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Emotions high as Matildas and China prepare for challenges ahead

by Ben Gilby (2/6/24)

Above: Lydia Williams and Tony Gustavsson speaking to the media today in Sydney. Image: Football Australia.

Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson emphasised both the level of emotions around the Matildas squad ahead of tomorrow’s game with China and the steely determination to “show who they really are.”

As well as being Australia’s final game on home soil before the Paris Olympics, a sell out crowd of approaching 80,000 will be at Acor Stadium to acclaim Matildas icon Lydia Williams who will make her last appearance for the national team in Australia.

“There are a lot of emotions – emotions about selections (for the Olympics), but also emotions about honouring a legend of the game, and you all know what this team is about, it’s about the players and what they achieved and what they have done,” Gustavsson said.

“We’ve talked in the locker room about my first games and then Lydia talks about her first games and you realise ‘Wow! what a journey it has been!’, and to be a small part of that amazing journey is going to be very emotional tomorrow.”

Whilst there is plenty of attention on sending Williams and the team off on a high, the Australia head coach is clear that he is demanding a vast improvement from his players on Friday’s performance against China.

**Above:** Tony Gustavsson speaking to the media today in Sydney. **Image:** Football Australia.

“All of us in the team, including the players, were disappointed about the performance, but we were happy about that last second goal that says a lot about the attitude and identity of this team with the Never Say Die attitude…we want to be much more energised, more powerful, more attack-minded than we were in the last game, and…there’s a team that want to step out there and show who they really are.”

He also revealed that Caitlin Foord’s availability for the game is still in question: “We’ll see in training today, we will put out a statement so that everyone knows.”

Gustavsson ended the media conference with an insight into how he strives to ensure both the Matildas players and fans are at the heart of everything he does – whether it be communicating clearly about selection plans or the scheduling of the squad announcement for the Olympics.

“You want to make sure that this team is connected to the fans – the way I’ve tried to do it is when I sit here in front of you I try to explain what we are doing as much as possible, so the fans understand why we are doing it as I know the fans want nothing more than for this team to perform at the Olympics.

“If they understand part of performing at the Olympics is looking at the selection of players…there will also be different opinions in this room and among the fans that everyone has their favourite player and ‘why isn’t she playing?’ that’s part of coaching, and I’m happy to take criticism for that. The important thing is I talk to the players, talk to the fans…explain why we are doing what we are doing.”

“I pushed very hard to get the (Olympic squad) nomination on home soil…because it was very important for me that the players could be with families and friends and also for Australia to connect to the Aussie spirit and the Matildas. I could have waited another month (to announce the squad) if you look at the deadline, but I really wanted to make sure we did it on home soil because that will create so much energy for us to perform in Paris as well.”

**Above:** Lydia Williams at her final media conference on home soil today. **Image:** Football Australia.

Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams reflected on her footballing journey and how the game has evolved during her career ahead of her farewell appearance on home soil tomorrow against China at a sold-out Accor Stadium in Sydney.

“Honoured, definitely. Probably the most exciting thing is that I get to share my final game with the team at home with the players, the coaching staff, and the team. It’s a closing of the circle, you don’t really get much time as an athlete to have hindsight, you have to move on from tournament to tournament, from club season to club season…over the last few months I’ve been able to have those recollections.”

Williams highlighted the change in coaching she has experienced over the past 20 years, with high praise for the techniques used by her final Matildas boss Tony Gustavsson.

“I guess it’s the shift in technical ability, the understanding of the game. When we first started, a lot of it was coaches trying to correct technique…the basic rules, and understanding of the game. Throughout that period, over 20 years of playing, you see the standards of coaching coming in. Tony (Gustavsson) makes it really self-reliant environment – it’s your duty to do the job and put you in the best shape, and the most important thing is your performance on the pitch.

“You want to know that you’ve done the work and you get the reward by playing and getting selected for teams and that’s really been the kind of way it’s been evolving in a real short time – five years – and bringing in these really dynamic coaches who are leading that way and really creating that culture shift in the team.”

“We’re all the same as when we first started, no-one’s really changed. We’ve known each other since we were 16 and we were those kids trying to look up to be a role model, and for some of us, we’ve become a role model, but throughout it all we’ve remained who we are and what we believe in.”

Lydia Williams on The Matildas.

Then there is the identity of the Matildas. Williams emphasises the oft-repeated We Are Matildas mantra – players, coaches, families, and fans all part of one group all pulling in the same direction.

“The one thing that I really wanted was that this team really fights for what they believe in, and we’ve really seen that throughout the years – that it’s OK to fight for things…I want that culture and environment to continue and I think it will. The girls have a fire in them, we’ve brought people in to lead the team in a positive way and really make sure that it is about results and the team and the culture and the Matildas as a whole. It’s not just one player, it’s not just one staff member, it’s not just one organisation – it’s everything. The Matildas are the fans, the family, and everyone in between.”

