FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Matchday 1 - Player of the Match - FIFA Training Centre

The first two of the day's four matches were played in San José's Alajuela Morera Soto Stadium in front of a vocal and colourful crowd. The matches in Group A were also played in Costa Rica's capital, in the Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica.

Over the course of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, our Technical Study Group (TSG) are taking a closer look at the official "Player of the Match" and their performances.

Player of the Match: (11) Linda Caicedo (COL)

Caicedo started the match on the left wing for Colombia, and was hugely influential in how they executed their game plan. Colombia played in a compact, narrow, low block, looked to frustrate Germany, and executed extremely fast counter-attacks when they won the ball back. Caicedo was extremely effective as the outlet for her team, constantly taking up clever positions to receive the ball in 1v1's against isolated defenders. Her direct running and positive forward play caused real problems for Germany's defence.

Former German international striker Anja Mittag was part of our Technical Study Group observing the game, and she was impressed with Caicedo's influence on her team's performance. “Colombia had a clear game-plan, and they were so disciplined in how they executed it. They played in a low block and counter-attacked fast, and Germany struggled to break the low block down”, Mittag said.

“Caicedo was fast, technical, creative, very good in 1v1's, and always wanted to play on the front foot. She was always a threat and was involved in all Columbia's attacking play.” The winger played a part in the winning goal, which was scored by Mariana Muñoz with just three minutes of normal time remaining.

“She did not seem to have many defensive responsibilities, but after Colombia scored, she worked hard for her team, even though she was very tired and seemed to be carrying an injury right at the end,” said Mittag. “She gave a great performance and we are looking forward to seeing her again,” she concluded.

Player of the Match: (7) Natalia Mauleón (MEX)

The second match in Group B saw New Zealand and Mexico play out a 1-1 draw. Mexico dominated many aspects of the game, but New Zealand were resolute defensively, and dangerous on the counter-attack.

The opening goal came against the run of play, and from a counter-attack, when Grace Wisnewski's shot deflected wickedly off Mexico defender Carol Cázares and goalkeeper Celeste Espino was unable to keep it out. Just before half-time, Mexico levelled when Anette Vázquez got a toe to a loose ball, and it was enough to poke it into the net for the equaliser.

Mónica Vergara, head coach of Mexico's senior women's national team, was observing the game as part of the Technical Study Group. “Overall, the result was disappointing for Mexico because statistically they really dominated the game, but they did not finish their chances”, she said. But she had high praise for winger Natalia Mauleón, who was named Player of the Match for her influence on the game from an attacking and defensive perspective.

“She was a very good player in 1v1 situations”, Vergara said. “She played for the team when they needed her to defend. In attack, she was fast and technical.”

Player of the Match: (7) Luany (BRA)

Attention then switched to the Estadio Nacional, where the opening matches of Group A took place.

First up was a hugely entertaining game between Spain and Brazil, in front of a crowd of 9,819. Despite there being no goals in the match, both teams produced some high-quality football and created some big chances.

Our Technical Study Group selected Brazil’s attacking midfielder Luany as the Player of the Match. She was excellent in possession, and showed great desire to get on the ball. According to Anja Mittag, “She worked hard defensively, had very good movement with and without the ball and was very athletic and strong in her duels. She was fast and dynamic when she got on the ball.”

“She always wanted the ball, was always looking for it. As soon as she played it, she was moving again to get it back. She was a player I really enjoyed watching because you can see she loves what she's doing on the pitch,” added Mittag.

Player of the Match: (10) Daniela Galic (AUS)

The last game on matchday 1 was played in front of a huge home crowd as host nation Costa Rica took on Australia. 22,506 attended, creating a fantastic atmosphere. The home team responded, opening the scoring when Alexandra Pinell scored a stunning goal with a direct strike from a long-range free kick.

Australia equalised from the penalty spot as Sarah Hunter converted after Abigail Sancho was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area. Shortly afterwards, Australia took the lead when Bryleeh Henry got the final touch after Daniela Galic provided the assist.

The third goal came from a Hana Lowry corner, when Kirsty Fenton got the final touch at the back post to make it 3-1. A key aspect of Australia’s winning performance was the combination play of their three midfield players, and particularly of No.10 Daniela Galic. Her link-up play and the way she was able to play herself out of very tight spaces caught the eyes of our Technical Study Group.

Speaking about her performance, Mònica Vergara said, “She just did the simple things in the game really well. She is always looking around the pitch, her awareness of where she is in relation to the opposition goal and players is exceptional.”

“She plays between the lines and Costa Rica found it very difficult to pick her up. She caused big problems for them as she has high game intelligence”, added Vergara.