New Zealand v Philippines
Co-hosts New Zealand faced an unfortunate 1-0 loss against tournament debutants Philippines. Alan’s Stanjcic’s side becomes the first debut team to bag a win in the 2023 edition of the tournament. Following their success against Norway in the opening match of the tournament, New Zealand failed to secure a result against the Filipinas having been on the wrong end of a marginal offside decision on Jacqueline Hand’s 69th minute goal.
Norway’s draw with Switzerland gives both New Zealand and The Philippines a chance to progress from Group A, giving them an opportunity to qualify for the next round given their result in Round Three. New Zealand will hope to find a winner against Switzerland in what would be only their second win in the Women’s World Cup. The Philippines will face a strong Norway side who have yet to get a win, losing to New Zealand in the first round.
Tactical Analysis: New Zealand
Jitka Klimkova opted to keep the same starting line up which brought them success in their opening match. The 4-4-2 formation saw Hannah Wilkinson and Jacqueline Hand lead the attack.
The decision of a 4-4-2 formation gave New Zealand the ability to have numbers in attack, often making use of fullback CJ Bott to attack the right wing, overlapping Indiah-Paige Riley to allow numbers in the box. This gave a full display of Bott’s crossing ability into the box, and versatility on the wing. On the left, fullback Ali RIley used her wide position to deliver long crosses towards the box and play the ball into key central areas. However, New Zealand struggled to make full usage of the wings, opting to play into central areas where they often were contested by The Philippines.
New Zealand’s main tactical decision appeared to be finding Hannah Wilkinson in an attempt to pose a threat on goal. Their early possession saw a quick threat to the Philippines defence with a dangerous delivery into the box. Undoubtedly, they aim to use the height and heading ability of Wilkinson in attempts to score. Her presence applied threat to the Philippines defence, and her placement in close crossing found the head of Hand in their disallowed goal.
An important component to New Zealand’s performance was The Ferns’ ability to recycle the ball, using the wide players to re-deliver the ball and having a second player available to shoot after a missed shot.
A double substitution at half time saw Olivia Chance bring a new momentum to the game, with a tactical change of extended usage of the wide areas. Chance’s presence proved to be crucial for New Zealand, using her as a pinpoint player to pose a threat and attack in the Philippines half. Making full usage of the pitch, Chance delivered into the box and had attempts at shooting from her wide angle. Evidently, New Zealand did not fully develop the danger which Chance could create, with a lack of support on running down the wing. Similar to the first half on the right wing, an overlapping fullback or central player would pose a great threat on the left flank.
Top Performers: New Zealand
- CJ Bott
CJ Bott’s versatility on the wing allowed New Zealand to gain numbers in attack, using her crossing ability to meet Hannah Wilkinson and Jacqueline Hand in the box. She posed a threat for the Philippines defensive line, who had to organise in preparation for her crosses.
- Hannah Wilkinson
Striker Hannah Wilkinson poses threat to the opposition, using her heading accuracy and height in attempts to find the net. She was a key component in New Zealand’s attacks, being the pinpoint player throughout the first half. She create attempts on goal, and used precision to assist their offside decision goal, which she ran onto following a cross from Ali Riley,
- OIivia Chance
The introduction of Olivia Chance after the halftime period brought a new momentum to New Zealand’s attack, making use of the wings to pose a threat in the attacking half, and find players in the box. Her ability to find teammates and carry the ball meant The Ferns could strengthen their attack.
Tactical Analysis: Philippines
Philippines’ 5-3-2 gave them the ability to have numbers to defend New Zealand attacks, and use the wide players to have players in attack. Their tactical decision to overload the central and midfield areas matched the central playing New Zealand in the first half, giving them ability to close down The Ferns’ attacking movements.
The forward duo of Sarina Bolden and Katrina Guillou worked collectively to pressurise the New Zealand defence, being ready to attack when the chance arrived. They were closely followed by Sara Eggesvik in midfield, who started many attacking movements and remained strong in a crowded midfield.
In set pieces they seeked to create opportunities on goal and having numbers in preparation to meet the second ball when not scored. This proved positive in their goal, with Bolden finding the net after a free kick set piece, receiving a cross from Eggesvik and finding space to head it into the net.
In the second half, their central tactics needed to change, with New Zealand now using the wings to attack. They kept a strong and organised defensive line throughout the match which allowed them to make it difficult for New Zealand to find the net. Their well organised shape ensured the saw out a victory over New Zealand.
Top Performers: Philippines
- Sarina Bolden
It is no surprise that Philippines Women record goal scorer Sarina Bolden was a key player in their performance. Her ability to attack and pose threat on the opposition meant The Philippines were able to test the defence and goalkeeper. In their goal, her aerial ability allowed her to head the ball into the back of the net whilst surrounded by three New Zealand players.
- Olivia McDaniel
Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel ensured that the Philippines were able to keep their lead against New Zealand. Her confidence in the box and ball handling ability meant she saved many of the shots sent her way and to stop vital chances. In the 92nd minute she made an excellent save to deny New Zealand a draw.