Analysis Of Goal Scoring Patterns And Its Association With Match Outcome In The 2019 Gold Cup

The goal is the most important indicator in a soccer game and is associated with sport performance. The way, the moment, and the circumstances in which it is achieved are varied. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the goal scoring patterns and determine its possible association with the match outcome in the 2019 Gold Cup. Through observational analysis, 96 goals scored in 31 matches were analyzed and categorized. Chi-square tests were applied to analyze associations between scoring patterns and match outcome, as well as to determine difference in the categories. The results show that 80.2% of the tournament goals were scored by the winning teams, 13.5% by the losing teams and 6.3% in matches that ended drawing. Teams scoring first won significantly more games than when scoring second (58.5% vs 7.3% respectively). 62.5% of the goals were scored in the second half, mainly between minutes 60-75. 61.5% of the goals were by organized attacks, 16.8% by counter-attacks, 21.7% by set-pieces. Forwards scored 42.6% of the goals. 90.4% were obtained within the penalty area. In conclusion, there was an association between the scoring order and the match outcome. In addition, the identification of these scoring patterns can help to design training sessions to enhance team performance.