Abstract

Aims. To describe the effectiveness presented by goalkeepers in 2014 at the South American Games (ODESUR) and in the Pan-American Championship in the male senior category, relate this effectiveness to the outcome of the matches and the final classification of their teams, and analyse the influence of the effectiveness of the goalkeepers on the probability of winning a match in these championships. Methodology. Observational methodology. Sample: 3008 throws in 32 games. Main results. Goalkeeper efficiency coefficient (GEC 0.33 and 0.31) and extended goalkeeper efficiency coefficient (EGEC 0.40 and 0.38) in both championships. Significant differences between winners and losers in positional defence (p < 0.01). Conclusions. The best results came against counterattacks, whilst the values for 7 m throws were low. Goalkeeper effectiveness was related to the result of the matches and the final ranking of their teams. Winning teams presented better values during the positional defence phases. The probability of winning a match is influenced by the effectiveness of the goalkeepers but also by the number of throws received.