Above: Fran Kirby unveiled as a Brighton and Hove Albion player. Photo: James Boardman/BHAFC.
Fran Kirby’s arrival at Brighton and Hove Albion is a major capture for the Sussex side and a statement of intent for a club who have also brought in Dario Vidosic, a hugely talented new head coach, to lead the former Chelsea star and her new teammates.
Brighton struggled to find the back of the net in ten of twenty-two league matches last season, finishing ninth in the league with just 26 goals scored. Though they improved their positioning in the table from the season prior, they still only won one more game, scoring the same amount of goals in comparison to the 2022/23 season. With that being said, the appointment of Fran Kirby brings both experience and ability.
In 2014, Kirby became the first WSL 2 (now Barclays Women’s Championship) player to receive a call-up for the senior Lionesses after scoring 24 goals in 16 appearances for Reading, following this she became the club’s first female player to receive a professional contract.
Above: New Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Dario Vidosic pictured during his time at Melbourne City. Image: Melbourne City.
The following year, after an outstanding performance versus Mexico at the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada, Chelsea came calling for the second consecutive year and she made the move to West London. During her time at Chelsea, she scored 116 goals in 208 appearances, including one on her debut and the club’s first-ever goal in Europe, as well as winning thirteen trophies for the club.
In recent seasons, the attacking midfielder struggled for minutes at Chelsea following a few injuries and health problems as well as a variety of incoming players making the competition for her spot difficult.
In an interview upon her arrival at the South Coast club, Kirby stated that she was “here to win” and that she wanted to play for a club where she could help as well as feel valued. With the subsequent departure of Elisabeth Terland, a centre forward who scored 13 of the club’s 26 goals last season to Manchester United, the club will be looking elsewhere on the pitch for goal-scoring ability.
Although not a direct replacement for Terland, Kirby shares her attacking mindset, something that will prove crucial for the club’s growth over the upcoming seasons and can help improve the performance of players around her.
Above: Fran Kirby in action during her final season at Chelsea. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Brighton didn’t play a very structured style of football last season, with a very interchangeable midfield due to the lack of a consistent player in the number 10 role. Going forward, they will be looking for a more structured set-up to compete against top WSL sides, something Kirby knows all too well.
However, the arrival of Dario Vidosic as boss will add both detailed structure, a clear identity, and a game plan to make the most of possession – something that will be vital to take the club away from the lower reaches of the table.
The arrival of Kirby along with the potential playing style of Vidosic can provide a welcome boost to the club’s attendances. Last season, the Seagulls averaged an attendance of 3,881 fans per match, including two matches being played at the American Express Stadium (the AmEx), a 31,876-capacity venue. This was one of the lowest averages in the WSL.
Brighton and Hove Albion have stated that they have a plan to improve and develop their women’s team over the next few years and using new techniques to build their fan base will be a part of that. The marketability of Fran Kirby and the coaching prowess of Visodic are a great initial boost for those plans.
Above: Ellie Carpenter and Sam Kerr celebrate Carpenter’s goal. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
By Genevieve Henry (25/7/24).
Going to her third Olympics at just age 24, Ellie Carpenter is often considered one of the world’s best players. Her speed, tenacity, and drive set her apart from most. But, as good as she already is, Carpenter has the potential to become the best player in the world. How can she take her game to the next level?
While Carpenter herself has called her forced break from football “a blessing in disguise” and “the best thing that’s happened to me”, a few critics would argue. Since Carpenter’s horrific ACL tear in the 2021-22 UEFA Women’s Champions League Final, her form has been closely followed and scrutinised by fans. Although her playing time and statistics have remained largely the same as before her injury, many seem to think she has fallen off. I suspect people have just begun to expect more from her.
Already a veteran at her young age, the sky’s the limit for Carpenter. She’s spent years breaking records, but she could break even more. Carpenter has previously said, “I want to be the best right-back in the world.” She’s not far off.
Defence
Carpenter is known for her lightning pace up the right flank, functioning at times as more of a winger than a defender. This leaves miles of space behind her. It’s a conundrum all wingbacks and their coaches face. How can they add to the attack without leaving the defence vulnerable?
Carpenter has the capability to defend very well. But, throughout her years as a Matilda, she seems to be relied on less for actual defending. While she is faster than almost every player she faces, it’s often her positioning that lets her down. Whether it’s her actions or the coach’s, it desperately needs to be amended. Luckily for Carpenter, she has strong centrebacks beside her for both club and country, with Wendie Renard, Griedge Mbock, or Vanessa Gilles; and Alanna Kennedy and Clare Hunt to step in and help out.
When she was 16 at her first Olympics, Carpenter had to prove why she deserved the call-up. She marked Marta in a game that tournament and to this day, it’s probably her best defensive performance in a Matildas shirt. Now, as a thoroughly established starter, there is less pressure on her at the back and she is free to go on side quests up the pitch. 99% of the time, this is a good, even great, thing. But, that 1% left causes catastrophic opportunities for the opponents to pounce. This situation desperately needs to be rectified for both the Matildas and Lyon or opponents will mercilessly target this weakness, and although fitness is not something Carpenter struggles with, it’s a lot to ask a player to repeatedly sprint the length of the field for a full 90 minutes.
It can be remedied in a back four with the right-sided centre-back shifting over the cover for Carpenter as she hustles back; or have Carpenter and Raso switch back and forth on the wing for the Matildas. It’s never for a lack of trying that she gets beat, but it is simply impossible to be in two places at once. Depending on the opponent, Carpenter’s game just must adapt to the situation at hand. In the World Cup, she put on her best display in defence since the Rio Olympics, against Pernille Harder. She had Harder absolutely pocketed the entire game, nullifying Denmark’s biggest attacking threat. When instructed to play defensively, she thrives. It’s just too hard to do both all the time. To excel, she must improve what she can control.
Above: Carpenter fights for possession against Iran. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
One of Carpenter’s best qualities is her strength and physicality. Growing up playing against boys, she learned to fight hard against every opponent. She has incredible stability and balance, with her ability to stay on her feet and keep running through challenges unmatched by most.
