Above: Melbourne City’s Daniela Galic celebrates a goal against Adelaide United. Photo: Melbourne City
The league leaders Melbourne City visited the 11th place Adelaide United in a fixture that pitted two teams on different sides of the table against each other at Marden Sports Complex in South Australia. Melbourne City registered their largest win of the season in a complete performance.
Melbourne City came into the game off an impressive 5-3 win over an improving Brisbane Roar side. Adelaide United on the other hand fell short in a 2-0 defeat to the Melbourne Victory.
Adelaide brought in 5 different players to try and change their fortunes. Ella Tonkin came into a central defence spot with Sarah Morgan and Jenna Holtz joining the midfield. On the wing and up front, Katie Bowler and Emily Condon got the start. City started their hat trick hero Emina Ekic on the bench due to fitness concerns which brought Leticia McKenna into the midfield as the lone change for the team.
Unsurprisingly, the game started with City controlling the possession, playing between the backs while looking for Kaitlyn Torpey and Julia Grosso overlaps to create a chance to break forward. The United midfield of Nanato Sasaki, Morgan and Holtz did well to hold off any play developing from the City midfield in the first 10 minutes of the match.
City did get the first chance after a very well placed chip from Naomi Thomas-Chinnama released Daniela Galic on goal. Annalee Grove however won the one-on-one and was able to turn a low driven effort around the post for a corner. Hannah Wilkinson’s subsequent header from the corner was a tame effort that Grove was able to collect.
The scoring opened after a well worked move on 15 minutes from City, as Grosso wandered forward and played in Daniela Galic who turned and finished across goal with composure far beyond her years. The 17 year-old continues her rise in the Liberty A-Leagues. Wilkinson sent an effort over a few minutes later as she tried to volley home a Rhianna Pollicina cross.
Adelaide’s first chance came with a beautiful passing play between Sasaki and Morgan which led to a half volley that was directed wide by Morgan. Sasaki very quickly showed why she’s the creator of the United midfield.
At 25 minutes, Pollicina again played Wilkinson in. Grove charged off her line which ultimately put off Wilkinson’s effort which went well wide of the goal. A moment later, a long ball forward to Kaitlyn Torpey released her in on goal. The wingback unselfishly squared the ball across to Galic who slotted home into an empty net.
Galic could not avoid the action for even a moment as Grosso played the ball across to Galic in a wide position. Galic then delivered an exquisite ball to the far post allowing for Torpey to tap home and extend the lead to 3-0. Galic sealed her hat trick with a beautiful Pollicina delivery bringing the teenager in on goal once again. 3 goals in 19 minutes for Galic meant that City were comfortably ahead 4-0 at halftime with Pollicina sending a half-volley over the bar before the halftime whistle.
The second half saw Adelaide employ a tighter press on the City midfielders and defenders. This led to a few fouls from United as they looked to unsettle the City players with a more physical style. New Zealand international Hannah Blake almost broke through on goal via the press but cover provided by the athletic Taylor Otto meant that the substitute could not get a shot away.
The pacey American Mariah Lee came on at halftime as well and used her pace to win a corner at the 52 minute mark. The corner found its way to Lee who directed a header toward the 6 yard box which was awkwardly but competently dealt with by Lysianne Proulx. Mariah Lee’s speed and persistent crossing helped Adelaide maintain good territory in the early portion of the second half.
It took 17 minutes for City to get their first chance of the second half. Bryleeh Henry found herself at the end of a long ball and broke through on goal. Grove was once again quick off her line and was able to make the save and deny the City substitute a goal to extend the impressive lead.
The second half was much better for Adelaide as they managed a few shots on goal and much more possession. The pressing and counterpressing measures proved effective in creating some more in attack but City’s defence was able to prevent any major chances from being created.
At 72 minutes, Blake took a low driven shot from outside the box via a pressing effort by Sasaki. However, Proulx proved to be equal to the effort, able to collect it low to her left. Sasaki took a free kick from comfortably outside the box which was directed on target but too tamely struck to test Proulx.
At the 80 minute mark, Galic tried to chip the ball over Grove for a fourth goal but was unable to lob the ball over the keeper who collected confidently in what was a much better half of football from United. Hannah Wilkinson then struck an impressive solo goal in the 83rd minute. Receiving the ball from Laura Hughes outside the box, Wilkinson dribbled into the box before taking a touch onto her right foot and slotting the ball past Grove to make it 5-0.
Substitute Chrissy Panagaris had a chance at the edge of the 18 yard box late in the second half but the 24 year-old’s effort was deflected out for a corner after an extensive passing play between fellow substitutes Blake and Lee. Blake hit a half-volley from outside the box over the bar in injury time to round out the match.
