The effect of a succession of matches on the physical performance of elite football players during the World Cup Brazil 2014

The aim of the current study was to examine the influence of playing multiple games with a short recovery time between matches on physical activity in elite football. The variation of physical performance (overall distance, walking and light-intensity running, moderate-intensity running, high-intensity running and Sprint) of players during the group stage in the World Cup Brazil 2014 was examined. Footballers played three consecutive matches separated by 4 days. Altogether, 301 physical performance profiles were examined (Central Defenders (CD) = 57, External Defenders (ED) = 59, Central Midfielders (CM) = 61, External Midfielders (EM) = 56, and Forwards (F) = 68). Data were collected using a computerized multiple-camera tracking system (Prozone). No differences were found across the three matches in the distance covered in Sprint, HIR, MIR and Light-IR. External and Central Midfielders reported significant differences in the overall distance covered or that covered in MIR and HIR (p<0.05), however there is not a clear tendency of how playing multiple games modified their physical performance. In conclusion, fixture congestion had no, or very limited, influence on physical performance in elite football players. This indicates that, to a certain extent, top players can cope with a busy match schedule without underperforming.