Group F: Korea DPR, Netherlands, Argentina, Costa Rica

This group was dominated by Korea DPR, who have been very impressive in their relentless attacking play supported by solid defensive foundations. They topped the group with the Netherlands second, while Argentina also advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after a hard-fought win over Costa Rica in their final group game. All teams competed strongly with some really gritty performances and impressive team mentalities.

In possession
Using a 1-4-4-2 shape, Korea DPR dominated the ball and were extremely well drilled in their attacking phases of play. They could vary their game, as they were capable of building from the back and generating quick counterattacks in the opposition half. Their work-rate was exceptional in addition to their ability to change the tempo of their games using fast one-touch combinations or taking players on 1v1. They were equally effective at using wide areas to generate attacks as they were at breaking lines centrally and were very effective at getting players into the penalty area to attack crosses or space in behind. Individually, their players are technically excellent with proficiency in a wide range of skills.

Out of possession
They also used their 1-4-4-2 shape when they did not have the ball, preferring to operate in an organised mid-block, applying aggressive pressure in midfield and wide areas. When they lost the ball, their players were quick to respond, applying direct pressure and counter-pressure from all directions, as well as counterattacking quickly when they won it back.

In possession
This team are very settled in the attacking style, consistently using a 1-4-2-3-1 formation with a variety of build-up patterns. Their defenders are very proactive at joining the attacks, with full-backs inverting or centre-backs stepping into midfield. Both right-back Louise Van Oosten (2) and left-back Emma Frijns (5) are adaptable in how they join the attacks, getting into the final third to deliver crosses. Attacking midfielder Robine Lacroix (10) is very effective when her team look to penetrate centrally, and she makes attacking runs to create overloads on the opposition’s defensive line. The Netherlands like to build centrally and in wide areas while they will also switch play diagonally to access space in behind early. 

Out of possession
When they don’t have the ball, they operate in the same shape as when in possession, looking to allow their opponents to build play as far as the halfway line before engaging their press. Because of their expansive shape when in possession, they have a lot of work to do to recover to a compact shape when they lose the ball, which can leave them a little disjointed and open in the early phase of an opposition counter-attack. However, once they have recovered to their defensive shape, they are more effective.

In possession
Using a 1-4-1-2-3 shape, Argentina have been most effective when counter-attacking or attacking using a direct approach to access wide channels or space in behind early.  Forward Kishi Nuñez (9) works extremely hard for the team, chasing down hopeful balls and holding the ball up to bring her team-mates into play. Her desire sometimes leads her to creating goal-scoring chances from nothing while right-winger Denise Rojo (17) acts as an out-ball option in transition and she is affective at getting Argentina up the pitch because if her ball-carrying skills.

Out of possession
When they don’t have the ball, Argentina utilise a 1-4-1-4-1 low/mid-block but sometimes struggle to get their compactness quickly enough. They like to send their opponents into wide areas and press from there, looking to counter-attack with fast, forward passes when they win the ball back.

In possession
The continued development of Costa Rica at U-20 level was evident in their approach to building their play and how they combined when operating in the final third. Using a 1-4-4-2 their goalkeeper was very connected to their centre-backs, constantly offering to receive, and being an active part in build-up patterns. In Sheika Scott (10) and Alexa Herrera (7), they have two players with strong technical ability who can move the ball effectively with clever changes in direction and 1v1 attacking skills.

Out of possession
Using a 1-4-4-2 they work very hard to make life difficult for the opposition when they do not have the ball. They understand when it’s appropriate to press high, but also when it’s better to retreat and to play in a mid-block. They compete strongly for second balls and want to counter-attack quickly when they can. After struggling to contain Korea DPR, they competed well for long spells of their other two group stage games.