Are you familiar with the term “getting Concacafed” in soccer? If you’ve followed North American football for any length of time, the concept likely resonates. It’s more than just a phrase; it describes a unique, often bewildering, experience distinct to the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf). It’s a phenomenon so recognized, it even inspired ESPN contributor Jon Arnold’s newsletter, “Getting CONCACAFed.”
So, what exactly does it mean to “get Concacafed”? Imagine questionable refereeing decisions, players reacting theatrically to minimal contact, unpredictable field conditions, or facing opponents whose primary job isn’t football. These anecdotal examples paint a picture, but the term points to a deeper reality: the distinctive style of play and environment within the Concacaf region.
Concacaf is a diverse landscape, encompassing the wealthy federations of the United States and Mexico, the growing football nation of Canada (where hockey often dominates), and numerous passionate countries with vastly different resources and levels of professionalization. This mix creates a fascinating dynamic, sometimes criticized by fans of wealthier nations as complaining about the “uncultured methods” of underdogs seeking to level the playing field.
But beyond the anecdotes and criticisms, what does Concacaf soccer actually look like on the pitch, from the first whistle to the last? How does it compare, statistically, to other major competitions? Let’s delve into the data, comparing the Concacaf Gold Cup against the Copa América (South America), the Euros (Europe), and England’s Premier League (top European club standard), using data from recent tournaments and seasons.
Physicality: Where Fouls Meet Fewer Cards
One area where Concacaf stands out is its tolerance for physical contact. Data reveals that the Gold Cup averages more fouls per game than the Copa América, Euros, and Premier League. However, it registers the second-fewest yellow cards, just slightly more than the Euros.
Fouls Per Game: Highest in Gold Cup.
Yellow Cards Per Game: Second lowest in Gold Cup.
This suggests that Concacaf referees tend to allow significantly more physicality before reaching for their cards compared to their counterparts in other regions. While the Copa América has a reputation for being a “rock fight,” the statistics show fewer fouls there, alongside a much higher frequency of yellow and red cards.
Passing: Less Volume, Similar Accuracy to the Relegated?
When examining passing, interesting patterns emerge. While South American soccer (Copa América) shows some stylistic similarities to North America, European soccer (Euros, Premier League) differs significantly.
Passes Attempted: Euros teams attempt significantly more passes. Gold Cup teams average around 420 passes per game.
Passing Completion: Euros teams have the highest completion rate. Gold Cup teams complete around 82% of their passes.
Interestingly, the average passing volume and completion rate in the Gold Cup are remarkably similar to statistics posted by a relegated Premier League team in a recent season.
Another point of contrast is dribbling. Copa América teams attempt the most take-ons per game, reflecting a different approach to progression. Gold Cup squads attempt the second-fewest dribbles in the dataset, indicating less emphasis on beating opponents one-on-one compared to South American football.
Aggression: Going Direct and Transition-Heavy
Here’s where Concacaf truly carves out its own space, but not necessarily in terms of injuring opponents. “Aggression,” in this analytical context, refers to how directly teams attempt to move the ball forward. This is measured by metrics like average pass length and the number of passes attempted before taking a shot.
Concacaf teams demonstrate a more direct, “trigger-happy” approach. This style leads to:
Longer average passes.
Fewer passes per shot attempt.
This aggressive, direct play also results in a higher frequency of transitions. The ball changes hands more often (higher possessions per game) and moves up the field faster than in the other competitions studied. These possession and speed metrics closely resemble those of a high-pressing, direct Premier League team like Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola.
Shooting: Quantity Over Analytical Quality
Analytics in soccer often highlight two key principles: avoid shooting from outside the box and limit ineffective crosses. Shots closer to the goal are statistically far more likely to score, and while crosses can be effective, many lead to turnovers and headers (which are less likely goals than foot shots).
In Concacaf, these analytical insights seem less ingrained. While the Gold Cup sees a high volume of shots, their nature often defies conventional wisdom:
Frequent shots from outside the penalty area.
Lots of crosses, many potentially ineffective.
However, despite a potentially less analytically optimal shot selection, the Gold Cup often sees goals saved right around expectation. Furthermore, data on defensive pressure during shots is telling. Concacaf averages the fewest shots taken under high pressure, but the most under moderate or low pressure. This lack of intense defensive pressure on shooters likely contributes to goals being scored more frequently despite the shot locations, as players have more time and space.
What Does it All Mean for Top Concacaf Teams?
This distinctive “Concacafed” style of play poses a potential challenge for the region’s top teams like the USMNT, Mexico, and Canada, especially as they prepare for global tournaments like the World Cup. The fast-paced, transition-heavy, physically tolerant, and analytically less disciplined environment of Concacaf is significantly different from the more tactically controlled, possession-oriented, or defensively stringent styles encountered against top European or South American opposition.
Players primarily competing in Concacaf may not gain sufficient experience dealing with sophisticated defensive blocks or teams that effectively challenge possession – tactical scenarios they will surely face on the world stage. Conversely, players based in Europe spend their club seasons navigating precisely these environments.
While friendly matches against European teams can offer a glimpse of this higher tactical level, the nature of international windows and experimental lineups means they aren’t always perfect preparation.
Ultimately, the style of soccer played within Concacaf is undeniably unique. While it offers excitement and unpredictability, it also means that performance and lessons learned within the region may have only a limited translation to the demands and tactical landscapes of global tournaments like the World Cup. The experience of “getting Concacafed” is real, statistically identifiable, and a defining characteristic of North American football.
