Observational Methodology in soccer: Descriptive analysis of goalkeeper behavior in the process defensive, during the World Cup 2002

Abstract 0

Despite an extensive technical bibliography about soccer goalkeepers, this position has been somewhat neglected by scientific literature. In consequence, the main purpose of this study was to know how GK acts, what defensive processes he takes part and in which he is more effective. Our research focused the binomial attempt to score/GK, and GK actions in the defensive process (DF). This study observational design was multidimensional, nomothetic and sequential. The sample was formed by 47 games of the Korea/Japan 2002 FIFA World Cup, corresponding to 1150 DP coded. The GK behaviour was coded through an observational instrument - SOFGr1 and the reliability analysis of this instrument revealed high Cohen¿s K (values above 0,975 for all criteria). The data analysis was performed with SDIS-GSEQ software. The offensive processes (OP) detained by the GK was 24.1 (± 5.9) and 2.6 (± 1.3) goals were scored per game. We concluded that the GK perform either in the six yard box (42%) or outside this area (58%). In addition, the GK should be prepared to save shots from any area of the field, despite the quantity of shots that take place within the penalty box. The GK takes a very important role in the adversary OP annulment due to the score attempt anticipation. We observed that in 1150 OP, 410 OP (35.7%) expire without shot by GK intervention, either in indirect free kicks or corner kicks either in cross plays. For the two GK of the World Cup final we concluded that both were more influential in its national team¿s defensive organization because they interrupted more opposition OP than the average of all GK. For these two players a high number of OP is necessary to allow goals compared with the total of all GK; consequentially these GK show a higher percentage of efficiency.