Her tackling skills are quite good, making fewer unsuccessful challenges than other top fullbacks, making only five failed tackles where top fullbacks often lose far more, up to 20 throughout the season. She also excels at using her body to stop attacks, being skilled at blocking both balls and players from sneaking by her. Her interceptions are also good when compared to elite players such as Ona Batlle, Lucy Bronze, Selma Bacha, Emily Fox, and Ashley Lawrence, making 1.2 per game while Lawrence only makes .37 per game. She is dispossessed and mis-controls the ball the least out of these top fullbacks.
Although not a huge detriment to her game, Carpenter struggles aerially, only winning 14% of duels, while the comparable players generally complete over 50%. She struggles with clearances, but most elite fullbacks, all rank just as low, or even lower than Carpenter in this statistic.
Attack
Having scored only 13 goals in her career, most of which came in her teenage years playing in attacking roles in the W-League, Carpenter is not really a threat in front of net. If she can carry her runs into the box and back herself to shoot, she could become a truly dangerous asset for any team.
Although Carpenter ranks in the 71st percentile for assists in comparison to other defenders, to truly become an elite fullback, her crossing abilities should get even better. When compared to the likes of Bacha, Battle and crew; Carpenter shows the lowest xG+AG (expected goals plus assists), signifying that there is still some ground to make up in direct contributions to goals.
Carpenter has a similar number and percentage of passes completed (around 80%) compared to these other top fullbacks for both short and medium-distance passes but ranks significantly higher in long passes, completing 66% while the other top fullbacks generally complete around 50%. She is on the upper end of passes in the final third and passes into the penalty area. She crosses the ball an average amount, with 2.93 per game, while Bacha is the cream of the crop with a whopping 11.9. But, the quality of Carpenter’s crosses can often leave something to be desired, as shown by her amount of assists and shot-creating actions, which are lower than the amount of crosses. She is also fairly average in her amount of shot-creating actions when compared to the best of the best, creating 2.85 chances per 90. She creates better chances when making runs and passing into the box, as opposed to crossing.
Above: Carpenter in action for the Matildas. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
Carpenter is a model fullback with progressive movement, being on top of the statistics in both progressive passes and progressive passes received. Her link-up play, especially for Australia, is extremely dangerous and hard to defend. She completes more give-and-go’s than most, her speed making her runs impossible to contain.
The Paris Olympics are a chance for Carpenter to once again prove herself to the world.
Carpenter has been on an upward trajectory since she was 16. To become the most complete fullback, she simply needs to continue to work hard, refine her crossing, and work on positioning. Once she hits her prime, I have no doubt that she could be the best defender, if not player, in the world.
In this week’s ‘WA On Wednesday’, Hyundai NTC’s Klaudia Houlis speaks to Ben Gilby abouther footballing journey to date, and what it’s like to be part of the NTC set-up in Western Australia (24/7/24).
Above:Klaudia Houlis breaks through for Hyundai NTC at UWA-Nedlands on the opening day of this season. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Klaudia Houlis.
Klaudia Houlis has come a long way from kicking a ball around the playground at primary school during recess. The 16-year-old attacker has been part of the set-up at the NTC for six yearsand is now in her second season as part of the U18 side playing in NPLW WA football.
Houlis is one of those exciting young players that those who know Western Australian women’s football have been keeping an eye on for a fair while already. Consistently playing at an age group level higher than her actual age, the attacker has always shown flair and a canny ability to find the net at important times.
“When I step onto the football pitch, I feel my personality reflects the way I play. I am determined and I am confident, and this shows through the way that I try to win the ball back even if I’ve just lost it or I’ve made a mistake and I strive to fix it. I see myself as a proactive player always thinking ahead. My decisions always have reason even if execution isn’t there. I see myself as an aggressive and quick attacking player who is very experimental in the final third.”
Those qualities and abilities can be traced back to Houlis’ earliest days playing the game. “My journey started in primary school at recess and lunch playing football with all my friends.”
Above: The NTC’s number 10 looking to push forward for her team. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Klaudia Houlis.
“I really came to love it, so at eight years old, my mum enrolled me at Olympic Kingsway Football Club. I was the only girl on my team, but I really loved the challenge.
During this time, me and my mum discovered the program SAP (Skills Acquisition Program). I was nine years old when I was accepted into the program, however, I continued to play with Olympic Kingsway at the same time. Whilst I was getting a grasp for the game, I realized I really enjoyed the attacking aspect of it. I knew I wanted to be a winger.
“At age 11, I trialed for NTC under 13s not expecting anything as I was very young and unaware of the future to come. My mum, after the trials were over, received a phone call inviting me to the under 14s NTC instead of under 13s. I was obviously extremely excited and nervous, but I knew it would be a challenge as I was just coming out of Primary school playing alongside girls in Years 9 and 10.
“Gavin Sit was my coach for my first year at NTC, He was a massive part in my development in making me more confident and allowing me to believe in myself. I then decided for the next season to stay in the same age group as I felt I still had some more development to endure and so much more to learn as I was still so young. Gavin was also my coach for that year (my second year at NTC).
“The following year I joined the NTC under 15s and for my fourth season in the program, I got into the under 16s NTC. This is where I was starting to become aware of how playing good football was the more difficult yet most effective way to play, Thanks to my coach Sam Geddes and assistant Conrad McKelvie who plays such a huge role in my footballing journey, who were also my coaches the year before as well.
Above: Klaudia Houlis breaks into the box for Hyundai NTC against Murdoch University Melville. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Klaudia Houlis.
“This was the year when I was awarded player of the year for NPL women under 21s in the league. I was overjoyed and so over the moon about this as I had worked incredibly that season. In 2023 I made a huge jump and got into the under-18s NTC, playing alongside players who had been in Junior and Young Matilda camps and who had trained with A-League teams.
“Playing with players with such experience inspired me so much and it further confirmed how serious I was about football being in my future. Coming to today’s date I am 16 years old, playing for the under-18s NTC in my sixth year of the program. Ben Anderton being my coach for the two years of being in NTC’s top team. He has been a major part of my development and the difference in my playing abilities from when I first got into the top team till now is significant his coaching style has shaped me as a player.