China: Milicic and Wang Yenwen on the journey ahead for restoring the nation to former glories

**Above:** China’s team interpreter, forward Wang Yanwen (centre), and head coach Ante Milicic (right) at today’s media conference in Sydney. **Image:** Football Australia.

China’s former Matildas head coach Ante Milicic provided an insight into his new role with the former World Cup and Olympic runners-up, his focus on the rebuilding role ahead, and his thoughts on the retirement of Australian goalkeeper Lydia Williams – a player he knows well.

Milicic has had a tough baptism this international window in his new role, he had to select this squad based on videos on computer due to the short period in between his appointment and the games in Adelaide and Sydney. He provided an insight into the reality of what it actually entailed.

“During the interview process, I had to watch a fair bit of the national team games, so I had a bit of an understanding of the national team. I had to look a bit deeper and watch the girls in the club competitions – in the Chinese Super League.

“That was the challenge when you are relying on video footage, you are watching the games, but looking at the number of match minutes and also the intensity to get an understanding of the way of playing and how in a short space of time we could bring that to the national team. With all our girls playing overseas, we’re not really getting the minutes they need…the girls in Celtic play a little bit more, but in the UK, the girls just aren’t getting the minutes, and in Spain and France, and that’s been the biggest challenge.”

There were a huge number of positives for Milicic to take from Friday’s first game in charge, but the performance and outcome do not distract him from the reality of the situation he and his team are in.

“We’ve played our first game together against a very difficult opponent, so there is a lot of analysis, there are a lot of things we need to work on. The girls tried to execute what we spoke about and what we worked on, now it’s a process of recovery and seeing who is in the physical condition to back up for what will be another strong game tomorrow night…we have one player who was not available for Friday, we have to see how she is for tomorrow.

“That’s things that we’ve got to deal with. Unfortunately for us as a squad, time is the enemy, so we haven’t had enough time to work on…when they took their pause in the first half they looked to adjust a few things, and that second half again they adjusted again. We haven’t been able to provide our players with feedback on how to adjust to the opposition when they do make some tactical changes.”

**Above:** China head coach Ante Milicic speaking to the media in Sydney today. **Image:** Football Australia.

Rebuilding any team is a challenge, but one with such a successful past as China is one with even more difficulties. The women’s game is a very different beast now to the one that China were so strong in throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. So what are Milicic’s immediate aims in his new role?

“I just want to build a clear identity for the team. When the people of China watch their national team play, they see a clear style of football, they know what to expect…you just want to build some consistency around the side, so when you get to a major tournament, you know what to expect. I’m trying to look at it as a two-year block – what type of players I can bring in for the next two years…and the girls have been very receptive.”

Milicic was asked his thoughts on the development of the Matildas since he left the role as head coach in 2020. He is blown away by their achievements and proud of what so many of the players he is familiar with have done.

“They are a special group – what they have done for the game, not just in Australia but the world…they deserve everything that has come their way. It was nice to see them again as when I did depart the role (of Matildas head coach) I didn’t have that contact with them, so I really appreciated that.”

One of those players that Milicic knows well is Lydia Williams. China’s head coach made clear he is in awe of her longevity at the highest level and achievements across her career with the Matildas that began in 2005.

“When I got the news (about her retirement), we exchanged text messages. Lydia has been a fantastic professional and should be very proud what she has achieved and what she has done for the game…hopefully she is not lost to football because she has a lot of experience on and off the field. I’m proud that I got to spend a little bit of time with her on that journey.”

Also speaking at China’s media conference was striker Wang Yanwen who reflected on what she believes has to be done to restore her nation’s standing at the top table of women’s football.

“If we want to bring back our prime winning in winning football in the position of the world, with our domestic game the first thing we need to improve is the pace of the game and stronger contact with physical condition.”

She also outlined her thoughts on the first game between the two nations on Friday, saying, through an interpreter: “We were heading (winning) the game at the beginning and creating so many chances, but unfortunately they draw the game with us. A lot has been talked, and there are improvements to be made before the next game.”

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Australia luckless against ruthless Germany

Australia Under 23’s 0-3 Germany U20’s.

By Kieran Yap 3/6/24

Australia lost their second game of the four nations tournament in much the same fashion as the first game to Sweden.

An unlucky own goal, a turnover deep in defence and then an excellent finish from long range decided the result, while the ball seemed pre-determined not to go in at the other end.

Australia started brightly with Kahli Johnson’s effort forcing a strong save from the German goalkeeper. The Western United striker almost finished an excellent end-to-end move that used a combination of players and passes to unlock the German defence. The eventual effort was forced away for a corner, but the German defence dealt with it easily.

