The Strategy Changing Soccer
Episode Description
What if one tactical adjustment could transform an entire sport? Ryan O’Hanlon, ESPN Staff Writer, author of Net Gains, and Syracuse University instructor, explains how a simple change in set-piece strategy is reshaping soccer and influencing how teams prepare for the World Cup.
ABOUT THE EPISODE What should fans expect from the largest FIFA World Cup in history? Ryan O’Hanlon, ESPN Staff Writer, author of Net Gains, and Syracuse University instructor, joins the Wharton Moneyball team to analyze the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, assess the favorites and dark horses, evaluate the outlook for the U.S. Men’s National Team, and explain how analytics-driven innovations such as set pieces and long throw-ins are transforming soccer. The conversation also explores playoff unpredictability, tournament design, and the growing influence of analytics across sports.
ABOUT THE PODCAST Sports is a game of numbers. Wharton experts Eric Bradlow, Shane Jensen, Cade Massey, and Adi Wyner team up to tackle the world of sports, from current events to longstanding issues such as: What sports streaks are the most impressive? How do you rank the best players? Can athletes be compared across sports? Moneyball Highlights explains how decision-makers in the game can avoid the common mistakes and embrace the data. Episodes are recorded at the Wharton School.
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Brief Summary
Premier League teams are changing corner kick strategies, increasing goal scoring and sparking discussions about potential rule changes.
Key points
- Set Pieces Revolutionize Soccer. A significant increase in goals from corner kicks has sparked debate over soccer rules.