We did our work early and will leave Adelaide with the three points 😎
Adelaide were ultimately outmatched by the pace and passing of the City side. Adelaide were both figuratively and literally chasing the game as City never looked to lose control in a comprehensive performance. Adelaide’s press in the second half did prove to be a prudent change which may be a tactic they look to implement if they want to turn their season around.
Blake and Lee were a boost, coming on in the second half and energetically allowing United to be much more competitive. It does beg the question as to why neither of the international players got the start to begin with but will further endear the players to the Adelaide fans.
On the other side of the field, Melbourne City’s emphatic performance was buoyed by a spectacular first half display. The way City are able to move the ball from side to side with so much control and composure allows them to create a huge amount of chances. This marks the second fixture in a row where City were able to put five past their opponents, and the league leaders look absolutely unstoppable as the season continues.
Without a doubt, this was the Daniela Galic show that we were blessed to witness. Three goals and one assist for the 17 year-old marked what was a dominant performance from the midfield starlet. Melbourne dominated possession and everytime Galic even came near the ball, it felt as if there would be yet another goal put past United.
Teams: ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Grove, I. Hodgson, Waldus, Tonkin, E. Hodgson, Sasaki, Morgan, Holtz, Jancevski, Condon, Bowler. Substitutes: Jenkins, Blake, Tolland, Lee, Panageris
MELBOURNE CITY (5-3-2): Proulx, Torpey, Stott, Otto, Chinnama, Grosso, Hughes, L. McKenna, Galic, Pollicina, Wilkinson. Substitutes: Barbieri, Roestbakken, T. McKenna, Henry, Ekic
Above: LorenaBaumamn sends Newcastle into attack. Photo: Newcastle Jets
In a highly entertaining and physical match that included 37 shots, six goals and two lead changes, Newcastle Jets and Canberra United shared the points with a 3-3 draw at No.2 Sportsground.
Early in the match, it was Newcastle that looked the more dangerous with the chances within the first ten minutes but it was Canberra who had more possession in that time period with 62.5% and at that stage did enough to deny the Jets.
It still felt more likely that Newcastle would have scored the opening goal considering their passages of play in the final third at that time.
In the 15th minute, a throw-in by Claudia Cicco went to Libby-Copus Brown who flicked the ball for Sarina Bolden in the box. Bolden first time shot went past Canberra’s Chloe Lincoln and into the back of the net with an absolutely beautiful goal and her fourth of the A-League Women’s season.
Newcastle’s lead only lasted eight minutes as Sarah Clark provided an amazing through ball from down near Newcastle’s end that found Michelle Heyman who made a great run on the wing. She provided an integral cross for Nicki Flannery in the box which Flannery without hesitation scored with her first-time shot as Canberra equalised.
The further the half progressed especially after Newcastle’s opener, the more that Canberra got themselves into the match in terms of their attacking chances into the match which when everything is clicking in the attack for United, goals feel imminent.
Just after the half-hour mark in the 31st minute, Deven Jackson made a great run on the wing and into the box where her shot went past Isobel Nino for Canberra’s second goal of the match and Jackson’s first in the A-League Women.
Newcastle came agonisingly close to scoring an equaliser in the first minute of stoppage time. A deflected Sophie Hoban shot went into the path of Lauren Allan whose shot just sailed wide. It would have been great to have levelled the score just before half-time but nevertheless the Jets weren’t out of it by any means.
In the first minute of the second half, Newcastle thought they’d found their equaliser thanks to a great sailing cross by Lara Gooch that found Bolden in the box who was caught offside.
Five minutes into the second half, Newcastle found their equaliser. Gooch made a brilliant run with the ball where her shot from outside the box sailed past Lincoln into the bottom right corner for the Jets’ second goal and Gooch’s first in the A-League Women.
In the 72nd minute, Newcastle regained the lead in the match as Bolden provided an important cross in the box that found Melindaj Barbieri who scored with her first-time shot. Bolden unsurprisingly was great throughout the match with the threat she provided both in the final third. The way she controlled the ball and provided the assist for Barbieri the way she did removed any doubt that she is a top player.
Twelve minutes later, Canberra equalised with an outstanding goal by Sarah Clark from outside the box. She saw her moment and just went for it and her shot sailed past Nino and into the top left corner for Canberra’s third, and Clark’s first in the A-League Women.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby and Ryan Miller Woods report on two of this week’s media conferences from A-League Women clubs ahead of Round 11 (5/1/24).
Central Coast Mariners
By Ryan Miller-Woods
Above: Bianca Galic speaking to the press. Image: Central Coast Mariners.
Central Coast Mariners’ Bianca Galic and Head Coach Emily Husband are looking to build on the positives from their New Year’s Eve defeat to Perth Glory when they face Sydney FC on Sunday.
