Goal-scoring Opportunities Research Articles

FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Corner Kicks: An Analysis on Effectiveness and Match Context

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the tactical and technical attributes of corner kicks during the 2022 World Cup, aiming to elucidate their effectiveness and impact on match outcomes. Sequential analysis was employed to scrutinize a total of 570 corner kicks observed throughout the entirety of the tournament, with subsequent descriptive analysis of the dataset revealing significant findings. Despite a relatively low goal conversion rate (2.6%), corner kicks emerged as pivotal moments in matches, influencing match status in 73.3% of cases. Examination of the area of delivery and first contact identified PA 1/2 as the most effective zone for generating goal attempts and scoring goals, a trend observed across both successful and unsuccessful teams. Notably, direct out-swinging corner kicks exhibited superior efficacy in terms of goal-scoring opportunities. Defensive strategies were also scrutinized, with a mixed zonal dominance approach proving most effective in limiting goals conceded, while a mixed individual dominance structure was optimal for reducing goal attempts, albeit resulting in heightened defensive engagements. Common actions observed during corner kicks included defender interventions and short passes, consistent across both successful and unsuccessful teams. Additionally, analysis of action zones revealed W1/2 and PA1/2 as the most prevalent areas, with successful teams exhibiting a preference for W1/2 and AFGM zones. These findings offer valuable insights for football professionals seeking to refine their tactical and technical strategies, potentially providing a competitive edge in elite-level competition.

Tactical analysis of direct attack from the English Premier League and Spanish La Liga.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tactical and contextual dimensions on the offensive performance, in terms of degree of penetration or creation of goal scoring opportunities (GSO), of direct attacks in the English Premier League (EPL) and Spanish La Liga. In total, 10,078 team possessions from 40 random La Liga and EPL matches were initially selected. From that, 2,384 possessions categorized as open play direct attacks were selected for analysis, including a first univariate binary regression analysis and a further construction of adjusted binary multivariate logistic regression models. Four independent tactical dimensions ("Initial zone," "Initial opponent position," "Initial opponent pressure," and "Width of the possession") and four independent contextual dimensions ("Match location," "Match status," "Quality of opponent," and "Quality of the observed team") were initially analyzed to predict penetration performance on one hand and scoring opportunity performance on the other hand. The results showed that the distribution of the type of attacks was different in La Liga and EPL (χ 2 = 11.015, p = 0.001), but direct attacks were not different in La Liga and EPL in terms of performance. Three of the four tactical dimensions ("Initial zone," "Initial opponent position," and "Width of the possession") showed association with "Penetration performance" (p < 0.01), while only "Width of the possession" showed association with "Scoring opportunity performance" (p < 0.01). Two of the four contextual dimensions ("Match status" and "Quality of observed team") showed association with "Penetration performance" (p < 0.05), while none of them showed association with "Scoring opportunity performance." In conclusion, direct attacks are frequent in EPL and La Liga but very ineffective offensively in terms of creation of goal scoring opportunities. The tactical dimensions that explain a higher effectiveness in terms of getting penetrative performance are vertical progression through the field, attacking against a defensive low-block, as well as starting the team possessions from the defensive zones instead of middle zones, while the only tactical dimension that explains higher performance in creating GSOs is vertical progression. Contextual dimensions, such as "Match status" and "Team level," also influence the offensive penetration performance during direct attacks but not GSO performance.

Soccer—The disrupted game: Perturbations as a cause for scoring success

This study was designed to analyze goal-scoring in elite soccer, drawing on an extensive dataset encompassing 892 goals and 3496 perturbations recorded in the German 2nd Bundesliga. A qualitative approach was used to analyze perturbations, which are technical–tactical situations that disrupt opponent stability and facilitate goal success. The research differentiated between offensive and defensive perturbations, characteristics of initiating disruptive perturbations, their zones of occurrence, directions of play, significant playing positions, and their contributions toward goals, as well as perturbation chains leading to goal success. The analysis determined that an average of 3.9 perturbations is typically required to forge a goal-scoring opportunity against the opposition. It was revealed that 39% of initiating perturbations were defensive, predominantly characterized by misplaced passes. In contrast, 43% were attributed to offensive group tactical perturbations, such as low passes, long-distance kicks, and crosses. Only 18% stemmed from individual perturbations, with runs without the ball and dribbling to bypass the opponent being the primary occurrences. An analysis focusing solely on the immediate actions can lead to misinterpretations regarding the genesis of goals. While only 79 goals resulted from a single perturbation, most commonly a shot on goal, 813 goals emerged from scenarios involving two or more perturbations.

