The Matildas manager short list

By Genevieve Henry and Kieran Yap (2/8/24).

Above: Melissa Andreatta. Photo: Aleksander Kostadinoski

Football Australia must now move to find a new head coach of The Matildas. With the exception of 2020 (and COVID lockdowns) the next 12 months ahead are the first in recent times without a major tournament and that grants time to make the right decision. 

However, with some retirements or replacements imminent among the playing squad, the next manager will play an important role, and with a home Asian Cup in 2026, the decision must be made carefully and correctly. Genevieve Henry and Kieran Yap go through some of the possibilities. 

Melissa Andreatta

Photo by Aleksandar Kostadinoski.


Andreatta is the simplest and most immediate option. If Football Australia like the way the team has been performing over the last four years as a whole, Andreatta is a good choice to continue that while leaving her own imprint on the team. 

The former Brisbane Roar coach has been one of Gustavsson’s assistants during his time in charge and is a natural successor to the Swede. She is familiar with both Australian football and the A-League Women, and knows the pitfalls of navigating Asian tournaments. 

Andreatta is the current head coach of the Under 23 side and has been vital in helping players make the leap from youth to senior football and providing players like Sharn Freier or Kaitlyn Torpey a chance to show that their club form can be replicated for the national team. 

Whoever the next coach is, will rely heavily on the work Adnreatta has done to prepare the likes of Amy Sayer and Ana Margraf to step into the shoes of Michelle Heyman or Tameka Yallop when the time comes. It might as well be the woman who helped usher them through herself. 

Leah Blayney

Hana Lowry (L) Leah Blayney and Bryleeh Henry. Photo: Football Australia


The Young Matildas coach has been in charge of Australia’s Under 20 side since 2019. It has been an impressive and entertaining tenure. 

The 2019 Asian Cup ultimately ended in defeat, but Mary Fowler, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Charli Grant, Courtney Nevin and Karly Roestbakken have all appeared at major tournament as senior players since. 

Deborah Anne De La Harpe and Indiah Paige Riley have gone on to play for other nations and Princess Ibini has become one of the most successful A-League Women players by the age of 24. 

Essentially, she knows how to develop players and bring out their strengths. 

Blayney’s 2022 Young Matildas performed admirably at the World Cup in Costa Rica. After winning the first game against the hosts  3-1, they exited at the group stage but took the game to Brazil and Spain with some encouraging performances, particularly from a then 15 year old Daniela Galic.

In 2024, Blayney guided the Young Matildas to World Cup qualification with a third place finish at the Asian Cup. Australia scored in every game, in sometimes frightening conditions and against a variety of opponents and tactics. Blayney rotated the squad heavily, ensuring fresh legs and avoiding mental fatigue in the do or die tournament.

Before the 2023 World Cup, the focus had to be global. Australia simply had to make the knockout stages and make an impact on the tournament to take full advantage of the occasion. 

Now, the focus could be much more regional. Australia have only been the best team in Asia once in 2010, and it is fair to say that the rest of the AFC is either trying to catch up or are close to overtaking us now. 

Results will matter against Asian opposition, and the AFC is a vast confederation that Blayney has success in navigating. 

She has built three very different, very valuable sides as a youth team coach, on limited resources. It feels like a matter of when and not if she will one day take charge of the senior team, but she does have the small matter of the U20 World Cup first.

Ante Juric

Photo By Kris Goman


The record-breaking A-League Women coach is surely one of the best coaches in Australia. Juric has achieved almost everything he can with Sydney FC and it might be time for him to look for a new adventure. In a press conference last season, he was asked if he would take the reins of the national team if called upon. His answer? An emphatic yes.

The work Juric has done to develop some of the brightest stars in the A-League Women is remarkable. He excels at not only bringing young players to their best, but taking players who have struggled at other clubs and making them into household names. From current Matildas Cortnee Vine and Clare Wheeler, to Future Matildas Indiana Dos Santos and Maddie Caspers, Juric knows exactly how to get players performing their best.

