Friendly Matches Research Articles

Investigating Acceleration and Deceleration Patterns in Elite Youth Football: The Interplay of Ball Possession and Tactical Behavior

The main objective of this study was (1) to analyze the patterns of acceleration (Ac) and deceleration (Dec) during football matches in elite youth football, both within and between different segments of the match; and (2) to investigate the impact of ball possession and various playing positions on these acceleration and deceleration patterns. To provide a broader explanatory context, the influence of tactical space management was assessed in terms of depth and width. A descriptive comparative design was used, and data were collected during two friendly matches. Player and ball tracking data were collected using a local positioning system. In the attack phase, differences were obtained in the average Ac (first half: 0.42 ± 0.06 m·s−2, second half: 0.38 ± 0.07 m·s−2; p = 0.021, d = 0.50) and average Dec (first half: −0.44 ± 0.09 m·s−2, second half: −0.36 ± 0.08 m·s−2; p = 0.001, d = 0.84). Wingers in the attack phase obtained higher values in maximum Ac (1.65 ± 0.65 m·s−2; p = 0.007, η2 = 0.03), and in the total number of both Ac (68.7 ± 45.22; p = 0.001, η2 = 0.10) and Dec (70.6 ± 45.70; p = 0.001, η2 = 0.10). In the defense phase, full-backs obtained higher values in average Ac (0.53 ± 0.17 m·s−2; p = 0.001, η2 = 0.07) and average Dec (−0.49 ± 0.18 m·s−2; p = 0.001, η2 = 0.05) and wingers in the total number of Ac (43.9 ± 27.30; p = 0.001, η2 = 0.11) and Dec (43.8 ± 28.60; p = 0.001, η2 = 0.10). In young football players, Ac and Dec do not follow a decreasing end throughout the match, and their behavior is uneven depending on ball possession and the position assigned to the player, with the highest demands on Ac/Dec in winger and full-back positions.

Relationships between physical fitness and match running demands during a futsal congested-weeks training camp.

This study examines the relationships between body composition, anthropometry and physical fitness measures, and internal and external load (match physical and running demands) during a congested period of an overseas futsal training camp. Eleven under-20 national futsal players participated in a eleven-day training camp. During the matches, exercise heart rate (HR) and locomotion profiles were recorded via a Polar Team Pro system as the players' internal and external load. The friendly matches were scheduled on the training camp's 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th days. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. The results revealed significant differences in sprint (F = 2.74, p = 0.04, η2 = 0.21), accelerations (F = 3.63, p = 0.04, η2 = 0.27), and decelerations (F = 2.73, p = 0.04, η2 = 0.21) performance between the five matches (p < 0.05). Also, the overall body composition and physical fitness measures had large to very large correlations with match running demands during congested periods of futsal competition (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the baseline body composition and the overall physical fitness measures may be essential factors in match running demands during a congested futsal match period. Futsal players who perform better in the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test can sustain a greater volume of high-intensity accelerations during a congested period.

Functional Movement Screen Differences in Male and Female Footballers and as an Injury Prevention Tool

Functional Movement Screen evaluates seven key movement tasks crucial for smooth kinetic chain performance in sports. It assists sports therapists and coaches in identifying faulty patterns during preparticipation. Objectives: To compare FMS composite scores between male and female footballers and evaluate FMS as an injury predictor tool. Methods: Between March and June 2021, a cohort study was conducted on 264 footballers (132 males and 132 females) in Islamabad and Rawalpindi football academies. Players voluntarily underwent seven Functional Movement Screen tests. After participating in competitive or friendly matches, follow-ups were conducted to assess FMS composite scores and document any injuries sustained during the games. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0, and information on FMS scores and injuries was collected through FMS scoring sheets and a self-structured questionnaire. Results: There was statistically significant difference between male and female footballers composite scores of FMS (p&lt;0.005). Female footballers (15.13 ± 2.32) scored less on mean score of FMS as compared to male footballers (17.03 ± 2.884). FMS was a good predictor of injury with 37.7 % variance on linear regression (p=0.005). Conclusions: Female footballers scored less composite score of FMS as compared to male footballers. FMS before participation can be a good predictor for detecting injuries in male and female footballers.

