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A. The action that performed before the goal in open play. B. The kind of set play that performed before the goal. * Denotes statistical difference with the other subcategories

A. The action that performed before the goal in open play. B. The kind of set play that performed before the goal. * Denotes statistical difference with the other subcategories

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The purpose of this study was to compare time period and patterns of goal scoring in four UEFA Champions League (UCL) tournaments (2013-2017). All matches (n=500) of the four Champions League tournaments were recorded using video and analyzed with the software Sportsscout. Chi-square methods were used for the data analysis and the level of signific...

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Context 1
... these four UCLs, the most goals scored after combinations or crosses and these two subcategories showed the most significant differences with the other subcategories of open play (cutbacks, diagonals, running with the ball, long range shots, forward passes, defensive errors, own goals) (Figure 2A). A statistical analysis between the subcategories of set plays (corners, free kicks-direct, free kicks-indirect, penalties, throw-ins) showed significant differences in all UCLs. ...
Context 2
... statistical analysis between the subcategories of set plays (corners, free kicks-direct, free kicks-indirect, penalties, throw-ins) showed significant differences in all UCLs. In the category of set plays, the most goals were scored after corners and penalties in comparison with the other subcategories ( Figure 2B). B. The kind of set play that performed before the goal. ...
Context 3
... these four UCLs, the most goals scored after combinations or crosses and these two subcategories showed the most significant differences with the other subcategories of open play (cutbacks, diagonals, running with the ball, long range shots, forward passes, defensive errors, own goals) (Figure 2A). A statistical analysis between the subcategories of set plays (corners, free kicks-direct, free kicks-indirect, penalties, throw-ins) showed significant differences in all UCLs. ...
Context 4
... statistical analysis between the subcategories of set plays (corners, free kicks-direct, free kicks-indirect, penalties, throw-ins) showed significant differences in all UCLs. In the category of set plays, the most goals were scored after corners and penalties in comparison with the other subcategories ( Figure 2B). B. The kind of set play that performed before the goal. ...

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... According to international literature, one of the most popular actions in high-level matches, apart from the combination play (Mitrotasios & Armatas, 2014), is the cross (Michailidis et al., 2018). Analysing the 2018 World Cup matches, Vergonis et al. (2019) concluded that one in five goals scored in them came from a cross. ...
Article
Full-text available
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.
... Notational analysis has been the primary tool for capturing athletic, tactical, and physical performance levels of players and entire teams for several years [18,19], whereas the digital revolution has significantly altered the landscape of performance analysis [18]. Numerous studies have addressed performance analysis and have explored goal-scoring patterns across different soccer tournaments and championships, such as the World Cup, the Women's World Cup, the European Championships, and various national leagues in Europe [5,12,20,21,22,23,24,27,29]. These studies have revealed variations in goal-scoring methods, game-related statistical indicators, and styles of play among different European leagues, such as those in Italy and Spain [24]. ...
... Additionally, a style of play varies among different European leagues, e.g., Spanish teams choose a combination game, while Italian teams lean towards a defensive approach, often scoring from set plays [23,25,26]. Several studies have also highlighted the influence of a first goal on a match's outcome [20,27]. Moreover, most goals tend to be scored in the second half of a game, especially during the last 15 minutes [20,27]. ...
... Several studies have also highlighted the influence of a first goal on a match's outcome [20,27]. Moreover, most goals tend to be scored in the second half of a game, especially during the last 15 minutes [20,27]. However, other relevant researchers [3] did not find statistically significant differences and such temporal patterns in the Greek "Super League" 2007-2008. ...