The relationship between leg muscle power and dribbling skills among futsal players

Background: Futsal is a sport that involves using the feet to manipulate the ball and score as many goals as possible to reach the opponent's goal. It is crucial to have a strong command of basic techniques, including proficient dribbling skills. Dribbling talent is essential to getting past opponents' control and creating goal-scoring opportunities. The higher a player's skill in dribbling the ball, the greater his chances of winning. This study aimed to determine the potential correlation between leg muscle power and ball dribbling skills in futsal players. Methods: This study used observational analytical methods with a cross-sectional approach. Consecutive sampling was the technique used for the sampling process. This research was carried out from September to December 2023 at My Stadium Futsal Arena. A total of 89 people were recruited to participate in this study. In data collection, participants' leg muscle power was measured using a vertical jump test, and their dribbling skills were assessed using a dribbling test. Results: There was a significant relationship between leg muscle power and dribbling skills in futsal players. The higher the leg muscle power value, the better futsal players' dribbling skills. Conclusion: The findings indicated a correlation between leg muscle power and ball dribbling skills in futsal players.

Final pass and its relationship with final action for the creation of goal-scoring opportunities at EURO 2020

The purpose of this research was to study EURO 2020 goal scoring opportunities by recording the technique of the final pass, the technique of the final action and their zone of execution. A sub-objective was to test the relationship between the technique and zone of the final-pass, but also the relationship between the final-pass zone, the zone of final-action and its efficiency. The parameters studied were, a) the final pass zone, b) the final pass technique, c) the final action zone, and d) the result of the final action. Data collection was done with SportScout software. The correlation between variables was tested using the Crosstabs analysis and the Chi-Square statistic criterion. The results showed that most of the final passes were made from the zone outside the 18-yard box and the most common techniques used were the medium-range and the short-range passes. The independence or homogeneity test showed that the type of final pass was significantly influenced by the zone in which it was executed. The same was the case with the final action zone, which appeared to be significantly affected by the final pass zone. However, the effectiveness of the attacks depended only on the zone of final action (the final actions were more effective when taken from the zone between the six-yard box area and the penalty spot). An assessment of the opportunities that lead to goals and how they are created can help identify the tactical factors that increase efficiency and lead to more goals being scored.

Integrated Training Plan for Youth Soccer Players: Focus on SABC

Structured and effective physical training is the primary key to unlocking their full potential on the field. SABC can help young football players improve their reaction speed to on-field situations, enhance ball control with greater accuracy and effectiveness, and make more precise and timely passing decisions. Furthermore, it helps improve the ability to create goal-scoring opportunities and enhance high-speed running and dribbling skills, enabling them to attack the opponent's defense more effectively. This research aimed to design an integrated training program focused on Speed, Agility, Balance, and Coordination. The study's respondents consisted of 30 young football players aged 15.5 ± 0.5 years. The experimental training program was conducted twice a week for 12 weeks, with initial and final measurements taken. This training included various exercises focused on Speed, Agility, Balance, and Coordination. The data analysis results indicated that the SABC training had a significantly positive impact on player skill improvement. The discussion concludes that a holistic approach to football training, considering Speed, Agility, Balance, and Coordination, is an effective approach to enhancing the quality of young football players. This training program helps develop more comprehensive and high-quality players in various aspects of the game. The findings of this research have important practical implications for coaches, football organizations, and young players looking to improve their SABC skills. In future research, there may be room to further understand the role of each aspect of SABC in improving the performance of young football players. Keywords: Performance improvement; Speed; Agility; Balance; Coordination.

