Abstract Aim: In this study, we sought to analyze the influence of the quality of opposition on players’ performance of Club Atlético de Madrid (ATM) 2016/2017. For that, the Golden Index (GI) formula was applied to identify and rank the Golden Players of ATM when playing against opponents of different quality levels. Methods: GI formula variables were collected through notational analysis and three global adjacency matrices were constructed to record all successful ball-passing actions performed. Next, the matrices were imported to SocNetV to collect the network centrality metrics. To uniformize each variable, the statistical standardization technique was applied to all variables. ATM opponents were classified into three groups: high-level (n=4), medium-level (n=2) and low-level (n=2), according to their classification in La Liga and participation in the final stage of UEFA Champions League 2016/2017. Results: Koke was considered the Golden Player playing against high-level teams, while opposing low-level opponents he was ranked as second. Against medium- and low-level teams, Antoine Griezmann was considered the Golden Player, but was not classified in the three first positions against high-level opponents. Yannick Carrasco and Filipe Luís were ranked in the second and third positions, respectively, when playing against high- and medium-level opponents. Also, Saúl Ñíguez obtained the third higher index against low-level teams. Conclusions: This study evidenced that players’ individual performance is influenced by the quality of the opposition. Additionally, the GI formula proved to be a potent tool in analyzing player’s performance in attacking plays in Football.

Tactical behavior could be affected by changes in small-sided game (SSG) formats. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of different pitch lengths during 7-a-side SSGs played by young football players. Fourteen male soccer players in each age group (13 and 14 years old, U13 and U14 teams) were divided in two teams of seven players who played four SSGs of 7 minutes, interspersed with 4 minutes of passive recovery. The only modification to the SSG format was pitch length: 60 m (SSG60), 50 m (SSG50), 40 m (SSG40), and 30 m (SSG30), while the width of the field was kept constant at 40 m. The variables used to characterize collective behavior were grouped in a) intra-team variables, namely, team length (L), team width (W), effective area of team play or convex hull (CH), and stretch index (SI); and b) inter-team variables, namely distance between centroids (DC), length of both teams (L2), width of both teams (W2), convex hull of both teams (CH2), and stretch index of both teams (SI2). Our results revealed different intra and inter-team behaviors according to SSG format and player age. L, CH, SI, DC, L2, CH2, and SI2 all increased with increasing pitch length, while W and W2 showed only minimal changes. The differences were greater in the U13 group, suggesting that younger players were more likely to vary their collective behavior in response to changes to pitch length, inter-task, particularly in the longer pitches (SSG50 and SSG60). Conversely, using the analysis of the entropy, greater unpredictability of tactical behavior was observed in the U14 group, intra-task, compared with the U13 group. Overall, the findings suggest that responses to task constraints, such as modifications to pitch length and accordingly relative area of play, are dependent on age (experience, skill) and this is something coaches should consider when designing SSGs to develop team tactics.

El comportamiento táctico puede verse afectado por los cambios en los formatos de juegos reducidos (SSG). El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la influencia de diferentes longitudes del terreno de juego en formatos SSG-de-7 jugadores en jóvenes futbolistas. 14 jugadores masculinos de fútbol en cada grupo de edad (13 y 14 años, U13 y U14, respectivamente) se dividieron en dos equipos de siete jugadores, quienes jugaron en cuatro SSGs de 7 minutos de duración, intercalados con 4 minutos de recuperación pasiva. La única modificación en el formato SSG fue longitud del terreno: 60 m (SSG60), 50 m (SSG50), 40 m (SSG40) y 30 m (SSG30), mientras que la anchura del campo de 40 m se mantuvo constante. Las variables utilizadas para caracterizar el comportamiento colectivo se agruparon en: a) variables intra-equipo, es decir, la longitud del equipo (L), ancho del equipo (W), el área efectiva de juego del equipo o convex hull (CH), y el strech index (SI); y b) las variables inter-equipo, es decir, la distancia entre los centroides (DC), la longitud de los dos equipos (L2), la anchura de los dos equipos (W2), envolvente convexa de los dos equipos (CH2), y el índice de estiramiento de los dos equipos (SI2). Los resultados revelan diferentes comportamientos intra e inter-equipo de acuerdo al formato de SSG y la edad del jugador. Las variables L, CH, SI, DC, L2, CH2, y SI2 aumentaron con el incremento en longitud del terreno, mientras que W y W2 mostraron sólo cambios mínimos. Las diferencias fueron mayores en el grupo U13, lo que sugiere que los jugadores más jóvenes fueron más propensos a variar su comportamiento colectivo en respuesta a los cambios de alargar el terreno de juego, inter-tarea, especilamente en los campos más largos (SSG50 y SSG60). Por el contrario, utilizando el análisis de la entropía, mayor imprevisibilidad de comportamiento del equipo se observó en el grupo U14, intra-tarea, en comparación con el grupo U13. En general, los resultados sugieren que las respuestas a la limitación de las tareas, tales como la modificación de la longitud del espacio y el espacio relativo de juego, son dependientes de la edad (experiencia, habilidad) y esto es algo que los entrenadores deben tener en cuenta al diseñar los SSGs para desarrollar comportameintos tácticos colectivos.

