For the last four decades, the FIFA
Technical Study Group (TSG) has analysed matches at international
tournaments and highlighted the latest trends in the game. The
decision to establish a panel of experts to study matches at FIFA
World Cup™ finals was taken in 1965. The group's first
assignment came at the 1966 finals in England.
The TSG's priority is to observe teams in matches and
training sessions. Initial impressions are fleshed out in a series
of in-depth conversations, with the objective of prompting
discussion and an exchange of views.
FIFA's Technical section is headed by Jean-Paul Brigger,
former Swiss international (33 caps, 3 goals), Swiss domestic
league champion with FC Sion and the country's Player of the
Year in 1992. He is also a five-time winner of the Swiss Cup and
was named Swiss coach of the year in 1995.
The information is collected in a report made available to
FIFA member associations afterwards as a development tool. DVDs
containing visual support materials for training programmes are
also distributed. The material aims to enhance and promote
day-to-day activity on the training ground. The key goals are
raising quality thresholds and promoting individual player
development.
TSG reports are by no means confined to factual match
analysis. The TSG is deeply involved in sparking debate on matters
such as the impact of restricted preparation ahead of major
tournaments on individual player performance, or the pro and contra
positions regarding passive offside. The TSG issues summaries and
recommendations which are forwarded to the relevant
decision-makers.
Another hot topic is the role of national teams in an
increasingly global game. Major tournaments tend to confirm a very
strong popular identification and focus on national teams. The TSG
undertakes a wide range of tasks, but the fundamental priorities
remain the same: to continue the development of the world's
best loved sport.