Ability to create goal opportunities: influence of playing either at home or away, dimensions of the field and number of passes per attack cycle in an under-19 elite football team ability

The aim of this study was to analyse how, when playing either at home or away, the dimensions of the field (length and width), and number of passes per attack cycle influenced the ability to create goal opportunities for an under-19 football team. The total number of cycles in which a goal-scoring opportunity occurred, differentiated by the starting zone of the cycle, the number of contacts necessary to develop the attack cycle, and the effective match time, were analyzed in each different contexts. In games played at home, records of variables analyzed are greater than in games played away. The use of a smaller number of contacts in attacks initiated in the opposite field, and a greater number of contacts in attacks initiated in one's own field, favors the creation of goal opportunities. Playing fields with dimensions similar to the most familiar one favor a greater number of contacts with the ball and increased effective time of play. The efficiency of a team’s style of play in creating goal opportunities changes depending on whether they play at home or away, the size of the field, and the number of passes per attack cycle. Keywords: Match analysis, Soccer, Success, Performance, Indicator.

What are the key performance indicators related to winning matches in the German Bundesliga?

ABSTRACT This study investigated the influence of match-related variables on teams’ winning probabilities during the 2021/2022 Bundesliga. The sample comprised 240 matches. The Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) captured the competition data through the semi-automatic camera system (TRACAB, ChyronHego, New York, U.S.A). The data were merged and processed post-match at Kinexon Sports App® (Kinexon Sports & Media GmbH). Match variables regarding physical, technical, and tactical actions were analysed and compared between winning and losing teams using a MANOVA. In addition, a stepwise multiple linear regression was performed with the goal difference as the predicted variable and all match-related statistics as predictor variables. Results indicated that winning teams performed more accelerations, ball possessions, passes, successful passes, and shots than losing ones. The regression analysis indicated that increasing the number of shots, close-pressure actions, recovered ball possessions, and successful passes predict winning. On the other hand, increasing the values of running-to-pressure actions, crosses, long goal kicks, and lost ball possessions is likely to reduce the value of the goal difference. Successful performances in the Bundesliga are explained by safely keeping the ball in possession, progressing towards the opposing goal through short passes and creating goal-scoring opportunities through the central corridor of the pitch.

Effects of contextual and tactical dimensions on the creation of goal-scoring opportunities in U12 and U13 elite Spanish soccer teams

The aim of this paper was to describe the interactive effects of contextual and tactical dimensions on the creation of goal-scoring opportunities (GSO) in youth elite Spanish soccer, according to the type of possession. A total of 1730 team possessions from 24 qualifying matches of the official Spanish LaLiga Promises U12 and U13 soccer-7 tournaments were analyzed. For the analysis, team possessions were grouped into recoveries and restarts, according to the type of possession start. The study evaluated ten contextual and tactical dimensions by observational methodology. For recoveries, the multilevel binary regression models revealed significant effects of dimensions such as match status, initial field zone, initial penetration, type of attack, number of dribbles and number of passes on the creation of GSO. However, for restarts, only dimensions such as initial penetration, number of dribbles and possession width presented significant effects on the creation of GSO. In conclusion, the effects of different contextual and tactical dimensions in youth soccer teams seem to depend on whether the start of the team possession is a transition or a restart, regardless of the age category. These findings are useful for soccer coaches and analysts, which can help them understand the key dimensions in the design of training sessions in youth soccer teams.

Soccer Scoring Techniques-A Biomechanical Re-Conception of Time and Space for Innovations in Soccer Research and Coaching.

Background: Scientifically, both temporal and spatial variables must be examined when developing programs for training various soccer scoring techniques (SSTs). Unfortunately, previous studies on soccer goals have overwhelmingly focused on the development of goal-scoring opportunities or game analysis in elite soccer, leaving the consideration of player-centered temporal-spatial aspects of SSTs mostly neglected. Consequently, there is a scientific gap in the current scoring-opportunity identification and a dearth of scientific concepts for developing SST training in elite soccer. Objectives: This study aims to bridge the gap by introducing effective/proprioceptive shooting volume and a temporal aspect linked to this volume. Method: the SSTs found in FIFA Puskás Award (132 nominated goals between 2009 and 2021) were quantified by using biomechanical modeling and anthropometry. Results: This study found that players’ effective/proprioceptive shooting volume could be sevenfold that of normal practice in current coaching. Conclusion: The overlooked SSTs in research and training practice are commonly airborne and/or acrobatic, which are perceived as high-risk and low-reward. Relying on athletes’ talent to improvise on these complex skills can hardly be considered a viable learning/training strategy. Future research should focus on developing player-centered temporal-spatial SST training to help demystify the effectiveness of proprioceptive shooting volume and increase scoring opportunities in soccer.

