Goals have been abundant in Qatar.
A total of 120 goals were scored throughout 48 group stage matches, for an average of 2.5 goals per match. Despite being a lower total than in 2014 (136) and 2018 (122), it surpassed the previous year’s record of 101.
England and Spain dominated the group with nine goals apiece, thanks in large part to the Three Lions’ 6-2 routing of Iran and La Furia Roja’s 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica.
However, a huge number of goals equals a lot of joyful celebrations. Here are some of the best movements made by players in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, in no particular order:
Ghana’s Osman Bukari hits Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Siu’ vs. Portugal
Must Read: USA vs NETHERLANDS: LINEUP, SCHEDULE: World Cup 2022
Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr goes no-look on a penalty vs. Ecuador
Senegal needed a win to advance to the knockout stage, and Ismaila Sarr scored on a penalty kick in the first half. What’s the most impressive aspect? Sarr didn’t even look in the direction he was shooting; instead, he locked his gaze on the goalkeeper. His celebration of covering his eyes could have been just as cold.
Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar gets sent off vs. Brazil
Cameroon also required a win with assistance in the Serbia-Switzerland game in order to advance from Group G in the final. Despite the fact that fate was not on their side, Vincent Aboubakar’s header in the 92nd minute handed the Indomitable Lions the victory. He celebrated by removing his shirt, which is a sure yellow card, and he was sent out because he had already been booked earlier in the game. Still, with Cameroon already out, it’s one way to exit.
England’s Jack Grealish keeps his promise to fan vs. Iran
England left winger Jack Grealish scored the Three Lions’ sixth and final goal in their 6-2 victory over Iran. Grealish then went on to celebrate by keeping a promise he made to Finlay, a young cerebral palsy enthusiast. Grealish, whose sister has cerebral palsy, kept his word in his first World Cup goal when Finlay urged him to do the worm if he scored, which he did.
Ecuador’s Enner Valencia writing his own script vs. Dutch
Enner Valencia scored three of Ecuador’s four World Cup goals. Valencia’s rebound finish against the Netherlands led the 33-year-old to take out his notebook as he silenced the naysayers by enjoying a tournament to remember, despite La Tri’s early elimination.
France’s Antoine Griezmann hits the waddle vs. Tunisia
Antoine Griezmann continues to give consistent performances for France, and he got on the score sheet briefly against Tunisia in the Group D conclusion. Griezmann then performed the waddle in tribute to Miami Dolphins wideout Jaylen Waddle. Despite the fact that VAR disallowed the goal, it’s a celebration that should be included on our list.
France’s Kylian Mbappé brings back gnarly hand sign
If you score often, you’ll probably want fresh celebrations more frequently. That appears to be the case with French prodigy Kylian Mbappé, who has made Qatar his home, scoring in each of his three starts against Australia, Denmark, and now Poland. He has not yet revealed the meaning of the hand sign.
Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al-Dawsari flips vs. Argentina
Flip, flip, flip. Salem Al-screamer Dawsari’s won Saudi Arabia a surprising upset win over Lionel Messi and Argentina in Group C. Despite failing to advance to the round of 16, Al-flip Dawsari’s will be remembered for a long time.
Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus gets in camera’s face vs. South Korea
Ghana’s second group stage game versus South Korea was full of tension. The Black Stars seized a 2-0 lead, but it was short-lived as Cho Gue-brace sung’s brought South Korea level. But Ghana responded once more, and this time it proved to be the dagger. Mohammed Kudus, who scored the game’s first goal, finished with a brace and poked the camera in the face to remind everyone that he’s up next.
Vinicius Jr., Brazil get the dancing started vs. South Korea
Brazil’s match vs South Korea in the round of 16 got off to a quick start. Raphinha’s dangerous cut-back low cross from the right flank found Vinicius Jr. on the left, who maintained calm and finished past many defenders. Vinicius was then joined by Raphinha, Neymar, and Lucas Paquetá in the iconic yellow kits for their latest samba dance.