Who do data analysts say will win the World Cup?
Data analysis is used in many different situations, where performance matters, such as the World Cup.
How the measurements are taken
Wearable vests and straps sense the players’ moving, track their position with GPS and count the number of shots taken with each foot. Originally this was recorded manually, but now it’s usually done using computer vision. Then cameras capture headers and ball possession from various angles. This year’s World Cup makes that more visible than ever.
Clubs buy this information from commercial companies that code filmed matches to record the outcome of dribbles, passes and tackles. After that, data analysts get to work with the data.
The effects on the pitch
Insights from analysts are altering how the game is played: strikers shoot less frequently from a distance; wingers pass to a teammate rather than cross the ball and coaches focus more on winning possession high up the pitch. Intuition can now be backed up by hard data (or contradicted).
Recording data about tactics is nothing new. Football analysts have done this for a long time. What’s new is the chance to automatically collect this data and feed it into data models. Many top clubs and national squads now have data analysts working for them.
Performance improvements
At the World Cup, all the players receive a detailed breakdown of their performance from the organizers each match finishes,. That means that they can show what they did during each match and how others in their team could have helped them perform better.
Outcome prediction
Data is also used to predict outcomes, based on the analysis of offensive and defensive strengths going into the matches. For example, a mathematical model created by the University of Oxford correctly identified 6 out of 8 quarter finalists at Euro 2020.
Data’s predictions for this World Cup
The University of Oxford model correctly identified 10 out of the top 15 sides (compare that to the FIFA top rankings which identified 8). SciSports identified 11 out of the top 16 and predicted the quarter finals would be The Netherlands vs Argentina, Germany vs Brazil, England vs France and Spain vs Portugal.
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How else is data analysis being used?
One clear way data analysis is being used is in negotiations. Last year, Kevin De Bruyne negotiated his own contract extension using data analysts to prove his worth to Manchester City.
It’s also being used in set pieces. Since data analysts were brought in and could show that shooting from a particular position had a low chance of success, the number of goals being attempted from a long distance has significantly decreased.
It now helps steer player transfers, training intensity, how to target opponents and can even recommend the best direction to kick the ball in particular situations.
Who do the data analysts expect to be the winner of the World Cup?
The University of Oxford was predicting Belgium to win. SciSports predicted an England-Germany final, with Germany winning. Oh well, with the final starting in a minute it is clear not every detail can be predicted, which makes clear the predictive power of data should never be mistaken for the (single) truth. Nevertheless, it is an amazing tool to accelerate improvement to a level never seen before.
Who else can use data analysis?
Any organization that would benefit from understanding its operation better and finding its competitive edge. Often this means hiring specialists such as Helin Data. Helin supports organizations working in offshore marine, renewable energy, rental equipment, and manufacturing with edge data solutions that make their operations safer, more efficient, and lower cost.
Interested in how data can help your organization raise its performance? Contact [email protected].
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