Well for a game that has the largest number of admirers around the world,Soccer or Football whatever it is called doesn’t need an introduction.The game has been followed all over the world with many football leagues being played round the clock.In this great game did you ever expect the planning,thought process that happens in the dressing room to be influenced by statistics??In the modern game statistics have been playing a decisive role.We all know managers go through the statistics & analysis of players,opponents all the time.But to what extent they influence manager’s decisions is not known.

Do you still remember the UEFA 2008 finals where Manchester United emerged as the champion beating Chelsea increasing their tally to 3 UEFA wins.

Before the end result a lot has happened as the game boiled down to a penalty shootout after 1-1 draw and extra time.People feel it is unfair to decide the winner just based on penalties after each team performed equally well in the 120+ game.Keeping this aside something unusual happened in the penalties from the side of Chelsea players.

Their approach is based on the outcome of statistical analysis of an economist Ignacio on the Manchester United Goal keeper and players especially Cristiana Ronaldo.That analysis talks about Game Theory, importance of winning a toss in the penalties etc.I will not take about the complete details which has already been explained in a sportskeeda article

In the end statistics fails and psychology wins

As a rain drenched Ferguson said after holding the European cup, “That wasn’t an accident, his penalty save. We knew exactly where certain players were putting the ball.”

Psychology and statistics. Exploited by few, under-rated by many.

the article in sportskeeda and if you haven’t gone through it before try it……

http://www.sportskeeda.com/2013/08/20/a-closer-look-at-the-2008-champions-league-final-penalty-shoot-out/

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