There was some disparity in the experience of teams at this level in Group C, but all sides showed some excellent attacking play. Spain and the USA were particularly effective in their build-up play, while Paraguay and Morocco posed some real problems for their opponents during transitions.
Spain
In possession
Spain like to dominate the ball and build with an expansive shape using the full width of the pitch. They are tactically versatile, using 1-4-2-3-1 and 1-3-1-4-2 systems with a great ability to utilise the five channels of the pitch when building their attacks. The Spanish are patient in build-up with technical players (Silvia Lloris (8), Sandra Villafañe (5), Maite Zubieta (6) and Júlia Bartel (10)) who can find solutions and gaps in the opposition’s defensive shape.
Out of possession
Having dominated possession in large spells of their opening three games, Spain are yet to show their true defensive nature. On the occasions when they did not have the ball, they defended in a mid-block but also showed a strong appetite to counter-press quickly when possession was lost. Once they regained the ball, they looked to build play rather than counter-attack at speed.
USA
In possession
The USA also like to dominate possession, using a 1-4-2-3-1 shape but opting to build in a 1-3-5-2 due to pushing at least one defender further up the pitch, with right-back Gisele Thompson (2) particularly effective at getting forward to support attacks. As they approach the final third, they like to attack the central channel with forward players combining around the penalty area. Right-winger, Allyson Sentnor (9), is very effective at receiving between the lines and turning to drive at opposition defenders.
Out of possession
When they don’t have the ball, the USA defend in quite advanced positions up the pitch using mid or high blocks in a 1-4-2-3-1 shape. They are well organised and have a good understanding of their roles, knowing the pressing triggers when they send their opponents into the wide areas. Both centre-backs, Elise Evans (5) and Jordyn Bugg (4), possess good pace and are effective at covering balls in behind when teams look to counter-attack against them.
Paraguay
In possession
Preferring a more direct, attacking style, Paraguay do not really look to keep possession for long spells. Many of their best attacking moments originated from counter-attacks and possession regains in the opposition’s half of the pitch. They have a clear mentality to play forward early when they win the ball back to try to capitalise on any gaps in the opposition’s shape. Fatima Acosta (10) is very comfortable on the ball and is effective when taking on opposition players 1v1, while they had also worked on some clever set play routines.
Out of possession
Against Spain and the USA, Paraguay defended in a 1-5-4-1 low block for long spells as they attempted to quell the advances of their opponents and deny them any attacking space through the central channel. However, against Morocco, they defended on the front foot more often and were not afraid to apply direct pressure when the situation suited within the game.
Morocco
In possession
When they had the ball, Morocco were tactically versatile, using a variety of formations, building play with a back four as well as a back three. When possible, they looked to build from the back with a focus on one side of the pitch before switching to the other, trying to release their winger on the opposite side. Once in the wide channels in advanced areas, they delivered early crosses with right-winger, Romaissa Boukakar (18), particularly influential at leading the line and generating attacks.
Out of possession
Morocco were determined to protect the central channel of the pitch, favouring a 1-5-4-1 low block when defending against the stronger teams. Their mentality when defending was collective and strong, willing to put bodies on the line to make blocks, tackles and interceptions. Goalkeeper Fatima El Jabraoui (12) was a key performer for her team, making brave decisions leading to superb saves when under heavy defensive pressure against Spain and the USA.