Central Coast is coming off the back of an unlucky 2-1 defeat to Perth Glory on New Year’s Eve – a game in which despite failing to convert chances they did play well nonetheless.
When asked about the team’s performance against Perth, Galic said, “I think in the New Year’s Eve match, there were definitely things we took away that were good and also things that we needed to work on coming into (this match) against Sydney this weekend. We definitely had good numbers coming forward and we had lots of shots on goal but I think at the end of the day, we need to be more clinical and that was the major decider on whether we won or lost the match, unfortunately.”
The match against Sydney provides a real opportunity for the Mariners against a Sydney side who were in action on Wednesday. Should the Central Coast win, it will not only see them go to just one point behind their opponents on the table but potentially back into the top six come the end of the round.
When asked how she views Sydney FC as an opponent, Galic said, “I think Sydney FC have always been one of the higher teams in the competition, they’ve always had a target on their back (with) the last few years winning Championships, Premierships, and Grand Finals. But, to be honest, this year with the league it’s whoever shows up on the day and wants it more.”
Above: Central Coast Mariners head coach Emily Husband addressing the media. Image: Central Coast Mariners.
When asked how she views Sydney FC, head coach Emily Husband said, “Yeah, I think obviously Sydney have had the same style of play since Ante (Juric) has been there. So, you know what you are going to get with them, it’s just about being the best quality you can be on the day.”
Reflecting on the match against Perth in terms of the overall performance and result, Husband said, “We’re really pleased in terms of the overall performance, I think we’re just missing that cherry on top of the cake. Football comes down to moments and finishing those moments. I think you know when you have 22 shots on goal, you’ve got to be scoring more than one goal and that’s something we have looked to work really hard on in training this week.”
Newcastle Jets
by Ben Gilby
Above: Gema Simon speaking to the media on Thursday. Image: Newcastle Jets.
Newcastle Jets legend Gema Simon reflected with the media yesterday on her pride at making her 150th appearance for the club, and how she sees the team’s prospects for the second half of the season.
Simon revealed that the milestone was one of the key deciding factors in her deciding to keep playing this season. “It was pretty special. I’ve been chasing it (the 150-game mark) for a couple of years, it’s been a tough couple of years, even this season with a few injuries, so was pretty relieving to get it out of the way. It was pretty awesome to do it at home as well, to do it in front of friends and family and the crowd’s been awesome.
“The crowd are here the whole time. It’s like having an extra player. It’s great having all of Newcastle behind us…I’ll look back on it more at the end of the season and just appreciate it more then.
“I’ve had a long career, it’s been 16 years. I played in the first game for Newcastle when we started back in 2008, so it’s been a very long time. When I was tossing things up before the season started (whether to play on) that played a part in it.”
The Jets go into Saturday’s home game with Canberra United on a run of two wins in their last three games, and only three points adrift of third-placed Wellington Phoenix. Belief is high in the Newcastle camp that Finals football is achievable.
“Everyone is positive,” said Simon. “We’ve been building momentum through the whole season in our games, and if we can put another 90-minute performance together, we’ll be pretty good against Canberra. Canberra are an exciting team, it will be end-to-end.
“It’s pretty important, especially at this point of the season…The league is all over the place, everyone is beating everyone. It’s important for us to build on what we’ve done over the last couple of weeks and try to get on a winning streak of our own.”
Above: Libby Copus-Brown looking ahead to tomorrow’s game with Canberra United. Image: Newcastle Jets.
Libby Copus-Brownis determined that Newcastle Jets can win back-to-back games this week – an outcome that could propel them towards Finals football.
The midfielder emphasised how important their 3-1 win over Adelaide United was last Sunday in the grand scheme of things. “We were looking for the three points after a disappointing weekend in Wellington, and I think it was really important that we got back on track, and we did that.”
However, with Newcastle now in seventh spot, just a point outside the Finals places Copus-Brown wants her team to push on, with a specific focus this week on getting a run of results put together.
“Someone said our stat for back-to-back (wins) is not more than two. We want to get two (this week against Canberra). It’s massive. Obviously, they’re coming from having played a game against Sydney (on Wednesday)…so it’s important to get the three points and put us in a good position in the league.
“We’ve learned that you don’t have to play pretty football to win. It’s really important we get the three points and keep climbing the ladder.”
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Above: Spurs fans celebrate their WSL North London derby win over Arsenal before Christmas. Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus ’71.
This time last year Spurs were coming off the back of a hellish run of four consecutive defeats. In all of these, the team failed to score, culminating in mid-December in a 3-0 home defeat to Everton in the snow, during which Jess Naz picked up an injury and Ash Neville got a red card.
Bethany England’s January 2023 signing provided a vital lift and got Spurs scoring again, but did not immediately stem the run of defeats. Instead, the run eventually extended to nine, spanning four and a half months and resulted in Rehanne Skinner’s departure in March 2023.