Not only that, but Juric has managed many of the current Matildas squad, helping them from the W-League to overseas, including Caitlin Foord, Alanna Kennedy, and Amy Sayer, as well as dozens of names likely to be in the national team in the future.

He receives the highest of praise by all those he has coached, with Vine saying, “He breeds a culture that is a winning culture, an accepting culture… No other coach does it like Ante.”

Juric also has experience coaching in the national team set up, leading the Young Matildas to top their group at the 2015 AFF Championship, with players such as Alex Chidiac and Princess Ibini leading the line.

Since 2017 when he became head coach of the Sky Blues, he has won three Championships and three Premierships. Although he’s had great resources and players at his disposal, it’s never been an easy ride. Just this past season, he managed to lead Sydney to the Championship while losing some of his best players to transfers and injury. He knows how to scrape through a season to get a win.

One of Juric’s strengths in coaching is his defensive management, an area the Matildas desperately need fixed. His side let in the fewest goals throughout the 2023-24 season even with captain and centre-back Nat Tobin out with an ACL.

All in all, Juric has the experience, the skill, and the relationships to do something special with this job if it comes his way.


Emily Husband

Photo: Central Coast Mariners


Although Husband has only just completed her first season in top flight football, her record and experience speak for themselves. After a 14-year absence from the A-League women, the Central Coast Mariners found success under Husband, even making a convincing finals run. She was named A-League Women coach of the year.

Although not from Australia, Husband has worked her way up from the NPLW, so she knows the talent pool more than anybody. Her time as head coach of Sydney University in the NSW NPLW was nothing short of spectacular, winning the league and coach of the year.

Husband’s coaching career has taken her all over the world, from the UK originally, to the US, Fiji, and all over both Africa and Europe. Wherever she goes, she brings her passion for football and nurturing players to be their best with her.

With the Mariners this past season, Husband has proved that she can take a group of players to the highest level with her tactics, recruiting, and culture building. Her side had one of the strongest back lines, second only the champions Sydney. A side the Matildas could learn from, they stuck it out through tough defensive moments to hit opponents both on the counter-attack and with possession based football.


She built the new Central Coast Mariners from the ground up and came agonisingly close to bringing them glory in her debut season in the top flight. As the national team enters an era of growth and rebuilding, Husband could help the Matildas reach the level they need to be.

Casey Stoney


Stoney is one of the very best coaches in the women’s game, and at the moment, she is clubless. After leading Manchester United women into the top division and making history with San Diego Wave in its first year as a club, Stoney finds herself in high demand.

After a third-place finish in arguably the world’s most competitive league in the Wave’s debut season, Stoney was named NWSL coach of the year. She furthered their progress in the 2023 season, winning the Shield (comparable to the Premiership). But after an underwhelming start to the 2024 season, she was given the boot.

Stoney, like many others mentioned in this list, excels defensively. A defender herself with over 100 caps for England, Stoney knows the calibre of opponents and exactly how to prepare her team for the best of the best. With both the Wave and United, their defence is what won them games and leagues, even. If she could carry that over to the international level, she may just be the coach that Australia’s talented yet chaotic defenders need.

Even with the poor season the Wave have had this year, under Stoney they conceded the third-fewest goals in the league. Unfortunately, they also scored the third-fewest goals. But scoring never seems to be the Matildas problem. They can score. They just can’t seem to stop conceding and letting opponents have massive chances due to negligence or silly mistakes. Stoney could be the woman to rectify that situation.

While Stoney could bring much value to the Matildas, especially in the backline, it is worth mentioning that once again going with a coach from outside of Australia could be risky, as she would not know the depth of talent available to develop, unlike others on this list.

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Matildas exit Olympics group stage

USA 2-1 Australia

By Kieran Petrik-Bruce 1/8/24

Above: Ellie Carpenter in action for Australia. Photo: Football Australia.

Til it’s Done

It’s a saying that has become the call for Matildas and fans alike. It’s applicable on and off the field. In the 11 goal thriller over Zambia it was evident. Two goals down against USA it was alive, and came so close to getting that vital point. The cruelty of football being that the Matildas put in their best performance in what was a pulsating defeat.