In terms of what it’s like for such a young player to come into the NTC set-up, Houlis outlined how different it is from what a player of her age at a club side would experience.
“It is much more in detail and developmental than a local club. NTC, although being an incredible development centre for young girls aspiring to be footballers is a lengthy, challenging process in relation to time out of your day-to-day life. I am so grateful for the driving my mum did taking me from training to training at some stages five times a week.”
Those years of hard work and the support of her family are leading to real rewards for Houlis. Last year, she stepped up to the U18 NTC side who play in the NPLW WA. It was a year playing alongside some exceptionally talented players, a large number of whom earned A-League Women contracts – and there was also silverware for the side when they won the State Cup Final. Looking back at the 2023, the teenager has some brilliant memories.
Above: Klaudia Houlis (left) involved in a tussle for Hyundai NTC at UWA-Nedlands. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Klaudia Houlis.
“My biggest challenge so far as a football player has been stepping up from the under 16s NTC to the under 18s NTC because I was going into a completely new football world with experienced and unimaginably talented football players. I struggled in the beginning, as I was not only training with new players but also playing a new playing style due to the change of coach and age group. However, I picked up very quickly and thoroughly enjoyed the entire season. I felt so inspired that season as I had so many people to look up to.
“Last season was the most inspiring season I have played. I had so many incredible players to look up to and I like to think that some of their football attributes rubbed off on me. For example, Tanika Lala’s willingness to score, Grace Johnston’s proactiveness, Georgia Cassidy’s cheeky and deceptive playing style, and Mischa Anderson’s strength and physicality. Even though I cannot live up to how well they play at this time, I will always use these players as my role models.”
It wasn’t just the players on her team that were inspirational for Houlis in 2023, one of the real challenges of playing for the NTC is that you are in a team made up of teenagers playing against experienced adult players, some of whom have played a considerable number of A-League Women games. Physically and mentally, it’s a task.
“Being a young player in an experienced league can be quite challenging at times. But I feel as if playing outside your comfort zone is a mental game, dwelling and overthinking the way you play will not help. You just need to play how you play and be determined.
“I think that matching your opponents physically is a result of matching them mentally. Obviously, you need to train hard and work hard but the mental aspect is just as important. You cannot compare your age, experience, physicality, and technicality with your opponents but you should accept them and work around them with your strengths.”
Above: Klaudia Houlis (10) makes a run into the box for Hyundai NTC against Murdoch University Melville. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Klaudia Houlis.
The NTC’s 2024 campaign has been one of looking to bed-in some new players. Houlis has already caught the eye with goals, but the attacker feels there is a lot more to come.
“I think that the team’s performances so far have seen us, in some parts play very good football, and our determination shows through the way we are defensively. However, I know we have so much more to show in the final third, more shots and more desire but on the flip side, recognize when it’s time for the game to slow down.
“I think for me personally my performance so far has been average. There have been some very good attacking moments but I feel like I’m lacking aggressiveness for runs in behind and some spice.”
Whilst Houlis is immediately focused in reaching her peak form for the NTC this year, she wants to use the opportunities she has within Ben Anderton’s squad as a springboard for her career as she approaches adulthood.
“My football aspirations for the future include going to a Junior or Young Matilda camp, but a wider goal than that is to be contracted for an A-League team. It would be a dream and such an amazing experience, but those things do not come easy. I will have to work incredibly hard. I need to train so hard, reflect on myself, and have an extremely determined attitude.”
Above: Bulleen celebrate the match winner against Brunswick.
Bulleen Lions 1-0 Brunswick Juventus
Bulleen secure fourth consecutive Victoria NPL win against a spirited Brunswick. A first header from Tiffany Eliadis goal from was enough to secure all three points for the league leaders. The stereotypical game of two half’s, Bulleendominated the first whilst Brunswick put the visitors under immense pressure but were unable to find the back of the net.
Following their midweek 3-0 Nike FC semi-final victory against Emerging, Bulleen were keen to maintain their ever-increasing momentum. They were able to do this in the eighthminute, where their set piece credentials were demonstrated once again. Alana Murphy’s pinpoint corner was met by the head of Eliadis who diverted the ball back across goal via the inside of the post to give the home side a deserved early lead.
Brunswick could have easily capitulated after suffering an early blow but remained resolute against continual attacking pressure whilst also being more adventurous with their attacking play but without causing serious issues for Bulleen.
Yuka Sato’s glancing header from an Alana Cortellino cross did have Brunswick goalkeeper Sienna Gidari back peddlingbut the ball dropped just past the back post. Eliadis almost had her second of the game in the closing stages of the first halfbut her thunderous effort was pushed away by Gidari from a tight angle
Brunswick were able to offer more of an attacking threat in the second half. Sarah Cain was manufactured space on the edge of the box but her attempt was straight into the grateful hands of Erin Hudson.
Bulleen were fortunate not to have conceded a penalty when Karina Tolios header struck the hand of Alana Burn. Whilst everyone of a Brunswick persuasion begged and pleaded, the referee was unmoved.
After their midweek cup heroics, the visiting side looked visibly tired during the second half and were hanging on to their slender lead. They did almost grab the crucial second, Nia Salleh fizzing the ball across the goal but was denied by a fingertip save from Gidari.
This was a crucial win for Bulleen in difficult circumstances. They keep their six-point advantage at the top of the table ahead of Preston, who they will face in the final of the Nike FC Cup. They next face Bentleigh away from home.
This performance from Brunswick should install confidence in the team. Despite coming away with nothing, they were able to cause the league leaders all sorts of problems. Brunswick will hope to convert performances into points when they next play Essendon .
Above: Brazil come together for another tilt at Olympics Gold. Photo: The New York Times.
by Stuart Barker(24/7/24)
No international tournament is complete without the famous yellow, blue, and white of Brazil. The immensely talent group have often underachieved on the big stage but could this be the moment that they step up and wave goodbye to Marta’s international career by securing the gold medal?