In the 30^th minute, misfortune struck. A low cross from the left spun off Alexia Apostolakis’ foot, up into the air and across the goal line. It was an own goal that defied physics, both in the distance that the ball travelled that the height that it reached. It was a desperately unlicky way to concede and could likely never be replicated.

Daniela Galic came closest to levelling the scores before half time. Australia forced a turnover in their penalty area and Galic feigned a shot, then cut into space to create the opening. Her effort was saved.

Australia continued to attack, but a succession of corners did not yield a result. Like the Swedes in the opening match, Germany were simply more clinical when the chances presented themselves.

For much of the game, Australia’s high risk passing game was both entertaining, and effective, even if it did provide for some nail biting moments. Chloe Lincoln’s footwork is a marvel to watch, but with very few A-League clubs playing with this tactic it is fraught with danger. Just after half time, The German’s latched onto a wayward pass from Lincoln and Sophie Natchigall made it 2-0.

Dilara Acikgöz scored the third goal in the 60^th minute with a thunderous effort from the edge of the box. That was one unstoppable.

Australia created enough chances to warrant a better result than 3-0, but could not finish what they created. They were not outclassed around the pitch though, and a little less hesitancy in the final third will hopefully see them open their account in the next game against Poland.

Australia’s Under 23’s play Poland at the much more friendly time on 9pm on Tuesday night.

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Lionesses Suffer Setback At The Hands Of France

Above. Photo: EquipeDeFranceF

by Joe Rosedon (1/6/24)

Sarina Weigman, in her 50th game as head coach of England, was able to pair Leah Williamson with Milly Bright at centre-back for the first time since the Lionesses 6-1 victory over Belgium in February 2023. Jess Carter was chosen at left-back over Alex Greenwood, with a view to counter the dynamism of Lyon’s Kadidiatou Diani. The injured Lauren James was replaced by Beth Mead.

France manager Herve Renard, who served a touchline ban for this game replaced, injured all-time top goal scorer Eugéine Le Sommer with Marie-Antoinette Katoto. Other changes from France’s last match against Sweden included Élisa de Almedia and Sakina Karchaoui coming in for Griedge Mbock Bathy Nka and Grace Geyoro. Karchaoui’s role was of particular interest, picked as a midfielder instead of her usual position of left back.

England’s opening attacks were centred on the left-hand side of the pitch. Combination play between Carter and Lauren Hemp forced Diani deeper to help De Almedia with defensive duties.

This proved to be successful as England scored the opening goal through play down this flank. Hemp was given plenty of time and space to deliver the ball from the left, eventually reaching Mead on the opposite wing to score.

Alessia Russo also drifted into the left-hand channel. The Arsenal forward isolated Wendie Renard held up the ball and allowed Hemp and Ella Toone to be brought into play.

In the centre of the pitch, Kenza Dali was tasked with the critical role of keeping England’s metronome Kiera Walsh quiet, a job she succeeded at during the first half. The aforementioned Karchaoui was also successful in her midfield role, intercepting the ball on numerous occasions when England looked to threaten from an attacking point of view, France attempted to press England and hit them on the counterattack, but this approach was ineffective in causing the home side problems defensively. Diani stuck to the right-hand side but as the half drew on, she made runs centrally when France were in promising attacking positions.

Bearing that in mind, it made sense that France found their equalizer from a corner and a moment of individual brilliance. De Almedia was able to wriggle away from her markers at the end of the box and volley home superbly. France did look brighter towards the end of the first half after scoring, having much more control of possession. Interestingly France, whose biggest assets are their wide players, were subdued.

From the beginning of the second half, France looked to rectify this and made more of a
concerted effort to focus their attacks on the flanks. Delphine Cascarino was almost a beneficiary of this new focus, firing just wide.

However, it was poor defending from a set piece that allowed the visiting side to take the lead.

England again could not deal with a French corner; this time it was Katoto on hand to capitalize with another excellent finish.

Following this goal, Cascarino was replaced by Amandine Henry. This substitution signified that France were content with taking a more defensive approach for the remainder of the game, as it added an extra body in midfield to increase stability and security. France was able to control the game with relative ease from this point, keeping England at arm’s length. In particular, England’s midfield were stifled by a controlled approach.

In response, England withdrew Georgia Stanway for Fran Kirby and Mead for Chole Kelly, trying to find an attacking spark which they severely lacked in the second half. Bronze did find space but was unable to pick out Russo at the back post. De Almedia also did a much better job of containing Hemp in the second half than in the first.

This was another worrying performance from England, who since the World Cup, have been unable to match their lofty standards. England can still qualify from their group, but a second-place finish seems the most likely outcome For France, a win away to the reigning European Champions and World Cup finalists, is a tremendous result. This puts them in an excellent position to top the qualifying group.