With a different approach to this game, playing Kaitlyn Torpey on the left, having both Katrina Gorry and Kyra Cooney-Cross in deeper roles, and Mary Fowler up top Australia looked more compact in defence, and when they got the ball right out wide, looked threatening with the best chance in the first 20 minutes.

In the next 20 minutes, USA peppered the goal, getting a lot of joy down the right-hand side, and forcing Mackenzie Arnold into a number of top quality saves. Then, chaos. A set piece and a goal for the USA. Australian pleading for the flag, Tony Gustavsson more so than most, earning a yellow which he sarcastically clapped. After a lengthy pause, to check for what could be argued was offside due to interference. The goal stood. The delay led to an extended first half which so nothing really eventful.

Second half saw USA start strong. Cooney-Cross off for Clare Wheeler, and the beginnings of signs that Australia may crumble looked likely. Yet, this was not the same team who shipped eight goals in the last two games. More resolute and willing, the Matildas fought back. Creating chances and when Michelle Heyman and Emily van Egmond came on, the attack had bite. It had a direction and the Aussie crowd was had been loud and energetic all evening upped the volume.

USA rang through the changes, looking for more stability and a way forward.
Then. Heartbreak for Tillies. A misplaced pass was latched onto and Korbin Albert hit a sensational strike into the top corner the fingertips of Arnold not keep it out.

Desperate to keep their fate in their hands, the Tillies lifted. Hayley Raso throwing herself around to the point of injury to further the cause. Tameka Yellop on, and Australia kept on fighting. 90 minutes ticked over and the chances looked slim. Turn to defender-turned back up striker Alanna Kennedy to finish smartly home from a Heyman-headed ball. Pandemonium.

The crowd was on its feet, the possibility of that second goal looked tantalising close, and another ball whipped in went agonisingly close to Kennedy’s head again. Wave after wave of attack and a late corner deep into seven minutes of injury time meant Arnold joined the attack, to find that moment that would bring joy to a nation.

Alas it wasn’t to be. The corner amounted to nothing and the final whistle shortly after signalled the fate out of their hand and the Tillies done for 2024 Olympics.

Teams: AUSTRALIA (5-4-1): Arnold, Catley, Hunt, Kennedy, Torpey, Carpenter, Foord, Cooney-Cross, Gorry, Fowler, Raso. Substitutes: Yallop (for Raso 85′), van Egmond (for Gorry 59′), Wheeler (for Cooney-Cross 46′), Heyman (for Torpey 59′).

Scorer: Kennedy 90+1′.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (4-3-3): Naeher, Dunn, Sonnett, Girma, Fox, Horan, Coffey, Lavelle, Swanson, Smith, Rodman. Substitutes: Williams (for Rodman 65′), Bethune (for Swanson 80′), Albert (for Lavelle 65′), Krueger (for Fox 65′), Nighswonger (for Dunn 46′).

Scorers: Rodman 43′, Albert 77′.

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South Melbourne win in the west

By Joe Rosedon 31/7/24

Above: South Melbourne revel in another goal. Photo by Kou Media via South Melbourne FC instagram

Calder United 0 South Melbourne 4 

Within the opening seconds, South Melbourne really should have taken the lead. Isabella Sewards’ inch perfect through ball set Francesca Iermano through on goal. Her effort however rolled passed the far post. This was a sign of things to come. 

Meshia Westland clattered the ball into the cross bar just two minutes later, a goal was surly coming for the visitors. 

Indeed, it did and it was Emily Roach who did the honours. In similar fashion to the early miss, Sewards again played the perfect pass. This time, Roach was able to find the net, steering the ball past an onrushing Natalie Picak

South Melbourne began the second half in a similar vein to the first, having all of the ball and continually threatening the Calder defence. Ierman was denied at close range from a brilliant Picak reaction save.

The inevitable second goal soon followed. Roach, who this time was the provider, turned just before the half way line and drilled the ball into the path of Tayla Christensen. Christensen looked up and after notching Picak was off her line, attempted an audacious lofted effort which flew over the head of the Calder goalkeeper and into the net 

Christensen was close to getting her second and Melbourne’s third, cutting into the box from the left-hand side and forcing Picak to push away for a corner.  