Squad
Two-time silver medallists left it late to name their squad for this summer’s Olympic Games. However, we knew back in April that this would be Marta’s final competition before she retires from international football.
In her statement, she said, “If I go to the Olympics, I will enjoy every moment, because, regardless of whether I go to the Olympics or not, this is my last year with the national team.”
Adding “There will be no more Marta from 2025 in the national team as an athlete. I am very calm about this, because I see with great optimism this development that we are having in relation to young athletes.”
The big omissions from the squad are Debinha, Christiane, and Manchester United’s Geyse.
Alternate Players (can only be selected if any players above are injured): Luciana (GK), Lauren (DF), Angelina (MF), Priscila.
Head Coach
Above: Arthur Elias, Brazil’s head coach. Photo: @SelecaoFeminina
Brazil head coach Arthur Elias was born in São Paulo and before taking the role spent his senior coaching career with clubs based within the city, notably it is one most densely populated cities in the world with over 23.5m residents.
Elias took over the role from the vastly experienced Pia Sundhage. She was contracted to lead the team out in France but after the Seleção failed to make it out of their group in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup she left the role.
Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) acted quickly to appoint Elias as he was the stand-out candidate for the role after seven years hugely successful years with Corinthians. During this time, he picked up many honours, including four Copa Libertadores Femenina titles and the Brasileirão Feminino (Brazilian Women’s National Championship) in five out of the last six seasons.
Olympic History
The Seleção took part in the very first Olympic competition in 1996, the squad included an eighteen-year-old Formiga, who went on to retire in 2021 with a whopping 234 caps. They went on to finish fourth with a defeat against Norway in the Bronze medal match.
Eight years later, in Greece, Brazil reached the gold medal match but had to settle for silver after falling to a 2-1 defeat at the United States. In the seventy-third minute, Pretinha levelled after Lindsay Tarpley opened the scoring in the first half, forcing the match into extra time, where Abby Wambach’s header sealed the victory.
It was a case of deja vu in China four years later as Carly Lloyd’s extra-time winner again handed the United States gold.
Last time out, in Japan, Brazil suffered a disappointing campaign exiting the competition in the quarter-finals 4-3 on penalties against eventual gold medal winners Canada, Andressa and Rafaelle missing the deciding spot kicks.
How they qualified
Brazil and their South American rivals Colombia both secured their places in France when the pair reached the Copa América Femenina final back in 2022. The Seleção lifted the trophy after a 1-0 victory against the competition’s hosts when Debinha scored the only goal in the first half.
Strengths
The obvious strength of this group is its experience. Marta (186 caps), Rafaelle (94) and Tamires (148) have over 400 caps between them. They are well-placed to guide this team whatever the scenario.
Above: Marta takes on Jamacia’s Becky Spencer. Photo: Lívia Villas Boas / CBF.
Elias seems to prefer a 3-4-2-1 formation with the team being flexible to adapt their shape depending on the situation. If given space, their wingbacks will exploit it at every opportunity to provide the width, allowing Marta, Adriana and Kerolin to occupy the space in the middle.
Expect this team to get the ball into the box quickly and not let their opposition defence settle.
Development Areas
I expect 27-year-old Lorena to be trusted between the sticks but with only twenty-two international caps I do worry that the lack of international experience may be a problem when it comes to the high-pressure moments. I would have selected and started the more experienced Ferroviária stopper, Luciana over Lorena and Tainá – the latter only has one international appearance.
This Brazil team could be vulnerable against teams who are strong in transition and can attack at pace from wide areas.
Key Players
Marta
Above: Marta, an icon of the game. Photo: AP Photo/Francisco Seco.
Despite being on the cusp of international retirement the 38-year-old is still the heartbeat of this team and bears the brunt of the pressure on her shoulders. More recent fans of the women’s game probably don’t appreciate her status as arguably the greatest player of her generation.
There have been spells where Marta has played her football in Europe, for Swedish sides Umeå IK (2004-2008), Tyresö (2012-2014), and Rosengård (2014-2017). While Marta has only confirmed her international retirement she appears settled at Orlando Pride and I wouldn’t expect a move to Europe to finish her career, more likely would be a return to her native home.
Marta has however only scored three international goals in the last two years, against Nicaragua and Jamacia but when the pressure is on I wouldn’t bet against Marta when it matters most.
Duda Sampaio
Duda Sampaio of Corinthians is well known to Elias. She is an attack-minded centre midfielder who would be a perfect partner for her namesake Duda Santos, who would operate in more of a holding role.
Prior to signing for Corinthians, 23-year-old Duda Sampaio received her first U23 international cap while playing for Cruzeiro. She made he full debut in 2022 as a second-half substitute in a 4–0 Copa América Femenina win over bitter rivals Argentina.
Above: Duda Sampaio. Photo: Rafael Ribeiro
One to watch
After Brazil were defeated by France in the 2019 FIFA World Cup Marta gave her famous post-match speech to empower the next generation of female footballers. One such player, aged nineteen at the time, was Kerolin.
Now twenty-four years old, the NC Courage forward is starting to show that she could be a fixture in this Seleção side for the next decade. After scoring ten goals in nineteen matches she was named the NWSL’s Most Valuable Player 2023. Following in the footsteps of previous winners, Sophia Smith, Jess Fishlock and Sam Kerr (twice).
Success would be
Within the squad, they will no doubt believe that they can secure gold but realistically, given the level of competition, simply getting on the podium at all would be considered a success.
Prediction
Since the turn of the year, Brazil have lost only once in their ten matches, which was at the hands of the United States.
You would be a brave person to bet against Spain not to top this group but outside of that, this is a very hard group to predict. Brazil, Japan, and Nigeria all have the capacity to qualify from Group C but predicting how each will perform on the day is a very difficult task.
Brazil and Japan are no strangers to each other having faced off together on three occasions in the last nine months. Brazil drew first blood with a 4-3 win in November. While Japan had responded with a 2-0 victory three days later. During April’s She Believes Cup, Elias’ side came away with a 3-0 victory on penalties after the match finished 1-1 after normal time.
So it really will be a test of who can keep their composure on the day and take those big chances.
