International Matches Research Articles

Most running demand passages of match play in youth soccer congestion period.

The objective of this study was to determine whether there is a decrease in the physical performance of the players in the most demanding passages (MDP) during periods of competition congestion. The study involved 15 under-19 players, belonging to a club in Spain’s first division (age: 18.1 ± 0.8 years, weight: 70.2 ± 4.9 kg and height: 1.78 ± 0.06 m), who were monitored during 23 national and international official matches in the 2018/19 season. The Youth League matches were played between two matches in the national championship in six different weeks. The league matches corresponded to the first 17 matches of the league championship, the period in which the 6 matches in the Youth League were played. The two physical variables analysed were total distance (TD) and distance at > 21 km·h-1 (TD21). Using the rolling average, four time windows were taken (1, 3, 5 and 10 min), and the values were relativized to the minute (m·min-1). The main results were that: there were more MDP in the first halves than in the second halves of all the time windows; 2) the central match in the week (Youth League) was the most demanding one; and 3) the players maintained the TD and TD21 in the MDP in the third match compared to the first. The results of this study could provide trainers with information on the need to design training tasks that simulate the demands of competition in relation to the TD and the TD21 according to different time windows.

Debiasing Discriminators: Evidence from the Introduction of Neutral Umpires

This paper shows that decision-makers are less biased in the presence of a neutral colleague. We com- pile data on umpiring decisions from international cricket matches and analyze reforms which mandated the introduction of neutral umpires. Prior to the reforms, both on-field umpires are from the host country and make more discretionary calls against the foreign team. Requiring one of the two on-field umpires to be from a neutral country eliminates this bias. Host country umpires are less partial toward the home team when paired with a neutral umpire. Collectively, our results suggest that social pressure from colleagues can discipline discriminators.

Best’11 strategy in cricket using MCDM, rough matrix and assignment model

In 1982, Pawlak set up a fresh approach to deal with uncertainties namely rough set theory, Multiple-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) first traced by Benjamin Franklin in 17th century. Several researchers did significant contribution to MCDM thereafter. An assignment problem involves what happens to the effective function when each of a number of sources is associated with the same number of destinations. Using MCDM, Rough matrices and Assignment model we are inducing an idea to pick Best’11 in all three formats (Test, One Day Internationals (ODI), Twenty20 International matches (T20I)) in the game of cricket with players from two nationals. Using the existing data, we are providing best batting position for any player to maximize team’s run. In addition, based on the preprocessing of informations, we are bringing some new indices to pick Indian squad for the 2019 World Cup cricket held in England from May 2019 to July 2019. After making a selection from our framework, we will compare the list of selected players by Board of Cricket Control Board in India (BCCI) and giveaway the percentage of similarity between the our selection against BCCI’s selection. We pick 11 players after selecting 15 players from 24 players to formulate the assignment model and offer the best batting order to optimize team’s run.

Assessing the whole-match and worst-case scenario locomotor demands of international women’s rugby union match-play

ObjectivesTo profile the distances covered during international women’s rugby union match-play and assess the duration-specific worst-case scenario locomotor demands over 60-s to 600-s epochs, whilst comparing the values determined by fixed epoch (FIXED) versus rolling average (ROLL) methods of worst-case scenario estimation and assessing positional influences. DesignDescriptive, observational. MethodsTwenty-nine international women’s rugby union players wore 10Hz microelectromechanical systems during eight international matches (110 observations). Total, and per-half, distances were recorded, whilst relative total and high-speed (>4.4ms−1) distances were averaged using FIXED and ROLL methods over 60–600-s. Linear mixed models compared distances covered between match halves, assessed FIXED versus ROLL, and examined the influence of playing position. ResultsPlayers covered ∼5.8kmmatch−1, with reduced distances in the second- versus first-half (p<0.001). For worst-case scenario total (∼8–25%) and high-speed (∼10–26%) distance, FIXED underestimated ROLL. In ROLL, worst-case scenario relative total and high-speed distances reduced from ∼144−161mmin−1 and ∼30−69mmin−1 over 60-s, to ∼8089mmin−1 and ∼516mmin−1 in the 600-s epoch, respectively. Forwards performed less high-speed running over all epochs and covered less total distance during epochs of 60-s, 180-s, 420-s and 480-s, compared with backs. Front row players typically returned the lowest locomotor demands. ConclusionsThis is the first study reporting the positional and worst-case scenario demands of international women’s rugby union, and indicates an underestimation in FIXED versus ROLL over 60-s to 600-s epochs. Knowledge of the most demanding periods of women’s rugby union match-play facilitates training specificity by enabling sessions to be tailored to such demands.

