Could physical, technical, and tactical variables differentiate the top players of the 2018 FIFA World Cup?

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the difference between tactical, technical, and physical variables in selected and unselected top players of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Methods: A sample data of 1049 soccer players were collected by the multiple-camera computerised tracking system. Subsequently, data were analyzed and divided into two groups: selected (man of the match and top 10 players of the World Cup) and unselected players (other players). Twenty-six performance variables were used to assess tactical (passing), technical (goals, assist, shots, and fouls), and physical variables (height, distance covered, distance with and without the ball, number of sprints, maximal speed, and intensities zone 1 [low] to 5 [high]). Results: The selected players had more tactical (performed and completed more long, middle, and short pass), technical (goal for, assist, shots, shots on goal, fouls committed on them), and physical variables (covered more distance and distance with the ball, more sprints, greater speed and distance in low intensity [zone 1]). However, they were shorter in height and covered less distance in moderate intensity [zones 2 and 3] when compared to unselected players (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that the selected players have more tactical, technical, and physical variables than the unselected players. Our findings could be used as a trustworthy tool (performance variables) to characterize the top players of the World Cup.