England: Earps, Bronze, Williamson, Bright, Carter, Stanway, Walsh, Toone, Mead, Hemp, Russo

Goals: Mead (30)

France: Peyraud-Magin, De Almedia, Lakrar, Renard, Bacha, Toletti, Karchaoui, Dali, Katoto, D.Cascarino

Goals: De Almeida( 43), Katoto (68)

Referee: Marta Huerta De Anza

Gustavsson, Yallop & Raso reflect on China draw

by Ben Gilby (1/6/24)

Above: Tameka Yallop and Tony Gustavsson speaking after yesterday’s 1-1 draw with China in Adelaide. Image: Football Australia.

Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson admitted his side “were not aggressive enough” and “played too slow” in the first half of their game with China yesterday, but hailed their famed Never Say Die spirit in playing to the last second.

Gustvasson also outlined his reasoning behind the starting line-up, five substitutes early in the second half, and some previously unvoiced difficulties that the squad had to overcome in the build up to the game.

Reflecting on that latter point first, the Australia boss said: “We had a little bit of a challenge coming into this that those players who play in the A-League haven’t played a lot of football for a long time, so they are not in a season or in form. Other players are coming in at the end of a season and fatigued and tired from travel and playing. We needed to find the right balance.”

It took until the second half for that balance to be found, as Gustavsson admitted: “In the first half, for some reason, we looked tired. We were not as aggressive as we wanted to be. China won a lot of one-v-one duals – they were more aggressive than us – we played way too slow.

“I asked them (the Matildas) to provoke the press, be slow in the start of the build-up to draw them out, but once we break the first line change the tempo, and we really struggled with that in the first half – and also because China were extremely well prepared. I said to Ante (Milicic, China head coach) after the game ‘Congrats on a very, very impressive performance – they were very good… they were better than us in terms of the game plan, the aggressiveness, they were very well prepared.”

**Above:** Tony Gustavsson reflecting on the 1-1 draw with China. **Image:** Football Australia.

Whilst many will point to the five substitutions made in the early period of the second half as the stimulus for the improved performance in the second 45, Gustavsson actually believes the recovery began slightly earlier.

“We did some tactical tweaks at halftime that started to pay off, we were more dominant before the subs. We wanted to evaluate players, and that influenced the game – a new relationship on the left side, a new relationship on the right side, a new relationship in the centre – a lot of new things. It wasn’t a synched and connected as you usually see in a Matildas team.”

Those connections were a focus of this particular game as Gustavsson wanted to give a final opportunity for players to state their claim for a spot in the Olympics squad, and how they handle the responsibility.

“You look at different scenarios – if this happens…what we said we wanted to do with this game was to look at as many players as possible in terms of decision-making, but at the same time use the game for preparing connection, relationship, and consistency. Instead of doing links where we have one or two players who don’t normally start and have a mix through 90 minutes, we said, ‘let’s look at a mix from the beginning,’ and if we have the opportunity to bring…those who normally start in to try and have some cohesion and connection…”

In the end, the Matildas came back from all the puzzles that China posed them along with the formation and personnel changes showing their long time battling beliefs.

“We had the support of the crowd, and the Never Say Die spirit of the players to never, ever give up – we played until the last second paid off once again,” Gustavsson smiled.

**Above:** There were many challenges against China, but Michelle Heyman’s late leveller provoked big smiles. **Image:** Football Australia.

“Maybe it’s no coincidence that it’s Michelle Heyman there scoring that goal, being in the spot at the right time. I think that was important for her and the team.”

The jubilation over Heyman’s last-gasp leveller was tempered by the injury that Caitlin Foord left the field with shortly after being introduced as a substitute – it remains to be seen how serious the situation is.

“I’m a bit concerned,” Gustavsson admitted, “and I’m looking at myself here. Some players came in very tired mentally and physically…she was one who hasn’t trained fully until yesterday. I met with my SSSM team and…when something like that happens, you think ‘should I have used her today..?’ As a coach, you always think that way. We played it safe. She said she felt something, and I think if that had been a World Cup game or an Olympic game she would have tried to play on, but at this point, there is no way we would risk that.”

The Australia boss admitted that he was concerned about the additional load imposed on his players involved in the A-League Women All-Stars v Arsenal exhibition match the previous week in Melbourne, and believes the growing trend towards such games needs to be factored into player management in international selections.

“I…understand the ‘why’ behind it (exhibition games). I think we’ll see it more in the women’s game, we’ve seen it for years in the men’s game now…the interest in the women’s game, you can understand why clubs do it, it’s up to us to learn to handle that and look at the well-being of the players.”

