World Cup Quarter-Final Spot With Shootout Victory
A forgettable contest in Vancouver was ultimately decided on penalties. Re-live all the best stats from this 2026 World Cup round-of-16 game with our Switzerland vs Colombia stats page. The post Switzerland 0-0 Colombia Stats (4-3 pens): Swiss Seal World Cup Quarter-Final Spot With Shootout Victory appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Argentina 3-2 Egypt Stats: Messi Inspires Remarkable Comeback as World Champions Survive a Scare
Argentina came from 2-0 down to beat Egypt, thanks, of course, to Lionel Messi. Re-live the best stats from this 2026 World Cup round-of-16 clash with our Argentina vs Egypt stats page. The post Argentina 3-2 Egypt Stats: Messi Inspires Remarkable Comeback as World Champions Survive a Scare appeared first on Opta Analyst .
The Open Champions and All-Time Records
Bad weather, epic comebacks, legendary performances. We’re taking a look back at some of the top champion golfers and all-time records at the Open. It’s the oldest of the four major championships, dating all the way back to 1860. The Open Championship, also known as the British Open, started with just eight players having tee […] The post The Open Champions and All-Time Records appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Switzerland vs Colombia Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview
Who will match their best FIFA World Cup performance? We look ahead to Tuesday’s clash in Vancouver with our Switzerland vs Colombia prediction and preview. The post Switzerland vs Colombia Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Argentina vs Egypt Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview
Will Argentina continue their FIFA World Cup defence or can Egypt do what Cape Verde came close to and bring their campaign to an end? The post Argentina vs Egypt Prediction: World Cup 2026 Match Preview appeared first on Opta Analyst .
USA 1-4 Belgium Stats: De Ketelaere Leads Emphatic Win to Knock Out Co-Hosts
United States' Folarin Balogun led the coverage ahead of this last-16 World Cup tie, but Belgium forward Charles De Ketelaere stole the headlines in Seattle. The post USA 1-4 Belgium Stats: De Ketelaere Leads Emphatic Win to Knock Out Co-Hosts appeared first on Opta Analyst .
Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup Dream to Remain Unfulfilled, with Portugal Ready to Move On
Portugal were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup by Spain on Monday in a 1-0 defeat. It brought down the curtain on Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career. The post Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup Dream to Remain Unfulfilled, with Portugal Ready to Move On appeared first on Opta Analyst .
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