The report, unveiled at the UEFA Women’s National Team Coaches Conference on Monday, details in facts, figures, statistics and images the main tactical and technical developments of Unforgettable July Tournament in England.
“The UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 illustrated the vigorous development of women’s football,” the report said. “It was an important stepping stone on the way to UEFA’s medium and long-term goals of encouraging girls to get involved in the fully inclusive game of football.”
“This publication aims to provide a permanent record of a momentous and historic event.”
Key facts and figures from the Women’s EURO technical report – 1
• EYE FOR OBJECTIVE: With 95 goals scored in 31 matches, Women’s EURO 2022 averaged 3.07 goals per game – the highest since the 2005 tournament.
• SUCCESSFUL SET-PLAY: Dead-ball situations accounted for 36% of goals scored in England – a considerably higher percentage than the 27% in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup or the 26% in the 2021/22 UEFA Women’s Champions League . This dramatic increase is largely attributable to the number of goals from corners – which rose from four at the last EURO in the Netherlands in 2017 to 16 in 2022.
• SHARP SHOOTERS: Shots per game increased to 27.9, an increase of 2.5 from 2017.
• CLOSER TO THE GOAL: The average shot distance was the lowest on record (15.6m) as teams looked to get the ball in better positions before shooting.
Observations and technical analyzes
UEFA’s team of technical observers at the tournament pooled their thoughts, observations and opinions to compile a comprehensive overview of a EURO that set new benchmarks for women’s football in terms of intelligence tactics, technical skills, fitness level and coaching acumen.
The technical report is the result of the work undertaken in England and the immediate aftermath of the event by a solid team of current and former coaches of the women’s national team: Gemma Grainger, Margret Kratz, Jayne Ludlow, Jarmo Matikainen, Anne Noë , Vera Pauw and Hope Powell, with additional contributions from former England goalkeeper David James and Juventus coach Joe Montemurro.
The report contains fascinating insights into all 31 England matches – with pride of place given to the memorable final between England and Germany at Wembley – and a wealth of statistics, graphs and figures provide information that adds substance to support the conclusions of the technical team.
“We hope,” the report says, “that their feedback will be useful to coaches and coach educators committed to the rapid growth of women’s football and the development of players who could become the stars of future EUROs.”
Key facts and figures from the Women’s EURO Technical Report – 2
• SPEED AND DISTANCE: Germany’s pace and intensity is cited as an illustration of an area where progress has been made since the previous finals in 2017. Germany covered significantly more distance at the highest speed than any other team – 18% above average.
• FASHIONED SHORT GOALS: Goal kicks appeared among the talking points of the tournament, with the rule allowing outfield players of the team in possession in the penalty area having a significant impact on build-up strategies. Many teams have exploited the rule in an effort to control building play – but the results were not always positive – underscoring the importance of risk management awareness and quick decision making .
• IMPACT OF SUBSTITUTION: Teams continued to make the most of the new five-substitute role, with each team making an average of 3.41 substitutions per game. The final tally reveals that 17 goals were scored by substitutes – seven of them by players who came off the English bench, including the two who won the final, and four by Alessia Russo to push a substitute, exceptionally, in third place in the tournament scoreboard.
• GUARDIANS COMMIT: UEFA experts noted an improvement in goalkeeping compared to 2017 with well-developed and agile athletes covering more space, better positioned, proactive in their actions and more engaged in the game, even when the ball was further.
Wiegman winner: England’s ‘unity’ rewarded
In a special interview for the report, England coach Sarina Wiegman shares her perspective on the tournament and highlights various reasons why the host team won their first ever Women’s EURO title. “There were so many moments that I’m really proud of,” she explains, choosing the main secret to her team’s success. “Maybe the decision-making by the team and being on the same page all the time.”
“When we play games we always talk about managing the game,” she adds, “but the way our team translated that on the pitch was so mature. We were together. We said we wanted to be an inspiration and that is what we have become.
Wiegman also reflects on the legacy left by the EURO. “I hope it’s a boost,” she said, “and that development can go faster at all levels… Every girl who wants to play must have access to football in schools. Go to school and being able to play football, or maybe other sports, helps with confidence, social and emotional development and it gives you confidence.
Mead and Oberdorf – stars of the show
The report focuses in particular on two players who particularly shone at the EURO: the English striker and Player of the Tournament Beth Mead – EURO co-top scorer – and German midfielder Lena Oberdorf, young player of the tournament.
“On offense,” the report states, “Mead had the courage to take on opponents in 1-on-1 situations, using his speed and excellent dribbling skills to disrupt and penetrate defensive blocks. exceptionally cool in its ability to twist, spin and finish.
“[Oberdorf] displays a maturity well beyond its 20 years. Despite her youth, she played with the awareness and flexibility of an experienced player, understanding her role and performing it with discipline and commitment.
Top 10 goals
The increase in the number of goals in the tournament included a number of classic keystrokes. The technical team have chosen their top ten, which – unsurprisingly – is led by the audacious backheel goal scored by England striker Alessia Russo (pictured) in the semi-final against Sweden. “The choice of the peloton”, agreed the observers.
The tournament team
The technical team completed their work on site during the Women’s EURO by choosing the The tournament team – which saw finalists England and Germany provide nine squad members, and a number of talented performers narrowly missed out on selection. “Any coach would love the chance to work with the Team of the Tournament,” the report said. “And with the exceptional players who remained on the bench.”
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