In order to examine whether fatigue occurs in a high-level soccer match the activity profile of European top-class soccer players was studied. Seventeen players were filmed during nine competitive matches. Activity pattern and distance covered was determined by computerized time-motion analysis as previously described. The results showed a decline (P < 0.05) in total distance covered in the last 15 min of the second half compared with the four first 15 min intervals of the match (1835 ± 35, 1761 ± 35, 1755 ± 36, 1721 ± 30 m vs. 1604 ± 37 m). High intensity running, defined as all running speeds above 14 km/h, was also reduced (P < 0.05) during the last 15 min of the second half (440 ± 32, 361 ± 18, 397 ± 28, 395 ± 26 m vs. 310 ± 29 m). Likewise, the sprint distance was higher (P < 0.05) during the four first 15 min intervals (120 ± 14, 104 ± 9, 112 ± 9, 106 ± 8 m vs. 75 ± 6m). No difference (P > 0.05) in the average sprint duration was observed between the first and the second half, however, the total number of sprints declined (P < 0.05) in the second half. In an attempt to elucidate differences between players playing full-time and substitutes, twelve substitutes were included in the study. In the last 30 min of a game, the substitutes performed 18% more high intensity running and 34% more sprinting than the other players. The present study demonstrates that the distance covered by high intensity running declines significantly towards the end of a high level match, suggesting that fatigue occurs in the last period of the second half.
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Mohr et al. (2001) studied this question.