The team-by-team rules governing players' sexual behavior during competition this year are varied¹, and the "evidence" that those rules matter is weak. But the round of 16 is nearly complete, and while no managers have sanctioned sex on the field, it would seem those countries that allow scoring off the field ... are still advancing in the tournament:

 

Costa Rica won again – after its players were allowed to have sex upon reaching the second round.

 

France (whose players can have sex, just not all night) just beat Nigeria (wife OK; girlfriend, not OK).

 

Brazil (no acrobatics², please) pulled out that miracle win over Chile (no sex allowed).

 

Germany (unlimited sex except the night before) had a big comeback victory over Algeria (sex rules unknown).

 

So, Team USA and England were allowed to go for unrestricted sexual goals, and we know those teams are going in opposite directions. But all the teams with public anti-sex policies at the World Cup have been knocked out. Much of whatever coaches think they know about the relationship between sexual release and athletic³ performance, however, is myth. What little actual scientific research has been done suggests that sexual activity the night before a game may be helpful if it results in relaxation⁴ and a good night's sleep, but there has been far too little research. Indeed, there is no evidence whatsoever⁵ that being in a sexually deprived state will help athletic performance.

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