2014fwc_tsg_report_15082014_neutral

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Trends
Rodríguez and Benzema, but all of these
players also work hard in their own half of the
pitch and put the needs of their team first.
These are the key tendencies of a complete
modern-day player.
New era of goalkeeping
In the past, it was rare for both full-backs to
push forward at the same time. Previously,
one would move forward while the other
tracked back to stay in defence. At this
tournament, they were often deployed in
advanced areas at the same time, allowing
for width in attack and creating a number of
crossing options (see also the number of goals
scored after passes from the flanks).
As a result of the general preference for
attacking football and in contrast to previous
competitions, there was often only one player
positioned in defensive midfield instead
of two. This player formed a triangle with
the central defenders and was also chiefly
responsible for the recovery of the ball and
playing the initial pass in counter-attacking
moves. Additionally, he was also in charge of
reorganising the team when it temporarily
lost shape.
Decisive strikers
The strikers at the 2014 World Cup scored
more goals than in previous editions of the
tournament.
They were decisive and extremely hard
working, recording astonishing figures in
terms of distance run on the pitch. This World
Cup was a tournament full of exceptional
individual performances by attacking players
such as Messi, Robben, Müller, Neymar,
As mentioned in the technical and tactical
analysis, there is a new era of goalkeeping in
modern football. Denying opponents scoring
opportunities is no longer enough. The keeper
has to have some of the skills of an outfield
player in order to contribute to the build-up of
the game, to control passes from his defenders
when they are under pressure from opposing
players or to intercept long balls outside of his
penalty box. Goalkeeper training has changed
drastically in recent years and now has to be
completely integrated into the training of
the team. In this respect, special consideration
has to be given to the education and training
of specialised goalkeeping coaches in the
member associations.
Brazil 2014 and its implications for the
development of young players
This competition should have a positive
influence on the further development of
young players. The matches showed that
their training and development should
focus on technical skill from an early age,
combined soon after with speed, strength and
psychological training. This training should
be complemented by coordination exercises,
which are also a key element and must
be included from an early age. Talent and
technical skill alone are no longer sufficient.
Youngsters have to work hard to become
professional athletes, and even harder still
to make the leap from “potential talent” to
actually becoming a “top player”. Training
exercises that develop quick reactions in
winning and losing the ball are essential for
the development of players.
Individual skill can only be effective if it is fully
in sync with the efforts and philosophy of the
team.
Mental attitude is also an important aspect for
the development of the young player, as is the
willingness to sacrifice personal glory for the
success of the team.