As a consequence, the start of 2023 saw Spurs increasingly mired in a relegation battle, from which it escaped under Vicky Jepson’s interim leadership by closing out the season with two wins, three draws, and another three losses.
Above: The Spurs team after the North London Derby at Tottenham Hotspur stadium. Photo: @SpursWomen
At the start of 2024, Spurs are in a much better position. They lie sixth in the league, the team has already accrued all but three of the total points managed last season (15 of 18) and barring an unbelievable nightmare in the second half of the season will be well clear of relegation. There have been a couple of bad losses (7-0 and 4-0) against the two Manchester teams. But Spurs now have an identifiable style.
They have also shown that they can learn from these losses and bounce back, as they did to close out the first half of the season by initially drawing with, and then four days later, beating Arsenal. To put the icing on that: across all 180+ minutes, facing a previously out-of-reach-rival, Spurs were never behind.
In the following I review Spurs Women’s 2023 in eight parts, covering the club’s relationship with its women’s team, the team’s style of play, signings, existing players, supporters, and things needing to be addressed in 2024. I end with a pick for goal of the year and a summary of 2023 in numbers.
1. The club gets serious
Spurs fans (and women’s football fans) have been justifiably critical of the under-resourcing and lack of joined up thinking shown by Spurs to its women’s team. And while, earlier in 2023 comments from Daniel Levy reinforced the impression that the club was not serious, there have been signs that this is changing.
A key part of that was the (intra-WSL) record-breaking signing of Bethany England to bolster up a struggling team. England had won both individual and club honours and is the first (current) Senior Lioness to play at Spurs. It made a splash but was also a signing that paid off in spades.
When England arrived there was concern that she would not get the service to enable her to make a difference, but England’s efficiency in front of goal in 2023 was astounding. Her 12 goals in 12 games (from an expected goal return xG of just 5.3) have meant she remains one of the WSL’s top scorers for 2023, despite being absent from September to mid-December.
A second indication of the club getting serious was the recruitment of manager, Robert Vilahamn in summer 2023. Vilahamn possesses a clear vision of how he wants his teams to play. And, as he has noted in comments to the media, he was recruited because of the fit between this management style and ‘the Tottenham way’. Vilahamn’s recruitment coincided with Ange Postecoglou’s and the club’s attempt to re-focus on its ‘to dare is to do’ philosophy. As such it is both a sign of the club’s new agenda but also of a serious attempt to incorporate the development of the women’s team within that club agenda.
Finally, and more practically this season we have seen numerous reports, including an excellent behind the scenes piece in the Athletic, which indicate both that there is a plan for Spurs Women (on and beyond the field) and that this is starting to bear fruit.
2. Playing pretty football
Of course all supporters want their team to win but playing football that makes you ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ is a special feeling. Ange Postecoglou has brought dramatic changes to Spurs’ men’s team, but the changes that Robert Vilahamn has wrought in the women’s team, a team that finished in the bottom third in 2022/23 and seriously lacked confidence, are arguably even more impressive.
This is most obviously seen in changes to the team’s passing patterns and statistics. Across the first ten games of the 2023/24 season Spurs have completed an average 418 passes per game with a pass completion rate of 79.2 percent. Compare that to last season when Spurs’ completed an average of 317 passes per game (101 fewer) with a pass completion of 74.5 percent (five points poorer). There has also been a jump in the number of progressive passes per game (from 27.6 to 38.3), meaning that the passing is more attacking, not simply that there is more passing around the back (although Spurs are also doing more of that).
If the statistics seem dry the football itself has, at least for periods, been scintillating. The ball whipping around, finding tight spaces through the middle of the pitch, using the wide areas. We have also seen a high press that has produced goals – most obviously two scored by Martha Thomas forcing defenders into making mistakes (against Bristol City and Aston Villa). Even in the games that Spurs have lost heavily we can see a risk-taking, creative footballing philosophy at work. Robert Vilahamn has said, his focus is on outscoring the opponents, not defending, prefering Spurs win 3-2 than 1-0.
There is more to do, but 2023 has already given us a glimpse of what Vilahamn wants from this team, and that it will be fun watching it develop.
3. Signings to sing about
With new signings incoming, we can look back at those that arrived in the summer. None were marquee, and they attracted little fanfare. A couple arrived because they had not got much game-time in their previous clubs (Martha Thomas, Barbora Votíková), others were out of contract (Luana Bühler) or were relatively untested at this level and came on on-loan (Grace Clinton and Zhang Linyan). Yet, almost all have contributed significantly in 2023.
