Former Football Fern Kirsty Yallop has been named in a 12-strong team to act as the Technical Study Group (TSG) to provide analysis of all 64 games at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
FIFA appoints TSGs for major tournaments to increase and develop understanding of the game.
The TSG features members from six continents.
Led by Jill Ellis, who twice guided the United States to FIFA Women’s World Cup glory, the TSG consists of Nadine Angerer (Germany), Chan Yuen Ting (Hong Kong, China), Gemma Grainger (England), Anja Mittag (Germany), Aline Pellegrino (Brazil), Anna Signeul (Sweden), Clémentine Touré (Côte d’Ivoire), Mónica Vergara Rubio (Mexico), Kirsty Yallop (Aotearoa New Zealand), Belinda Wilson (Australia) and Pascal Zuberbühler (Switzerland).
During the event, FIFA will share the most modern metrics and performance data in the tournament’s history with the worldwide TV and online audience, as well as with the participating teams and their players.
The TSG will be supported by 52 football analysts, two data analysts, data scientists and data engineers apiece and three performance analysts, all under the leadership of Harry Lowe (Team Lead – Football Performance Analysis) and Tom Gardner (Lead of Football Performance Insights).
FIFA’s TSG will carry out technical, tactical and physical analysis during the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the findings to be published on the FIFA Training Centre and other FIFA platforms.
Besides analysing the on-field action, the TSG will study trends and benchmarks for the future of the women’s game and their impact on coach education and talent development. A multi-page report containing match statistics relating to the in- and out-of-possession phases on both team and individual levels will be supplied after every game.
Panel will also select player awards
The FIFA TSG will also be responsible for selecting the players for the FIFA awards, which include the adidas Golden, Silver and Bronze Ball prizes; the adidas Golden, Silver and Bronze Boot awards; the adidas Golden Glove; the FIFA Young Player Award; and the FIFA Fair Play Trophy.
“The game is constantly evolving. The role of the TSG is obviously to analyse individual players and teams, and to provide information and knowledge — not only for the competing teams, but also for the general public,” Ellis says.
“It’s a lens looking specifically at women’s football. How is it evolving? What are the trends moving forward? What are the important elements of the game? The statistical analysis allows teams to go beyond what they see with their eyes alone, but also supports that with metrics and numbers to help analyse opponents and obviously themselves as a team.”
Who’s who in the TSG
Jill Ellis
The Anglo-American coach twice led the USA to the FIFA Women’s World Cup crown and is currently President of the San Diego Wave.
Nadine Angerer
The former goalkeeper helped Germany to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2007 title and now serves as player-goalkeeping coach at the Portland Thorns.
Chan Yuen Ting
The ex-player — who hails from Hong Kong, China — is currently head coach of Jiangsu Ladies and was named AFC Women’s Coach of the Year 2016.
Gemma Grainger
A former player, England-born Grainger is head coach of the Wales women’s senior national team.
Anja Mittag
An ex-Germany international, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2007 winner now coaches women’s senior and youth teams at RB Leipzig.
Aline Pellegrino
A silver medallist at the 2004 Olympics with Brazil, she is currently a competitions manager at the Brazilian Football Association.
Anna Signeul
The vastly experienced Swedish coach has led the women’s senior national teams of Scotland (2005-2017) and Finland (2017-2022).
Clémentine Touré
The former Côte d’Ivoire international now serves as Les Éléphantes’ head coach.
Mónica Vergara Rubio
The now-retired Mexico defender spent a spell in charge of her national team.
Kirsty Yallop
The former midfielder, who represented New Zealand, retired from international football in 2017.
Belinda Wilson
The Australian is currently Senior Technical Development Manager in the FIFA Women’s Football Development Department.
Pascal Zuberbühler
Capped 51 times by Switzerland, he is currently FIFA’s Senior Football Expert.
The home of the TSG is the FIFA Training Centre, an innovative platform that is available to players, coaches and fans all across the world.
With a comprehensive database of technical football information, the online academy features insightful resources developed by world-leading football experts and illustrates FIFA’s goal to harness technology for the benefit of the global game.
Countdown to the cup
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