Matchday 4 - Player of the Match

Over the course of the tournament, FIFA's Technical Study Group (TSG) are taking a closer look at the performance of the official "Player of the Match" in each game.

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Player of the Match: (11) Maika Hamano (JAP)

The day's opening game saw Japan take on Ghana in Group D, with two contrasting styles on show. Japan made five changes from their opening match against the Netherlands, opting for a 4-4-2 system against Ghana’s 4-1-4-1. Japan dominated possession in the opening half, meaning that Ghana had to play for long spells in a defensive low block, but they always looked dangerous on the counter-attack.

Japan’s patience and dominance eventually paid off in the 62nd minute when Hijikata’s cross hit the arm of Susan Duah and a penalty was awarded. Centre-forward Maika Hamano stepped forward and placed her penalty kick perfectly to the right of Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan.

Eleven minutes later, Japan's impressive, intricate combination play resulted in a mistimed challenge on Kokona Iwasaki and a second penalty being given. Hamono stepped up again and showed great composure, calmly placing her spot-kick to the same side as her previous penalty to make it 2-0.

As well as scoring both goals for her team, Hamano’s general play, movement and technique stood out for the observers from our Technical Study Group. Commenting on Hamano's performance, Mónica Vergara noted, “Her movement and ability to break lines was so impressive. She was constantly offering to receive in behind and between Ghana’s defensive lines.”

“She consistently moved to create passing lanes and when she received the ball, her body shape was open, meaning she could progress the play. It was an excellent performance and she scored two penalties too, when her team was under pressure to score,” she added.

Player of the Match: (8) Esther Onyenzide (NGA)

The day's second game kicked off after a 75-minute delay due to a lightning storm in the vicinity of the Alajuela Morera Soto Stadium.

Korea Republic set up with an attacking 3-4-3 system that changed to a 5-4-1 when they were out of possession, while Nigeria, playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation, were also positive in their play and approached the game with a willingness to attack.

Neither team could break the deadlock in an open first half, despite both teams creating some good chances. The second half followed a similar pattern with both teams defending in compact, low, narrow blocks on the edges of their penalty areas, forcing each other to take shots from long range.

However, as the game wore on, Nigeria became increasingly dangerous on the counter-attack and started to press Korea Republic higher up the pitch. Their positive approach was rewarded in the 83^rd minute when Esther Onyenzide scored a stunning goal from outside the box. After receiving the ball from Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, she had the opportunity to step into space before unleashing a powerful strike to give her team the lead.

Her overall performance in the game, capped by her wonderful goal, earned her the Player of the Match award from our TSG. Speaking after the match, Anja Mittag said, “Onyenzide is a player who can play with both feet. Shortly before her goal, she struck an excellent free kick with her left foot that forced the Korea Republic goalkeeper into a good save. Minutes later she scored that brilliant goal with her right foot.”

“She showed great tactical awareness in the game, great ball control, and always wanted to play forward. She was extremely positive in her play and controlled the rhythm of the game,” Mittag added.

Player of the Match: (6) Dana Foederer (NED)

It was back to Estadio Nacional for game three of the day, as the USA faced the Netherlands in Group D.

It was a tactical game in the opening period, with both teams trying to find the gaps in each other's 4-3-3 systems. It was clear the Netherlands were trying to exploit the space in behind the USA's high defensive line, but it was a set-piece that brought the game's opening goal just after the half-hour mark. From a corner, centre-back Marit Auée was on hand at the back post to head the ball back across the goal. When it arrived, Sanne Koopman executed a perfect header of her own to give the Netherlands a 1-0 lead. 

The USA made three changes at half-time, but the Netherlands scored first in the second half when, in the 56^th minute, midfielder Dana Foederer struck a sweet shot from outside the penalty area to double her team’s lead.

The Netherlands continued to attack, and their third goal came from a penalty after Talia Dellaperuta fouled Danique Noordman inside the penalty area. The spot-kick was perfectly executed by Marie Auée and the 3-0 lead proved unassailable for the USA, despite the Dutch being reduced to ten players in the 83^rd minute after Ziva Henry received a red card.

Our TSG awarded the Player of the Match award to Netherlands midfielder Dana Foederer for her very accomplished performance in the centre of the pitch. Mónica Vergara observed the match and commented, “Foederer always knew exactly what her team needed from her in every moment of the game. When they had to defend, she protected the space in front of her centre-backs extremely well, constantly screening and preventing forward passes into the USA centre-forward. When they had the ball, she was excellent at being a pivot player and switching play. Her positional awareness was always good, offering support to players in possession and playing forward when she had the ball.”

“The vision she had for her goal was exceptional. Not only did she see the opportunity, but her technique to execute that strike at goal and with that precision was hugely impressive. She had a great appetite to be fully involved in the game,” Vergara said.

Player of the Match: (10) Magnaba Folquet (FRA)

The final match of the day was a very competitive encounter as France and Canada went head-to-head in Group C. Both teams wanted to build play through the thirds, with forward players always looking to show for the ball between the lines. 

While both teams had chances in the opening 45 minutes, neither side could find a way to secure the opening goal. However, with just six minutes gone in the second half, France took the lead. Océane Hurtre whipped an inch-perfect, left-footed free kick into the penalty area and Magnaba Folquet timed her run superbly to head the cross beyond Canada goalkeeper Anna Karpenko. 

France started to dominate the game and fifteen minutes later they got their second goal. It started from a throw-in in the final third, where Manssita Traoré beat her marker and cut the ball back low to Folquet, whose first-time shot sent the ball beneath Karpenko. Esther Makem-Niaro completed France’s scoring late on when she finished from close range before Olivia Smith got one back for Canada in injury time.

With two goals scored, Magnaba Folquet was selected by our TSG as Player of the Match. Mónica Vergara observed the match and was impressed with Folquet’s performance.

“She was looking to receive the ball in between the lines and in behind. Her movement was excellent, and she was very explosive when she accelerated. Her body shape consistently allowed her to take her first touch towards the goal. She was strong in the air and good with her feet,” said Vergara.

“When she had the ball, she used her body really well to hold it up and brought the forward players around her into play,” she added.