Patterns of numerical relations in goal-scoring possessions of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Winner

Abstract

Goal scoring has been regarded as the ultimate indicator of offensive success in soccer. Research on patterns that characterize goal-scoring possessions have frequently employed reductionist approaches. This paper aimed to examine the patterns of numerical relations of open-play goal-scoring possessions of the 2014 FIFA™ World Cup winner team. We hypothesized that a more unstable distribution of players in goal-scoring possessions Germany would be generated in sub-areas of the effective play-space closer to opponents’ goal. We analysed 11 video sequences from 6 matches of the German team in this tournament. The uncertainty of teams’ numerical advantage within sub-areas of play was calculated for each offensive sequence through Shannon’s entropy. We observed higher entropy within Germany’s Central Offensive (opponents’ Central Defensive) sub-area in comparison with the other sub-areas of play. There is a tendency of the German team to generate numerical instability within locations closer to the opponents’ goal, possibly due to the shifting of positions, drawing of opposing defenders towards peripheral areas and the creation of spaces for teammates to exploit within this risky zone to the opposition.