Tracking In-Match Movement Demands Using Local Positioning System in World-Class Men's Ice Hockey.

Douglas, AS and Kennedy, CR. Tracking in-match movement demands using local positioning system in world-class men's ice hockey. J Strength Cond Res 34(3): 639-646, 2020-While the global positioning system has been used in field sports for a decade, local positioning systems are newly available in indoor sports for the tracking of velocity and distance during competition. World-class male ice hockey players (n = 20) were monitored during 5 international matches. Speed and distance outputs were analyzed to determine the differences between positions, periods, and in-shift demands. Defense had a difference between forwards at distances covered at very slow (p < 0.001), slow (p < 0.001), and moderate (p < 0.001) speed. Forwards were found to cover a greater distance at very fast speed (p = 0.001) and sprint speed (p < 0.001). Defense had a decrease in skating distance at very fast (p < 0.001) and sprint skating speeds (p = 0.02). Forwards had an increase in very slow skating (p = 0.02) and a decrease in sprint skating distance (p = 0.02). Game situational differences were found for defense and forwards in average speeds for defense (p < 0.001) and forwards (p < 0.001). Local positioning systems data have the potential to accurately inform coaches of the position-specific demands of game situations and the training needs by position. Specifically, forwards performed more high-intensity skating than defensemen, whereas powerplay and penalty kill situations offered specific demands for the 2 positional groups. Finally, the intensity of skating was reduced in the third period for both defensemen and forwards. Further research can evaluate whether this is related to tactical decisions, or the metabolic cost of ice hockey.

Editoriale: Facite ‘a faccia feroce

This long editorial, based on the example of healthcare, highlights the contradiction between ideology of control and the real situation in a democracy that still today, in many areas, thinks that it is possible to govern according to the logics of corporations. Some aspects of the Continuing Medical Education (CME) system in Italy are critically discussed, pointing out some inner con-tradictions and the inefficiency of lifelong learning of mental health professionals, and the low forecasting ability of those who planned this CME system. An Editorial by Pier Francesco Galli which appeared in issue no. 4/2001 of the Giornale Italiano di Psicologia (GIP) [Italian Journal of Psychology], in which the main critical aspects of the CME system were emphasized, is re-printed; then some extended quotations of the article by Ulrich Wienand titled Professional accreditation: Prospects and risks for Italian psychologists, which appeared in the same issue (4/2001) of the Giornale Italiano di Psicologia (GIP), are also reprinted. Finally, parts of two articles that appeared in September 2019 in the Italian on-line journal Quotidiano Sanita [Daily Healthcare Newspaper], by Massimilano Zaramella and Marco Castioni, respectively, who refer to the analysis made by the jurist Luca Benci, are reproduced. (The title of this Editorial - Give them a mean face - was the command shouted in the 18th century to the Bourbon Army in order to frighten the enemy, and here is used ironically to refer to those who try to put into effect the CME system in Italy. In a way, it reminds the haka, the ceremonial Māori dance performed by the New Zealand rugby team - the All Blacks - before their international matches; this dance, however, did not prevent defeat by England at the 2019 Rugby World Cup Semi-final)

Match Demands, Anthropometric Characteristics, and Physical Qualities of Female Rugby Sevens Athletes: A Systematic Review.