Martha Thomas has clearly been the standout. She lies third in the WSL Golden Boot race, with nine goals, and two assists across all competitions (seven goals, one assist in the WSL). In the last two games, she has dropped deeper and shown she was equally at home as provider, sending through a lovely ball for Jess Naz in the Conti Cup North London Derby, before herself scoring the winner at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the WSL North London Derby.
If Thomas has been the shining star, Olga Ahtinen was perhaps as important in the first few games because she enabled Vilahamn to bed in a new style of play. Ahtinen’s combination with fellow Finn, Eveliina Summanen, in the double pivot brought fluency to the team.
Her composure on the ball and in linking up defence and attack allowed Spurs to quickly adapt to Vilahamn’s dynamic and risk-taking approach. Indeed, she remains Spurs’ top chance creator, despite not having played for the last four games. From what she has shown in 2023 it is likely that upon return from her MCL injury (hopefully January 2024) Ahtinen will play a big role in this developing squad.
Above: Olga Ahtinen vs Bristol City. Photo: @SpursWomen
Another summer signing, Luana Bühler, has also been a regular starter – playing at right centre-back alongside Molly Bartrip. Bühler’s on-the-ball skills have facilitated playing out from the back and the development of a more possession-based style. She has had a few less good games recently, perhaps suffering from the loss of Ahtinen’s protective shield in front of her. But prior to this she has looked assured on the ball even in her own area.
The fourth signing to win a regular berth in the starting XI is Grace Clinton. Clinton leads the WSL in successful take-ons (32 in 10 games) and has given Spurs new ways to retain the ball. Her creativity was seen to good effect in the two North London Derbies, in which she repeatedly found ways through the Arsenal defence.
It is a sign of her early impact at Spurs that she has been called up to two England senior squads since joining. Whether there is a chance that Clinton remains at Spurs beyond her season-long loan from Manchester United is unclear. Perhaps related to this, however, Vilahamn has said that he is not interested in the club bringing in loanees in the future because he believes Spurs should be developing their own players.
Unlike the above four players, Barbora Votíková has had little game time. But she has become an instant fan favourite after her player-of-the-match performance against Arsenal (and iconic responses in the gameday programme interview).
Spurs’ final summer signing, another loanee, Zhang Linyan, has looked lively in a few Conti Cup games but struggled in her first start against Manchester City. That said, there is still time to see more from Zhang. If it does not work, the good news is that this is a loan and so easily reversed.
In 2023, along with signings Spurs said goodbye to some significant players, notably Tinni Korpela, who moved to Roma, and left-back Kerys Harrop, who retired as the WSL record holder for most appearances (she has since been overtaken).
4. Improving existing players
It is one thing to sign new players. It is quite another to get more out of existing players. This season we have seen stalwarts rewarded with consistent minutes and positions. For instance, Molly Bartrip, who has had more minutes than any other player under three managers now, was given a vice-captaincy. Playing in a style that affords her more of the ball has dramatically improved her passing statistics (currently, 89 percent, her pass completion is second best in the whole WSL).
Last year Ashleigh Neville was moved from position to position. This year she has played most games at left-back. This consistency has enabled the development of relationships, which has improved her pass completion and progressive passes per game, while still allowing scope to display her defensive strengths in tackling and clearances.
We have also seen newer players thriving under Vilahamn. For instance, 2022 Norwegian signing Celin Bizet has scored two goals in the league, including a wonderful solo effort against Liverpool. While Eveliina Summanen (first signed in January 2022) has grown in stature in defensive midfield and in November was rewarded with a contract renewal (until 2026).
Above: Celin Bizet scored a fantastic solo goal against Liverpool. Photo: Spurs Women.
Vilahamn has also identified new ways to use existing players. Most notably, Angharad James at right-back. Vilahamn explained this as a way of getting the players who were best at keeping the ball onto the pitch. Initially, it seemed an experiment doomed to fail, with James looking vulnerable in defence but she has grown into the role and had perhaps her best game since joining the club in December’s North London Derby.
If James at right-back was the early season surprise, attacker Kit Graham in defensive midfield has been a late-mid-season curveball. As noted previously, however, it has been an experiment that has thus far proved surprisingly effective, with Graham able to use her strength on the ball and distributional intelligence to play out from the back, while also revealing an impressive and previously under-utilised ability to win aerial balls.
5. The Support
Spurs’ support has become more visible online, but that has not yet translated into consistently large offline support. The low point came just prior to 2023, with barely 100 supporters witnessed the team’s depressing loss to Everton in December last year (the club reported an inflated 300). Across 2023 attendance at games has been above that floor but still relatively low. The exception has been games against the top four teams, in the main stadium (marked in green in the chart below). Low points have been mid-week games. For instance, the crucial relegation battle against Leicester had roughly 300 in attendance.
