Time of goal incidence in football championships: an analysis of the seven most valuable national competitions in the world during the 2021/2022 season

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the timing of goals in the major national professional football championships during the 2021/2022 season. A total of 2678 games and 7265 goals were analyzed, considering variables such as average goals per match, number of games with less than three goals, number of games with three or more goals, frequency of goals in 15-minute and 45-minute intervals, and frequency of scorelines in each competition. The results showed a higher frequency of goals in the second half of the matches, especially in the later periods. The most common scoreline was a 1-1 draw. Based on these findings, it can be inferred that the timing of goals is related to and dependent on the game time, possibly associated with a decline or imbalance in the physical, physiological, and psychological aspects of the players. This highlights the importance of coaches and trainers in preparing their teams by developing the conditioning and coordination abilities that sustain the intensity of the game, keeping the players alert and capable of fulfilling their tactical roles. These results have significant practical implications for coaches and trainers, emphasizing the need to consider the timing of the game when planning and executing strategies during matches. Understanding the trend of a higher incidence of goals in the second half allows for adjustments in training and preparation approaches to maintain player performance throughout the entire game. This comprehensive approach can contribute to better final results and potentially the success of teams in national professional football championships.