Abstract This study analyzed the influence of rules manipulation on offensive patterns in different Small-Sided and Conditioned Games (SSCGs). Fourteen young soccer players (13.82 ± 1.94 years) performed two different SSCG formats (6v6+Gk): Maintenance of Ball Possession Game (MPG) and Progression to the Target Game (PTG). Both games were played on a field 52 m long by 32 m wide. We used the Offensive Sequences Characterization System (OSCS) and SoccerEye software to analyze offensive sequences. For statistical analysis, we used the Mann-Whitney test to compare variables that compose the OSCS between the two SSCGs, while the SDIS-GSEQ software allowed us to detect offensive patterns. We concluded that the rule manipulation of SSCGs influenced changes in teams' offensive patterns, in which they self-organized according to manipulation of key task constraints.

Soccer dynamics have evolved in response to environmental factors such as match status, type of competition, and competition stage. Observational analysis has shed light into the behavior of players, but few researchers have looked at the complexity of the interactions between players and their teams over time. Here we investigated the variables influencing the patterns of play and the evolution of tactical and technical behaviors through the last three decades. A retrospective inferential study was applied. SoccerEye observational instrument and recording software were used to observe and record 45 matches and 6791 attacks from European and World Cup semi-finals and finals between 1982 and 2010. Publicly available broadcast footage was used for the analysis. Generalizability theory was used as the basis of the statistical analysis. The patterns of play changed by 31.4% from 1982 to 2010. Team dynamics were influenced by match status (28.0%), competition stage (26.5%), and game period (18.1%). During the last decade (2002-2010), teams tended to use less the dribble and running with the ball but to increase long passing rate. During 2002-2010 decade, the frequency of attacks down the wings was higher than in 1982-2000, probably a result of the numerical disadvantage of the attacking team in the area of play. Soccer dynamics have changed towards more teamwork and less individual work over the last 30 years. However, not only time, but also match status, competition stage, and game period have influenced the patterns of play.

A dinâmica do jogo de Futebol tem evoluído devido a fatores ambientais como o resultado, o tipo e a fase da competição. Através da utilização da análise observacional, verificou-se que o comportamento dos jogadores tem vindo a alterar-se. Contudo, escasseiam investigações acerca das interações entre os jogadores e as equipas ao longo do tempo. Neste estudo analisaram-se as variáveis que parecem influenciar a evolução tática e técnica dos jogadores de Futebol ao longo das últimas três décadas. Utilizaram-se os instrumentos de observação e de registo SoccerEye para registar 45 jogos e 6791 ataques referentes às meias-finais e finais dos Campeonatos da Europa UEFA e do Mundo FIFA de Futebol entre 1982 e 2010. Utilizou-se a teoria da generabilidade como a base para a análise estatística dos dados. Os padrões de jogo alteraram-se em 31.4% desde 1982 até 2010, enquanto o resultado, a fase da competição e o período do jogo influenciaram em 28.0%, 26.5% e 18.1% as alterações, respetivamente. Entre 2002 e 2010, utilizou-se menos o drible e a condução de bola e, inversamente, aumentou-se a utilização do passe longo, i.e., predomina atualmente um jogo mais coletivo. Já a quantidade de ataques pelos corredores laterais aumentou relativamente ao período 1982-2000, como consequência da desvantagem numérica no centro do jogo. Não obstante o fator tempo ser o maior responsável pelas alterações dos padrões de jogo ao longo dos últimos 30 anos, o resultado do jogo, a fase da competição e o período do jogo parecem também ter influenciados.

