DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2016v18n6p621 The aims of the study were: 1) to analyze the exercise intensity in several phases (six phases of 15 min) of soccer matches; 2) to compare the match time spent above anaerobic threshold (AT) between different age groups (U-17 and U-20); and 3) to compare the match time spent above AT between players’ positions (backs, midfielders, forwards and wingabcks). Forty-four male soccer players were analyzed. To express players’ effort, the heart rate (HR) was continuously monitored in 29 official matches. Further, HR corresponding to the intensity at the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) was obtained in a field test. The highest exercise intensity during match was observed in the 15-30 min period of the first half (p