All focus now though is on the second game against China in Sydney on Monday along with the Olympic squad announcement that follows shortly. After Friday’s draw, the Matildas head believes he is now almost there in deciding his 18 names, but is dreading telling those who haven’t made it.

“I am closer (to finalising all the spots). Without saying any names, there were one or two players who locked their spots because of their performance, but I also want to look (back) at the game (again) with less emotions.

“The players will be told individually face-to-face if they are selected or not…we need to keep it as professional as possible and always thinking of the person more than just a player because there will be some tough decisions and tough conversations which will hurt some feelings unfortunately, and that’s a tough part of this job.”

**Above:** Tameka Yallop putting in a cross for the Matildas against Iran last year. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Tameka Yallop emphasised how tough Australia found the challenge set by China, but feels that they will reap the rewards for experiencing it in the games ahead.

“It was a challenging game. They came out and were very organised and very structured. It was a challenge for us to break them down, which is something we’ll face (at the Olympics), and they gave us a lot of respect with the speed we have in behind. It was up to us to break them down.”

China were set up to frustrate Australia’s desire to play on the front foot, and the Brisbane Roar player recognised that it took a lot of moving the pieces of the puzzle around to solve the problems that Ante Milicic’s side posed them.

“We are always a possession-based team and we want to play good football. They were well structured and very disciplined, so for us it was about trying to play through, around, over, and to mix up our game and look how we could break down different opponents. With a lot of players coming in and rotating through, we all needed to get to know each other in different positions.”

**Above:** Hayley Raso speaking from Matildas HQ today. **Image:** Football Australia.

Hayley Raso reflected on the importance of mental and physical recovery ahead of a tight turn around between now and Monday’s second game with China – something the Matildas in good stead for the Olympics where nations could play seven matches in less than 17 days.

“For us, it’s about recovering mentally and physically. In the Olympics, it’s going to be really tight turnarounds for all the games, so it’s good preparation for us for that.”

The Real Madrid attacker also highlighted how important the challenges of Friday night’s game with China will be for her team to remember and build on as the battles get more intense over the coming weeks.

“It was a good test for us against a quality opposition, they were really strong defensively…we’re just looking to take some learnings from that game into the next one…Coming on (as a sub), we knew we needed to get a goal or try win the game, so for us it was just about giving everything we had to do that.”

Immediately ahead now is Monday’s second game with China, and an opportunity to farewell both fans and Lydia Williams ahead of departing for the Paris Games.

“I absolutely love playing in Sydney…To have our last game before the Olympics with all our family, friends, and fans, and to celebrate Lydia (Williams) who is retiring, so I think it will be a special night.”

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Last gasp Heyman the saviour

Australia 1-1 China

from Emma Burke at Adelaide Oval for Impetus (31/5/24).

Above: The Matildas celebrate after Michelle Heyman’s last gasp equaliser, five minutes into stoppage time against China in Adelaide today. Photo: Football Australia.

A goal in the final minute of stoppage time from striker Michelle Heyman has secured a 1-1 draw for Australia against China in front of a sold-out Adelaide crowd of just under 53,000.

While a new-look line-up, erring largely on the last chance saloon for Olympics selection, and a different formation, the Matildas held the majority of possession throughout the first half.

Defensively the home side were not quite where they wanted to be, and at times in offensive areas, the ball didn’t stick or find its intended target. In the cut-throat nature of international football, not making the most of possession comes back to haunt you, and China were able to break through the deadlock in the 30th minute through Linyan Zhang who took advantage of some outstanding work by Central Coast Mariners’ star Wurigumula – who was fantastic throughout.

**Above:** Charli Grant (left 22) in action on home soil in Adelaide today for Australia against China. **Photo:** Football Australia.

Mary Fowler and Heyman were largely kept well marshalled by the deep-lying Chinese defence, with Fowler really only having one eye-catching moment in the opening half when she played a gloriously weighted pass through. That though would change as the game went on.

Cortnee Vine was also ushered towards the touchline and byline by the visitors as part of a well-executed strategy by their head coach Ante Milicic, who knows so many of the Matildas team so well from his past roles with the Australian national team at both senior and age group level.

A quintuple substitution not long into the second half signaled an end to the experimental period with Steph Catley, Hayley Raso, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Ellie Carpenter, and Caitlin Foord all coming into the game and immediately looked to make an impact.

Unfortunately, Foord would last only 15 minutes, going down with a potential hamstring injury, and was replaced by Sharn Frier.

**Above:** A packed out Adelaide Oval watching Australia take on China today. **Photo:** Football Australia.

Chances came for the Matildas, but they were unable to find the key final moment to convert the opportunity as the final ball never quite seemed to end up where it should have.

Finally, a free kick awarded five minutes into stoppage time, set just wide of the box on the left hand side was taken by Mary Fowler. Her powerful delivery bounced off Chinese keeper Huan Xu and came off perfectly for Michelle Heyman to poke the ball into the back of the netting.