Treatment Strategy for a Closed Tibial Pilon Fracture Concomitant with a Closed Lateral Malleolus Fracture That Occurred in a Context of Low Energy Trauma: A Case Report of a 43-Year-Old Man

Tibial pilon fractures are rare and challenging fractures of the lower limb that account for about 1% of all lower limbs fractures and up to 10% of tibial fractures. They are challenging in terms of treatment outcomes. The injury is generally caused by high energy axial trauma from motor vehicle accidents or a fall from height. The type of definitive fixation is still a great challenge for surgeons and is dictated by the soft tissue injury and energy imparted to the fracture. In this case report, we describe the combination of a closed tibial pilon fracture and a closed lateral malleolus fracture occurring in an unusual context for this type of injury in a 43-year-old-man. It actually occurred in a context of low energy trauma of the ankle during a friendly soccer match. A one step internal fixation method was chosen for definitive treatment. For this, two screws were used for the fixation of the tibial pilon fracture and the external malleolus was fixed with two Kirschner wires. Post-operative follow-up was uncomplicated.

Miracle or Debacle? Anti-Colonialism, Nationalism, and Pan-Africanism in Reports of the Friendly Football Match between Kenya and Ghana in 1965

This article examines the 1965 friendly football match between Kenya and Ghana within the broader context of Kenya's early post-colonial era. It conducts a textual analysis of pre-match reports to reveal how the Ghanaian national team was portrayed as a symbol of decolonialism. Additionally, the study investigates the role of journalism in transforming public frustration regarding the match's outcome into a critique of the government. Finally, it discusses how various interpretations of this match have contributed to the construction of collective memories, especially in the context of pan-Africanism. This research sheds light on the complex interplay between sports, political sentiments, and social dynamics in a newly independent Kenya.

Acute Responses of Youth Elite Players to a Football Match in Terms of Blood Markers.

The current study verified the acute responses of participants to a football match in terms of blood markers. Sixteen elite U-18 male football players were divided into two groups: experimental (EG, n = 10), who played a friendly football match; and control (CG), who were not exposed to any physical exertion. Intravenous blood samples were collected from both groups at baseline, pre-match, half-time, and post-match. The blood analysis consisted of four groups: immunological (leukocytes, platelets, and cortisol), muscle damage (creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase), metabolic (lactate, glucose, erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and urea), and electrolytic (sodium, calcium, and potassium). Edwards' training impulse demonstrated that the first half was more demanding than the second half (p = 0.020). Significant changes between time points and groups were observed for leukocytes (pre-match: 6920 ± 1949; post-match: 13,890 ± 3292; p ≤ 0.05) and cortisol (pre-match: 10.78 ± 3.63; post-match: 19.15 ± 7.40; p ≤ 0.05). CK (pre-match: 516.50 ± 248.38; post-match: 713.70 ± 308.20; p ≤ 0.05) and LDH (pre-match: 348.80 ± 36.49; post-match: 414.80 ± 26.55; p ≤ 0.05) increased significantly across the time points for the EG, with no difference between the groups, however. Raised lactate (pre-match: 1.05 ± 0.32; post-match: 3.24 ± 1.60; p ≤ 0.05) and glucose (pre-match: 72.54 ± 9.76; post-match: 101.42 ± 19.87; p ≤ 0.05) differences between the groups at half-time were also observed. These current findings provide helpful information to better understand football match demands regarding physiological effects.

Quantifying technical load and physical activity in professional soccer players during pre-season matches with IMU technology

This study aimed to record, analyze and quantify professional soccer players’ technical (TL) and physical load (PL) in friendly matches to compare their records during the first and second halves and between players with different positions. Eighteen professional soccer players, 24.6 ± 2.7 years, 1.78 ± 0.3 height (m), 74.6 ± 4.5 body mass (kg), 9.8 ± 2.2 body fat (%), and 65.6 ± 2.7 maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max, ml·kg-1·min-1) were monitored during six preseason friendly matches to analyze the activity profile using technical and physical variables through inertial measurement unit (IMU). No significant differences were found between the periods for the TL and PL. Significant differences were found between specific positions: Full Back (FB: n = 4), Central Defender (CD: n = 3), Midfielder (MD: n = 4), Winger (WG: n = 4), and Forward (FW: n = 3), both the TL and PL. We conclude that the PL profile based on his playing position is independent of the development of the PL shown during friendly matches. The monitoring, quantifying, and controlling of the TL added to the PL provides a more holistic vision of soccer players in friendly matches. The relative ease IMU application technology offers an alternative with less time-cost and more significant benefits than other types of technologies applied up to now.