La dinámica del fútbol ha evolucionado como respuesta a factores ambientales tales como el resultado de los partidos, tipo y etapa de la competición. La metodología observacional ha permitido analizar el comportamiento de los jugadores, pero pocos investigadores han examinado las interacciones entre los jugadores y los equipos a lo largo del tiempo. En este trabajo se ha investigado acerca de las variables que influyen la evolución de los comportamientos tácticos y técnicos a lo largo de las tres últimas décadas. El instrumento de observación construido y el programa informático SoccerEye permitieron observar y registrar 45 partidos y 6.791 ataques de semifinales y finales de las Eurocopa UEFA y de las Copas del Mundo FIFA entre 1982 y 2010. El análisis estadístico se basó en la aplicación de la Teoría de la Generalizabilidad. Los patrones de juego se modificaron en 31,4% desde 1982 hasta 2010, mientras que el resultado, la fase de competición y el período de partido influyeron en el juego en el 28,0%, 26,5% y 18,1%, respectivamente. Entre 2002 y 2010, los equipos tienden a utilizar menos el drible y conducción del balón, pero aumentó la frecuencia de pase largo. También, el número de ataques por las bandas fue mayor que en 1982-2000, y se trata probablemente de una consecuencia de la desventaja numérica en el centro de juego. La dinámica del fútbol ha cambiado hacia un mayor trabajo en equipo en los últimos 30 años. Sin embargo, no sólo el tiempo, sino también el resultado, la etapa de la competición, y el período de juego han influido en los patrones de juego.

O desempenho ofensivo de equipes de futebol de elite é influenciado por diversas variáveis situacionais como, por exemplo, o resultado momentâneo do jogo. O presente estudo teve como objetivo indagar a influência do resultado momentâneo do jogo na elaboração dos padrões ofensivos em futebol de elite, a partir da análise dos jogos das equipes semifinalistas do Campeonato do Mundo FIFA 2010. Foram observados 1938 ataques realizados pelas seleções semifinalistas do Campeonato do Mundo FIFA 2010 que, posteriormente, foram elencados de acordo com o resultado momentâneo do jogo: vitória, empate ou derrota. Utilizaram-se os softwares SoccerEye (versão 3.2) e SDIS-GSEQ (versão 5.1) para o registro e análise dos dados, respetivamente. As seleções nacionais da Alemanha, Holanda e Uruguai revelaram maior dificuldade em marcar gols quando se encontravam em desvantagem no marcador dos jogos disputados, conseguindo-os após cruzamento positivo ou infração às leis do jogo cometida pela equipe adversária. Por sua vez, a seleção nacional de Espanha tendeu a rematar à baliza adversária após passe curto, tanto em situação de derrotada como de vitoriosa. Os padrões ofensivos parecem ser influenciados pelo resultado momentâneo do jogo, com exceção para a equipa de Espanha, que utilizou um estilo de jogo indireto, independentemente do resultado momentâneo do jogo.

The attacking performance in elite soccer is a complex process that is influenced by several situational variables, such as match status. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of match status on the configuration of attacking patterns of play performed by elite soccer teams based on the analysis of matches played by the semi-finalists of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. We observed 28 matches, 7 per semi-finalist team of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, resulting in 1938 attacks, further ordered according to match status (winning, drawing or losing). The SoccerEye observational instrument, SoccerEye recording software (version 3.2), and SDIS-GSEQ analysis software (version 5.1) were used. The national teams of Germany, Netherlands and Uruguay showed more difficulty in scoring goals while losing the match, although they scored after a positive crossing or after a free kick committed by the opposing team. The national team of Spain tended to shoot into the opponent goal after short passing, in both losing and winning situations. We conclude that attacking patterns of play were influenced by match status in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with the exception of Spanish national team, which tended to use an indirect style of play with no dependence on match status.