The two teams now re-group with the second game of this Farewell Series being held on Monday night in Sydney at a sold-out Accor Stadium, scene of the Matildas’ World Cup semi-final with England.

**Above:** Michelle Heyman (32) slides in to equalise five minutes into stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes for Australia. **Photo:** Football Australia.

Teams: AUSTRALIA (4-4-3): Arnold, Vine, Wheeler, Torpey, Van Egmond, Fowler, Yallop, Kennedy, Hunt, Grant, Heyman. Substitutes: Williams, Whyman, Nevin, Polkinghorne, Catley, Foord, Raso, Carpenter, Cooney-Cross, Freier, Heatley

Scorer: Heyman 90+5’.

CHINA (4-2-3-1): Xu, Li, Chen, Dou, Wu, S. Wang, Y. Wang, L. Zhang, R. Zhang, Gao, Wurigumula Substitutes: Peng, C. Liu, C. Shen, Yuan, J. Liu, Wu, M. Shen, Zhao, Y. Liu, Yang.

Scorers: L. Zhang 30’.

Attendance: 52,912.

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Norfolk Wrap

Bungay Town secured the Tier Seven title with a 2-0 victory at Sprowston. Credit – Steve Wood

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

Bungay Town secured the title in their penultimate match of the season at Sprowston on Wednesday 22^nd, a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Lily Alexander and Lauren Purling saw Darren Renwick’s team claim the title.

Bungay’s final match of the season against Caister on Sunday was awarded to Bungay as a walkover after Caister cancelled the game due to being unable to field a team, this meant that Bungay finished the season as Champions by eight points.

Lauren Purling (Blue) scoring for Bungay Town in their 2-0 win at Sprowston. Credit – Darren Gilham

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

Stalham Town secured a second place finish behind Champions Bure Valley following a 2-0 home win over Beccles Town Development, Charlotte Fisher and Laureena Reid scored the goals.

Second bottom Martham produced the result of the final weekend of the season with a stunning 4-3 win at sixth place Shrublands. Melissa Anderson, Lauren Monument, Bethany Shearing and Amy Southern scored for Martham with Greta Jasinskyte and a Hannah Halfnight brace getting the three goals for Shrublands.

Red Rose ended their season on a high with a 2-0 victory over Horsford Hurricanes, Nadia Child opened the scoring just before Half Time and Louisa Said got the second goal which was her first ever goal in adult football.

Kiera Squires scored for Freethorpe but it was not enough as they were beaten 3-1 at Horsford Harriers.

FC Viking Valkyries and Waveney shared the points in a 1-1 draw, Maddie Smith scored for FC Viking Valkyries and Demi Saunders scored for Waveney.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two

FC Viking Valkyries were due to travel to University of East Anglia but they were awarded a walkover after UEA were unable to field a side.

Martham ended their season on a high with a stunning 4-3 win at Shrublands. Credit – Martham FC

Lionesses: Bright & Beever-Jones prepare for huge France challenge

by Freya Ward at St. George’s Park for Impetus (30/5/24).

Above: England’s Millie Bright speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s first game with France. Photo: Freya Ward for Impetus.

The Lionesses are going through their final preparations at their St George’s Park training centre ahead of their UEFA EURO qualifying fixtures against France with Millie Bright emphasising that the two games are “massive” to their hopes of retaining the trophy.

This camp is the first of several taking place over the summer period, with the same 28-player squad joining together to play Sweden and the Republic of Ireland in July.

This squad was announced in May, with a few notable inclusions. Bright has made her way back into the team after a knee injury saw her sidelined for a large portion of the season. The Chelsea star spoke about her recovery from injury as “the most tasking period” of her season. Bright’s strength and leadership qualities have been a huge miss for England, so her inclusion is a popular choice amongst the fans and players.

The defender spoke highly of fellow Chelsea teammate Aggie Beever-Jones who has received her first senior call-up, describing her as “a sponge.” Beever-Jones scored 11 goals in 17 appearances for the Blues last season, having only started in six of these games, deservingly these stats have earned her call-up by Sarina Wiegman.

Beever-Jones is one of multiple youngsters who have made the move up from the Under 23 Squad with the likes of Khiara Keating and Grace Clinton securing their senior spot in recent months. The England pathway is something that Beever-Jones spoke very highly of at the media event, with regard to her time at the U19 Euro Finals saying: “Although it didn’t really go our way it’s setting us up for these camps and playing games that ultimately matter.”