If Brazil want to progress, their opening match against Nigeria is a must-win. Given the attacking talent available Brazil has historically underachieved but I back them to get that win and qualify for the knockout rounds.
Group Fixtures
25th July Nigeria v Brazil, 9pm, Stade de Bordeaux.
28th July Brazil v Japan, 5pm, Parc des Princes, Paris.
31st July Brazil v Spain, 5pm, Stade de Bordeaux.
All kick-off times are French time.
Missed any of Impetus’ other Olympic nation guides so far? Catch up by clicking below!
Above: Zambian superstar Barbara Banda. Photo: Zambian national team.
When Australia faces Zambia in the final group game of the Olympics, they will face one of the world’s best strikers.
Cast your mind back to 2021 Olympics — Barbra Banda well and truly announced herself on the world stage bagging back-to-back hat-tricks. Terrifyingly, the Zambian forward has only got better since.
Most recently, her goals have been vital for Zambia to qualify for Paris against the rising power of Morocco.
But this is about what’s happened since these moments that should raise goosebumps in every Matildas’ fan.
Banda made the switch from the Chinese Super League to the centre stage that is America’s NWSL. The highly publicised move to Orlando Pride landed her at a club that has struggled to reach the lofty heights perhaps expected.
But that seems to suddenly be changing with Pride leading the pack from the top unbeaten. And what’s changed? Banda has arrived.
In a top of the table clash against Kansas City during the last round before the Olympic break, Orlando went down a player in the 42”. Despite being level at the time of the offending red card, there was belief it didn’t matter.
With a player down, Orlando showed tenacity and discipline off the ball, which provided the foundation to unleash Banda. Her run at defenders and pass across the box created the opportunity that led to the eventual penalty. And victory.
Much like Orlando with Marta and Adriana, Banda isn’t the only fire power Zambia offers. They’re a side that includes briefly-world record transfer breaking forward Racheal Kundananji who flourished in Spain and looks to be slowly finding her feet at Bay FC.
This support is what makes things more dangerous as Banda will easily draw in defenders only to lay it off for a teammate to have a sitter instead.
How Orlando rallied to beat Kansas is a similar game plan that Zambia would be expected to bring to the Olympics. If the African nation can learn from their past mistakes and tighten things at the back like they’ve shown capable of in continental competitions, they will only need a half chance to score – and that’ll likely come from their leader who shoots on sight.
Australians should know what it’s like to have a world class player capable of providing the spectacular. One worthy of hinging expectations on. We have Sam Kerr.
It’s easy to draw comparisons between Banda and Kerr. They’re both goal scoring machines, terrifying when running with the ball and can score. Perhaps the differences lie with how Kerr has developed since leaving the NWSL and being more disciplined holding the line and less likely to take on those half-pitch runs. But what Banda does provide is perhaps a deadlier shot.
When pitted against a player the quality of Banda the one hope is they’re not in form. That’s unlikely to be the case at these Olympics.
The Pride forward is buzzing from 12 goals in 12 NWSL matches. Just sprinkle in five assists and it’s difficult to think of a player more in form.
Will we see another back-to-back hat-trick? However unlikely that seems, it simply can’t be dismissed. And for that reason, while the prospect of Banda at her full powers this Olympics is terrifying, she could also bring the most memorable moments of the tournament.
Above: Japan celebrate their qualification for the Olympics. Photo: Women’s Olympic Games 2024.
Japan will be out to complete the set of women’s football titles in Paris at the sixth time of asking. Along with Spain, they are the only footballing nation to have won all three peaks of FIFA’s female football mountain however they have failed to reach the same heights in the Olympics.
Alternate Players (can only be selected if any players above are injured): Shu Ohba (GK), Miyabi Moriya (DF), Rion Ishikawa (DF), Remina Chiba (FW).
Head coach
Above: Japan’s head coach Futoshi Ikeda. Photo: JFA.
The saviour of Japanese football, Futoshi Ikeda is a footballing icon within the nation. A former player himself, he retired in 1996 to focus on his coaching career. Since 2017 he has been a substantial part of the national team starting out at youth level. He led Japan to victory in the under-19s AFC Championships in 2017 and then a year later guided the under-20s to World Cup success. A team built around youthfulness and passion there is a sense of unity amongst the country once again, and that is widely thanks to this man who has regenerated the national side.
Olympics History
This will be Japan’s sixth appearance at an Olympic Games since 1996 (2004, 2008, 2012, 2020). Japanese football was on a major decline until the appointment of Eiji Ueda in August 2002. The former player revitalised the team, focusing on the 2004 Olympics which they qualified for, but it was shortly after winning the 2011 World Cup that marks Japan’s best-ever achievement in the Games.
They had qualified for the tournament by finishing first in the Asian qualifiers. In their group, they finished second behind Sweden. The Nadeshiko then went on to defeat Brazil in the quarter-finals before dispatching France in the semi-finals. However, they ultimately lost against the United States in the final after they got revenge in what was a repeat of the previous year’s World Cup final going down 2-1 to two goals from Carli Lloyd.
How they qualified
Japan have had their place in the Olympics confirmed since February after a narrow 2-1 victory on aggregate over North Korea in the final round of the Asian qualifying tournament. After a 0-0 stalemate in the first leg in Saudi Arabia, everything was all to play for. Hana Takahashi put Japan in front midway through the first half. Aoba Fujino then doubled their advantage before Kim Hye Yong made it a nervy last 10 minutes halving the deficit but the hosts managed to hold on denying their opponents a place at their first Olympics since 2012.
Strengths
They have a plethora of attacking talent. A wide-attacking stance from start to finish in their matches, predominantly relying on both wing-backs two of three from either Miyabi Moriya, Hana Takahashi, and/or Risa Shimizu – to be heavily involved in their attacks, as well as in the final third with the likes of Mina Tanaka, Hinata Miyazawa, and Aoba Fujino.
It is worth remembering that Japan has a goalscoring average of at least two goals in their six matches this calendar year. They can also boast familiarity of playing together – eight of Futoshi Ikeda’s squad were present four years ago at the Tokyo Games where Nadeshiko successfully navigated a passage out of the group stage before being eliminated by Sweden in the quarter-finals.
