An inferential and contextual analysis of goal-scoring mechanisms in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v78.118720Keywords:
AFC Asian cup 2023, contextual analysis, football performance analysis, goal-scoring mechanisms, open playAbstract
Introduction: the analysis of goal-scoring mechanisms is essential for understanding offensive performance in elite football. the 2023 continental tournament offered an appropriate competitive context for examining these patterns from an inferential and contextual perspective.
Objective: the objective of the study was to analyze goal-scoring mechanisms in the 2023 Asian cup of the Asian football confederation, focusing on mode of play, offensive actions, tournament phase, match timing, and their contextual relationships.
Methodology: a descriptive analytical design was employed. all goals scored during the tournament were examined through systematic observation using the Wyscout performance analysis platform. goals were classified according to open play and set-piece situations, finishing mechanisms, competitive phase, and time of scoring. inter-observer reliability procedures were applied, and univariate inferential statistical analyses were conducted.
Results: the findings indicated a significantly higher frequency of goals from open play compared with set-piece situations. clear structural differences were observed between the two modes of scoring, with set-piece goals concentrated in a limited number of actions. open-play goals showed an uneven distribution, with crosses and long-range shots contributing a higher proportion.
Discussion: these findings were aligned with previous studies emphasizing the dominance of open play, while also revealing greater dependence on set-piece actions during knockout phases and under increased competitive pressure.
Conclusions: the study showed that goal scoring in elite Asian football combined open-play predominance with context-driven tactical adjustments, offering practical implications for offensive training and match preparation.
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