2014fwc_tsg_report_15082014_neutral

Technical and tactical analysis 47
11% of all goals came from corner kicks, an
unusually high number compared with other
top competitions (e.g. the UEFA Champions
League in which only 2-3% of goals are scored
from such situations). A total of 32 headed
goals were scored in Brazil 2014, six more than
in South Africa 2010. Eighteen of these goals
in 2014 were from set pieces.
The importance of set pieces has increased
tremendously and every team used this tactic
as a valuable attacking tool in their game.
Defending teams tried to avoid any kind of
free-kick situations close to their penalty box,
fully aware that they created danger.
The vanishing spray also helped to ensure
that there were no discussions, disruptions or
encroachments at free kicks.
Goalkeeping
Although the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil
was characterised by the many goals that were
scored, the goalkeeping was outstanding
at this competition too. Nowadays, there
are new characters and personalities of
goalkeepers who have gone through a new
way of training and development. They not
only perform excellently when preventing
goalscoring opportunities but especially when
contributing to the build-up of attacks by
being available to help a defender when he is
under pressure.
The modern goalkeeper acts like an additional
outfield player and is the starting point of
many attacking movements with precise
short or long passes out of defence. He
reads the game well and must be ready for
an intervention outside the penalty area to
intercept an opponent’s attack.
Good examples of this new generation of
goalkeepers were Neuer (Germany, 1), Navas
(Costa Rica, 1), Ospina (Colombia, 1), Bravo
(Chile, 1), Benaglio (Switzerland, 1), Ochoa
(Mexico, 13) and Mbolhi (Algeria, 23).
Importance of the last 15/30 minutes
One-hundred-and-six goals (out of 171) or
almost two-thirds were scored in the second
half of matches or in extra time. Eighty-two
of these goals fell either in the last 30 minutes
(33 goals between the 61 st and 75 th minutes,
and 41 between the 76 th and 90 th ) or in extra
time (eight goals) when physical fitness
became an issue for many teams. More risks
were taken, the lines were more stretched and
the teams’ all-out attacking play came to the
fore and underlined two things:
- The physical demands placed on the players
- The attacking attitude of all teams until the
very end of the game
This was yet more proof that physical fitness
was a key element at this tournament and
only those who prepared well lived up to
expectations.
Coaching and substitutions
Rarely have substitutions been as successful
as they were at the 2014 FIFA World Cup
Brazil. Thirty-two goals (19%) – compared
to 15 at South Africa 2010 – were scored
by players who came on during the match,
some immediately after entering the fray
(e.g. Klose after only two minutes versus
Ghana). Belgium and the Netherlands were
particularly successful with four goals apiece
by substitutes. Depay (Netherlands, 21) even
scored in two different matches after coming
on as a substitute.
The previous record in this respect was held by
Germany 2006 with 23 goals. The new record
speaks volumes for the quality of the coaches,
who knew exactly what was needed to win a
game, but also the quality of the players on
the bench. It also required a system of play
that enabled substitute players to find their
feet immediately.
Other reasons for the success of this tactic
were the players’ attitude in accepting their
role as a substitute and being ready to come
on at any moment, and the ability of the
coaches to keep a good spirit in the team
camp.