Attacking efficacy and game pattern variability in soccer

Abstract

The present study aims to characterize and compare the attacking game-patterns performed by the semi-finalist teams during the FIFA World Cup 2010 - Spain, Germany, The Netherlands and Uruguay. With the use of SoccerEye observational instrument and SoccerEye recording software (v1.0, March 2011), 1938 attacks were recorded from TV public broadcasts during 28 matches (7 per team) played by the semi-finalists. SoccerEye observational instrument includes seven criteria: 1) Start of the offensive phase/Ball possession recovery; 2) Development of defense/attack Transition-State; 3) Progress of ball possession; 4) End of the offensive phase; 5) Patterns of field space position; 6) Centre of the game; and 7) Spatial patterns of teams interaction. Data analysis was performed with the use of SDIS-GSEQ software (v5.0.77, 2010). Our results showed that Spanish national team-2010 FIFA World Cup winner - tended to realize shots on target after positive short passes (z = 4.12) or dribbles (z = 4.38), both actions occurring in the central offensive zone (z = 3.94). Also, Spain tended to score goals due to an intervention of the opponent goalkeeper (z = 5.95), that is a consequence of a shot on target (z = 8.43). We concluded that successful attacking game-patterns performed by 2010 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists were not a direct consequence of similar attacking game-methods or styles of play, but probably were related to its variation during the match and/or between matches, according to the constraints created by the opponent.