Article
Introduction. Technical-tactical patterns can be pivotal for athletic success. Aim of Study. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively analyze game-related performance indicators (PI) in the Greek soccer league (Super League Interwetten) during the 2020-2021 season, encompassing both offensive and defensive statistics across the regular season, the playoffs and the playouts. Material and Methods. The sample included 254 matches among 14 teams, categorized into three levels based on their final ranking: Level 1 (L1), Level 2 (L2), and Level 3 (L3). For this study non-parametric statistical tests to evaluate the impact of performance indicators on teams’ final ranking were applied, specifically the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results. Significant differences were observed in goals scored per half-time and per 15-minute of gameplay, with highranked teams (L1) outperforming L3 teams, particularly in the first half and during the second quarter (15-30 min) of the game. In terms of offensive and defensive play, L1 teams demonstrated a more possession-oriented approach, characterized by higher number of total passes, shorter pass lengths, and more frequent deep completions and touches in the penalty area. Defensively, L1 teams conceded fewer goals and faced fewer shots, suggesting more effective defensive strategies. Additionally, differences in set play execution were noted, with L1 teams obtaining more corners, having a preference for short passes and targeting specific areas during corners. Conclusions. The findings of this study highlight the importance of a dynamic, possession-based style of play in achieving higher rankings in the Greek soccer league. The results underscore the significance of efficient offensive strategies, organized defensive tactics and strategic use of set play in soccer performance and teams’ success.
... Notational analysis has been the primary tool for capturing athletic, tactical, and physical performance levels of players and entire teams for several years [18,19], whereas the digital revolution has significantly altered the landscape of performance analysis [18]. Numerous studies have addressed performance analysis and have explored goal-scoring patterns across different soccer tournaments and championships, such as the World Cup, the Women's World Cup, the European Championships, and various national leagues in Europe [5,12,20,21,22,23,24,27,29]. These studies have revealed variations in goal-scoring methods, game-related statistical indicators, and styles of play among different European leagues, such as those in Italy and Spain [24]. ...
... Additionally, a style of play varies among different European leagues, e.g., Spanish teams choose a combination game, while Italian teams lean towards a defensive approach, often scoring from set plays [23,25,26]. Several studies have also highlighted the influence of a first goal on a match's outcome [20,27]. Moreover, most goals tend to be scored in the second half of a game, especially during the last 15 minutes [20,27]. ...
... Several studies have also highlighted the influence of a first goal on a match's outcome [20,27]. Moreover, most goals tend to be scored in the second half of a game, especially during the last 15 minutes [20,27]. However, other relevant researchers [3] did not find statistically significant differences and such temporal patterns in the Greek "Super League" 2007-2008. ...
Article
Introduction. Technical-tactical patterns can be pivotal for athletic success. Aim of Study. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively analyze game-related performance indicators (PI) in the Greek soccer league (Super League Interwetten) during the 2020-2021 season, encompassing both offensive and defensive statistics across the regular season, the playoffs and the playouts. Material and Methods. The sample included 254 matches among 14 teams, categorized into three levels based on their final ranking: Level 1 (L1), Level 2 (L2), and Level 3 (L3). For this study non-parametric statistical tests to evaluate the impact of performance indicators on teams’ final ranking were applied, specifically the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results. Significant differences were observed in goals scored per half-time and per 15-minute of gameplay, with highranked teams (L1) outperforming L3 teams, particularly in the first half and during the second quarter (15-30 min) of the game. In terms of offensive and defensive play, L1 teams demonstrated a more possession-oriented approach, characterized by higher number of total passes, shorter pass lengths, and more frequent deep completions and touches in the penalty area. Defensively, L1 teams conceded fewer goals and faced fewer shots, suggesting more effective defensive strategies. Additionally, differences in set play execution were noted, with L1 teams obtaining more corners, having a preference for short passes and targeting specific areas during corners. Conclusions. The findings of this study highlight the importance of a dynamic, possession-based style of play in achieving higher rankings in the Greek soccer league. The results underscore the significance of efficient offensive strategies, organized defensive tactics and strategic use of set play in soccer performance and teams’ success.
... Notational analysis has been the primary tool for capturing athletic, tactical, and physical performance levels of players and entire teams for several years [18,19], whereas the digital revolution has significantly altered the landscape of performance analysis [18]. Numerous studies have addressed performance analysis and have explored goal-scoring patterns across different soccer tournaments and championships, such as the World Cup, the Women's World Cup, the European Championships, and various national leagues in Europe [5,12,20,21,22,23,24,27,29]. These studies have revealed variations in goal-scoring methods, game-related statistical indicators, and styles of play among different European leagues, such as those in Italy and Spain [24]. ...
... Additionally, a style of play varies among different European leagues, e.g., Spanish teams choose a combination game, while Italian teams lean towards a defensive approach, often scoring from set plays [23,25,26]. Several studies have also highlighted the influence of a first goal on a match's outcome [20,27]. Moreover, most goals tend to be scored in the second half of a game, especially during the last 15 minutes [20,27]. ...