Recuperar a posse de bola é o objetivo da fase defensiva em Futebol, sendo simultaneamente o primeiro momento do ataque. A identificação do local e da forma como a bola é recuperada em competições de elite, tendo em consideração a fase da competição, revela-se fundamental para o entendimento dos padrões ofensivos e do diacronismo dos eventos, permitindo o desenvolvimento de processos de treino específicos. Pretende-se caracterizar os padrões de recuperação de posse de bola, tendo em consideração a(s) zona(s) do terreno de jogo e a fase da competição, e analisar os padrões ofensivos que resultaram de cada tipo de recuperação de bola nas equipes semifinalistas do Campeonato do Mundo 2010. Utilizou-se a Metodologia Observacional através do instrumento de observação SoccerEye, do software de registro SoccerEye e do software de análise SDIS-GSEQ. Através de transmissões públicas de televisão, registraram-se 24 jogos do Mundial 2010, tendo-se obtido 1.619 ataques. A recuperação direta da posse de bola foi a forma mais utilizada. O desarme e a ação defensiva seguida de passe na zona central média-defensiva originaram oportunidades de gols. As intercepções ocorreram na zona central média-ofensiva, resultando em ataques sem eficácia, enquanto as intervenções do goleiro ocorreram na zona central defensiva sem relações significativas com comportamentos indutores de final de ataque. A configuração dos padrões de ataque é influenciada pelo modo como a bola é recuperada. O local e a forma de recuperação da posse de bola são similares quando comparadas as duas fases do Mundial 2010.

In soccer, ball recovery is the purpose of the defensive phase and it is also the first stage of the attack. Identifying how and where the ball is regained in elite competitions, taking in consideration the competition stage, is central to an understanding of the attacking patterns and of the diachronic order of events, and such knowledge can be used to develop specific drills in training. This study aims to characterize ball recovery patterns while taking into account the pitch zone(s) and the competition stage, and to investigate the influence of each type of ball recovery on the subsequent patterns of attacking play in matches played by the World Cup 2010 semi-finalists. Observational methodology and lag sequential analysis were applied, with the use of SoccerEye observational instrument, SoccerEye recording software and SDIS-GSEQ analytic software. Twenty-four matches were recorded from public TV broadcasts, yielding 1,619 attacks. Direct ball recovery was the most common form, with a tackle and defensive behaviour followed by a pass in the central mid-defensive zone resulting in goal attempts. Interceptions occurred mainly in the central mid-offensive zone inducing unsuccessful attacking patterns of play, while interventions by goalkeepers were most likely to occur in the central defensive zone with no significant associations with any ending of attack behaviours. Patterns of attacking play depend on the form of ball recovery. The pitch space and the form of ball recovery are similar when we compare both stages of the World Cup 2010.

O presente estudo pretende caracterizar e comparar os padrões de jogo ofensivos realizados pelas equipes semifinalistas do Campeonato do Mundo FIFA 2010 - Espanha, Holanda, Alemanha e Uruguai. Através do instrumento de observação SoccerEye e do "software" de registo SoccerEye (v1.0, Março 2011), recolheram-se 1938 sequências ofensivas de 28 jogos (sete por equipe) transmitidos por estações públicas de televisão. O instrumento de observação SoccerEye é constituído por sete critérios: 1) Início da fase ofensiva; 2) Desenvolvimento da Transição-Estado defesa/ataque; 3) Desenvolvimento da posse de bola; 4) Final da fase ofensiva; 5) Espacialização do terreno de jogo; 6) Centro do Jogo; e 7) Configuração Espacial de Interação. Para a análise sequencial dos dados utilizou-se o "software" SDIS-GSEQ (v5.0.77, 2010). Verificou-se que a seleção da Espanha, vencedora do Campeonato do Mundo FIFA 2010, tende a rematar à baliza adversária após passe curto positivo (z = 4,12) ou drible (z = 4,38), ambos os comportamentos realizados na zona central ofensiva (z = 3,94). A Espanha tende a marcar gols após uma ação do goleiro adversário (z = 5,95), que por sua vez resulta de um remate (z = 8,43) à baliza adversária. Conclui-se que a eficácia ofensiva das equipes semifinalistas no Campeonato do Mundo 2010 não se confina aos métodos e aos estilos de jogo utilizados, mas parece estar relacionada com a respetiva variação durante o mesmo jogo e/ou entre jogos diferentes, em resposta aos constrangimentos que o confronto com o adversário coloca.

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.