Sella, FS, McMaster, DT, Beaven, CM, Gill, ND, and Hébert-Losier, K. Match demands, anthropometric characteristics, and physical qualities of female rugby sevens athletes: A systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 33(12): 3463-3474, 2019-Since the inclusion of rugby sevens in the 2016 Olympic Games, the popularity of women's rugby sevens has grown rapidly worldwide. This systematic review aimed to summarize the scientific literature addressing the match demands, anthropometric characteristics, and physical qualities of female rugby sevens athletes and to highlight differences between competition levels and playing positions. Four electronic databases were searched, as were the reference lists and key journals. Hedges' g effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate differences between elite and nonelite athletes, and backs and forwards. Twenty-seven studies met inclusion criteria and scored 68 ± 13% upon quality assessment. Comparisons between groups were restricted to variables where data were available. Greater running demands and intensities, number of sprints and accelerations, but lower physiological responses characterized international matches compared with nationals. At international level, backs demonstrated greater running demands and intensities, number of sprints, and physiological responses than forwards. Elite athletes were leaner, taller, and displayed superior physical qualities (e.g., maximal speed, power, upper-body strength, and aerobic capacity) compared with nonelite athletes. At elite level, forwards were heavier and displayed greater upper-body strength, whereas backs showed greater acceleration and maximal speed abilities. The specific match demands and physical requirements of female rugby sevens athletes competing at different playing levels and playing positions must be considered for developing effective training programs.

Activity Profiles in U17, U20, and Senior Women's Brazilian National Soccer Teams During International Competitions: Are There Meaningful Differences?

Ramos, GP, Nakamura, FY, Penna, EM, Wilke, CF, Pereira, LA, Loturco, I, Capelli, L, Mahseredjian, F, Silami-Garcia, E, and Coimbra, CC. Activity profiles in U17, U20, and senior women's Brazilian national soccer teams during international competitions: are there meaningful differences? J Strength Cond Res 33(12): 3414-3422, 2019-The aim of this study was to compare locomotor activity profiles of Brazilian top-class female soccer players competing at distinct age brackets (under 17 [U17], under [U20], and senior). External match load of 14 U17, 14 U20, and 17 senior female soccer players competing in 6-7 full official international matches were assessed using global positioning systems. Total distance covered, distance covered in high intensity (15.6-20 km·h), distance covered in sprints (sprint: >20 km·h), number of accelerations (Acc) >1 m·s, decelerations (Dec) >-1 m·s, and Player Load generally increased across the age brackets (U17 <U20 <senior). For all playing positions, senior athletes presented greater total distance, accelerations, and decelerations than U20 players. For high-intensity distance and sprints, only central defender and midfielder senior players presented greater values than U20 players. Senior players demonstrated higher values in all locomotor activities in comparison to U17 players, irrespective of playing positions. Except for central defenders who presented similar total distance, sprint distance, and number of accelerations between U20 and U17, most match external loads evaluated in all playing positions were greater in U20 than in U17 players. These results provide useful information for player development and should be used to establish appropriate match-specific conditioning drills according to age categories.

Performance-level indicators of male elite handball teams

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to identify the most relevant variables to characterise the performance level of the teams through Men’s World Championships (2007–2019). Forty-seven attributes from match-related statistics and characteristics of players were analysed in 168 participant teams. Descriptive discriminant analysis classified correctly 69.6% of the cases and selected the height of players, 9-m efficiency, international matches disputed, wing efficiency, blocked shots, 7-m goalkeeper efficiency and 2-min suspensions which were the most relevant indicators. Top-Elite was significantly different (one-way ANOVA) from Middle- and Low-Elite in all variables selected, except for 7-m goalkeeper efficiency. Linear regression shows that wing efficiency and blocked shots were the only variables with a tendency of changes through seven editions. The best teams have the tallest players and with more international matches disputed, were most efficient in 9-m and wing finalisations and block more shots in defence. These findings may guide scientists and sports trainers to select players, prescribe training procedures, analyse opponents and establish match strategies with special attention to these variables.

Video Analysis of Shoulder Dislocations in Rugby: Insights Into the Dislocating Mechanisms

