Analysis of differences in the goal kick as a set piece between the group stage and the knockout stage at UEFA EURO 2024

Title: Analysis of differences in the goal kick as a set piece between the group stage and the knockout stage at UEFA EURO 2024 Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse differences in the goal kick as a set piece between the group stage and the knockout stage of UEFA EURO 2024. Methods: This study employed the scientific method of indirect observation through video recordings of all 51 matches of the tournament, followed by an observational analysis of selected parameters of goal kick set-piece situations. To assess the significance of group differences, the effect size coefficient Hedges' g was used. Results: The results of the analysis demonstrated differences between the group stage and the knockout stage of the tournament in selected goal kick parameters. A medium effect size was found for the space of the first pass into the penalty area (Hedges'g = 0.64), with more frequent use of this option during the knockout stage. Medium effect sizes were also identified for ground passes (g = 0.54) and for first passes directed to the centre-back position (g = 0.70). The success rate of goal kicks was higher in the knockout stage (42%, mean 5.4) compared to the group stage (35%, mean 4.1; g = 0.54), while the frequency of first passes played beyond the first third of the pitch was lower in the...