On the design of international match calendar: the effect of “FIFA reserved dates” on European football matches’ outcomes

Abstract Every season, the international football calendar contains periods reserved for a series of so-called special matches including international friendly or official matches played by national teams. All these periods are called “FIFA reserved dates” in the calendar and generally cause domestic competitions to shut down for some days. Such interruptions of leagues might generate different effects or externalities on the performance of players, clubs or even on the competition itself. While a number of studies focus on the effect of players’ absence on teams performance, this paper contributes to the literature by specifically evaluating the effect of the “FIFA reserved dates” on football outcomes. Using data for four seasons from the “big five” European leagues, I find evidence that the outcomes distribution in those matches played after a “FIFA reserved date” becomes more balanced, thus increasing the uncertainty of outcome. The results of this paper contribute to the ongoing debate about the management and design of the international match calendar.

Effects of playing three matches consecutive days in U16-U19 soccer players’ vertical jump, rate of perceived exertion and wellness

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of playing several friendly matches on consecutive days affects neuromuscular fatigue evaluated with countermovement jump (CMJ), session rate of perceived effort (sRPE) and wellness in young male soccer players. Participants: Forty-four young male soccer players from Under 16 (U16) (N= 23; age: 14.70 ± 0.48 years) and U19 (N= 19; age: 17.63 ± 0.52 years) participated in this study. Method: The evaluation of CMJ and Wellness was carried out pre-and post-match. sRPE was recorded 30 minutes after the end of each game. Effect sizes (ES) were calculated using Cohen’s and statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: [U16 group]: differences between CMJ values after the last match and first (p &lt; 0.001) and second (p &lt; 0.001) matches. Differences in fatigue, soreness and stress (p&lt;0.05) were observed. [U19 group]: Differences in CMJ were observed when baseline values were compared with post-match values (p &lt; 0.001) and also when the last match were compared to the first (p &lt; 0.001) and the second (p &lt; 0.001) matches. We only noticed differences between the second and third matches were observed in sleep, stress and humor variables (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: In this scenario of competitive tournaments in young players, it is important for fitness coaches to propose practical solutions for reducing the accumulation of fatigue, since this could influence the state of well-being and physical performance of players, and the possible increase on injuries. Key words: Soccer, Muscle Fatigue, Questionarie, Evaluation, Intensity Workload.

The effect of COVID-19 on home advantage in high- and low-stake situations: Evidence from the European national football competitions

The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly altered the way sporting events are observed. With the absence or limited presence of spectators in stadiums, the traditional advantage enjoyed by home teams has diminished considerably. This underscores the notion that the support of home fans can often be considered a key factor of the home advantage (HA) phenomenon, wherein teams perform better in front of their own supporters. However, the impact of reduced attendance on games with higher stakes, as opposed to low-stakes friendly matches, remains uncertain. In this study, we investigate the recently concluded European football championship (EURO 20), wherein several teams had the advantage of playing at home in high-stakes games with only one-third of the stadium capacity filled. Firstly, we demonstrate that the Covid-19 restrictions, leading to reduced fan attendance, resulted in a nearly 50% decrease in HA compared to the HA exhibited by the same teams during the qualification stage preceding EURO 20, even after accounting for team strength. Secondly, we show that while low-stakes friendly matches generally exhibit a smaller overall HA compared to high-stakes games, the absence of fans led to a similar reduction in HA during the low-stakes matches. Utilizing the recently developed Home Advantage Mediated (HAM) model (Bilalić, Gula, & Vaci, 2021, Scientific Reports, 21558), we were able to attribute the reduction in both high- and low-stakes games to poorer team performance, with no significant contribution from referee bias.

Match Running Performance Profile and Heart Rate Response in Amputee Soccer Players.

