Possession & Passing
What possession percentage actually correlates with, and when it lies.
Match data, explained in plain language
Soccer analytics without the buzzwords
Possession, expected goals, passing networks — what each number measures, sourced from real match data.
41Articles published
1Topics covered
2026Publishing since
2026-10-27Last updated
Coverage
The numbers that matter
Hap Sport reads soccer through its data: which stats predict results, which are broadcast decoration, and how to tell the difference.
Expected Goals
xG explained from first principles — shot quality, not shot counting.
Match Records
Scoring records and streaks with the era and competition context attached.
Featured
Start with these
Feature
FIFA World Cup Champions List: Every Winner, 1930–2026
Every men’s FIFA World Cup champion and runner-up from 1930 to 2026, with context for Germany’s titles, the missing editions and the 1950 format.
Feature
Most Assists in a Game: Messi’s Five and the Premier League Record
Messi’s five assists set the MLS match record; the Premier League record is four. See what counts as an assist and why the competition matters.
Latest
Recent articles
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EPL Assist Record: Ryan Giggs’ 162 and the Season Record
Ryan Giggs holds the EPL career assist record with 162. Bruno Fernandes owns the season record with 21. See the match record and what assists measure.
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Who Has the Most World Cup Championships? Brazil’s Five
Brazil leads the men’s World Cup with five titles; the USA leads the women’s with four. See the winning years and Pelé’s individual record.
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Top Scorers in Soccer History: Leaders and Counting Rules
Ronaldo leads RSSSF’s men’s top-level ranking. Compare the top 10, dated totals, and why Pelé and Bican have different career goal counts.
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What Does Ball Recovery Time Mean in Soccer?
Ball recovery time measures how quickly a team wins possession back. Learn how the average works, what a lower number suggests and when it can mislead.
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FBref Progressive Passes: Definition and How to Read the Stat
FBref’s historical PrgP definition explained: the 10-yard rule, last-six-passes reference, penalty-area exception and defending-40% exclusion.
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Goals Saved Above Expected: What the Goalkeeper Stat Measures
Learn how goals saved above expected measures goalkeeper shot stopping, why post-shot xG matters, and what to check before comparing players.