Turkey’s Arda Guler leads the tournament for shots taken, but his eight efforts added up to just 0.26 xG, underlining how speculative many of his attempts were against Australia.
Though the Real Madrid youngster is clearly more gifted than most, chances of that quality would typically produce only one goal every 31 shots.
South Korea’s Son Heung-min was the least efficient finisher of the opening round by expected goals, failing to convert six opportunities worth a combined 1.0 xG — surprising for a former Premier League marksman known for his clinical edge.
Twenty-four players still have a perfect conversion rate, but only two have taken more than one shot: Sweden’s Yasin Ayari and New Zealand’s Elijah Just, both of whom have scored twice.
Seven players fashioned five chances in their openers, yet only Germany’s Joshua Kimmich saw his side finish them, recording two assists in the 7-1 victory over Curaçao.