Perturbation profile of elite football – a cross-sectional analysis of the goals and goal scoring opportunities immediately before and after goal scoring of the 1st German Bundesliga

ABSTRACT The sport of football cannot be represented holistically with a quantitative approach. The basis for this analysis was the construct of dynamic system theory. Based on the method of systematic game observation, a perturbation (= triggers that transfer a system into a state of instability) sign system was made, distinguishing between offensive (oP) and defensive perturbations (dP). The subject of the study was goal critical situations five minutes before and after goal scoring. The present study is a partial survey of the 1st Bundesliga season 2019/20, insofar as game Days 1.-17. (n = 153 games) were evaluated by video according to two independent raters. The average number of perturbations required to score a goal was 1.69 perturbations (on average 1.52 oP & 0.17 dP), while an average of 1.30 perturbations (on average 1.15 oP & 0.15 dP) was sufficient to create a goal scoring opportunity. The group technical tactical offensive perturbation low pass revealed the largest proportion of all perturbations, at 28%. Therefore, a game plan should be designed to create superior numbers close to the ball to avoid the loss of stability.

The Creation of Goal-Scoring Opportunities at The 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.

The aim of this study was to analyse how goal-scoring opportunities (GSOs) were created at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The sample consisted of 868 GSOs that led to a shot at the goal throughout all 52 games during the tournament. All games were downloaded from the InStat platform. Descriptive statistics, chi-square of association and binary logistic regression analysis were used to analyse the data. Of the 868 GSOs, 81 (9.1%) resulted in goals. A significant association was observed between GSOs and the type of attack (χ2=6.38, p=0.01, V=0.09), with more goals being scored from a counter-attack (12.7%) than an organised attack (7.5%). Counter-attacks recorded a higher odds ratio in univariate analysis (OR=0.56; 95%CI:0.35–0.88; p=0.01) than in multivariate analysis (OR=0.46; 95%CI:0.28–0.76; p=0.002). The multivariate analysis further indicated a significant probability of scoring when ball possession started in the middle third of the field (OR=0.19; 95%CI:0.44–0.88; p= 0.01). The current study has practical implications for soccer coaches to develop and implement training sessions to improve goal-scoring chances of women’s teams at international competitions.

Different Pitch Configurations Constrain the Playing Tactics and the Creation of Goal Scoring Opportunities during Small Sided Games in Youth Soccer Players.

The aim of this study was to explore the tactical effects of different pitch configurations on the collective playing tactics and the creation of goal scoring opportunities (GSO) during small sided soccer games (SSG) in youth players. A total of 22 players performed a 7 vs. 7 + 1 floater (including goalkeepers) under three different pitch configurations (“Standard”, 53 × 38 m; “Long”, 63 × 32 m; and “Wide”, 43 × 47 m). Eleven tactical indicators related to the development and the end of the team possessions were evaluated by systematic observation. Friedman tests (non-parametric ANOVA for repeated measures) revealed that the long and wide configurations produced more counterattacks (p = 0.0028; ES = 0.3), higher offensive penetration (p = 0.007; ES = 0.41), and more GSO (p = 0.018; ES = 0.30) than the standard format. Regarding the creation of GSO, the wide configuration produced more assists in the form of crosses than the long and standard formats (p = 0.025; ES = 0.31), more utilization of wide subspaces to assist the final player (p = 0.022; ES = 0.35), more number of headers as the final action (p = 0.022; ES = 0.32), and less assists in the form of passes in behind the defense (p = 0.034; ES = 0.28), than the long configuration. The modulation of the pitch configuration during SSG produced different tactical demands, requiring players to implement different tactical solutions to create GSO.

