Attributes of crosses and their impact on goal scoring in soccer leagues

Abstract

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.