2014fwc_tsg_report_15082014_neutral

64TrendsRodríguez and Benzema, but all of theseplayers also work hard in their own half of thepitch and put the needs of their team first.These are the key tendencies of a completemodern-day player.New era of goalkeepingIn the past, it was rare for both full-backs topush forward at the same time. Previously,one would move forward while the othertracked back to stay in defence. At thistournament, they were often deployed inadvanced areas at the same time, allowingfor width in attack and creating a number ofcrossing options (see also the number of goalsscored after passes from the flanks).As a result of the general preference forattacking football and in contrast to previouscompetitions, there was often only one playerpositioned in defensive midfield insteadof two. This player formed a triangle withthe central defenders and was also chieflyresponsible for the recovery of the ball andplaying the initial pass in counter-attackingmoves. Additionally, he was also in charge ofreorganising the team when it temporarilylost shape.Decisive strikersThe strikers at the 2014 World Cup scoredmore goals than in previous editions of thetournament.They were decisive and extremely hardworking, recording astonishing figures interms of distance run on the pitch. This WorldCup was a tournament full of exceptionalindividual performances by attacking playerssuch as Messi, Robben, Müller, Neymar,As mentioned in the technical and tacticalanalysis, there is a new era of goalkeeping inmodern football. Denying opponents scoringopportunities is no longer enough. The keeperhas to have some of the skills of an outfieldplayer in order to contribute to the build-up ofthe game, to control passes from his defenderswhen they are under pressure from opposingplayers or to intercept long balls outside of hispenalty box. Goalkeeper training has changeddrastically in recent years and now has to becompletely integrated into the training ofthe team. In this respect, special considerationhas to be given to the education and trainingof specialised goalkeeping coaches in themember associations.Brazil 2014 and its implications for thedevelopment of young playersThis competition should have a positiveinfluence on the further development ofyoung players. The matches showed thattheir training and development shouldfocus on technical skill from an early age,combined soon after with speed, strength andpsychological training. This training shouldbe complemented by coordination exercises,which are also a key element and mustbe included from an early age. Talent andtechnical skill alone are no longer sufficient.Youngsters have to work hard to becomeprofessional athletes, and even harder stillto make the leap from “potential talent” toactually becoming a “top player”. Trainingexercises that develop quick reactions inwinning and losing the ball are essential forthe development of players.Individual skill can only be effective if it is fullyin sync with the efforts and philosophy of theteam.Mental attitude is also an important aspect forthe development of the young player, as is thewillingness to sacrifice personal glory for thesuccess of the team.