Development areas
Ikeda’s side looked a lot more like an attack-minded than a defensive-based unit throughout their ruthless route to lifting the 2023 Asian Games trophy which saw Japan end the tournament as top scorers with 39 goals. Committing a large number of players up the pitch could prove disastrous with the quality that their three opponents in the group have.
Key Players
Riko Ueki
Above: Japan and West Ham United star Riko Ueki. Photo: The Japan Times.
Having played a key role in saving her club side West Ham United from relegation after finding the back of the net on six occasions in 22 appearances, Ueki was deservedly called into manager Ikeda’s 18-player squad. An ever-present in all of Japan’s World Cup matches, the goal scorer has already got her name on the scoresheet on 11 occasions across 35 international appearances for her country.
The Hammers’ top scorer in last season’s WSL has worked tirelessly to evolve her game from playing for Japan’s Under-17s set-up in 2016 to making her debut for the senior squad in only three years. One of Nadeshiko Japan’s success stories has, so far, she has already netted 20 goals in 46 appearances across all levels of the county’s up-and-coming footballing heritage.
Expected to form a formidable forward frontline with Miyazawa and Nagano playing just in behind her in their opening match in Nantes on Thursday against no less than the current defending World champions Spain. However, a spanner could be thrown into the works as she faces competition from fellow WSL striker Maika Hamano of Chelsea, and INAC Kobe Leonessa striker Mina Tanaka, as the country’s sole starting striker for the duration of the Games across France.
Hinata Miyazawa
Above: Hinata Miyazawa. Photo: The Japan Times.
Having lifted the Golden Boot at the 2023 World Cup after netting five goals in as many games, there were high hopes for Miyazawa in her maiden season in English football.
However, not everything went to plan for Manchester United’s new signing from Mynavi Sendai, as she started only 12 WSL games (16 in all competitions) in 2023/24, finding the back of the net on only the solitary occasion and contributing the same number of assists. Seeing those statistics suggests that Miyazawa has struggled to settle in England, but on closer inspection, her campaign was plagued by an ankle injury picked up on international duty in December that required surgery and subsequently resulted in 15 missed match days.
With something to prove to her doubters, the now fully-fit 24-year-old, who has scored nine goals in 36 appearances for her country, is expected to play a big part in managerFutoshi Ikeda’s tactical plans of reaching another Olympics Games final, after Japan finished as runners-up in London 12 years ago.
One to watch
Fuka Nagano
Above: Fuka Nagano – ready to star once more for Japan. Photo: The News Market
With all of the attacking talent that Japan has at their disposal, they are still going to need a defensive juggernaut in their ranks. Call forward Fuka Nagano.
Playing her football for Liverpool in the WSL, Nagano started all but one of the Reds’ league matches last season and was a key part of her club only conceding 28 goals in 22 league games. Having formed a goal-forbidding partnership alongside Ceri Holland and Marie Höbinger at club level, the number eight will now likely line up alongside Yui Hasegawa and Aoba Fujino in France.
This will be Miyazawa, Ueki, and Nagano’s maiden venture into an Olympic Games after not being involved in Japan’s quarter-final exit in 2020 at the hands of Sweden. Nonetheless, all three players were present at the 2023 World Cup, which incidentally saw Ikeda’s side eliminated at the same stage as four years ago by those same Swedes.
Success would be
Escaping the group to begin with would be huge given the opposition. From there, if they can prove to be as strong in defence as they can be in attack, then anything is possible, including going one step further than they did in London 2012 when Japan took silver.
Prediction
In only their second back-to-back Olympic Games, Japan will be keen to try and go one step further than in 2012 but will face a daunting challenge to progress as their Olympic group of death contains no less than the defending World champions Spain, Brazil, and Nigeria. However, their performance at last year’s World Cup will fill the nation with optimism as they look to overcome that final step in search of the gold medal in Paris this year.
Fixtures
25th July Spain v Japan, 5pm, Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes.
28th July Brazil v Japan, 5pm, Parc des Princes, Paris.
31st July Japan v Nigeria, 5pm, Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes.
All kick-off times are French time.
Missed any of Impetus’ other Olympic nation guides so far? Catch up by clicking below!
Above: The 1978 Australian Team selected from the National Championships. Photo: Matildas Alumni.
The 1978 Australia team was the result of an intense, competitive selection process. Impetus looks back at the National Championships.
Whenever a Matildas squad is announced there is inevitable discussion. Some fans favourite miss out, others are in despite dips in form. Sometimes people rejoice at the surprises, on other occasions those shock selections are met with skepticism. The discussion will last days, or months in the case of a major tournament, but these days the noise in mostly online, or in the comments section.
In the early days of Australian Women’s Football it was no less competitive, but some might say selection was more ruthless, and there are few harder ways one can imagine to earn a cap than the 1978 team.
Women’s footballers in the 70’s may not have been professionals, but they were just as dedicated as the players today. The path to wearing the Green and Gold was one forged by countless volunteered hours by organizers and relentless fundraising by the players themselves. They had to make it happen for themselves, and for a growing sport in a vast country, the best way to find the best players was through the National Championships.
First held in 1974, the National Championships was a round robin tournament where each state would use their own district competition to create a representative squad, and that team would compete for their state and to some degree, themselves.
This was closer to State of Origin than a Champions League style of event. The best players went, not simply the top placed team from each state.
From 1975 to 1977 an “All Stars” team was named at the conclusion of the games. It was a way of recognising the tournament’s best performers. None was named in 1974 because at that time, there was no expectation of Australia taking part in full internationals.
The schedule was intense, in the years following its inauguration, The National Championships grew to nine representative squads. In a new format teams would play almost daily over the week long event. The fixtures were arranged so that the bottom team would avoid one of the top two sides from the previous year and the top sides would avoid one of the bottom placed teams.
In 1977 when the National Championships became the first ever method for selecting a national team in Australia, this limited round robin format ensured that there were few lopsided games for the selectors to judge from.
