Game interruptions as a significant factor for scoring goals in a football match

The aim of this review paper is to determine the significance of game interruptions for scoring a goal during a football match by providing a detailed analysis of the relevant literature. The collection of compiled research articles covered the period between 2000 and 2018. The following electronic databases were used to search the relevant literature: PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, EBSCO, all referring to the period from 2000 to 2018. The search included both male and female players of different age categories. Scientific papers that were excluded from this analysis are the ones written in another language, those presenting results from the training sessions, but not from the competition matches, and the papers which did not analyze game interruptions. The results show statistically significant correlation between game interruptions and scoring a goal. The most goals were scored from free kicks, followed by corner kicks. About 30% of the goals from different competitions and games were achieved after a set play. The factors that have the highest effect on scoring goals after a set play are the number of players in the wall, a distance from the goal and the number of players in the field between the goalkeeper and the position of the free kick. The data showed little or no differences, expressed in percentages, in terms of correlation between male and female players, including both senior and junior categories. Game interruptions have a significant impact on scoring a goal. They are part of the standard game situation and as such they require special attention during analysis.