Tactical indicators associated with the creation of scoring opportunities in professional soccer

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe how scoring opportunities emerge in professional soccer, taking into account offensive tactical indicators and the position of the opposing team. 335 team possessions that lead to scoring opportunities during the 16 matches corresponding to the knockout rounds of the soccer World Cup 2010 were analyzed. From each possession, 15 tactical dimensions were evaluated by means of observational methodology by using the REOFUT instrument. The results indicate that 61.2% of scoring opportunities were created by organized attack, 18.8% through counterattack and 20.0% by means of set play. Organized attack started in opponent non-invasion zones (63.4%), performing a non-penetrative action (76.2%) and making 4 or more passes (62.0%). Counterattack started in opponent invasion zones (71.4%) performing a penetrative action (76.2%) and making 3 or less passes (67.8%). Scoring opportunities produced by means of counterattack took place in more invasive zones (p = 0.023) than those produced by organized attack, although for both of them the Opponent Back Zone was where more scoring opportunities were produced (42.9% vs. 36.1%, respectively). In set plays it was highlighted corner kicks (49.3%) and free kicks (44.3%). Tactical indicators such as the type of attack, the level of opponent invasion, the initial penetration and pass number should be taken into account for the analysis and training of the possession development in soccer. Besides this, the opponent back zone is critical for the culmination of the scoring opportunities in professional soccer.