Players had to be among the best in their district, then the best in the state team and then perform under the pressure of the National Championships to be eligible to play for Australia. On top of that, they needed to fund their own travel, organise time off work and school and pay to attend the compulsory presentation night where they would find out if they would become Matildas (as they would one day be known.)
In the modern game, when a Matildas squad is selected, players enter a discussion with the coaching staff to explain why they are out, or congratulate them on making it. For the All Star Teams and to select the 1978 Matildas this was done publicly and almost in one instant.
At the presentation nights, the names of those selected would be read out in a room filled with every competitor from the week. A move was made to have the players announced randomly, as opposed to positionally or alphabetically, suspense could be high, tension certainly was.
Everybody in that room had given up something to have a chance of their name being called. Jobs were lost, expenses paid and full domestic seasons played for hundred of players to be whittled down to 23. Even then, the best individual players may not have been rewarded according to talent. They had to be at their best during the National Championship, and they had to be what the coach needed to make the team function at its best.
All of the discourse that spreads across days online in the modern era about who is in the team and who is not, was concentrated on one room, with everybody present and after a grueling, competitive, high quality week of football.
It was triumphant and merciless at the same time, and there would be no second chances until the following year. That is how hard it was to earn a cap in the early days and just one of the many reasons that The Matildas Alumni carry themselves with well deserved pride.
At every stage, from the district leagues to the state competition to the national champions, the odds were hard. Funding for individual players and the competition itself was almost unheard, and once they made the team it did not get any easier.
After being named and congratulated, the players would be informed of their itinerary and be given a bill for the costs of playing for the national team. A $525 bill was not out of the question to be a Matilda and once again the process of getting time off work and raising the funds began.
Squad selection and international preparation has come a long way since. Players still have to gamble on themselves and sacrifice from an early age to become a Matilda, but since the players strike of 2015, they are thankfully renumerated, and endorsement deals await for some of those with public profiles.
But it was a long road to now, and back in the days when the sport was made up entirely of volunteers, the path to becoming a Matilda was as hard as it has ever been. The payers had to be at their best for a year, peak at the right time and still leave something in the tank physically, mentally and financially for when or if they were selected.
The National Championships of the 1970’s and 1980’s were where the best of the best could be found, playing with and against each other, to earn bragging rights for their state and the right to represent the national team.
For one week every year, it was as intense, competitive and celebratory as Australian domestic football has ever been.
Above:The Nigerian national side. Photo: Super Falcons on X.
The Super Falcons are back at the Olympics after being absent for 16 years. This has been an arduous wait.
They had to come through a difficult qualifying round, which saw them knock out other African power-houses like Cameroon, and South Africa to get to this grand stage and despite the internal ruckus going on within the association, every citizen has expectations of the team.
Alternate Players (can only be called up if any players above are injured): Morufa Ademola (GK), Jumoke Alani, Gift Monday, Regina Otu.
Head Coach
Above: Randy Waldrum, Nigeria’s head coach. Photo: Super Pulse Nigeria.
Randy Waldrum, an American coach has been with the Super Falcons since 2020, after declining the appointment three years before.
He guided the Super Falcons to a fourth-place finish in the African Nations Cup, one of the worst finishes in two decades. However, Waldrum ensured a third consecutive World Cup appearance, guiding the team to the second round for the third time.
While he hasn’t won a trophy in a decade, Waldrum is a two-time National Coach of the Year (2009 by Soccer America; 2010 by NSCAA) and guided Notre Dame to trophies during his time there. He’d be hoping to break that 10-year jinx by attempting to pick a medal at the Olympics.
Olympics History
Before their long break from the Olympics, the Super Falcons made three consecutive appearances between 2000 and 2008. In their debut tournament, Nigeria failed to pick up a win, despite their valiant efforts as they lost to China, Norway, and the United States.
They however did a lot better in the next Olympics in 2004, where they secured their first victory at the Olympics and made it to the quarter-finals, becoming the first African country to make it to the quarter-finals Unfortunately, they lost to the European powerhouse, Germany by two goals to one.
Two narrow losses in 2008 against North Korea and Germany, and a first-half hat-trick from Brazilian legend Cristiane, meant the Super Falcons had another tournament with zero points, a narrative they will be hoping not to repeat this time around.
How they qualified
The Super Falcons had to cross major hurdles in a three-round qualifying process on their way to booking the Olympics ticket.
Having scaled through a successful first round, Nigeria set up an interesting match-up with the Eastern African country, Ethiopia.
Ethiopia had beaten their first-round opponent, Chad 10-0, and were ready to cause Waldrum’s team some trouble. They showed they were no pushovers in the first leg as they held the Super Falcons to a 1-1 draw. However the second leg was a different story.
Leveraging on squad depth, versatility, and experience, the six-time African player of the year, Asisat Oshoala marched her team towards an emphatic 4-0 victory, setting up a goal and creating a sumptuous assist during the process.
The next two qualifying rounds were close calls. A drab draw in the first leg against the Lionesses of Cameroon ensured there was all to play for in the second leg and an Esther Okoronkwo first-half finish from a sumptuous goal created by Jennifer Echegini meant that they had set up a final round with the current WAFCON champion, South Africa.
A potentially exciting match-up between two of the continent’s power-houses ended in a tensing 180 minutes that produced a single goal – a penalty across both legs to secure Nigeria’s passage to France.
Strengths
The Super Falcons‘ strength revolves around two key components; discipline and versatility.
The team play with a lot of coordination and discipline. In recent times, their first mantra has been to prevent the opponent from scoring, and defending in units, motions, and as a team. Their three clean sheets in four games including two against the European Champions and Olympic Gold Medalist is a testament of how disciplined they are defensively.
This trait will be useful as they lock horns with very attacking teams like Spain and Brazil. Another major strength is how versatile the squad is. There are more than five players who can play at least two different positions very comfortablyin the team.
Players like Toni Payne and Rasheedat Ajibade can play in the midfield as well as on the wing, and almost all the forward players can play as wingers or strikers. How the coach leverages this versatility will determine if they will make it out of this group of death.