... Several studies have also highlighted the influence of a first goal on a match's outcome [20,27]. Moreover, most goals tend to be scored in the second half of a game, especially during the last 15 minutes [20,27]. However, other relevant researchers [3] did not find statistically significant differences and such temporal patterns in the Greek "Super League" 2007-2008. ...
Article
Full-text available
Introduction. Technical-tactical patterns can be pivotal for athletic success. Aim of Study. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively analyze game-related performance indicators (PI) in the Greek soccer league (Super League Interwetten) during the 2020-2021 season, encompassing both offensive and defensive statistics across the regular season, the playoffs and the playouts. Material and Methods. The sample included 254 matches among 14 teams, categorized into three levels based on their final ranking: Level 1 (L1), Level 2 (L2), and Level 3 (L3). For this study non-parametric statistical tests to evaluate the impact of performance indicators on teams’ final ranking were applied, specifically the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results. Significant differences were observed in goals scored per half-time and per 15-minute of gameplay, with highranked teams (L1) outperforming L3 teams, particularly in the first half and during the second quarter (15-30 min) of the game. In terms of offensive and defensive play, L1 teams demonstrated a more possession-oriented approach, characterized by higher number of total passes, shorter pass lengths, and more frequent deep completions and touches in the penalty area. Defensively, L1 teams conceded fewer goals and faced fewer shots, suggesting more effective defensive strategies. Additionally, differences in set play execution were noted, with L1 teams obtaining more corners, having a preference for short passes and targeting specific areas during corners. Conclusions. The findings of this study highlight the importance of a dynamic, possession-based style of play in achieving higher rankings in the Greek soccer league. The results underscore the significance of efficient offensive strategies, organized defensive tactics and strategic use of set play in soccer performance and teams’ success.
... According to international literature, one of the most popular actions in high-level matches, apart from the combination play (Mitrotasios & Armatas, 2014), is the cross (Michailidis et al., 2018). Analysing the 2018 World Cup matches, Vergonis et al. (2019) concluded that one in five goals scored in them came from a cross. ...
Article
Full-text available
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.
... This analysis of tactical behavior provides critical information for coaches to enhance team preparation and predict the technical and tactical behavior of the opponent team (La Rose, 1988). Numerous researchers have studied various soccer competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, World and European soccer cups, and national leagues of different countries (Alberti et al., 2013;Anwar et al., 2022;Augste & Prestel, 2021;Bamplekis et al., 2021;Bekris et al., 2013;Clemente et al., 2012;Coppola et al., 2019;Diaz-Serradilla et al., 2023;González-Ródenas et al., 2015;2019;Gouveia et al., 2023;Izzo et al., 2020;Michailidis et al., 2013Michailidis et al., , 2018Michailidis et al., , 2023Mitrotasios et al., 2019;Oliva-Lozano2023;Plakias et al., 2022Plakias et al., , 2023bPlakias et al., , 2023cRumpf et al., 2017;Stafylidis et al., 2022;Tousios et al., 2018;Vergonis et al., 2019;Wang & Qin, 2020;Zainuddin et al., 2022). Reep & Benjamin (1968) analyzed 578 matches from 1953 to 1967 and 48 World Cup matches from 1954 to 1966, discovering that six out of ten goals were scored after recovery of ball possession in the attacking third. ...