Attendances at Spurs Home Games in 2023
Games without recorded attendances are excluded. Data from FWP
In the first half of 2023 (Jan-May 2023; end of the 22/23 season) Spurs Women’s average home attendance was 5,907. This has dropped marginally to 5,462 in the 2023/24 season so far. These numbers are not terrible, but as the chart above shows, are massively boosted by occasional games in the main stadium. The averages would also be lower if all of the missing attendance data (largely from games at Brisbane Road) were included.
We can see that Spurs lag behind some big and some smaller clubs in terms of support (see chart below). Arsenal have jumped ahead, in part because they have held lots of games in their main stadium but also because they built on their links with the Lionesses, especially after Euro 2022.
But Bristol City, a much smaller club than Spurs, albeit one with a longer history in top-tier women’s football and very good local marketing, has shown what is possible – averaging an impressive 8,825 supporters per game. Notably other clubs, like Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Manchester City, regularly attract over 3,000 supporters to their women’s home grounds, whereas Spurs’ Brisbane Road attendance (the bars in blue above) typically hovers around 2,000.
WSL Attendances 2023/24 pre-Christmas. Chart from FWP
Obviously, some of this is about the quality of what is happening on the pitch. It is hard to get supporters out to see a team lose, and that happened a lot in 2023. This is exacerbated when most televised games are against top teams and so disproportionately feature Spurs losing. It will be interesting, however, to see whether the win against Arsenal in the main stadium (also televised widely) changes things. Perhaps the optimism of that historic victory, alongside the club’s improved social media output, will mean that more supporters return for games in 2024.
As a side note, the fact that the club is starting to provide transport for supporters to go to away games may also help build an energised (and louder) fanbase.
6. Things to address in 2024
Spurs are not the finished article. With a growing pre-Christmas injury list there are positions in which there are very limited options. Most obviously, with both Summanen and Ahtinen out, defensive midfield. But also full-back where Angharad James has surprised many but, like Ashleigh Neville on the other side, has played nearly every minute so far. Should either be unable to play in the future through injury or suspension, or just fatigue, Spurs minimally need a high-quality backup.
More generally Spurs need a deeper bench. On the upside, and an indication of the clarity of Vilahamn’s training sessions, when substitutes come on, they have slotted into the system seamlessly. And in a few cases, substitutes have created chances or shored up defence.
Most obviously, Jess Naz has been a bright spark in her numerous substitute appearances, scoring, providing assists, and making dangerous runs. We have also seen Ria Percival’s remarkable versatility, with her being used to fill various gaps (defensive midfielder, right-back, and #10). And there have been key cameos from defenders Amy Turner and Shelina Zadorsky at centre-back and left-back respectively.
But too often bench players have seemed like place-fillers because Spurs are short of the game-changing substitutes that top clubs can call upon; who pose new problems for opposing teams. This is why new signings are needed. The good news is that Spurs have been getting their business done early this window. Experienced Chinese midfielder, Wang Shuang, has already signed as has highly rated young Swedish winger, Matilda Vinberg, and there are heavy rumours that Australian fullback Charli Grant’s signing is imminent. All three bring international experience and growing repuations.
Back on the pitch, there are both defensive and attacking issues to address in early 2024. In defence (at least up until the North London Derby) Spurs have been weak at defending crosses into the box, especially aerial balls. This was most painfully exploited in the loss to City. For more on Spurs’ defensive frailties this season see Harsh Mishra’s review.
In attack much is going well but in the absence of Ahtinen and Drew Spence the team has not always found a decisive final ball and too often chances have been low-quality with many from outside of the box. Improving the quality of chances has to therefore be high on the to-do list. That said, with the return of Beth England and with Martha Thomas in form Spurs have been lucky enough to have two players who can make something from very little.
Above: Martha Thomas and Beth England in the North London Derby. Photo: Suprswomen.
7. Goal of 2023
On the subject of goals, this year has seen some great ones. A few that come to mind are Clinton’s long-distance scorcher against Brighton; Bizet’s solo run against Liverpool or her finish to the team goal of last season, against Reading; and Summanen’s rocket of a free kick against Bristol City. But 2023 has seen two players assume responsibility for the majority of goal-scoring for Spurs, and my pick for the goals of 2023 were scored by them.
Runner up: Beth England scored a lot of great goals in the Spring. But perhaps her most important, as well as one of the most aesthetically pleasing, was her driving run followed by a curler into the far corner against Leicester at Brisbane Road – a goal that secured our first win in ten outings and went a long way to ensuring Spurs’ survival in the top flight. That England had to beat a keeper in supreme form, in Leitzig, made it all the sweeter.