**Above:** Aggie Beever-Jones speaking to the media at St. George’s Park this week. **Photo:** Freya Ward for *Impetus*.

This camp has the addition of four standby players on top of the original 24-player squad. These names include Jessica Naz (Tottenham Hotspur), Missy-Bo Kearns (Liverpool), Lucy Thomas (Birmingham City), and Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United). Le Tissier has since been moved into the 23-player senior squad in the absence of defenders, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Niamh Charles who have withdrawn due to foot and calf injuries respectively.

Thomas is a new name in this England squad, having been called up on standby to replace Southampton number one Kayla Rendell, who is recovering from an ankle injury and is set to be assessed before the July window alongside Charles, in hopes of making their way back into the team to play Sweden and the Republic of Ireland.

Going into the double header against France, the Lionesses currently sit second in their group with a healthy tally of four points – two behind short of Les Bleues – so two positive results are vital if England wants to be in the best possible position for qualification, especially after falling short on Olympic qualification for this summer’s games in Paris.

Bright described the prospect of winning both these games as “massive” for the team, especially due to France’s current form making it to the Final of the UEFA Women’s Nations League, narrowly missing out to the current World number one, Spain.

The Lionesses play their first game against France tomorrow (Friday 31^st May) with a win moving them to the top of the table; three points would put them in the driving seat for the rest of the qualifying games regardless of the result in the group’s other match between the Republic of Ireland and Sweden. Securing two wins against the third-ranked nation in the world would be a huge step for England in hopes of making it to the 2025 European championship in Switzerland to defend their title.

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Gustavsson & Foord: It’s the last opportunity to prove yourself

by Emma Burke in Adelaide for Impetus (30/5/24)

Above: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson (left) and attacker Caitlin Foord at today’s media conference in Adelaide. Photo: Emma Burke for Impetus.

Ahead of Friday’s game against China in Adelaide, the first of two games in the ‘Til it’s Done Farewell Series,’ Matildas’ head coach Tony Gustavsson has admitted that he is dreading having to cut his squad down to 18 for the Paris Olympics at the end of the week.

“It’s been a stressful week for me to be honest because it’s the week of selection,” he said, “the worst part of being a head coach is that I have to tell someone at the end of this week that you’re not going to the Olympics.”

The final squad will be made up of 18 players, and an extra four will travel with the team, available as alternates should anything happen to one of the 18. While the players will know if they’ve made the 18 by the end of this week, a public announcement will be made on the 4th of June, after the second Farewell game in Sydney the night before.

“A core group of players [are] locked in for us… I’d say roughly 14 to 15 is there, there’s a question mark on a player availability on like, a Katrina Gorry for example, so when making a selection we have to make it based on where we think she will be on the 25th of July not where she’s at now,” he said.

Based on what Gustavsson has said, there are only three or four tickets to Paris left, but who those will go to is anyone’s guess.

**Above:** Katrina Gorry (22), seen here in action for West Ham United at Everton in the WSL, faces an anxious couple of days to see if she will make the cut for the Matildas squad for the Paris Olympics. **Photo:** Harvey Todd for *Impetus*.

Caitlin Foord reflected on the reality of the situation in the same media conference. “This is the last opportunity to prove yourself and show that [you should be selected] so I would say a lot of the girls are nervous for the game tomorrow,” the Arsenal star said.

Despite the nerves around and in the camp, there’s still nowhere else Foord and her teammates would rather be.

“We play each other week in week out overseas in club [football] but at the end of the day we want to be on the pitch together and the goal ahead is the Olympics. There’s no such thing as a friendly. Every national team game, every time we put on the green and gold it’s definitely not a friendly match,” she said, further stressing the importance of tomorrow night.

The game will be hosted at Adelaide Oval, where a men’s AFL game will be played tonight, bringing up questions about the quality of the pitch at tomorrow’s kick-off which is slated for 7:40pm local time.

Gustavsson had no such qualms about his side in relation to such an issue however. “No matter what is thrown at them whether it’s a pitch or an injury or the weather, they just do it, they get it done, that’s just who these players are so no matter what we face tomorrow we’re going to be ready to play,” he said.

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Clinical Sweden defeats Australia U23’s

By Kieran Yap 30/5/24

Above: Chloe Lincoln looks on after Sweden’s third goal.

Sweden 3-0 Australia

The Australian Under 23’s began the four nations tournament with a 3-0 loss to Sweden.

The damage was done in the first half with two early goals from Johanna Renmark and a close rang finish from Ebba Handfast settling the result.

The Under 23’s looked sharp in the opening minutes. Hana Lowry was deployed in a more advanced role than she has been at Perth Glory and had the game’s first shot on target after Australia’s press spilled the ball loose.

Chloe Lincoln pulled off a very strong one on one save and Alexia Apostolakis stopped a certain shot on goal with a skilfull sliding tackle while retaining possession.