Perceptions of Football Analysts Goal-Scoring Opportunity Predictions: A Qualitative Case Study.

This study aimed to understand the way tactical football analysts perceive the general match analysis issues and to analyze their tactical interpretation of the predictive models of conceded goal-scoring opportunities. Nine tactical analysts responded to the semi-structured interviews that included a general section on the match analysis and a specific one on the results of a study on goal-scoring opportunities conceded by a Spanish La Liga team. Following their transcription, the interviews were codified into categories by the two researchers using Atlas Ti® software. Subsequently, frequency count and co-occurrence analysis were performed based on the encodings. The content analysis reflected that analysts play a crucial role in the analysis of their own team and that of the opponent, the essential skills to exercise as a tactical analyst being “understanding of the game” and “clear observation methodology.” Based on the case study of the conceded goal-scoring opportunities, the major causes and/or solutions attributed by analysts in some of the predictive models were the adaptability of the “style of play” itself according to the “opponent” and “pressure after losing.”

Exploring Factors Related to Goal Scoring Opportunities in Professional Football

ABSTRACT Purpose Outscoring opponents is the primary goal in football. To optimise goal scoring opportunities (GSOs), it is important to understand the preceding physical and tactical performance. This observational study explored whether running behaviour prior to GSOs related to the subsequent outcome (goal or no goal) or contextual factors. Methods Tracking data was collected from one professional team during its 2016/2017 season. Physical output was differentiated for attacking styles and analysed for attackers (taking shots) and defenders (trying to prevent shots). Results Counter attacks were found most effective, as outcomes improved with fewer defenders behind the ball (r=-0.27; p=0.03). Offensively, running behaviour in the minute prior to GSOs explained most variance and increased activities correlated with success (r=0.26; p=0.04). Moreover, decreased high-intensity distances covered during matches significantly correlated with favourable outcomes (r=-0.21; p=0.02). Finally, increased attacking effectiveness was found to relate to greater defensive covered distances (r=0.51; p<0.01). Discussion Running behaviour prior to GSOs was found to relate to the subsequent outcome. Specifically, space ahead of attackers, forcing defenders to cover more ground, was found to relate to GSO effectiveness. The running behaviour of attackers was found unrelated to previous activity, highlighting the significance of physical capacity and well-timed substitutions.

Analysis of the goal-scoring opportunities conceded in football: a study case in the Spanish La Liga

The study’s aim was to analyse the goal-scoring opportunities conceded by a professional football team. Using observational methodology, all the opportunities conceded (N = 243) by Real Betis in the Spanish La Liga 2017/2018 were analysed through a validated instrument which measured contextual, defensive and attacking variables. Descriptive, inferential, correlational and binary logistic regression statistics were used to determine the predictive models. The results show a relation between the goal-scoring opportunities conceded and the provisional match result, as well as all the defensive and attacking variables analysed. There was a significant relation between the own half loss of the ball (66.3%) and the opportunities conceded. After applying the binary logistic regression, there were significant tactical patterns when the own half loss coincided with other variables: loss between 0′ and 15′ (OR = 4.255) and 46′-60′ (OR = 4.227); 0 or 1 opponent’s pass (OR = 2.829); length of attack less than 3′’ (OR = 5.475) and 1 player of the opposing team got into contact with the ball (OR = 7.358). Other factors such as losing the ball through stealing (OR = 3.127) or the provisional result of a draw (OR = 0.4) predict the possibility of conceding a goal-scoring opportunity in the case studied.

