First, the positives: 2 clean sheets. 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss. Fantastic crowds to support the team and also attending the other games, remembering this is predominantly a Boofhead country. Very impressed. Auckland deserves a special mention mainly because in the past I have questioned their ability to turn up when needed...and they have.
Now the negatives: A 6 year contract for a one dimensional coach. Let's be honest, that win surprised everyone, including the team and the two follow up games showed business as per normal.
The lack of tactics was alarmingly obvious - Route One long ball or a cross to Wilkinson - everytime. Sadly, Wilkinson's inability to trap a ball or pass to another kiwi player was shown up. With her height and build it was the tactic of the high ball. Yes, she scored one in 3 games as the main striker, only striker.
But after the Norway game, I think everyone else except Klimkova had worked out this tactic. Hence, the Philippines and the Swiss were easily able to handle it.
The rest of the team certainly gave it their best. Lots of running and effort but it comes back to the basics. How to trap a ball and how to complete a pass to a fellow team mate. This did not happen, way too often. The other teams didn't really need to challenge for the ball as it was given to them.
No plan B. Klimkova seemed to lack any other ideas other than get the ball to Wilkinson. Which as soon as that was worked out - halfway through the Norway game, She didn't change anything. Sure, she might have subbed various players but the tactics stayed the same and were easy to nullify.
It has been and is fantastic that we have this tournament here in this country and in Australia. A breath of fresh air. What is needed now is a clear out of players not lifting up to the standards required at this level.
There is good news. There appear to be a lot of youngsters on the horizon, hungry to prove themselves. And after this tournament, hopefully there will be a lot of young girls out there trying to get the skills required to step up to a professional level at the very least.