Change of direction with the ball preceding goals in high-level men’s football matches: action-level characteristics and positional differences

Abstract

This study examined action-level characteristics of change of direction with the ball (COD-B) preceding goals in high-level men’s football and further analysed positional differences. Fifty-three knockout-stage matches from the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, 2020 and 2024 UEFA European Championships, and 2020/21–2024/25 UEFA Champions League were analysed using video-based notational analysis. COD-B preceding goals was identified within the final team possession preceding each goal, with individual ball possessions as coding units. Eight action-level COD-B variables were quantified across 136 final team possessions and 814 individual ball possessions, and analysed using generalised linear mixed models and cumulative link mixed models. COD-B occurred in 97 final team possessions (71.3%) and 219 individual possessions (26.9%). Across all positions, COD-B occurred significantly more often without deceptive actions and without physical contact, and COD-B angle was significantly concentrated in lower-angle categories within 0–90°, especially 0–30°. Single COD-B and COD-B on reception showed similar patterns across positions. Significant positional effects were observed only for COD-B direction and COD-B with direct defensive pressure. These findings may provide a match-contextual reference for using relatively consistent foundational test content across positions in COD-B tests intended to reflect this context.