South Melbourne rapped up the scoring with two goals in quick succession during the closing stages of the game. Christensen retrieved the ball and was given time and space to pick out Grace Taranto in the box who had the simple job of tucking the ball away in the six-yard box  

Christensen was again involved with the creation of the fourth goal and usurpingly it again was a cross from the left-hand side. The ball was intended for Danielle Micallef but after some fortuitous deflections, the ball bounced off of Emma Langley and into the net.

Calder United still remain bottom of the table but remain only a point behind Moreland in 10th and have the same points as Bentleigh in 11th.  With games quickly running out, there form needs to improve as soon as possible if they want to avoid relegation. They will hope the turnaround can begin away to Alamein.

South Melbourne still has a chance of finishing in the top four but fourth place Heidelberg have hit form at the right time, denting their chances. They next play Box Hill United at home 

Katie McCabe: Passion, pride and vision of an Irish legend

by Boh Blythin (26/7/24)

Above: Arsenal and Republic of Ireland star Katie McCabe during her team’s end of season game in Melbourne. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Katie McCabe is a crucial part of both the Arsenal and Republic of Ireland teams. Her ability to play as both a left-back and a winger has enhanced her understanding of the left end of the pitch, becoming more consistent and influential in both defence and attack.

Now, she regularly switches between both positions for the Arsenal side, presenting many different aspects of herself in both. Being able to understand multiple positions and read the game so well needs high levels of intelligence and a huge amount of skill, both aspects which go a long way to explaining why the Republic of Ireland installed her as captain. Her ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively makes her an invaluable asset to both teams.

As a left winger, McCabe combines technical skill, tactical intelligence, and physicality with a strong mental game and leadership qualities. One of her most threatening aspects in this position is her ability to create accurate long balls and crosses, building her team’s chances to score and progress up the pitch.

Arsenal icon

McCabe’s main and most comfortable position is left back. Under Joe Montemurro’s leadership of the Gunners, the Irish star was used initially on the wing. The Australian encouraged his side to play a possessive holding game with constant movement and attacking play. McCabe epitomised this style due to her tremendous vision and strong work rate. In this period of her career, the Gunner evolved her tactical skills, awareness and positioning. She was also opened up to supporting her defensive players more often.

Above: Katie McCabe celebrates a goal back in 2022. Photo: Press Association.

However, McCabe’s versatility revealed itself in the late summer of 2020. During a pre-season game, teammate Kat Veje, who played left back for the Gunners at the time, became injured which saw the Irish star move into the position, going on to be recognised for her outstanding contribution here by winning the Player of the Season award in 2020/21. 

Current head coach Jonas Eidevall deploys McCabe more defensively – often taking on the role of left back. The Swede promotes a high and intense press style. Under this deployment, the 28-year-old has improved her skills as a defensive player and strategies from a different perspective.

Over the years, the Irish captain has developed into a committed player who isn’t afraid of getting dirty and stuck into a tackle. This is an integral part of what makes McCabe who she is. As well as this her technical ability, pace, and vision, she can also stamp her physical authority on the opposition as well.

As a result of playing alongside each other at the North London club for many years, McCabe’s relationship with Beth Mead is a key part of what makes Arsenal tick. Her overlapping runs assist Mead’s movement to the box to receive a pass or cross from the Irish star on the wing.

Although the two are such a threat and a dynamic duo, opposing teams have their own strategies to narrow down the pair’s rate of play. An example of this can be seen in double marking, which, on occasion can lead McCabe to lose her spark and go quiet. The knock-on impact of this is fewer supplies for Mead, reducing the team’s potential goalscoring opportunities.

Above: Katie McCabe (top) and Beth Mead – a key partnership for Arsenal. Photo: RTE.