Areas for development
A major gap recently has been the attacking cohesion and consequentially, a paucity of goals. Thanks to the array of attacking talents, Waldrum continuously tinkers with the attacking setup, while attempting to find the perfect balance that will give him the desired attacking output.
Different players offer different solutions to the team and picking a perfect blend of players that can deliver the desired results is a huge chasm the coach needs to bridge.
For instance, despite an exceptional performance by Asisat Oshoala and Esther Okoronkwo in the second and third round of qualification, he stuck with starting a player (Ihezuo) that hasn’t featured in the last 10 calendar months for the final qualification round, a choice that led to heavy criticism by Nigerian fans.
Choosing the right blend of attacking talents that will enable a free-flowing attacking football that ultimately results in a lot of goals is a major gap that has to be fixed.
Key Players
Onyi Echegini:
Above: Nigerian star Onyi Echegini. Photo: X.
She is indubitably Nigeria’s most in-form player right now. With eight goals in her first eight appearances for Juventus including a brace and a hat-trick, Echegini isn’t scared of running at any defence and sashaying through them if necessary. The build-up to Esther Okoronkwo’s goal against Cameroon in the last round of matches is a glimpse of what the dazzling midfielder can do.
Deborah Abiodun
Nigeria will be facing highly technical midfielders like Bonmati, Patri, Hasegawa, and Yaya, and how they nullify these sporadic threats will be crucial. Abiodun, often referred to as Debby-Kante because of her work rate, has to deliver an impeccable performance. She already showed the world a glimpse of her ability last year against Canada and she is a pivotal piece of the Super Falcons‘ journey to success.
Rasheedat Ajibade
Ajibade is a leader, an epitome of excellence, and one of the most talented players in the squad. Having grown through the ranks from U-17 to U-20, and now making great exploits with the Super Falcons, her array of attacking skills from shooting to picking pivotal passes, and creating sumptuous assists when needed, Ajibade will be key to Nigeria’s success in France.
Chiamaka Nnadozie
Above: Chiamaka Nnadozie making a spectacular save. Photo: FIFA
There is a confidence you have when the best goalkeeper on the continent is between the sticks for your country. Nnadozie commands her box with calming confidence, stopping long shots, close-range shots, and also has a strong record saving penalties.
Having made great waves in Europe, the Paris FC goalkeeper will hope that her club’s excellent form will continue at the Olympics and she is able to propel her team to success.
One to watch
Esther Okoronkwo
Above: Esther Okoronkwo – Nigeria’s secret weapon. Photo: Super Falcons on X.
A relatively new name globally, Okoronkwo is a trump card, a secret weapon Waldrum could use effectively if she makes the final list. Having scored four goals in her last four appearances for the Super Falcons, the UD Tenerife striker is one of the players that can play across different positions in the frontline.
She also plays alongside other attackers Rinsola Babajide and Gift Monday at club level and the club’s chemistry could come handy in making unpredictable attacking moves to open up the opponent’s defense.
Okoronkwo hasn’t made a full debut at an international tournament yet, but who knows, she might court the stage at Paris with her bedazzling skills
Success would be:
For the Super Falcons, success will be making it to the quarter-finals. Being paired with three powerhouses in the group stage is a great challenge.
Prediction:
The Nigerian Federation has been allegedly lackadaisical concerning the Olympics preparation and as a team, the Super Falcons have not played a competitive match since April with none in sight before the Olympics.
Despite this structural challenges, Nigeria have shown that they can pull themselves together and pull off great results. The absence of the versatile left-back Ashleigh Plumptre, and the young but very reliable center back, Blessing Demehin will be felt, but they should make it out of the group if they avoid defeat against Brazil in the opening match.
Fixtures
25 July 2024 Nigeria v Brazil, 7pm, Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux.
28 July 2024 Spain v Nigeria, 7pm, Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes.
31 July 2024 Japan v Nigeria,5pm, Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes.
All kick-off times are French time.
Missed any of Impetus’ other Olympic nation guides so far? Catch up by clicking below!
Above: Chelsea celebrate their WSL title successon the final day of last season at Old Trafford. They will open the new campaign at home to Aston Villa. Photo: Chelsea FC Women.
The new season of the Barclays WSL will get underway on the weekend of 21st and 22nd September with a number of exciting clashes.
The headline act for Round One will almost certainly be Vivianne Miedema’s instant return to Arsenal with her new Manchester City side at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday 22nd September, 12:30pm local time in a blockbusting start to the campaign in a game that will be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Elsewhere, league newcomers Crystal Palace will travel to Tottenham Hotspur on the opening weekend, while champions Chelsea will start new head coach Sonia Bompastor’s reign with a home fixture against Aston Villa, live on the BBC – date, and kick-off time to be confirmed.
UK broadcast picks for the second weekend of the campaign have also been locked in, with Crystal Palace taking on Chelsea on Friday 27 September in a 7.30pm kick-off on Sky Sports, while Manchester City will host Brighton and Hove Albion at the Joie Stadium on Sunday 29th September at 12.30pm, live on BBC Two.
Above: Newcastle United celebrate last season. They are expected to be a tough nut to crack in their first season in the Championship. Photo: Newcastle United.
The second tier Barclays Women’s Championship will begin two weeks earlier, on the weekend of September 7th and 8th. Among the eye catching opening games sees newly promoted Newcastle United head to the capital to face London City Lionesses, while fellow newcomers Portsmouth will face last season’s title challengers Charlton Athletic.
The complete set of fixtures for the Barclays Women’s Super League can be found HERE, with the Barclays Women’s Championship available HERE. Fixture dates and kick-off times will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Away from the action on the pitch, the new season will see the leagues’ transition from FA Player to YouTube, with non-Sky Sports/BBC broadcasted Barclays Women’s Super League and selected Barclays Women’s Championship games to now be streamed live globally on YouTube on each division’s respective channel – Barclays WSL and Barclays WC.
These channels will also house regular content dedicated to each league, including highlights, post-match interviews, and entertaining additional content.
The FA Player meanwhile will continue to host live Adobe Women’s FA Cup fixtures and content.
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