Data last updated Sunday 07/15/18, 12:27 PM ET

Last 5 goals in the database:

CRO 28
FRA 38
FRA 58
FRA 65
CRO 69

What is this graph?

This graph depicts a kernel density plot of the time of all the goals scored in the 2018 World Cup group stage. It is, effectively, a "smoothed" version of a histogram. The number of goals scored in each 15-minute segment is shown in parentheses, to give you an idea of what a more conventional histogram might look like.

There is a marked spike in goals at the start of the second half, and also near the end of a match. Don't feel guilty if you miss the first 15 minutes of a match--unless Ronaldo is playing. :)

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Below, an example of the kernel function for a single goal, scored in the 30th minute. Each goal gets added to the graph with a curve like this, so that the values add to each other but keep the overall graph looking smooth. The value of the density (on the y-axis) will change as the number of goals increases, so that the area under the curve sums to 1.

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Below, the graph for all goals in matches from the group stage of the 2014 World Cup. Not surprised to see the same distribution developing in 2018.