Descriptive and comparative analysis of the corners. UEFA Euro 2012

Abstract

Objective

Reaching a deeper knowledge (and with proper empirical support) of the corners in the top-level football. It is intended to determine the real impact of this type of actions during matches and describe what the current practices are. Then, it is intended to identify those variables that may be associated with the effectiveness of these actions.

Method

Two complementary approaches arise in the analysis of data: one univariate and other bivariate. At univariate level, it comes to describe what are the characteristics of the execution of these actions (number, form of execution…). At bivariate level, by making contingency tables (accompanied by Chi-square contrast and association measures) it will try to identify those variables that may be associated with the achieved efficiency.

Results

After registration of 345 corners executed during Euro 2012, the results indicate a low efficiency in the auction of such actions. Instead, the goals coming from corner have an important significance in the final result. To succeed in this kind of actions should intervene between three and four attackers and a dynamic offensive organization should occur.

Conclusions

The empirical data available have been worth the need for a more refined tactical work of these actions, based on partnerships between players and movements of trick.