Physical and technical demands of the extra time: a multiple FIFA World Cups’ analysis

This study examined the physical and technical demands of the 2010, 2014 and 2018 men’s FIFA World Cups with special reference on extra time. Data were collected from 69 FIFA’s open-access match reports (n= 3,238 individual players’ observations) and scaled by individual playing exposure. Players covered less total distance (TD) from the 1st half to the extra time period (r=0.17–0.27; P<0.05). Moreover, the number of sprints decreased from the 1st half to the extra time (r=0.13–0.25; P<0.01). However, substitutes who started on or came in on the match throughout the 2^nd half covered higher TD in the extra time compared to the 2nd half (r=0.11–0.43; P<0.01), and compared to starters during the 2nd half and extra time (r=0.11–0.36; P<0.05). Additionally, substitutes who started on, or came in throughout the extra time covered higher TD and performed more sprints compared to starters during the extra time r=0.12–0.23; P<0.05). Generally, no meaningful differences were observed in successful shots and dribbles between periods of the match and between starting status (P>0.05). The occurrence of extra time appeared to be detrimental to the work rate during the match, which can be counteracted by substitute players.