Analysis of the influence of opposition level on intensity and contextual variables related to soccer outcomes: a one-year observational study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v74.116096Keywords:
opposition, Football, contextual factor, Global Positioning System, physical performanceAbstract
Introduction and Objective. To analyze the influence of contextual factors, focusing on opposition level, on the physical performance of an elite Brazilian team over one year.
Methodology. A total of 54 matches involving 38 players from an elite Brazilian team were analyzed, resulting in 786 performance records collected via GPS during national and international competitions. Fourteen intensity variables and twelve contextual variables were considered. Spearman’s correlations were used to examine the associations between intensity variables and performance, controlling for opposition level.
Results. The goal difference was positively correlated with intensity in center-backs (ρ = 0.721, p < 0.001), full-backs (ρ = 0.638, p < 0.001), and midfielders (ρ = 0.863, p < 0.001). The total intensity of forwards was correlated with that of full-backs (ρ = 0.500, p < 0.001) and total distance covered (ρ = 0.605, p < 0.001). Mechanical load (PlayerLoad) was correlated with center-back intensity (ρ = 0.619, p < 0.001) and high-intensity distance (ρ = 0.921, p < 0.001). Sprint distance was correlated with total intensity (ρ = 0.591, p < 0.001).
Conclusions. Opposition level was associated with the team's physical demands, requiring greater defensive intensity against strong opponents and yielding better goal difference performance against moderate-level opponents.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Leandro Lima e Silva, Rodrigo Gomes de Souza Vale, Yuri Rolim Lopes Silva, Juliano Spineti dos Santos, Eduardo Borba Neves, Vicente Pinheiro Lima, Luciano Valente dos Santos, Gustavo Casimiro Lopes, Renato Tavares Fonseca, Rodolfo de Alkmim Moreira Nunes
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