Winner: Perhaps this was not Martha Thomas’s best finish of the season, but her slide into the area to put the ball past Zinsburger in the North London Derby was by far the sweetest moment so far this season – and in 2023. That it topped off a ‘Barcelona-esq’ move that involved Thomas twice alongside almost every other member of the Spurs team (as shown below) is a sign of what is possible from this team. By now most Spurs fans will have the final pass sequence seared into their brains: Votíková to Graham to Neville to Clinton to Thomas to Bizet to Thomas (with Naz making the run to pull defenders away). Sheer class. And what a way to finish the year.
Pass sequence leading to Spurs NLD winning goal. The only player not to touch the ball is Naz, whose run provides Thomas with the space to take a shot.
8. 2023 in numbers
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Above: Sydney FC and Canberra United players await a set piece. Photo: Canberra United.
Sydney FC and Canberra United ended Wednesday night with an entertaining and unpredictable 1-1 draw. Both sides had chances to win the game, and both managers were forced to be creative in the hard-fought result in which momentum changed as much as the personnel.
Sydney FC came into this match with an injury depleted attack. Fiona Worts and Shea Connors are out for an unspecified time with knee and foot injuries respectively. An hour before kick off, it was announced that Cortnee Vine would also miss this game through injury.
Aideen Keane retained her place in the lineup and rewarded Ante Juric’s faith with an early goal. Mackenzie Hawkesby broke free in midfield and slipped a perfect pass into the path of Keane that was matched by the first-time finish.
The lead would not last long. Canberra struck back through Michelle Heyman who finished off a slick move by hammering home Nikki Flannery’s early cross. Heyman saw the opportunity early and her surging run left the defenders with no chance. The first half ended 1-1 in what felt like a fair reflection of the match. Despite some good chances created by Sydney FC, Chloe Lincoln was rarely troubled through a combination of good positioning and wasteful finishing.
Canberra United had done well to draw level. Sydney FC began the match as the more aggressive side. They were physical when the ball was in dispute and attacked directly when in possession. Canberra’s Emma Ilijoski was subbed off early through injury and the visitors did well to readjust without a like for like replacement.
The second half was no less dramatic. With each side desperate for a win, the coaches tinkered in attack. Teagan Collister was introduced for Sydney FC and star defender Kirsty Fenton was thrown forward. Collister is a direct, fast winger and Fenton is strong in the air, the combination of the pair caused Canberra some problems without troubling the scoreboard. Curiously, last weeks hero Jynaya Dos Santos remained on the bench.
A Fenton shot on the turn was tipped away by Lincoln , while at the other end, Heyman was inches wide of giving Canberra the lead.
The most intriguing battle of the game featured on Canberra’s left flank. Princess Ibini was faced with the tireless Sasha Grove. The Canberra fullback was diligent in defending and willing to get forward at every opportunity. Ibini had few chances to impact the game in attack and found herself having the track back to keep tabs on the relentless Grove.
Deven Jackson thought she had earned a penalty for Canberra United when she tricked past two defenders and had a visible amount of her shirt pulled. It was inconclusive whether it was inside the box or not, but the referee did not award a foul in any case.
Sydney FC were not without their own disappointment. Once introduced, Dos Dantos looked to have made headlines again, but her goal was disallowed for a goal line foul that was called without hesitation.
Charlotte Mclean almost snatched a late winner, but her long range effort was tipped away by Lincoln who finished the game in strong form.
The draw keeps Canberra United at the bottom of the table, and is also Sydney FC’s third in their last four matches. They have a chance to get back on the winners list in just four days time when they face Central Coast Mariners, but their squad is stretched thin and their schedule is unrelenting for the next month.
Canberra United face a tricky visit to Newcastle. The Jets are creeping up the table and playing some entertaining attacking football. Neither side has a particularly strong defensive record this season so the prospects of Michelle Heyman scoring for the 100th time look reasonably high.
The result tonight was not ideal for either side, but the performances were impressive and the Leichhardt Oval crowd were treated to one of the most entertaining games of this season.
Teams:
SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman (GK), Tumeth, Mclean, Thompson, Fenton, Hawkesby, Hollman, Kruger, Lemon, Keane, Ibini. Substitutes: Collister, J Dos Santos, Ray, I Dos Santos, Franco.
Scorers: Keane 22’
CANBERRA UNITED (4-2-3-1): Lincoln, Grove, Clough, Clark, Jackson, Stanic-Floody, Ilijoski, Flannery, Heyman, Milivojevic, Christopherson. Substitutes: Rojas, Nathan, Whittall, Bertolissio, Majstorovic.
Impetus 71’s Ben Gilby speaks to Matildas defender Charli Grant abouta sensational year for both club and country, and the next chapter in her career…(2/1/24).
Above: Charli Grant in action for Australia against Chinese Taipei in the Olympic Qualifiers in Perth during November. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus 71.