Under Montemurro, the pair were able to showcase their attacking style of play and help improve their understanding of each other’s movements. McCabe’s crossing ability and Mead’s positioning were a potent combination. The two have blossomed further under head coach Eidevall. He encouraged a high-press attacking game, making the duo’s play even more direct and aggressive. Their understanding has deepened, leading to more effective combinations.

Despite their excellent attacking performances and ability to get the ball in the box, the pair could improve on their defensive play as a duo. To be able to drop back for one another and ensure a swift switch when moving from attack to defence would make the team overall stronger.

In September last year, the Ireland captain renewed her contract, committing herself to Arsenal to ensure that her time with the Gunners will move to within touching distance of the decade mark.

The face of women’s football in the Republic of Ireland

McCabe is the face of women’s football in her home country. She was made the youngest captain of the Republic of Ireland team back in 2017 when she was just 21.

As captain, she is a vocal leader on the pitch and has to lead by example, guiding her teammates with consistent energy and encouragement. McCabe is a key figure in the squad, contributing her ability to create goal-scoring opportunities and accuracy on long balls.

Above: Katie McCabe (green shirt) beats Katrina Gorry (on ground) and Alanna Kennedy in the Republic of Ireland’s opening group game at the 2023 World Cup at Stadium Australia, Sydney. Photo: FAI Twitter.

Whilst representing her country, McCabe has been used as a left-back, left-winger as well as a central midfielder. Under different coaches, Ireland’s style of play has been focused on defending and counter-attacking. The Arsenal star has often led the switch between defensive and attacking situations, developing her long-range balls, crossing ability, defensive play, and stamina.

McCabe typically takes the team’s set pieces including free kicks and especially corners. An example of her abilities in this part of her game was seen with her scoring the Republic of Ireland’s first-ever goal in the World Cup in the opening minutes of the team’s second group game against Canada in Perth. The captain stepped up to take a corner that curled in and found its way into the back of the net for the perfect Olimpico.

The mantra: “Stop McCabe, stop Ireland” is one that the Girls in Green have struggled to escape from over the years. The opposition regularly assigns more than one player to keep her quiet and focus on nullifying the players that are integral to bringing the 28-year-old into the game.

In a bid to avoid these opposition tactics, Ireland work hard to constantly switch McCabe’s positions on the pitch opening up new opportunities for her from different perspectives of the pitch.

With the Irish captain striving to develop her abilities to play under pressure from the strongest international sides and ensure she can continue to contribute consistently despite being marked by more than one player, she can lift her skills to a whole new level.

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Perth Glory reveal new head coach

26/7/24

Above: Stephen Peters with Bethany Gordon after winning the NPLW NSW in 2022. Photo: NPL NSW.

Perth Glory have today confirmed the appointment of Stephen Peters as the club’s new A-League Women’s Head Coach.

Currently in charge of Macarthur Rams Women’s FC in the New South Wales National Premier League, Peters has signed a two-year deal with Glory.

The 40-year-old has enjoyed sustained success throughout his 15-year-coaching career, notably during his time as Head Coach at North West Sydney Koalas FC and most recently, with Macarthur Rams whom he guided to consecutive NSW NPL championships in 2022 and 2023.

Peters, who was named NSW NPL Women’s Coach of the Year in 2023, is now relishing the prospect of taking charge of a new-look Glory squad ahead of the 2024/25 ALW campaign which is set to get underway in early November.

“What drew me to the role is the opportunity to coach at the highest level in the country,” he said, “and what better place to start than with Perth Glory, a club with a great sense of community and history.

“We want to have a team that plays a positive style of football that the people of Perth will enjoy watching and resonate with. I’m really excited by what lies ahead for our squad and the club in general.”

Glory CEO Anthony Radich is confident that Peters has what it takes to secure sustained success and grow the club’s women’s program.

“Stephen is an experienced, highly-credentialled Head Coach with an extremely impressive record in women’s football and we are very pleased to have him on board,” he said.

“We are embarking upon what is very much a new era for our ALW side and firmly believe that Stephen has all the right attributes to drive us forward. Our Football Director, Stan Lazaridis, has been working away diligently and the redevelopment of our playing group is at an advanced stage.

