Thanks to some attacking hockey by the 12 participating countries, the 2010 World Cup, which concluded in Delhi on Saturday, emerged the most high-scoring one, with a whopping 199 goals scored in the 14-day mega event, won by Australia.
The 12th edition of hockey's showpiece event at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium produced 199 goals from 38 matches, ncluding the classification games, at an average of 5.24 goals per match.
The average of 4.98 goals per match in the 1998 edition was the highest before this World Cup, whereas the last two editions in 2002 and 2006 had seen an average of 4.17 and 4.14 respectively.
This edition witnessed many high-scoring matches, the most goals coming from Australia's 12-0 mauling of South Africa, which was a new record for the biggest win, surpassing the 12-3 defeat of New Zealand by Pakistan in 1982.
This World Cup had only four draws from the 38 matches.
The least scoring match was Argentina beating New Zealand 1-0 in a Pool A match.
This World Cup also produced more goals from penalty-corners -- 78 out of 199 goals -- as compared to 46 (out of 174) in the 2006 edition.
Star Dutch drag flicker Taeke Taekema and another penalty-corner specialist Australia's Luke Doerner ended as joint-highest scorers with eight goals to their credit.
Taekema scored seven goals from penalty-corners and one from a penalty stroke. Doerner scored all his eight goals from penalty-corners.
Final Placings:
1) Australia
2) Germany
3) Netherlands
4) England
5) Spain
6) Korea
7) Argentina
8) India
9) New Zealand
10) South Africa
11) Canada
12) Pakistan
Player of the Tournament: Guus Vogels (NED)
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Guus Vogels (NED)
Defender of the Tournament: Maximilian Muller (GER)
Top Scorer: Luke Doerner (AUS) and Taeke Taekema (NED), 8 goals
Fair Play: New Zealand
