## 4 Discussion  
The current research focused on analysing the effect of halves on technical performance and physical demands. Our study's results indicate that, concerning technical performance, no significant differences between halves were found for goalkeepers, wingers, and forwards. However, significant declines were observed in the number of ball contacts, releases per minute, and possessions per time among central defenders, lateral defenders, and central midfielders. Regarding the observed physical demands, it was noted that in out-field players, there was a significant decline in total distances covered at different speed thresholds, as well as a decrease in the number and distance of acceleration measures, most of which were lower in the second halves compared to the first, irrespective of playing positions (see Figure 2A,B for better comprehension). We note that central and lateral defenders, along with central midfielders, showed a decline in the number of technical actions and overall involvements during the second halves compared to the first. However, goalkeepers, wingers, and forwards maintained similar levels of technical performance throughout both halves. These findings are consistent with a study conducted during the English Championship season, which reported that match-specific factors led to a reduction in total possessions and the number of passes during the second half of matches [16]. Additionally, these results align with another study conducted in the Italian Serie A league, which found a decline in certain technical scores, such as involvements with the ball, short passes, and successful short passes, from the first to the second half [17]. Figure 2: _Cont._In soccer, the decline in technical actions among central defenders, lateral defenders, and central midfielders from the first to the second halves of matches can be attributed to a combination of physical, physiological and tactical factors. Scientific studies have shown that as matches progress, players experience fatigue due to the continuous physical demands of the game [18]. This fatigue can lead to a decrease in cognitive function and decision-making ability, which are crucial for executing technical actions, such as accurate passing, intercepting passes, and maintaining positional discipline [19]. Additionally, central defenders, lateral defenders, and central midfielders often bear the brunt of defensive responsibilities, requiring them to cover large areas of the field and engage in frequent physical duels with opponents. As fatigue sets in, these players may become less effective in their defensive duties and less inclined to contribute to attacking plays [20], resulting in a decline in technical actions in the second half. Conversely, goalkeepers, wingers, and forwards are less affected by the fatigue-induced decline in technical actions due to differences in their movement pattern, physiological demands and tactical roles. Goalkeepers typically engage in intermittent bouts of intense activity, such as diving saves and commanding their defensive line, but they experience fewer continuous running demands compared to outfield players [21]. Wingers and forwards, on the other hand, often rely on short bursts of speed and explosive movements to create scoring opportunities, which may be less affected by fatigue than the sustained running and defensive efforts of central defenders and midfielders [22]. Moreover, the  
Figure 2: (**A**) Summary figure. Variables with significant differences between halves can be observed for technical variables. (**B**) Summary figure. Variables with significant differences between halves can be observed for physical load variables. tactical roles of these players often prioritise attacking contributions over defensive responsibilities, allowing them to conserve energy and maintain their technical proficiency throughout the duration of the match [23].