Background: Mechanisms previously described for traumatic shoulder injuries in rugby may not adequately describe all the mechanisms that result in shoulder dislocations. Purpose: To investigate the mechanism of shoulder dislocation events in professional rugby players through use of systematic video analysis. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: In our series, 39 cases of shoulder dislocations from games played in top professional leagues and international matches across a 2-year period were available for video analysis. All cases were independently assessed by 2 analysts to identify the sequence of events occurring during shoulder dislocation. This included injury circumstance such as contact with another player or the ground, game scenario, injury timing, and the movements and force vectors involved in the dislocation mechanism. Results: We identified 4 distinct injury mechanisms. The previously described mechanisms “try scorer,”“tackler,” and “direct impact” were identified in 67% of cases. We describe a new injury mechanism occurring in the “poach position,” accounting for 18% of all shoulder dislocations studied. The remaining 15% could not be categorized. Shoulder dislocations occurred to a ball carrier in 15% of cases (n = 6) and a non–ball carrier in 85% of cases (n = 33). The injury most commonly occurred during a tackle (49%; n = 19) followed by ruck/maul (26%; n = 10). Time of injury showed that 36% (n = 14) of cases occurred in the last quarter of the game. Conclusion: Shoulder dislocations have now been shown to occur predominantly as a result of 1 of 4 distinct mechanisms, most frequently in the second half of the game. A new mechanism for shoulder dislocation has been described in this series, termed the poach position.

Physical and Physiological Demands of Elite International Female Field Hockey Players During Competitive Match Play.

McGuinness, A, Malone, S, Petrakos, G, and Collins, K. The physical and physiological demands of elite international female field hockey players during competitive match play. J Strength Cond Res 33(11): 3105-3113, 2019-The aim of the current investigation was to quantify the physical and physiological demands of elite international female field hockey match play across halves of play. Thirty-eight participants (24 ± 5 years; 173 ± 5 cm; 72 ± 5 kg) took part in 19 competitive matches during the 2014-2015 season. Participants were monitored with global positioning system technology and heart rate monitors. Players were categorized based on 3 different playing positions. Activity was categorized into total (m), high-speed running distance (m; >16 km·h), and relative distance (RD) (m·min) due to the use of rolling substitutions. Heart rate was classified based on the percentage of players' individual peak heart rate (HRpeak) determined by a Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 test. Players spent on average 44 ± 7 minutes in match play. The total distance (TD) covered was 5,558 ± 527 m (125 ± 23 m·min) with 589 ± 160 m (13 ± 4 m·min) completed at high speed. Defenders covered a greater TD compared with other positions of play (p ≤ 0.001). Midfield players covered a greater distance at high speed (p ≤ 0.001) with the forwards having a higher relative distance (p ≤ 0.001). The HRpeak of the players was 199 ± 1 b·min with a mean exercise intensity of 86 ± 7.8% of HRpeak. The time spent >85% HRpeak decreased significantly across the halves (p = 0.04, η = 0.09, small). Defenders were found to spend more time >85% HRpeak when compared with forwards (p ≤ 0.001). The current investigation provides normative data that coaches should consider when constructing training regimen.

Performance indicators during international rugby union matches are influenced by a combination of physiological and contextual variables

ObjectivesResearch has linked physiological (e.g., hormonal, affective, fatigue) outcomes to performance indicators in rugby competition, but no work has integrated and contextualised these factors within a test-match environment. We addressed this gap by monitoring 29 athletes from a training squad across eight international rugby matches. DesignLongitudinal observational study. MethodsPre-match (8–9am) measures of salivary testosterone and cortisol concentrations, sleep duration, pulse rate, muscle soreness, stress, mood, and motivation were taken. Contextual factors were playing time, internal training load (ITL), test-match experience, opponent ranking, and crowd size. Performance was indexed by coach and player ratings of performance (CRP, PRP) and quantitative metrics; offloads, turnovers, runs with ball in hand (RWB), tackles, passes, and defenders beaten (DFB). ResultsMorning cortisol, sleep and mood were positively related to CRP and PRP (standardised coefficient estimates from 0.17 to 0.22). Cortisol, sleep, stress, mood and motivation were associated with one (or more) of turnovers, RWB, tackles, passes and DFB (incidence rate ratio [IRR] from 0.74 to 1.40). Playing time was positively related to all quantitative performance indicators (IRR from 1.01 to 1.04) with ITL, opponent ranking, and crowd size predicting selected outputs (IRR from 0.89 to 1.15). The explanatory models varied (conditional R2=0.15–0.83) but were generally stronger with both physiological and contextual inputs. ConclusionsMultiple physiological and contextual factors appear to contribute to player performance in international rugby competition. Measurement of these factors may guide training and management practices, a potential practical consequence but also advancing understanding from marker to causal link.