Similarly to the senior side, The Under 23’s looked to play out from the back at all costs. It is a risky tactic, especially with a team that had never started a match together, but it is a big part of this program to ready players for the senior Matildas, and game style is crucial to that.

It is however, how the first goal was conceded. Hesitancy on the ball created an opening for Renmark, and she was simply more clinical than Lowry was with her similar opportunity earlier on.

The second goal was well taken, but unlucky. With the ball on the wing, right back Bryleeh Henry was turned and the cross found Renmark to scuff her shot home from close range. There was a momentary pause among the Australia camp as Henry seemingly went down injured under no contact. Sweden played on and took advantage, but for a minute hearts were in mouths as teammates and staff feared the worst.

Henry was able to play on and was not subbed out until midway through the second half to the relief of anybody watching.

Sweden’s third goal came after Australia’s efforts to clear a corner resulted repeated efforts from the hosts. At the third attempt, Handfast bundled the ball home.

Australia had their chances to attack, although they found moving the ball through midfield difficult against the organized Swedes, when they did get forward, they looked dangerous. Ana Margraf was industrious and creative in midfield. Leah Davidson delivered an excellent cross after a clever move to lose the defender on the right.

Laura Hughes and Leah Davidson were strong in midfield, and most of Sweden’s joy came down the flanks.

The Swedes defensively were very structure and physical. They paid special attention to nullifying Daniela Galic before she could have any time on the ball. Kahli Johnson was kept wide, and the Swedish defenders did not let her get an easy pass away.

Australia’s back four were all good individually, but the goals looked like a result of a defence that had not played much football as a unit. It is something that is likely to improve over the next few games.

There were positives. Henry looks to be continuing to develop into a top quality fullback, Apostolakis rarely looks flustered, Margraf is a quiet chance for a senior call up and Lowry was lively in an attacking role. These games are about development, and although winning is a big part of that, these players will have each learned something from this game. Clinical finishing in the final third was the main difference between these sides, and despite the scoreline, Australia was not played off the park.

The tough tests continue as Australia face Germany on Sunday morning (AEST).

Teams: SWEDEN: Mukasa, Selerud, Handfast, Pelgander, Leidhammar, Kapocs, Ijeh, Sprung, Renmark, Holmberg, Pennsater. Substitutes used: Reidy, Schroeder, Akgun, Andersson, Paljevic, Holmqvist.

Scorers: Renmark 11′, 30′. Handfast 41′.

AUSTRALIA: Lincoln, Apostolakis, Henry, Margraf, Hughes, Johnson, Rankin, Davidson, Lowry, Tonkin, Galic. Substitutes used: Gooch, Boughton, Gomez, Rue, L. McKenna, Thomas-Chinnama.

Referee: Selma Griberg.

Attendance: 1,405.

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Mary Fowler on being back home and not wasting a single opportunity

by Ben Gilby (29/5/24)

Above: Mary Fowler speaking from Coopers Stadium in Adelaide today. Image: Football Australia.

We’re less than 48 hours away from the first of the two Matildas’ friendlies against China, and attacker Mary Fowler is determined that she and her teammates will do everything possible to put themselves in the best possible place ahead of the Paris Olympics.

“We’re doing well. We’re the kind of team that tries not to waste a single session, so camp has been really good so far, we’re trying to get the most out of it, and we’re having fun as well!” the Manchester City star smiled.

Friday’s match at Adelaide Oval marks a return to the South Australian capital for Fowler. It was at Adelaide United that she made her A-League Women debut after signing for them at the age of 16. She would go on to play seven games and score three times in the 2020/21 campaign for the Reds. Reflecting on her return to the city, the attacker admitted ruefully: “To be honest, I don’t remember the place much! But it’s nice to be in Australia, I’ve missed being home.”

The Matildas will lock horns with China on Friday for the first time since 13th February 2020 when the pair faced each other in Parramatta during the Tokyo Olympics qualification tournament – a game that saw Emily van Egmond’s dramatic stoppage-time equaliser ensuring the Matildas made the final qualifying round tie against Vietnam.

Fowler recognises that China pose a unique challenge. They are coached by Ante Milicic who knows many of the Matildas squad inside out from his time as national head coach, assistant, and boss of both the U20 and U23 Matildas teams between 2014 and 2020. Therefore, Australia will be pushed all the way to use their new tactical setup to break through the expected defensive conundrum that the former Matildas boss will set up.

“It gives us an idea of where we’re at, look at the things we’re working on, and see the things we could improve, so I think it’s a good match for us to have this camp.”

Whilst you would expect the attacker to be one of the first names on the squad selection list for the Paris Olympics, the Manchester City star’s outlook on life means she is philosophical about what’s ahead.

“I’m someone who just tries to enjoy the day, take it for what it is, and I’m here to do my best and have a bit of fun, and we’ll see what happens.”