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Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the sensitivity of the Soccer Defending Skill Scale (SDSS) using multiple-group analysis and a structured mean model. The data were 469 defending performances in the finals of the FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan 2002TM, which were measured as distances, angles between attackers and defenders, and the number of players using 6-point interval scales. The results of multiple-group analysis indicated that the model, which had factor loading, intercept and factor correlation, and F3/F4/F6 variances invariant across Brazil and Germany, represented the best fit to the data (e.g. Tucker-Lewis index = 1.001, confirmatory fit index = 1.000, root mean square error of approximation = 0.000). Furthermore, the latent mean model comparison between teams revealed significant differences in latent mean with respect to “defence to attackers without the ball” (Brazil < Germany). We conclude that our results provide strong support for the sensitivity of the SDSS.