Which defensive tactical indicators are associated with victory in the semifinals and finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup?

Abstract Aim: The objective of this study was to verify whether the match winners in the semifinals and finals of the FIFA World Cup 2014 were those who presented the highest frequency of pressing and intense behaviors in the recovery of ball possession. Methods: The sample was composed of 533 defensive tactical sequences performed by the four finalist teams in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The independent t-test was used to compare tactical indicators between winning and losing teams and the chi-square test (X2) was applied to assess the association between the variables. Results: In the first (X2 = 48.47; P < 0.01) and second halves of regular matches (X2 = 64.10; P < 0.01), the evaluated teams recovered the ball in the defensive zone. However, during the first and second periods of extra time, the highest frequencies of ball recovery were found in the middle defensive zone (P < 0.01). Conclusion: It is concluded that the semi-finalist and finalist teams from the 2014 FIFA World Cup sought to recover the ball in the defensive zone, and pressing opponent movements when they were losing the matches.摘要 研究目的：本研究旨在验证2014年国际足联世界杯（FIFA World Cup）半决赛与决赛的获胜队伍，是否为在球权夺回过程中实施最高频逼抢与高强度对抗行为的球队。 研究方法：本研究样本涵盖2014年国际足联世界杯四强球队完成的533次防守战术序列。采用独立样本t检验对比胜负两队的战术指标，并通过卡方检验（χ²）分析变量间的关联。 研究结果：常规比赛上半场（χ²=48.47；P<0.01）与下半场（χ²=64.10；P<0.01）中，受试球队均在防守区域完成球权夺回。但在加时赛上下半场，球权夺回的最高频次出现在中防守区域（P<0.01）。 研究结论：本研究证实，2014年国际足联世界杯四强球队均倾向于在防守区域夺回球权，并在赛事落后阶段对对手实施逼抢行动。