The Cream of the Crop: Analysing FIFA World Cup 2014 and Germany’s Title Run

Kempe, M., Vogelbein, M., & Nopp, S. (2016). The Cream of the Crop: Analysing FIFA World Cup 2014 and Germany’s Title Run. J. Hum. Sport Exerc., 11(1), 42-52. Analysis of game related statistics provides opportunities to analyse the characteristics and tactical patterns of the teams in order to improve the quality of the training and quality of the opponent’s observation. The main objective of this study was to analyse performance parameters and characterize the most successful teams on FIFA World Cup 2014, in order to describe the most relevant parameters that can improve the efficacy of the teams. In addition, we analysed the winner of the FIFA World Cup 2014 in more detail to see if and in which ways they stood out within this tournament. Analyses of variance among groups of teams were made in order to characterize the performance parameters and find differences that can explain the efficacy of the teams on competition. The results of this study could show that successful teams score more goals through open play and via set pieces. As main difference, it could be found that successful teams had more highpercentage goal scoring opportunities within the penalty area. As a general pattern, teams attacked mostly on the left side of the pitch and through the middle. The winner of the WC 2014 stood out with a high efficiency for creating high percentage goal scoring opportunities and in converting them. Germany also protruded with their free flowing and accurate passing to create their goal scoring chances. This separation in the passing statistics was quite outstanding as there was no overall difference between different success groups within the tournament.