Movement patterns of players in the Australian Women’s Rugby League team during international competition

ObjectivesTo describe the movement patterns of the Australian Women’s Rugby League team during international competition. DesignRetrospective observational study. MethodsGlobal Positioning Systems technology recorded the movements of players from the Australian Women’s Rugby League team (n=31) during seven international rugby league matches. A subgroup of players (n=18) that played at least 80min in a match were categorized into three positional groups: forwards (n=7), backs (n=7) and halves (n=4), and analysed for external outputs that were classified into multiple speed zones. Mean speed (mmin−1) and mean speed when travelling >12kmh−1 (MS12; mmin−1) were calculated for each 10% interval of playing time of both groups to assess changes in match intensity. ResultsTotal distance travelled was greater in the first half (3332.9m compared to 3249.0m), along with distances travelled at speeds >15kmh−1 (p<0.05), whereas players travelled further at speeds <6kmh−1 in the second half (p=0.005). Backs travelled further at speeds <6kmh−1 (p=0.002) and >15kmh−1 (p=0.007) compared to forwards. Mean speed significantly reduced across the first and second halves (p<0.05), while MS12 reduced by ∼40% in the first half of the match (i.e. first ∼5min compared to the last ∼5min). ConclusionThese results provide coaches with sport-specific activity profiles of female rugby league players that can be used to individualise training prescription. Given that match-intensity deteriorated across the first and second halves, programs may be targeted at improving endurance and supramaximal exercise tolerance in order for female players to withstand high match-demands of international competition.

A Markov model for ranking cricket teams playing one day international matches

Main purpose of ranking teams in One Day International (ODI) Cricket matches is to identify challenging teams of each team. In the sports science literature, various statistical procedures have been proposed by different researchers to rank teams. International Cricket Council (ICC) is using a ranking system as the standard practice. However, it does not work well to realize some head-to head match results. This paper provides a stochastic Markov chain model to rank teams. A comprehensive analysis on head-to-head match prediction for each cricket team is given based on steady-state probabilities. Performance of the proposed model is investigated with ICC ODI rankings. It is shown that the proposed model outperforms to predict results of head-to-head ODI Cricket matches.

Internal and External Loads During Hockey 5's Competitions Among U16 Players.

Konarski, JM, Konarska, A, Strzelczyk, R, Skrzypczak, M, and Malina, RM. Internal and external loads during Hockey 5's competitions among U16 players. J Strength Cond Res 35(11): 3199-3206, 2021-The purpose of the study was to characterize the external and internal loads associated with Hockey 5's, the modified small-sided format of competition for U16 field hockey introduced in 2014. Subjects were 10 males, 15.2-16.3 years, who were field players on the U16 Polish National Team. A GPSports Athlete Tracking System was used to estimate external loads (sprints, total distance), and a Polar Team2 unit was used to monitor internal loads (heart rate [HR] and energy expenditure [EE]) during active time of play for 8 field players in 2 international matches. Players covered, on average, a distance of 2,217 ± 178 m during a match including 614 ± 12 m sprinting at 8.1 ± 0.8 km·h-1 with a speedmax of 23.1 ± 1.1 km·h-1. HRmean was 170.5 ± 6.6 b·min-1, whereas HRmax was 184.9 ± 6.4 b·min-1. Speed, sprinting, and distance covered did not differ among periods, whereas HR was greater during the second and third periods. HRmax, %HRmax, and EE varied between forwards and defenders, and among periods. Effort expended by field players during Hockey 5's games can be characterized as heavy. The results highlight the need for preparation in both aerobic and anaerobic activities, which include a major speed component and adequate time for rapid recovery to facilitate the adaptation of youth players to the demands of the modified game. Although not directly comparable, comparison of internal loads during Hockey 5's and 11-a-side matches suggests more intensive activity of field players in the former.

