2014fwc_tsg_report_15082014_neutral

4 Foreword
Eugenio Figueredo
Chairman of the Organising Committee
for the FIFA World Cup
Dear friends of football,
Attacking football, breathtaking goals and vibrant
crowds were at the heart of the 2014 FIFA World Cup
Brazil.
The “spiritual home of football” welcomed visitors
from all over the world for an unforgettable fiesta
that will live long in the memory of football fans
everywhere. From the opening match played at the
Arena de São Paulo on 12 June to the epic final at the
Maracanã on 13 July, football brought the crowds in
the stadiums and the millions of viewers around the
world following the action on TV and digital platforms
to their feet.
After seven years of intensive teamwork by FIFA, the
LOC, the Brazilian government and the Host Cities,
the stage was set for the world’s best players to shine,
and shine they did, putting in some magnificent
performances.
This Technical Report, produced by the experts of the
FIFA Technical Study Group (TSG), not only represents a
key insight into the main tactical and technical trends
that marked the tournament but also an educational
tool for all 209 member associations. Indeed, we will
engage all confederations in a series of conferences in
order to share with them the knowledge and findings
accumulated by the FIFA TSG during the 2014 FIFA
World Cup.
As such, besides being FIFA’s flagship event, the FIFA
World Cup is also a unique platform that enables us
to further develop the game and inspire those who
are responsible for coaching and educating future
generations of talented players.
The fact that the total number of goals scored at
the 2010 FIFA World Cup (145) was reached with
12 matches to go and that Brazil 2014 had the second
highest average attendance in World Cup history gives
a clear picture of the resounding success of the event.
Eugenio Figueredo
Chairman of the
Organising Committee
Jérôme Valcke
FIFA Secretary General