Differences in Game Statistics Between Winning and Losing Football Teams in Malaysia Super League: A Pilot Study

The aim of this study was to identify specific performance indicators to distinguish winning and losing football teams in the Malaysia Super League (MSL). Eight selected games from the 2012 season were analyzed. The studied variables were divided into three groups, which were related to goals scored (shot on goal, shot off goal, total shots), related to offenses (fouls committed, offside received, crosses, corners), and related to defenses (fouls received, offside committed, yellow cards, and red cards received). Data were analyzed using the Sportcode gamebreaker software. The results showed shots on goal had a significant difference between winners and losers (Z = −2.375, p = 0.018, p < 0.05), while no significant differences were found with the other study variables. The paper presents values that might be utilized as references to plan and assess projects and likewise for creating future groupings.