The purpose of this study was (a) to create a profile of the running performances of male amputee soccer players in different speed zones, (b) to investigate the relationship between heart rate (HR) and running distance in two soccer matches, and (c) to study the effect of the level of amputation on the running distance covered during a match. The participants were male amputee soccer players (n = 10, Greek, n = 5; Belgian, n = 5) who played two international, friendly matches. Distances were measured using a global positioning system, and HRs were recorded using a Polar Team Pro. No differences in the distances covered were observed between participants with different levels of amputation (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, there was a trend that participants with a below-the-knee amputation tended to cover longer distances in total (difference +262.3 m, Cohen's d = 0.40) and in zones 2 (+324.4 m, d = 0.79), 3 (+ 7.1 m, d = 0.65), 4 (+22.7 m, d = 0.43), and 5 (+0.4 m, d = 0.20) and less distance in zone 1 (-207.2 m, d = 0.88). They also tended to perform more accelerations (+3.9, d = 0.89) and decelerations (+4.2, d = 0.87) and had a higher mean HR (+8.4%, d = 2.04) than those with an above-the-knee amputation. Moreover, the mean HR corresponded to 83.3% of the HRmax and did not correlate with distance in any speed zone. It was concluded that the level of amputation might influence running performance and acute physiological response during a soccer match.

Comparison of external load indicators between official matches and sport-specific training in semi-professional soccer players: focus on intensity and strength.

The aim of this study was to investigate any differences in External Load indicators (ELi) between Official Matches (OM) and sport-specific tasks in semi-professional soccer players. 1932 observations among 28 semi-professional soccer players (FC Palermo, Italy, age: 25±6 years, height: 183±6 cm, weight: 75.2±7 kg) were collected through GPS devices (Qstarz BT-Q1000EX, 10 Hz) and the related software (LaGalaColli V: 8.6.4.3) during the season 2019-2020. Participants were monitored during OM, Friendly Matches (FM), Small Sided Games (SSG), and Match-Based Exercises (MBE), considering the percentage of intense accelerations (%int acc), percentage of intense decelerations (%int dec), and Passive Recovery time /min (PrT/m) as Eli. We detected the highest mean value for PrT/m in OM and the lowest in MBE and SSG (18.36±4.38 and 13.4±5.26 and 13.4±4.29 (s/min), respectively). The lowest mean values of %int acc and %int dec were found in OM and the highest in SSG (8.64±1.52 vs 13.02±3.14 and 9.25±1.56 vs 15.68±3.14, for %int acc and %int dec, respectively). Significant differences between the four tasks for all the ELi considered (p<0.001). The posthoc pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences for all the ELi between all tasks (p<0.001) except for the %int acc between MBE vs FM (p=0.003). No significant difference was found in PrT/m between MBE vs FM and SSG vs FM. ELi are in accordance with the performance model by achieving better values in training than OM, suggesting the fundamental role of GPS for monitoring external load in soccer.

Community building and fan relationship maintenance of football clubs through social media interaction on non-Match days

This article focuses on social media platforms such as Facebook rather than traditional media such as newspapers, magazines, and radio. Additionally, match day in these articles is defined as a day on which a football club has a league, cup, or relevant friendly match. Because during the season, in general, the same football club has two round time intervals in 7 days or less, the non-match days between two games for this research is not typical, so in this article, the authors will only analyze the non-match days which contains the winter break, international football match days, times between two seasons as well as the special period (such as the league during the lockout due to pandemic).

External load profile during different sport-specific activities in semi-professional soccer players

BackgroundGlobal Positioning System (GPS) devices are widely used in soccer for monitoring external load (EL) indicators with the aim of maximizing sports performance.The aim of this study was to investigate the EL indicators differences in players of different playing positions (i.e., central backs, external strikers, fullbacks, midfielders, strikers, wide midfielder) between and within different sport-specific tasks and official matches.Methods1932 observations from 28 semi-professional soccer players (age: 25 ± 6 years, height: 183 ± 6 cm, weight: 75.2 ± 7 kg) were collected through GPS devices (Qstarz BT-Q1000EX, 10 Hz) during the season 2019–2020. Participants were monitored during Official Match (OM), Friendly Matches (FM), Small Sided Games (SSG), and Match-Based Exercises (MBE). Metabolic (i.e., metabolic power, percentage of metabolic power > 35w, number of intense actions per minute, distance per minute, passive recovery time per minute) and neuromuscular indicators (i.e., percentage of intense accelerations, percentage of intense decelerations, change of direction per min > 30°) were recorded during each task.ResultsStatistically significant differences were detected in EL indicators between playing positions within each task and between tasks. In particular, results from the two-way ANOVA tests showed significant interaction, but with small effect size, in all the EL indicators between playing positions for each task and within tasks. Moreover, statistical differences, but with small effect size, between playing positions were detected in each task and for each EL indicator. Finally, the strongest statistical differences (with large effect size) were detected between tasks for each EL indicator. Details of the Tukey post-hoc analysis reporting the pairwise comparisons within and between tasks with playing positions are also provided.ConclusionIn semi-professional soccer players, different metabolic and neuromuscular performance were detected in different playing position between and within different tasks and official matches. Coaches should consider the different physical responses related to different physical tasks and playing position to design the most appropriate training program.

