Fatigue, or rather not optimal physical performance, may develop during high-level soccer games
I) after short-term intense periods in both halves,
II) in the initial phase of the second half, and
III) towards the end of the game.
Temporary fatigue (reduced repeated sprint performance) after intense exercise periods may be related to disturbances in muscle ion homeostasis and impaired excitation of the sarcolemma. Reduced sprint performance in the first few minutes after half-time could be due to a lowered muscle temperature at the beginning of the second half and/or a low activity level during half-time. Fatigue towards the end of the game is likely to be caused by glycogen depletion in individual muscle fibres, and under hot and humid conditions also by dehydration and concomitant hyperthermia.
Recommendations: Players should be able to recover quickly from intense periods in a game and to exercise at high-intensity for prolonged period of time. Players may also benefit from consuming a carbohydrate rich diet (8-10 grams per kg of body mass) on the days before a match.