Testosterone and Cortisol Interact to Predict Within-Team Social Status Hierarchy among Olympic-Level Women Athletes

The dual-hormone hypothesis posits that social status is positively related to testosterone levels when cortisol levels are relatively low and negatively related to testosterone levels when cortisol is high. In the present study, we test this hypothesis with Olympic-level women athletes using a novel status-hierarchy generation task that establishes rank-order among teammates along three dimensions: leadership ability, popularity, and skill. Participants completed the hierarchy generation task and then, testosterone and cortisol levels were obtained from samples provided on a neutral-day baseline and immediately prior to competing in an international match. The interaction between cortisol and testosterone predicted social status among teammates for both baseline and pre-match samples. Specifically, there was a negative association between testosterone and status for those who were relatively high in cortisol. These results provide support for the dual-hormone hypothesis using a new, ecologically valid method for determining rank-order among members of a social group, in a special population of women athletes competing at the highest level of their sport.

A hybrid random forest to predict soccer matches in international tournaments

Abstract In this work, we propose a new hybrid modeling approach for the scores of international soccer matches which combines random forests with Poisson ranking methods. While the random forest is based on the competing teams’ covariate information, the latter method estimates ability parameters on historical match data that adequately reflect the current strength of the teams. We compare the new hybrid random forest model to its separate building blocks as well as to conventional Poisson regression models with regard to their predictive performance on all matches from the four FIFA World Cups 2002–2014. It turns out that by combining the random forest with the team ability parameters from the ranking methods as an additional covariate the predictive power can be improved substantially. Finally, the hybrid random forest is used (in advance of the tournament) to predict the FIFA World Cup 2018. To complete our analysis on the previous World Cup data, the corresponding 64 matches serve as an independent validation data set and we are able to confirm the compelling predictive potential of the hybrid random forest which clearly outperforms all other methods including the betting odds.

English Football in Teams in Inter-War Romania: Football and International Exchanges in the 1930s

The development of football in interwar Romania can be noticed in many ways: the growth in the number of teams and players, the growing football audiences, the increased number of international matches played abroad and at home by the national team and also by the Romanian club teams. In this respect, it is no accident that the Romanian national football team attended all the interwar editions of the World Cup (1930, 1934, and 1938). The aim of this article is to analyse the contacts between the Romanian and English interwar football, materialized through the close season tours of several English football teams in Romania (Oxford City, 1927; Liverpool, 1936; Leicester City, 1937 and Preston North End, 1938). These tours represented a great opportunity to assess the level of Romanian football and were also a good propaganda for sport and football during those times. Likewise, these tours prepared the first international match between Romania and England, played in Bucharest in 1939. Some comparisons with similar situations of other sports practiced in interwar Romania are also invoked.

The perceptions of elite professional footballers on the International Match Calendar: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACTThe aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of elite professional footballers on various dimensions related to the International Match Calendar. A cross-sectional design by means of a survey was conducted among male elite professional footballers playing in national teams and/or continental competitions. The survey questions were formulated during two expert meetings with football stakeholders (including players), covering the following dimensions: number of matches and related recovery, influence of travelling, and in- and off-season breaks. A total of 543 elite professional footballers completed the survey (response rate: 36%), of whom 55% were playing in their national teams. Around 35–40% of the participants reported playing too many matches per season with an insufficient number of recovery days in between. Nearly two-thirds of the participants reported that travelling had a significant negative impact on their recovery, performances and/or health. Elite professional footballers were in favour of an in-and off-season break lasting 14 days and 5 weeks, respectively. The findings of our study suggest that there is a need to review the International Match Calendar and implement measures in elite professional football to empower the players’ recovery and performances.

Played Out on the Edges of the Cricket Boundary: The History of an Indian Cricket Team in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe, 1934–1995

Cricket was a colonial export that permeated throughout most of the British Empire, including Zimbabwe. One of the colonised groups to take up cricket was the Indian migrant community in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. This article examines the history of the community’s sports club and its cricket players, exploring the evolution of the team from its espousal of settler-colonial values in the self-governing colony of Southern Rhodesia, to the claiming of an Indian identity during the years of the Central African Federation, and finally towards an integration with independent Zimbabwe’s national sporting culture. It also argues that Indian representation in first-class cricket meant that international matches could become a space for Indian-Zimbabwean cricketing fans to express either national or transnational identities in the teams they chose to support, transgressing the limits of a single national identity. But just as Indians entered the country’s consciousness as citizens of the post-colonial state, the brief moment that had allowed them space in a multiracial civic society was cut off. In the conflict between black and white, Indians were once again rendered invisible.