“With Stephen now on board, further signings will be made to finalise the squad and consequently, a number of player announcements will be made shortly.

Sydneysider Peters began his coaching journey with Gladesville Ravens before securing his first senior Head Coach role at North West Sydney Koalas FC.

After steering the Koalas to the coveted club championship, he moved on to Blacktown Spartans FC where he further developed his coaching skills by working with both junior teams and the First Grade side.

Peters was subsequently appointed by Football NSW as Head Coach of their U15s Women’s State Team and under his stewardship, they were crowned champions at the 2018 FFA National Youth Championships.

Glory’s new Head Coach duly took up the First Grade Head Coach role at Macarthur Rams in 2021 and after helping them secure a top-five finish in his first season at the helm, he led the Campbelltown-based side to back-to-back NSW NPL championships, breaking the league record of 26 matches without defeat in the process.

During his career, Peters has worked with numerous Matildas representatives, including Casey Dumont, Leena Khamis Kylie Ledbrook, Renee Rollason, and Alex Huynh, along with a host of junior internationals.

Artwork: Perth Glory

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Imagining Team GB Women’s Football for Paris 2024

Above: Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses after this month’s 0-0 draw against Sweden. Photo: @Lionesses

Stu Barker, Hannah Chadwick, Freya Ward, Aimee Reynolds, and Ava-Marianne Elliott team up to select a Great Britain team to compete at the Olympic Games (26/7/24).

As the Olympic flame burns brightly in Paris, Team GB go into the Games without a women’s football team. Our team of writers were starting to wonder what the squad might look like if they were representing in Paris, so we thought we’d have a bit of fun and suggest the squad that we’d select if in charge.

After complicated terms were agreed between the relevant organisations, England, the top-ranked nation, was chosen to represent Great Britain.

In Europe, The Nations League acts as a qualifying competition for the Olympics. To qualify, England needed to finish top of their group, including Netherlands, Belgium, and Scotland. Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses finished with twelve points, the same as the Netherlands. However, the Oranje Leeuwinnen took the top spot with a superior goal difference of one goal.

Goalkeepers
  • Mary Earps (Paris St Germain)
  • Hannah Hampton (Chelsea)

This selection was straightforward, with Earps and Hampton being standout options.

Most recently, Hampton has been preferred by Sarina Wiegman in the Nations League matches, securing victories against the Republic of Ireland and Sweden.

Earps would likely start, given her big-game experience, ball-handling skills, and shot-stopping ability.

Defenders
  • Leah Williamson (captain) (Arsenal)
  • Lucy Bronze (Chelsea)
  • Jess Carter (Chelsea)
  • Niamh Charles (Chelsea)
  • Millie Bright (Chelsea)
  • Alex Greenwood (Manchester City)

Despite the desire to represent all home nations, England’s defence boasts world-class talent. Williamson’s leadership and Bright’s solidity form a formidable central pairing, with Greenwood and Bronze protecting the flanks.

As one of the most experienced and versatile members of the current England Senior Squad, Alex Greenwood’s addition to the backline would inevitably give Sarina Wiegman’s squad an edge.

Above: Alex Greenwood during the UEFA Women’s Nations League match between England Women and Belgium Women at the King Power Stadium, Leicester, England on 27 October 2023. Photo: Chris Foxwell

Greenwood is a technically gifted player and sensational defender, the assets she brings to the table such as her phenomenal progressive passes and wealth of experience are a must if she is available for selection heading into a major tournament. 

It is arguable that she doesn’t get the credit she deserves in comparison to her colleagues in the back line.

Midfielders
  • Keira Walsh (Barcelona)
  • Erin Cuthbert (vice-captain) (Chelsea)
  • Angharad James (Seattle Reign)
  • Beth Mead (Arsenal)
  • Fran Kirby (Brighton & Hove Albion)
  • Ella Toone (Manchester United)
  • Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich)
  • Lauren James (Chelsea)
  • Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)

This group of players is perhaps only rivalled by Spain in terms of quality and depth. Selecting a starting group of players is not an easy task, nor was selecting this group of players. There are a number who could be argued are worth a place in this team.

