How Important is it to Score a Goal? The Influence of the Scoreline on Match Performance in Elite Soccer. Issue 3 (December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lago-Peñas, Carlos; Gómez-López, Maite
• Is Part Of: Perceptual and motor skills. Volume 119:Issue 3(2014)
• Page Start: 774
• Page End: 784
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Subjects: Perception -- Periodicals; Motor ability -- Periodicals; Motor Skills; Perception; Psychology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 152
• DOI: 10.2466/23.27.PMS.119c32z1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-5125

Abstract

The goal of this study was to examine the effects of three different scorelines (1 Goal Up, Level Score, 1 Goal Down) on match performance indicators in elite soccer. Ball possession decreased when teams were 1 goal up. High Range Budget Clubs (HRBC) and Upper-Mid Range Budget Clubs (UMRBC) dominated possession against their opponents whether winning, losing, or drawing. Lower-Mid Range Budget Clubs (LMRBC) and Low Range Budget Clubs (LRBC) had less possession than HRBC. The probability of reaching the final one-third of the pitch decreased when teams were 1 goal up. LMRBC and LRBC had less match final third entries than HRBC. Similarly, shots on goal decreased when teams were 1 goal up. These findings could be used by coaches and match analysts when they evaluate performance and develop training drills.