Article
Full-text available
In team sports such as soccer, the percentages derived from game-related statistics can offer coaches valuable insights into a team's competitive potential and performance. This research aimed to assess the offensive strategies of soccer teams, focusing specifically on crosses originating from the sides with the intention of reaching the penalty area. Methods: Thirty-two soccer matches were meticulously observed, with a detailed analysis of long passes (crosses) occurring outside the penalty area, targeting a player positioned within the penalty area. The soccer field was divided into four zones (a, b, c, d). Zone "a" encompassed the left side and the exterior of the penalty area, zone "b" covered the right side of the penalty area, zone "c" extended to the right side and behind zone "b", and zone "d" spanned the left side and behind zone "a" up to the center of the field. The teams played with similar formation (4-4-2). Statistical analysis included frequencies, cross tabs analysis and Chi-squared (goodness of fit) tests. Results: In total, 672 crosses were analyzed, of which 424 (63.1%) were successful and 248 (36.9%) were unsuccessful (p≤0.05). Most of the crosses (227, 33.8%) were performed from zone "a" (p≤0.05), 176 (26.2%) from zone "b", 118 (17.6%) from zone "c" and 151 (22.4%) from zone "d". The analysis revealed that most successful crosses were performed from the left side (zone "d" = 70.8% and zone "a" =68.3%, p≤0.05), the least successful crosses were made from zone "d" (29.14%) and most unsuccessful crosses were made from zone "b" (48.3%). Conclusion: Regarding the success of the crosses performed, the majority of the crosses were performed from the side zones just outside the penalty area. Specifically, the crosses performed from the left side had been more effective than the right ones. Thus, a reorientation in the direction of training is needed to improve players' ability to perform successful crosses from both sides of the field outside the penalty area, in order to perform more effectively during the soccer matches.
... Most goals were scored in the last 15 min of a match. There are same findings found by many previous research of major professional competitions: UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, French Football League 1, Italian Seria A, Spanish football Liga (Alberti et al., 2013;Durlik and Bieniek, 2014;Michailidis et al., 2018;Zhao and Zhang, 2019). ...
Article
Full-text available
The aim of this study was to elucidate pattern of attacking actions leading up to goal scoring during the 14 FIFA World Cups from 1966 to 2018. The study analysed 1881 goals scored during a total of 732 matches. We employed observational methodology design. Before goal analysis began, it was developed the observing protocol in which data related to selected variables, by system of notation, was entered after reviewing each individual goal scoring action. The analysis of all video material was carried out independently by four experienced examiners (three of them are Ph.D in sports science and one is Ph.D. candidate in sports science with at least 7 years of coaching and experience as analyst in football). The inter-and intra-observer reliability presented good level of agreement. The kappa values ranged from 0.82 (goal scoring through open play) to 1.00 (action leading up to goal), showing a very high agreement for all performance variables. Interclass correlation was very high (ICC = 0.966, 95% upper and lower confidence intervals were between 0.933 and 1.00). A statistically significant trend (p < 0.05) from 1966 to 2018 was identified towards a higher relative frequency of goals scored from set play and collective actions from open play. The Chi-square did not reveal significant differences in the frequency of goal scoring patterns and goal-scoring zones. The results also revealed that the majority of goals were scored between the 76th and 90th minutes of a match (22.7%), from open play (70.5%), inside the penalty area (54.7%), one touch finishing (62.5%), and collective attacks in open play (55.8%). These findings may provide a possible strategic direction for improving goal-scoring performance in football, as well as practical implementation in World Cup tournament preparation.
... Most goals were scored in the last 15 min of a match. There are same findings found by many previous research of major professional competitions: UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, French Football League 1, Italian Seria A, Spanish football Liga (Alberti et al., 2013;Durlik and Bieniek, 2014;Michailidis et al., 2018;Zhao and Zhang, 2019). ...
Article
Full-text available
The aim of this study was to elucidate pattern of attacking actions leading up to goal scoring during the 14 FIFA World Cups from 1966 to 2018. The study analysed 1881 goals scored during a total of 732 matches. We employed observational methodology design. Before goal analysis began, it was developed the observing protocol in which data related to selected variables, by system of notation, was entered after reviewing each individual goal scoring action. The analysis of all video material was carried out independently by four experienced examiners (three of them are Ph.D in sports science and one is Ph.D. candidate in sports science with at least 7 years of coaching and experience as analyst in football). The inter-and intra-observer reliability presented good level of agreement. The kappa values ranged from 0.82 (goal scoring through open play) to 1.00 (action leading up to goal), showing a very high agreement for all performance variables. Interclass correlation was very high (ICC = 0.966, 95% upper and lower confidence intervals were between 0.933 and 1.00). A statistically significant trend (p < 0.05) from 1966 to 2018 was identified towards a higher relative frequency of goals scored from set play and collective actions from open play. The Chi-square did not reveal significant differences in the frequency of goal scoring patterns and goal-scoring zones. The results also revealed that the majority of goals were scored between the 76th and 90th minutes of a match (22.7%), from open play (70.5%), inside the penalty area (54.7%), one touch finishing (62.5%), and collective attacks in open play (55.8%). These findings may provide a possible strategic direction for improving goal-scoring performance in football, as well as practical implementation in World Cup tournament preparation.