Comparison of Match Load and Wellness between Friendly and World Cup Matches in Elite Female Soccer Players

(1) Objetive: Compare the internal load (ILO), external load (ELO) and wellness (WS) between official preparation friendly matches (FM) and France 2019 women world cup (WWC) matches in female soccer players. (2) Methods: Ten field players of the Chilean national football team (age 27 ± 3.4 years, height 162.8 ± 4.32 cm, weight 60.5 ± 4.6 kg, fat percentage 24.7 ± 1.62% and muscle percentage 49.2 ± 1.63%) participated in the study. Participants were compared across three FM before the world cup and three matches of the group stages in the WWC in June 2019. Both, ELO and ILO were recorded using GPS (Catapult Sports®, 10 Hz) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE), respectively. In addition, wellness was analyzed via personal questionnaire at 24 and 48 h after match. The intra subject difference was analyzed with a Student’s t-test for related samples. (3) Results: Moderate differences were observed between WWC and FM for total and relative total distance covered [TD and TDr, respectively] (p = 0.025, ES = −0.74 and p = 0.017, ES = −0.6). In addition, a non-significant (p = 0.088; ES = −0.43) larger high-intensity distance (HSR) was also found for WWC. Likewise, greater RPE was observed in WWC (p = 0.001; ES = −1.50) when compared to FM. Finally, significantly better wellness scores were shown for FM at stress ST24h, fatigue FT48h, and muscle pain MS48h (p = 0.038; ES = 0.72, p = 0.066; ES = 0.71; and p = 0.63; ES = 0.77) when compared to WWC matches. (4) Conclusion: It was concluded that ELO and ILO were greater at WWC soccer matches, whereas WS scores were better for FM. Moreover, ILO measures (i.e., TD, HSR and TDr) were greater in WWC, which could be at least in part, be the reason behind the differences in the values reported in the wellness questionnaires at 24 and 48 h after the match.

Within-week differences in external training load demands in elite volleyball players

PurposeThe aim of this study was to analyze the within-week differences in external training intensity in different microcycles considering different playing positions in women elite volleyball players.MethodsThe training and match data were collected during the 2020–2021 season, which included 10 friendly matches, 41 league matches and 11 champions league matches. The players’ position, training/match duration, training/match load, local positioning system (LPS) total distance, LPS jumps, accelerations, decelerations, high metabolic load distance (HMLD), acute and chronic (AC) mean and AC ratio calculated with the rolling average (RA) method and the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) method, monotony and strain values were analyzed.ResultsAll the variables except strain, Acc/Dec ratio and acute mean (RA) showed significant differences among distance to match days. Regarding the players’ positions, the only difference was found in the AC ratio (EWMA); in all microcycles, the middle blocker player showed workload values when compared with the left hitter, setter and libero.ConclusionOverall, the analysis revealed that the intensity of all performance indicators, except for strain, acc/dec and acute mean load (RA), showed significant differences among distance to match day with moderate to large effect sizes. When comparing players’ positions, the middle blocker accumulated the lowest loads. There were no significant differences among other positions.

Değer Yaratma Ve Yakalama Stratejileri: Real Madrid Futbol Kulübü Örneği

The purpose of this study was to explore the insights from Real Madrid Club de Fútbol (CF) about how value was created and captured by participating in different value offerings with variety of actors to gain a differentiation position in the competitive scope of the football business. We utilized a case study, relying on semi-structure interviews with eight directors, who worked in the club and the multiple sources of secondary documents. The results revealed that Real Madrid CF generated seven value capturing strategies through the value co-creation with global supporters, sponsors, corporate partners and social media. This case study intended to contribute to the sports marketing literature by examining how the club has transformed value-creating activities into value captures to sustain their competitive advantage, through implementation of marketing strategies such as; recruitment of star players who pay their way, brand extension in Middle East countries, organizing international friendly matches, establishment of Real Madrid Graduate School for business education and developing new projects such as theme parks and virtual fan experiences.