A central midfield pairing of Walsh and Cuthbert would be sensational. The vision and tenacity of the pair make them a formidable combination. Both are comfortable with winning the ball and finding the killer pass for their forwards to convert.

There are many combinations for attacking midfield but if forced to come off the fence, we would go for the trio of Toone, James, and Hemp.

Forwards
  • Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
  • Martha Thomas (Tottenham Hotspur)

Russo and Thomas would both hope to be heir to Ellen White who is the current top scorer for Team GB with six goals, all of which came in Tokyo.

Above: Martha Thomas (left) and Alessia Russo (right) lining up together for their previous club, Manchester United against Lewes. Photo: James Boyes.

Russo would of course take the number nine shirt, but Thomas would be good value if the team were chasing a goal in the latter stages of the match. Some fans questioned the Scotland international’s credentials when she moved from West Ham United to Manchester United, but given her minutes on the pitch and that she was often shifted to the right her three goals in thirty-eight matches were not a fair reflection of her ability.

Though it’s disappointing not to see Team GB in Paris, we hope for their return in Los Angeles 2028. Imagine facing the host nation in the final, with Emma Hayes leading the United States, it would capture the attention of the entire country.

At Impetus we have completed a thorough preview of each nation hoping to take home the gold medal in the women’s football competition which is available here.

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Brilliant Brand inspires Germany to comfortable win over Matildas

Germany 3-0 Australia

by Ben Gilby (25/7/24)

Above: Steph Catley looks to escape during tonight’s game in Marseille. Photo: Luisa Gonzalez/Guardian.

A hugely impressive Germany side, inspired by the outstanding Jule Brand put Australia to the sword in the opening Group B clash at Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome tonight.

It was a hard lesson for The Matildas, who were never allowed to get going from an attacking perspective. That, and the relentless creativity, multiple runs into channels and razor sharp German offensive play pressured Tony Gustavsson’s side into too many errors at the back.

Australia went into the game boosted by their talismanic Arsenal duo of Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley returning to the starting lineup after missing the team’s final warm-up match against Canada with injury. Kaitlyn Torpey, who also missed that encounter, was on the bench and Mackenzie Arnold won her 50th cap in goal. On the minus side of the ledger, Tameka Yallop was ruled out.

Germany had had their own injury issues with star Lena Oberdorf missing, but they had the better of the opening exchanges offensively, with Klara Bühl breaking through on the left but the Matildas back line ensured she strayed offside.

Conversely, Australia were looking to maximise possession with Hunt and Cooney-Cross linking up well to begin to build from the back before switching out to Foord on the left and the duo of Ellie Carpenter and Hayley Raso on the right. The efforts and forward momentum it gained won the reward of two early corners. However, as the half wore on, Carpenter and Raso were rarely seen from an attacking perspective.

Australia’s second corner with 10 minutes played was gathered by German keeper Ann-Katrin Berger who released Brand into acres of space. She left Gorry in her wake upon approaching the area and, with Carpenter unable to cover, looked certain to score, but fired wildly over the top from 10 yards out.

Brand continued to exploit space, and earned her side another corner as she was able to run between Fowler and Cooney-Cross just outside the box to the right of centre. Shortly afterwards Giulia Gwinn saw a shot blocked as Germany ratcheted up the pressure.

Above: The Germany team line-up before the game and show support for their injured star Lena Oberdorf. Photo: DFB Frauen.

Australia took advantage of a short stoppage as Catley received a blow to the head to re-set and went back to maximise possession once more with a slow and patient approach around the middle third of the pitch. Cooney-Cross and Foord were looking to spread the play at every opportunity, with Germany happy to let them do so as long as the Matildas were outside their box.

The next focal point for Australia was to be to find an outlet up top. Fowler was shadowed by two or three white shirts on a regular basis, and Cortnee Vine had little or no time on the ball. It would be a puzzle that Tony Gustavsson’s side struggled to solve all night, and it seriously impacted their ability to maintain any sort of possession or momentum.

