Definition of Common Football Terms

Brief definitions for statistical terms used throughout Sportmonks data. For more detailed explanations, visit our complete glossary.

Match Statistics

Assists: A pass that directly leads to a teammate scoring a goal. Learn more

Big chance: A clear goal-scoring opportunity where a player would reasonably be expected to score based on shot location, defensive pressure, and other factors.

Clean sheet: When a team completes a match without conceding any goals. Learn more

Corners taken: The number of corner kicks awarded to a team during a match. Learn more

Shot accuracy: The percentage of shots that are on target (would result in a goal if not saved or blocked). Learn more

Ball possession: The percentage of time a team controls the ball during a match, calculated from total passes and ball touches. Learn more

Player Performance Metrics

Passing accuracy: The percentage of attempted passes that successfully reach a teammate. Learn more

Dribbling success rate: The percentage of dribble attempts where a player successfully maintains possession past an opponent. Learn more

Cross accuracy: The percentage of crosses that successfully reach a teammate in the opponent's penalty area. Learn more

Goalkeeper saves: The number of on-target shots a goalkeeper successfully prevents from entering the goal. Learn more

Defensive actions: Combined total of tackles, interceptions, and clearances made by a player. Learn more

Ball recoveries: Instances where a player regains possession of the ball for their team. Learn more

Advanced Metrics

Expected goals (xG): A statistical measure of the quality of a scoring chance, representing the probability that a shot will result in a goal based on various factors like distance, angle, and defensive pressure.

Expected assists (xA): The likelihood that a pass will result in an assist, based on the quality of the chance created. Learn more

Expected points (xPts): The predicted number of points a team should earn based on the quality of chances created and conceded. Learn more

Expected saves (xS): The number of saves a goalkeeper would be expected to make based on shot quality and placement. Learn more

Win probability: A real-time calculation of each team's likelihood of winning based on current score, time remaining, and match context. Learn more

Match Events

VAR (Video Assistant Referee): A video review system used to check referee decisions for clear and obvious errors. Learn more

Substitutions: Player changes made during a match, typically limited to 3-5 per team depending on competition rules. Learn more

Yellow cards: A caution given by the referee for unsporting behavior or tactical fouls. Learn more

Yellow-red cards: A second yellow card shown to the same player in one match, resulting in ejection from the game. Learn more

Team Analysis

Counter attack: A rapid offensive transition immediately after regaining possession, exploiting the opponent's defensive disorganisation. Learn more

Ball pressure: The intensity and frequency with which a team attempts to win back possession by pressing opponents. Learn more

Goal conversion rate: The percentage of shots or chances that result in goals. Learn more