The Effect of Substitutions on Team Tactical Behavior in Professional Soccer

ABSTRACT Player substitutions are one of the main options for the coach to change tactical behavior of his team. Purpose: The present study therefore investigates the effect of player substitutions on tactical behavior in high-performance soccer using positional data. Method: The sample consisted of 659 substitutions from 234 matches played in the German Bundesliga during the season 2016–2017. Substitutions were classified either as neutral (n = 485), defensive (n = 45), or offensive (n = 129) according to the player’s roles. The teams’ tactical behavior before and after each substitution was analyzed using team centroid, inter-team centroid distance, team length and width, length per width (LpW) ratio, stretch index, and space control for the whole pitch and for each third as the dependent variables. Results: The linear mixed model analysis showed different effects for neutral, defensive, and offensive substitutions. Teams displayed significantly lower stretch index after defensive substitutions. LpW ratio increased with neutral and offensive substitutions, while inter-team distance decreased. The position of the team centroid, space control in the middle third and in the attacking third were also greater following an offensive substitution. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that player substitutions effectively change tactical behavior of teams. Soccer coaches should perform more offensive substitutions to elicit a higher defensive pressure and improve goal-scoring opportunities, especially due to greater space control in the attacking third. In contrast, defensive substitutions can be used to increase defensive effectiveness through increases in team compactness.

Analysis of goal scoring opportunities in elite male ice hockey in relation to tactical and contextual variables

ABSTRACT We sought to examine whether goal scoring opportunities (GSO) in elite ice hockey was affected by tactical and contextual variables. An ice hockey specific notational match analysis instrument was applied to collect 4886 GSO from 192 competitive games in the top Swedish tier. Data were collected from one elite male team and its opponents during three consecutive competitive seasons. All GSO were categorised in tactical and contextual variables. In total, 13.2% (644) of all GSO (4886) resulted in a goal. Two logistic regressions were conducted to examine the impact of tactical and contextual variables on the outcome of GSO. The multivariate analysis demonstrated higher probability to score when shooting from an area close to the goal (OR [95%CI]=.54 [.42-.69]; p <.01). Additionally, differences in numbers of involved players in specific positions, both forwards and defenders affected the probability to score a goal (p <.05) and that the probability to score from a GSO was higher in second (OR [95%CI]=1.35 [1.02-1.79]; p<.05) and third (OR [95%CI]: 1.38 [1.04-1.83], p <.05) compared to first game-period. Summarised, the study provides an insight of how goal scoring is impacted by several tactical and contextual variables.

Dribbling speed predicts goal-scoring success in a soccer training game.

The aim of this study was to explore the underlying bases of goal-scoring ability of junior soccer players. Male players (mean age 17.2years, SD=1.3) were recruited from an elite Brazilian football academy. We assessed each individual's dribbling and sprinting speed along five 30m paths varying in curvature from 0 to 1.37 radians/m. We also quantified each player's ability to dribble the ball through a series of 15 cones using six different techniques. Dribbling, sprinting, and technical dribbling were then compared with an individual's goal-scoring ability as assessed when competing against one defender and a goalkeeper protecting a full-sized goal (N=20-48 attempts/ individual). Goal-scoring success was significantly positively associated with their sprint speed (r=.60; P=.014), dribbling speed (r=.81; P<.0001), and technical dribbling (r=.49; P=.022). An individual's percentage of shots saved was only significantly associated with their dribbling speed (r=-.81; P<.001), with faster dribblers less likely to have their shots saved. Based on the full multivariate model for goal-scoring success (adjusted r2 =.60; P<.001), dribbling speed was the only significant correlate (t=3.51; P<.001). Our study demonstrates that our metric of dribbling speed, as measured along curved paths, was associated with goal-scoring success. Future studies should focus on specific training regimes aimed at improving dribbling ability, and measuring any impact on the creation of goal-scoring opportunities and number of goals scored.

The creation of goal scoring opportunities at the 2015 women’s world cup

Women’s international football is growing in terms of popularity, but to date there is limited published research in women’s football and even less that describes effective attacking strategies and the creation of goal scoring opportunities (GSO). The purpose of this research was to investigate and assess the factors related to the creation of GSO that led to a Top 4 position Canada Women’s World Cup 2015. Video footage of each match (n = 52) from the Women’s World Cup (Canada 2015) was analysed using SportsCode Software. The results revealed that the middle third of the pitch was the most effective area for gaining possession and creating GSO. The average time taken to create a GSO was under twelve seconds. The findings of the study can be used by coaches to design training sessions and interventions to successfully create GSO in women’s football. The data from the research may influence the tactical set up of women’s international football teams and help to evolve the game in the same way that research into the men’s game has.