RESUMO
The 2022 World Cup used new Enhanced Football Intelligence (EFI) data, stoppage time calculation methods and substitution rules that were introduced by FIFA. The aim of this study is to explore the effectiveness of EFI in match analysis and to identify the key indicators that influence the match and provide a reference for coaches' tactical design and training. Data were derived from the FIFA website, including EFI data for 48 matches at the group stage of the Qatar World Cup. A total of 46 indicators were used for analysis and the average values of the corresponding indicators for the different competition results were used in the analysis to identify the key index that determines the outcome of the competition. Apart from scoring more goals and having more assists, winning teams had significantly more attempts on target than drawing and losing teams (p < 0.05); Winning teams had significantly more attempts inside the penalty area, completed defensive line breaks and receptions behind the defensive line than losing teams (p < 0.05). There is no difference in possession between matches with different results (p > 0.05). Goals were significantly correlated with completed defensive line breaks and receptions behind the defensive line (r = 0.27-0.30, p < 0.01). Attempts on target was significantly positively correlated with receptions, final third entries and line breaks (r = 0.31-0.67, p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with defensive pressures applied (r = -0.35, p < 0.01). The efficiency of the offense is more important. Teams need to have more receptions, final third entries and line breaks to get more shots on target rather than possession. This study may help coaches to interpret the game from a multi-dimensional perspective and coaches can use EFI to help their teams improve their match performance.
RESUMO
Substitutions play a key role in modern football and can substantially affect the physical and overall performance of a team, and the recent substitution rule changes are worth investigating. This study explored the characteristics of substitutions, including different substitution rules, game results, sex, competition stages, tournaments and penalty shoot-outs success rates. We analysed data from a total of 3,738 substitutions from the last 10 years (2013-2023) of European Championships and World Cups, both men's and women's games. Non-parametric tests and chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis with the significance level set at p < 0.05. With the 5-substitution rule, 48% more substitutions occurred compared to the 3-substitution rule (4.26 ± 1.07 vs. 2.87 ± 0.43, p < 0.05) with a slight increase in the average substitution time (70.6 ± 14.3 vs. 69.2 ± 14.6 min, p < 0.05), and 10% more substitutions in the men's game compared to the women's game (p < 0.05). The timing of the first substitution was slightly different in the knock-out stage compared to group stage (59.8 ± 14.7 vs. 57.2 ± 13.3 min, p < 0.05), and the timing for the winning team and drawing team was later than for the losing team (p < 0.05). A total of 13.2% goals were scored by substitutes, with no significant difference between the 5-substitution rule (15.9%) vs the 3-substition rule (12.5%) (p > 0.05). Interestingly, substitute players had a lower success rate in penalty shoot-out compared to starters (61 vs. 74%, p < 0.05). Additionally, substitute player goal scorers entered the pitch later (p < 0.05) in male games compared to female games and in knock-out stage games compared to group games. This study highlights the importance of substitution rules and timing in modern elite football matches. The timing of the first substitution, introduction of substitutes in knock-out stages, and a lower success rate of substitute players in penalty shoot-outs are crucial factors to consider. Coaches can use this information to make strategic substitution decisions to improve team performance.