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.