... years. Four did not report participant age at all (Bradley et al., 2014;Carling & Dupont, 2011;Michailidis et al., 2018;Obmiński et al., 2017). Most studies (55%) exclusively involved male participants, and only two included sex-based analyzes (Bradley et al., 2014;Finkenzeller et al., 2019). ...
... In 27% of studies (n = 13), fatigue was induced by mental exertion, all of which used non-specific protocols: 10 used a Stroop test (Alder et al., 2021;Badin et al., 2016;Coutinho et al., 2018;Gantois et al., 2020;Kosack et al., 2020;Kunrath, Nakamura, et al., 2020;Smith et al., 2016;Trecroci et al., 2020;Van Cutsem et al., 2019;Weerakkody et al., 2021) and three used social media and/or video games (Fortes et al., 2019;Fortes et al., 2020;Fortes et al., 2021). In 22% of studies (n = 11) in which fatigue was induced by combined physical and mental exertion, 91% (n = 10) featured a sport-specific task, either fulllength matches (Bradley et al., 2014;Carling & Dupont, 2011;Kempton et al., 2013;Michailidis et al., 2018;Murphy et al., 2013;Nedelec & Dupont, 2019;Rampinini et al., 2009;Sepahvand et al., 2017;Skein et al., 2013) or small-sided games (R. Wilson et al., 2021), and the other one used a non-specific laboratory-based design in which the physical and mental parts were completed in sequence (Alder et al., 2021). ...
... Figure 6 displays how perceptual-cognitive task performance was affected by fatigue, based on how the authors of each study interpreted their results. When there was a negative effect, fatigue induced by physical exertion (Alder et al., 2019;Alder et al., 2021;Barte et al., 2020;Bonnet, 2021;Bouhlel et al., 2014;Browne, 2019;Chmura et al., 1997;Chmura & Jusiak, 1994;Chmura & Nazar, 2010;Coutinho et al., 2018;Del Percio et al., 2009;Donnan et al., 2021;Faro et al., 2020;Finkenzeller et al., 2019;Goble & Christie, 2017;McMorris et al., 2000;Mullen et al., 2019;Obmiński et al., 2017;Parkin et al., 2017;Parkin & Walsh, 2017a;Redman et al., 2021;Royal et al., 2006;Thomson et al., 2009;Zarrouk et al., 2016), mental exertion (Alder et al., 2021;Badin et al., 2016;Coutinho et al., 2018;Fortes et al., 2019;Fortes et al., 2020;Fortes et al., 2021;Gantois et al., 2020;Kosack et al., 2020;Kunrath, Nakamura, et al., 2020;Smith et al., 2016;Trecroci et al., 2020;Van Cutsem et al., 2019;Weerakkody et al., 2021), or a combination (Bradley et al., 2014;Carling & Dupont, 2011;Kempton et al., 2013;Michailidis et al., 2018;Murphy et al., 2013;Nedelec & Dupont, 2019;Rampinini et al., 2009;Sepahvand et al., 2017;Skein et al., 2013;R. Wilson et al., 2021) accounted for 41% (n = 11; 330 participants), 44% (n = 12; 198 participants), and 15% (n = 4; 53 participants), respectively, of instances. ...
Article
Perceptual-cognitive performance is fundamental for the anticipation and decision-making demands of open-skill sports but may be disrupted by fatigue. This scoping review aimed to describe what is known about the effects of fatigue on perceptual-cognitive performance among open-skill sport athletes. Six databases were systematically searched. Articles were included if they involved open-skill sport athletes, a perceptual-cognitive task assessed on two or more occasions, and induction of acute fatigue confirmed by a manipulation check. Sixty-seven studies, chapters, and reviews were included. In 51% of studies, fatigue was induced through physical exertion, with the rest by mental exertion (27%), or a combination of physical and mental exertion (22%). Only 35% of studies involved sport-specific exertion to induce fatigue, and 29% included measures of participants’ subjective ratings that confirmed the presence of fatigue. Forty-seven percent of perceptual-cognitive tasks were sport-specific, and just 19% assessed perceptual-cognitive performance simultaneous to the fatigue-inducing exertion. Negative, positive, and no effects of fatigue on perceptual-cognitive performance were reported, and these equivocal findings may be attributable to methodological discrepancies between studies. Future research should include more sport-specific designs, as well as stressors other than fatigue, such as environmental and psychosocial stressors.
