Rely on Robben for assistance
Sunday, June 27, 2004
Article summary
Arjen Robben, Greek tackles and Portuguese suffering feature in our latest BenQ Official Statistics update, while there is solace for David Beckham.
Article body
Reliant Robben
Robben has provided the most assists in the competition, setting up three Dutch goals despite having completed just two matches so far. Robben deliveries created both goals in the 3-2 defeat by the Czech Republic when he spent only 59 minutes on the pitch. A stunning run late on in the win against Latvia laid on Roy Makaay for the Netherlands' third goal.
Beckham boost
Robben also features high in the rankings for crosses completed but David Beckham tops that table. The England captain may be emerging as a scapegoat of sorts for England's elimination but the statistics do not bear this out. Beckham completed 18 crosses, more than anyone else, and is fifth in the listings for passes successfully completed.
Greek secrets
Coach Otto Rehhagel has been at pains not to reveal the secret behind Greece's success but the BenQ Official Statistics shed some light on the Hellenic mystery. Greece are way ahead in the rankings for tackles made with 199 and midfielder Theodoros Zagorakis is the player who has made most tackles with 46. For good measure, Traianos Dellas and Giourkas Seitaridis are seventh and eighth on that list.
Portugal pain
Zagorakis and company are sure to have left their mark on Portugal's players in their shock opening-day win. Indeed, the hosts lead the listings for players who have suffered the most tackles. They have had to endure 234 tackles, a stunning 80 challenges more than second-placed France. Chief victim has been playmaker Deco, tackled 47 times despite not starting the opener, while Luís Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo have both been tackled 46 times.