Influence of Match Status on Corner Kick in Elite Soccer

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze how the situational variable match status might affect tactical and strategic behavior during the execution of corner kicks in elite soccer. We studied 902 corner kicks taken during 95 matches played during the final stages of the 2012 UEFA European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. We used the Chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID) decision-tree method to identify interactions. Three models were identified. When a corner kick is taken during the last 30 minutes of the match, and the score is level, attacking teams place 2-5 players in the shooting area, while defending teams place 1-2 players between the posts. Attacking teams that are losing in this same situation place 2-5 players in a position to receive the ball, while the defending team leaves its posts undefended. Finally, when the team taking the corner kick is losing during the last 30 minutes of the match, it places 6 or more players in a position to take a shot at goal.