The purpose of the research was to describe the football playing structure during the 2002 World Cup, including presentation of Polish national teams game as compared to the top teams and indication of factors determining effectiveness of players (teams). The research material consisted of detailed data collected during observation of 27 matches played during the World Cup. The total analysed game time amounted to 2345 minutes. During the observation of the matches, we observed playing activities of 496 players, with most of them observed a number of times. For the purpose of the research we used data sheet prepared on our own. This data sheet utilises game observation methods used in Poland and in Germany. The sheet was used to record the following ball handling activities: shots at the goal, passes, 1x1 play in defence and in attack, taking over of the ball and slide tackle. These ball handling activities were recorded based on whether they were performed on own half or the opponent's half of the field. In the research we also used FIFA's studies concerning the issue of player assessment during the World Cup. Statistical analysis of the results was performed with the use of Statistica 6.0 software. Based on the research results it was found that the average number of ball passes in a game made by one team was 376.2, with accuracy of approximately 79%. The most accurate ball passes included: crosswise . 86.9%, short . 90.4% and after reception of the ball . 84%. The least accurate ball passes included: perpendicular . 74%, long . 56.1% and passes without reception of the ball . 73.7%. Analysis of ball passes depending on where they were made, showed the accuracy of passes on own half of the field was 89.8%, while accuracy of passes on the opponents half of the field was . 71.7%. As far as shots on the goal were concerned, we analysed´617 shots, including . 277 accurate ones (44.7%) and 59 scoring shots; effectiveness indicator: 9.6%. Right foot shots accounted for 47% of all shots, with 43.4% accurate ones and 7.7% scoring ones. Left foot shots accounted for . 35.8% of total shots, including 47.1% of accurate shots and 8.2% of scoring shots, headers accounted for 17.2%, with accuracy at the level of 42.9% and 14.2% of scoring shots. 1x1 game involved 175 tackles per game, with effectiveness of 52% in defence and 48% in attack. Accuracy in 1x1 tackles was greater in the case of foot tackles (52.2%) than it was in the case of headers (42.9%), however it was quite the opposite in defence . accuracy of headers was 58.2%, with foot tackles being at the level of 48.3%. As far as ball taking over activities were concerned, there were 3620 tackles; in 81.9% of the cases ball was taken over by overtaking, and in 18.1% being slide tackles, half of which were successful (47.7%). Most of ball losses resulted from inaccurate passes . 66.6%, with the remaining 33.4% of the losses resulting from: dribbling (13.8%), ball reception (9.8%), off side (4.3%) and drive (4%). Following detailed analysis of actions resulting in scoring of goals, it was found that most goals were scored after actions involving 1 to 3 passes, with 3 to 4 participating players. Such actions lasted no longer than 15 seconds. We also found that there was an area from which most goals were scored (central sectors of the penalty field). Goals from this place were usually scored without reception of the ball. Based on the obtained results, it was found that 1x1 tackles in attack and in defence were different between individual teams. Payers of the winning teams were significantly better that those of the losing teams. Significant differences were found in (p<0.001) 1x1 game, in attack as well as in defence between the winners and the losers. The same level of significance was found in the case of differences in the effectiveness of shots on the goal. A slightly smaller . yet significant . advantage of the winners over the losers was found in the case of ball passes and accuracy of shots (p.0.05). As a result of the tests it was possible to characterise the structure of football playing by world's top teams. The obtained data have formed a pattern of player's technical and tactical activities allowing for making a reference with respect to requirements that must be met in the modern football in order to succeed.
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