External Workload Compared Between Competitive and Non-Competitive Matches for Professional Male Soccer Players.

The purpose of this study was to compare the external load in competitive (official) and non-competitive matches (friendly, training and modified-sided games) in professional soccer players. Time-motion data for 10 elite male soccer players (age = 20.1 ± 2.1 years; body height = 178.8 ± 5.9; body mass = 71.4 ± 7.3; % body fat = 11.0 ± 1.1 and VO2max = 55.96 ± 3.3) from a professional Spanish first division team were recorded during official (n = 12), friendly (n = 7) and training (n = 6) matches and a 5 vs. 5 + goalkeepers modified-sided game (n = 3). GPS devices were used to monitor players’ external loads: total distance covered, distance covered at different speeds (<13.9 km·h-1, >14, >18, >21 and >25 km·h-1), peak speed (km·h-1), and the number of accelerations and decelerations (1.5–2.5 m·s-2, 2.5–4 m·s-2 and 4–8 m·s-2). One-way analysis of variance of the magnitude-based inference was used to determine differences between matches. Data indicated that official matches scored statistically higher peak speeds (ES = 1.40–2.20). In modified-sided games more total distance was covered at <13.9 km·h-1 and >14 km·h-1 than in regular matches (ES = 0.72–2.21), but lower distances were covered at >21 km·h-1 and >25 km·h-1 than in official and friendly matches (ES = 0.51–2.53) and at >25 km·h-1 than in training matches (ES = 0.92). Likewise, the modified-side games showed a greater number of accelerations and decelerations than other types of matches (ES = 1.46–2.51). This work shows that friendly and training matches, in conjunction with modified-side games, are suitable tools to prepare soccer players for official matches.

Physical Characteristics and Performance Tests in Male Water Polo: A Multiple Regression Analysis on Youth.

Background: In water polo, more physical and performance variables are related to a performance in a match. The aim of our work was therefore: (a) to evaluate the relationships between anthropometric characteristics and performance tests and performance in a match in young male water polo players; (b) to propose new guidelines for match analysis. Methods: Multiple regression analysis was used to study the results in anthropometric evaluations (height, body mass, chest circumference, arm span, non-dominant arm length) and performance tests (push-up, chin-up, shuttle swim test, sprint swim 10 m, eggbeater kick, 100 m swimming) and two coaches’ evaluations of two friendly matches using new guidelines. A total of 130 subjects (age: 15.6 ± 0.9 years) were involved in the study. Results: In this study, we proposed a new performance model based on multiple regression analysis (r = 0.85, r2 = 0.73, adjusted r2 = 0.57) and described by the following equation: Coach’s Evaluation = 151.6 + (−0.016 × height) + (0.6 × body mass) + (−0.82 × chest) + (−0.59 × arm span) + (0.75 × non dominant arm length) + (−0.037 × push up) + (0.17 × chin up) + (5.87 × shuttle swim test) + (−2.2 × 10 m sprint swim) + (0.05 × eggbeater kick) + (−0.35 × 100 m swimming). Inter-observer values were: CV: −3.9%, ICC: 0.82, ES: 0.1. Intra-observer: CV: −4.1%, ICC: 0.96, ES: 0.06. Conclusions: The relationships between anthropometric and performance variables and the match analysis have been statistically described. The equation found can be used to predict the overall performance of a player and permits evaluations of how much the improvement in one of the qualities can affect the players’ overall performance. Moreover, the new method for match analysis we have proposed showed a good reliability and can be used for new studies on water polo.

Small Sporting Events as a Sports Diplomacy Tool: The Example of the Friendly Football Match Between Basque Country Women’s National Football Team and the Czech Republic

Many research articles focus on international sporting events that have the potential to gain a global audience, such as the Olympic Games or FIFA World Cups. These sporting events could be valuable sports diplomacy tools for the hosting countries, strengthening the hosting nation’s soft power. However, the majority of the international sporting events could be described as small, with just a limited number of fans. On the other hand, as this article demonstrates on the example of the friendly football match between Basque Country Women’s National Football Team and the Czech Republic that took place in November 2017, this kind of sporting event could be used as a relatively successful sports diplomacy tool (concerning its limited audience).