... In particular, most goals are scored from open play rather than set play (Armatas & Yiannakos, 2010;Michailidis et al., 2018;Michailidis et al., 2013a;Michailidis et al., 2013b;Mitrotasios & Armatas, 2014;Njororai, 2013;Njororai, 2004;Tousios et al., 2018;Yiannakos & Armatas, 2006), while there are also differences in the style of play (Mundstock et al., 2021;Papadopoulos et al., 2021), e.g., Spanish teams build up their offensive game mainly on a combination game, whereas the Italian teams have a defensive style of play and score mainly from set play (Papadopoulos et al., 2021). Additionally, several researches indicated the effect of the first goal in the final result of the match (Michailidis, 2014;Michailidis et al., 2013b;Mitrotasios & Armatas, 2014;Tousios et al., 2018), likewise for the Greek Soccer League (Armatas et al., 2009a). ...
... Additionally, several researches indicated the effect of the first goal in the final result of the match (Michailidis, 2014;Michailidis et al., 2013b;Mitrotasios & Armatas, 2014;Tousios et al., 2018), likewise for the Greek Soccer League (Armatas et al., 2009a). Moreover, many studies examined the time period of the game, in which goals were achieved (Armatas et al., 2009a;Armatas & Yiannakos, 2010;Michailidis et al., 2018;Mitrotasios & Armatas, 2014;Njororai, 2013;Njororai 2004;Yiannakos & Armatas, 2006). The majority of goals was scored during the 2nd half of the match and particularly during the last 15 minutes (Armatas et al., 2009a;Michailidis et al., 2018;Mitrotasios & Armatas, 2014;Njororai, 2013;Njororai 2004;Yiannakos & Armatas, 2006). ...
... Moreover, many studies examined the time period of the game, in which goals were achieved (Armatas et al., 2009a;Armatas & Yiannakos, 2010;Michailidis et al., 2018;Mitrotasios & Armatas, 2014;Njororai, 2013;Njororai 2004;Yiannakos & Armatas, 2006). The majority of goals was scored during the 2nd half of the match and particularly during the last 15 minutes (Armatas et al., 2009a;Michailidis et al., 2018;Mitrotasios & Armatas, 2014;Njororai, 2013;Njororai 2004;Yiannakos & Armatas, 2006). The home advantage did not have a significant impact on the final result of the games in some soccer competitions (Michailidis et al., 2013a), while on the other hand some researches mentioned that home teams regained possession of the ball nearer to the offensive third (Almeida et al., 2014), had greater number of shots inside the penalty area (Armatas & Pollard, 2014) and better performance in ball possession, goals scored from set play and fouls committed (Gómez et al., 2018). ...
Article
Problem Statement: Goals scored from open play or set play and performance indicators in soccer have been mostly investigated separately. Purpose: The present study aimed to analyze game-related performance indicators and goals scored from set play and open play, in the 2020-2021 Greek soccer league. Methods: In total, 140 goals scored from open play and 82 from set play (222 goals) were analyzed. The analysis of performance indicators and goals has been conducted using data from all 91 matches of the first round in the 2020-2021 Greek Soccer League. Results: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in goal scoring from open play (63.06%) and set play. During the 2nd half of the game 61.71% of goals were achieved. The fewest goals (9.01%) were scored during the first 15 minutes of the game, whereas most goals (30.63%) were scored during the last 15 minutes (75-90+’). Statistically significant (p < 0.05) lower averages were found in the game-related performance indicators of the winning teams in the defensive game and higher in the offensive compared to drawing teams and losing ones. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were also observed in the performance indicators in the offensive game (ball possession%, corners, total shots and shots on target) and in the defensive game (red cards, total shots and shots on target received). Furthermore, home advantage had an impact on game-related statistics, while achieving the first goal is essential for the teams’ success. Conclusions: It is crucial for the teams’ success to score the first goal in the match, while players should be prepared by the coaching staff to cope better with fatigue in the last minutes of the game, as well as to be more effective in set play.