[WATCH] Steven Hawking Analyses England's Chances At The World Cup
The famed physicist has lent his opinion on England's chances in the World Cup.
By Darian Goh — 30 May 2014, 04:30 PM — Updated almost 10 years ago
Professor Steven Hawking has analysed England's chances in the upcoming World Cup
Hawking, a Fellow of the Royal Society, was here to tout some formulae he had drawn up for a bookmaker on England's chances of success at the World Cup in Brazil.
theguardian.com
He was asked by a bookmaker, Paddy Power to investigate the key factors that have hindered England's World Cup chances previously
Though not a football fan, Hawking was asked by bookmaker, Paddy Power, to investigate to investigate the key factors which have affected England’s chances of World Cup glory, or disaster in the 45 games they have played in tournaments since 1966.
irishtimes.com
Hawking was approached on the understanding that a theoretical physicist might be marginally better qualified to make predictions than Paul the Octopus, the eight-armed oracle that rose to fame by correctly selecting all the winners through its eating habits during the 2010 World Cup. The German cephalopod died three months after the final whistle.
theguardian.com
Hawking analysed England's chances by watching 45 of England's World Cup matches as well as the 206 penalties England has taken
To work out the conditions that suited England's football players best, Hawking (or perhaps his students) analysed 45 World Cup matches the team had played since their last tournament win in 1966. They also analysed 204 penalties taken in penalty shoot-outs, a particular weakness for England.
theguardian.com
Hawking further explained that England's chances depended on 5 different factors, environmental, physiological, psychological, political and tactical
Hawking said the factors affecting England's performance though surely this applies to any team can be broken down into five areas: environmental, physiological, psychological, political and tactical.
theguardian.com
England plays better in cooler temperatures and in higher altitudes
The team fared better when playing in stadiums less than 500 metres above sea level, the scientist said. Temperate climates helped too, with a five degree Celsius temperature rise more than halving England's win rate.
theguardian.com
When England wears red, they have a better chance of winning compared to when they wear white
On the psychological front, England have a better record wearing red than white shirts, perhaps because red can make players feel more confident and appear more aggressive, Hawking added.
theguardian.com
Although England traditionally plays in a 4-4-2 formation, a 4-3-3 formation will suit them better, winning 58% of games compared to 4-4-2
England normally play a 4-4-2 formation, but 4-3-3 has been slightly more successful in the past, with 58% of matches won. Under 4-4-2 England won 48% of matches.
theguardian.com
According to Steven, players who are bald and fair-haired players are likely to score
Neither the age of players, nor whether they were left or right-footed, seemed to make much difference. "But bald players and fair-haired players are more likely to score. The reason for this is unclear. This will remain one of science's great mysteries," Hawking said.
theguardian.com
Strikers are better than midfielders and defenders. “But bald players and fair haired players are more likely to score. The reason for this is unclear. This will remain one of science’s great mysteries,” added Hawking.
irishtimes.com