Kinesiology, Vol. 45. No. 2., 2013.
Original scientific paper
Is the best defense a good offense? comparing the brazilian and italian soccer styles
Edson Filho
; Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics Center, University of Chieti, Italy
Itay Basevitch
; Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems, Florida State University, USA
Yanyun Yang
; 2Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems, Florida State University, USA
Gershon Tenenbaum
; 2Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems, Florida State University, USA
Abstract
The main purpose was to test the mythical belief that Brazilian soccer teams possess an offensive style of play while Italian teams rely on a defensive game plan. A dominant rationalization for these perceived
differences is rooted in the cultural and social differences between the two nations. Data (goals scored, goals conceded, and points per game) from international competitions (World Cup), and from the local premier
leagues (Brazilian and Italian) were descriptively and inferentially analyzed. Descriptive and inferential analyses revealed that: (1) Brazilian teams scored more goals per game than Italian teams at both the national and league level; (2) the relationship between goals scored and performance (points per game) was significant and of strong magnitude for Italian teams only (r=.84); and (3) strong defense is essential for successful performance in the World Cup for both the Brazilian and Italian national teams. Altogether, there was evidence of differences in Brazilian and Italian playing styles in regard to offensive (goals scored) and defensive (goals conceded) outcomes. Specific avenues for future directions are offered.
Keywords
soccer; expertise; cross-cultural Research; mythical beliefs
Hrčak ID:
112776
URI
Publication date:
31.12.2013.
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