In the past ten days, a surprising number of own goals have been recorded in the World Cup. A total of seven points have been chalked up due to own goals, with players scoring against their own teams. This sudden spike has become a major talking point across Japan, as the country carefully follows the year's biggest international football event.
Football (soccer) is a very popular sport in Japan, and any development in a significant event like the World Cup prompts extensive national discussion. The increasing number of own goals is particularly alarming, leading to debates about competitiveness, strategies, and the pressure faced by players on the global stage.
In the US or EU, own goals during major tournaments like the World Cup also attract significant attention and scrutiny. However, the cultural context may impact the reaction: in some countries, this could be a source of ridicule or humor, whilst in others, it triggers serious debates about player performances and the tactics adopted by teams.