Matchday 3 - Player of the Match

Over the course of the tournament, our Technical Study Group (TSG) are taking a closer look at the official "Player of the Match" and their performances.

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Player of the Match: (3) Kate Taylor (NZL)

A tactical opening half to this game saw Germany dominate possession without being able to break down a resolute New Zealand defensive structure. Having lost their opening match to Colombia, the German side were tentative in their play at times, and having to make two first-half substitutions disturbed their rhythm. 

New Zealand were strong defensively and dangerous on the counter-attack, so the 0-0 scoreline at the interval teed up an intriguing second half. 

The deadlock was finally broken in the 58^th minute when Germany took the lead courtesy of a perfectly directed back-post header by Clara Fröhlich from Miriam Hils' corner. Six minutes later it was 2-0, as Sophie Wiedauer converted from the penalty spot after Tupelo Dugan was adjudged to have fouled Maja Sternad in the penalty area. Then, deep into injury time, Germany got their third goal from a counter-attack, Laureta Elmazi selflessly setting up Gia Corley for a tap-in. 

Despite the 3-0 scoreline, New Zealand's defenders were brave, composed and hugely committed in their recovery defending.  That was why our Technical Study Group chose New Zealand's Kate Taylor Player of the Match. Reflecting on her performance, Anja Mittag commented, ”She defended brilliantly, her timing was excellent. She blocked shots, made crucial interceptions, but she was also involved the build-up a lot.” 

“Despite her team losing 3-0, I think it's important to recognise a player who stands out, even if they are not on the winning team. She made a big difference despite the scoreline, and her contribution should not go unnoticed.”  

Player of the Match: (3) Tarciane  (BRA)

The day's opening game in Group A suffered a weather delay in the 28^th minute due to heavy rain, which caused the pitch to become waterlogged.

The stoppage came shortly after Brazil had scored the game's opening goal. Centre-back, Tarciane's sublime switch of play landed sweetly for oncoming left-back Ana Clara. Slick combination play between Dudinha and Rafa Levis on the edge of Australia's penalty area saw Brazil get in behind the last line of defence before cutting the ball across for centre-forward Priscila, who scored with her second attempt after her initial shot was blocked. 

After the game restarted there was a great intensity to Australia's play, and a notable focus on pressing Brazil's centre-backs to stop them getting the same freedom to pass the ball they had enjoyed earlier in the game. However, almost immediately after half-time, Brazil doubled their lead when substitute Aline timed her run perfectly to beat the offside trap and score. 

One impressive aspect of Brazil's build-up play was the role of their defenders in moving the ball forward, particularly Bruninha, and Tarciane. Left-sided centre-back Tarciane's distribution and the impeccable timing of her defensive challenges stood out for our Technical Study Group, and she was awarded the accolade of Player of the Match.  

Commenting on her performance, Anja Mittag said, “She was excellent defensively, timed her tackles, read the situations really well and was a real leader in her defence. Also, the way she took responsibility for the positioning of their last line of defence when attacking in the final third showed great maturity and positional sense.” 

“In build-up play, her distribution and choice of passes were very smart, and she also had the technique to execute different types of passes with great accuracy,” Mittag added.  

Player of the Match: (17) Kelly Caicedo (COL)

Group B took centre-stage for the third game of the day as Mexico and Colombia played out a hotly contested 0-0 draw.  

Colombia continued with their preferred tactic of employing a dangerous counter-attacking style from a low block, while Mexico dominated possession for large spells but found it very difficult to break down their opponent's defence. 

Neither side created many clear-cut chances in a game that was played in front of 9,336 spectators. One reason for the scoreless deadlock was the performance of Colombia's left-sided centre-back, Kelly Caicedo. 

Speaking about her performance, Mónica Vergara noted, “This was an excellent defensive display by Kelly Caicedo. She blocked, she tackled, she intercepted. She timed everything so well.”

“Everything that came her way in the air, she dealt with, and everything that came in low, she cleared. Her communication with the rest of the defence and the midfield units was clear to see. She was constantly organising and showed great leadership.” 

Player of the Match: (6) Ariadna Mingueza (ESP)

The final match of the day took place at the Estadio Nacional, and once again, there was huge support for home side Costa Rica, with 22,446 in attendance as they took on Spain in Group A. 

The host nation spent long spells of the first half in a low block, with Spain dominating the ball. Their movement ahead of the ball was consistent and they frequently succeeded in gaining numerical supremacy in the wide areas. When attacking, their defensive line executed a high rest defence. This made it very difficult for Costa Rica to initiate meaningful counter-attacks because there was no space to attack into. 

Despite being resolute and committed in their defensive efforts, Costa Rica finally succumbed to a Spanish attack in the 24^th minute, when centre-back Sonia Majarín rose highest between two defenders to power home a header from Asun Martínez's corner kick. 

Spain doubled their advantage nine minutes later when midfielder Ariadna Mingueza struck on the rebound from the edge of the box after excellent build-up play down their right-hand channel. 

A penalty award in the 63^rd minute gave Spain an opportunity to extend their lead further, and centre-forward Inma Gabarro took responsibility from the spot, scoring low to the goalkeeper's left to make it 3-0.  Substitute Ane Elexperu made it 4-0 after Esther Laborde made a line-breaking run down the right-hand channel and played a wonderful ball in behind for Elexperu, who finished from a tight angle. Salma Paralluelo sealed an emphatic win deep into injury time.

Our Technical Study Group felt Spain had a number of outstanding performers in their team, but they decided that central midfielder Ariadna Mingueza would be named Player of the Match.

“She controlled the game from midfield and allowed the players around her to play. She was always available in the build-up phase, constantly changing her angles to create passing options.” according to Mónica Vergara. 

“She got Spain's second goal from the edge of the box, showing she had the ability to get forward and support the attacks. Defensively, she marshalled the space in front of her two centre-backs always being and interceptor and a protector.  A very good midfield performance.”