The defensive playing style was associated with match-running performance and team success in the FIFA Women's 2023 World Cup

Introduction Currently, there are no data in the women's soccer literature about playing style without ball possession and its impact on match-running performance or competitive success. The main objective of this study is to verify whether there was a relationship between match-running performance, team success, and playing style without ball possession in the FIFA Women's 2023 World Cup. Methods Twenty-one variables related to tactical and technical behavior without ball possession and match-running performance were collected from 64 matches (from 32 national teams) using a multicamera optical tracking system. A machine-learning approach was used to describe the playing style profile and its relationship with match-running performance. A chi-square test was then used to verify the association between playing style and team success. Results The data indicated that teams that adopted tactical marking behavior with high-press, mid-block, and recovery saw increased match-running demands. On the other hand, technical actions such as direct pressure and tackles saved running demands. The machine-learning analysis identified two playing styles without ball possession: (1) “low- and mid-block and low-press” and (2) “high-block and high- and mid-press” playing style without ball possession. The “high-block and high- and mid-press” playing style entailed high-intensity running and was associated with team success in the 2023 World Cup, while the “low- and mid-block and low-press” playing style was associated with unsuccessful teams. Discussion and conclusions Playing style without ball possession significantly impacted match-running performance and team success in the 2023 World Cup. Specifically, successful teams adopted a “high-block and high- and mid-press” playing style. Such a playing style adopts a high-press, recovery, defensive transition, counter-press, and high-block profile, which demands more running at high intensity.