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Trends 63a transition. This approach was successful25 times in the group matches (out of a totalof 136 goals during that stage). Teams fromSouth America (especially Chile and Colombia)and Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Algeria) employedfast-paced counter-attacking play particularlyoften.Flexible interpretation of playing systemsFlexibility in the interpretation of a playingsystem was another key factor that setsuccessful teams apart. Players had toassume different positions depending on thegame situation. The shape of a team witha certain line-up could change completelywith the introduction of new players whilestill applying the same system of play. To doso successfully, the new or substitute playershad to be able to integrate immediately intothe tactical shape of the team, which wasfrequently the case at this tournament (seealso the number of goals scored by substituteplayers). Successful teams tended to have anumber of excellent substitutes on the benchthat the coach could call on depending on thesituation in the game.Taking risksTeams were willing to take risks to winmatches. Their attempts and desire to scorewere more important than focusing ondefensive safety.It was also observed that the best teamswere not afraid of losing their shape for briefmoments. Such teams were rewarded morethan those who tried to keep their shape at alltimes. Since most, if not all teams adopted this“risk-taking” attitude, the result was attackingand entertaining football throughout thewhole competition.The importance of full-backs and holdingmidfieldersAs observed at the FIFA Confederations Cup,full-backs had an important role to play. Theypractically acted as wingers and providedfundamental support in the attacking areawhile the genuine wingers moved into morecentral positions to support the attackingpressure in this area.