By comparison, it took 36 matches to reach 100 goals at Brazil 2014 and Spain 1982, while Argentina 1978 and the United States (US) 1994 required 38 matches.

Several explanations have been put forward for the high scoring rate.

One is the official match ball, the Trionda, which some observers believe has made it more difficult for goalkeepers to judge long-range efforts, contributing to 10 goals being scored from outside the penalty area.

Others have pointed to the impact of the heat, with fatigue potentially leading to defensive lapses, while mandatory three-minute cooling breaks have given coaches additional opportunities to make tactical adjustments during matches.

The tournament's expansion to 48 teams has also been cited as a factor.

Germany opened its campaign with a 7-1 victory over  Curaçao, Canada beat Qatar 6-0, and Tunisia suffered heavy defeats to Sweden (5-1) and Japan (4-0).

However, other results suggest the expanded format has not simply produced a string of one-sided contests.

Curaçao held Ecuador to a goalless draw, Cabo Verde frustrated Spain in a 0-0 stalemate, and Qatar played much of its defeat to Canada with nine men.

Elsewhere, perceived underdogs such as Jordan and Uzbekistan remained competitive despite 3-1 defeats to Austria and Colombia respectively, adding weight to the argument that the expanded format has so far produced a more entertaining and unpredictable World Cup.

-- BERNAMA-XINHUA