Finalization actions of the finalist teams in the Soccer World Cup 2018: a study with Polar Coordinates

Abstract

Increasing knowledge about what actions are most effective in sport is essential to improve performance in the game. This study aims to analyse the offensive finalization in soccer during the World Cup '18. Specifically, the finalist teams of the tournament were analysed. It will take into account the regular patterns of play and tactics that occur in the finalization actions of the finalist teams in the tournament. Observational methodology and polar-coordinate analysis have been used for dramatic data reduction and behavioural vectorization. An ad hoc observation tool has been designed and validated in the form of field formats and category systems, comprehensive and mutually exclusive (E/ME), with 8 criteria and 59 categories. The polar coordinate analysis used is the "genuine" technique with significant relationships (p < 0.05) and with modulus of the vector ≥ 1.96. The zone of finalization in the opposite area was used as focal behavior. The results shown in both teams’ that the finalization is excited when the score is favorable, it occurs through the midfielders and without the use of the long ball. The comparative analysis of both teams shows very different behavioural relationships that will be discussed.