Matchday 3 – Player of the Match

Members of our Technical Study Group (TSG) are attending every game of the tournament and are tasked with awarding the Player of the Match accolades. When choosing the recipient of the accolade, our experts consider the player's tactical, physical and mental contribution to their team's performance.

Player of the Match: (9) Samya Masnaoui (MOR)

Despite a strong performance and excellent organisation from hosts India, it was Morocco who claimed the three points from this Group A encounter. Technical expert Anna Signeul chose Morocco's Samya Masnouri as player of the match due to her influence from the attacking midfield position. 

Masnouri received 64 balls during the game, which was the highest of any player involved and 39 more than the match average. Her number of offers to receive was impressive as well, registering the game's second-highest tally with 57. When also factoring in Mansouri's 15 completed line breaks, it is clear that the Atlas Lionesses attacker had an eye for taking opposition units out of the game.

"She is a very technical player, is quick but also extremely hardworking. She is a playmaker, has really good vision, she sees the game and has a very good passing range. She also follows up and I really like this. She gives and goes and is always involved in the game," explained Signeul.

"She makes penetrating runs and really affects the game. Her game awareness was very high for a player her age, and this makes her a player that creates important moments," she added.  

Player of the Match: (1) Leilane (BRA)

According to technical expert Anna Signeul, this was a hugely enjoyable game to observe due the high standard produced by both teams; the game plans, technicality, game awareness and physicality were particularly impressive. At times the quality of the match was so high that it could have passed for senior-level football.

There were many eye-catching performances, but the shot-stopping display of Brazil goalkeeper Leilane stood out and earnt her the Player of the Match accolade.

"She made four really important saves in this game and was the player that made a real difference to the final score line. She was well connected to her defensive line throughout and was quick to come off her line" explained Signeul.

"She was excellent in 1v1 situations and showed great athleticism saving one shot that was just dipping under the bar. Her communication with her defensive line was also very good," she added. 

Player of the Match: (10) Alara Sehitler (GER)

Germany produced a strong performance against Chile, running out 6-0 winners. Although there were many standout players in the game, it was midfielder Alara Sehitler who claimed the TSG's Player of the Match award. Along with her goal and assist, TSG expert Tom Sermanni was also impressed with Sehitler's all-round contribution to Germany's performance.

The number 10 demonstrated an impressive work ethic as well as an attacking threat. She put in 30 defensive pressures against Chile, which was the third-highest in the match and 16 more than the average player.

According to Sermanni, "Sehitler is a gifted player with the vision and awareness to see and execute incisive passes. She is strong, confident, and comfortable in possession and has the ability to both create chances for others and score goals."

"She is an attacking midfielder who really affects the game and was involved in most of Germany's key attacking moments," he added.

Player of the Match: (17) Opeyemi Ajakaye (NGA)

In Nigeria's Group B victory over New Zealand, the TSG selected Flamingos forward Opeyemi Ajakaye as the player of the match. For Tom Sermanni, this was a classic case of a great performance not being reflected in the scoresheet.

Despite having the most attempts at goal (10) of any player in the game, Ajakaye did not score. Nevertheless, her movement, speed, creativity, and desire to attack shone through in her performance and made her a handful to defend against.

"Ajakaye is an explosive, pacy forward who loves to take players on. She has the ability to beat opponents on the dribble or with a dynamic change of pace. Her runs in behind made her a constant danger to New Zealand's defence," Sermanni explained.  

Had she been a little more clinical with her finishing, she could have been on scoresheet, but her overall performance was really good," he added.