That crucial nature of being able to finish at this level was emphasised when Germany won a corner on the right just before the 24-minute mark. Gwinn delivered a high flag kick to the back post where Marina Hegering got up highest between Alanna Kennedy and Foord to send a thumping header into the net.

Australia initially responded well with Fowler able to find space in the box but the Manchester City attacker couldn’t quite get a shot in on target.

Germany remained on the front foot for much of the remainder of the half. They focussed on running the ball into the channels along their right-hand flank in particular as Brand and Gwinn looked to create. They were reaping the rewards of playing two tough Euro 2025 qualifiers just before the Olympics – the understanding, organisation, and sharpness was that bit more potent as a result in their build-up play.

For The Matildas, Fowler was forced to drop increasingly deeper in a search for possession with Foord therefore left isolated out wide, with few bodies to aim for in the box.

However, Australia would gain the final chance of the first half when Raso was pulled down just outside the box by Janina Minge to the left of centre with a free-kick awarded. Up stepped Catley, but the ball fell into the arms of Berger at her near post.

The Matildas began the second period looking initially more energised. There was more vigour about the runs and greater zip and urgency on the passing. But, frustratingly, it was not to last for long as Germany served them an instant reminder of what they are capable of as Brand got free again and was able to shoot, but it went just wide of Arnold’s right hand post.

Above: Australia’s starting line-up before kick off in Marseille. Photo: Football Australia.

Within five minutes the same player underlined her status as the chief thorn in Australia’s side with another searing run which ended with a rocket of a shot just going over the top.

Brand weaved her magic again 10 minutes into the second half as she escaped from Hunt and squared a pass for Lea Schüller who saw her effort blocked.

Germany gained the second goal that their share of possession and territory deserved with 26 minutes remaining. It was a virtual carbon copy of the first. Another corner from Gwinn on the right this time found Schüller unmarked to power a header home.

Within three minutes, Brand got the reward for her superb performance. Germany carved Australia open with a sublime move. There was acres of space for Schüller to find Sarai Linder out on the right flank for Brand to run in unmarked to slot home from close range.

The European side thought they have got a fourth with 18 minutes to play through Alexandra Popp but Australia were saved by the assistant’s flag. Defensively Gustavsson’s side were being taken apart.

Into the final 10 minutes, Hunt turned Bibiane Schulze on the edge of the box and fired in a powerful shot which Berger held with a dive to the right hand post – and that was that.

The Matildas were never able to get going from an attacking perspective. The Germans wrapped up Fowler, forced Vine into a peripheral role, and there was little or no time for Cooney-Cross to gain any sort of momentum. Particularly in the second period, the relentless switching of play and runs into channels squeezed any hope of Carpenter or Raso being seen going forward.

Sunday’s showdown with the brilliantly unpredictable Zambia now takes on the status of a must win encounter. Germany face Emma Hayes’ USA side on the same day in what could be an absolute classic. Lots to play for – and lots to learn.

Above: Lots for the Matildas to think about before they face Zambia on Sunday. Photo: Football Australia.

Teams: GERMANY (4-4-2): Berger, Linder, Hegering, Hendrich, Gwinn, Bühl, Minge, Popp, Brand, Schüller, Nüsken. Substitutes: Doorsoun, Endemann (for Bühl 89′), Freigang, Frohms, Lohmann (for Nüsken 46′), Schulze (for Hegering 73′), Senß (for Minge 73′).

Scorers: Hegering 24′, Schüller 64′, Brand 68′.

AUSTRALIA (4-4-2): Arnold, Catley, Hunt, Kennedy, Carpenter, Foord, Cooney-Cross, Gorry, Raso, Fowler, Vine. Substitutes: Heyman (for Foord 77′), Torpey (for Catley 78′), Polkinghorne, van Egmond (for Raso 77′), Wheeler (for Gorry 59′), Micah, Freier (for Vine 59′).

Referee: Katia García (MEX).

Attendance: Approx 20,000 (exact figure to follow).

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Fran Kirby & Dario Vidosic: The first steps in making Brighton & Hove Albion a top-half team

by Isla Smith (25/7/24)

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.

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