A place in the World Cup squad that finished fourth in their home tournament. A regular member of the Vittsjöteam that recently finished a sensational Damallsvenskan season and an exciting new chapter in her club career about to be revealed. It’s been another superb year for Charli Grant.
In our seventh major chat over the past three years, the South Australian defender provided an in-depth insight into yet another stunning year. Each time our interviews start, the phrase “at the end of our last discussion, we mentioned how could things possibly top what happened last season…yet they did.” They certainly did once more this time as well!
Grant earned her spot in the Matildas’ World Cup squad after a succession of high-quality performances at right-back whilst Ellie Carpenter was injured. Her time with Swedish Damallsvenskan side Vittsjö saw her also play regularly at left-back – and she was then utilised in that position at times for the national side upon Carpenter’s return.
Being part of the World Cup squad and experiencing the home tournament was something that still brings a huge smile to the defender’s face when she reflects on how the Matildas set their entire country alight.
“The response was incredible and still feels very surreal,” Grant said. “When we were in our own bubble I think we forgot about the impact we were having on the country because we were so focused on succeeding the game plan. It wasn’t until we would step outside the hotel and would have people asking for autographs or just even say ‘thank you’ for what we were doing for the country that we were exposed to the response of the country. It was amazing to see and be a part of.
Above: Charli Grant crashes in a shot for Australia against Chinese Taipei in Perth in November. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus 71.
“But it was also important we didn’t get distracted and continued to focus on one game at a time. The set-up at our hotels really helped us to feel normalised and wind down with TVs, PlayStations, and ping pong tables being easily accessible. Meal times were also generally flexible which allowed us to have our normal individual routines. It was nice to be exposed to that frenzy occasionally because it motivated us more to perform to continue to make the nation proud.”
Grant’s short playing experience of the World Cup as a substitute against Canada in the final group game was eventful – and reminiscing about it brought back her trademark huge grin.
“It was a dream come true. I remember I was buzzing with energy stepping out on the pitch – not only because I was having my World Cup debut but Steph (Catley) had also just secured us the win for us to progress through to the round of 16 and I had my family, partner, and friends in the stands.
“I managed to turn the ball over to the opposition, win it back, and concuss myself all in the two minutes I was on. It was definitely an eventful two minutes but it will be a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life. Whether I got those minutes or not, it was an absolute honour to be a part of this team and part of the legacy we have created for future generations.”
One of my strongest memories of the World Cup is seeing close-ups of Grant on the big screen in stadiums or on TV in fits of giggles sat next to Sam Kerr on the bench. So what exactly was going on?
“Ah! Sam is always up for a laugh and likes to keep things light-hearted, so she was probably just making a joke about me. It was important we always stayed positive on the bench so we provided energy for the players on the pitch,” Grant revealed.
Above: Charli Grant shows her joy after Vittsjö’s game against Växjö in September. Photo: Henrik Eberlund / Henrik Eberlund AB supplied to Impetus by: Charli Grant.
The South Australian’s year hasn’t just had highlights at international level – her Damallsvenskan side Vittsjö finished the campaign in fifth place – an incredible achievement for a side based in a town with a population of just 1,655, with their stadium being able to fit in virtually everyone who lives there.
“We’re really proud of our result in coming fifth. We finished highest within the teams in the Skåne region, which the club has never achieved before. I think our biggest challenges were the points we lost in games that could’ve gone either way. As the table was so close this year, these points could have secured us a position in the top three. A huge positive though, was our response to these hard results. That’s a huge credit to the culture and mentality built within this club to always have each other’s back and bounce back in the face of adversity.
“Personally, a huge positive for me was getting consistent 90-minute games throughout the season. I’m very grateful for my coach trusting me to play regularly and he always gave me the license to attack forward which has helped develop my decision-making in the final third. I think always the main challenge of playing overseas is being away from home. It makes it easier to have a team that feels like a second family to me, especially with the likes of Katrina Gorry and Clara Markstedt at the club too.”
Grant’s stellar 2023 came under the stewardship of Swedish head coaches both at club and country. The defender outlined how they have brought out the best in her.
Above: Charli Grant (red shirt, right) battles for possession against Växjö. Photo: Henrik Eberlund / Henrik Eberlund AB supplied to Impetus by: Charli Grant.
“They’ve all had an intelligent view of the game,” the South Australian explained. “They articulate the finer details and tactics of the game plan in an easy way to understand, adding a higher tactical awareness of football to my game. I think the most important attribute that Tony, Jens, and Ulf have added to my game is the confidence to trust my instincts.”
As our latest chat came towards its conclusion, we turned our focus to the future. First, to what is required now to ensure that Australian women’s football takes advantage of the massive surge in popularity since the World Cup. Grant emphasised the view that: “I think investment in national youth teams and state programs both in the players and staff is vital to bridge the gap and take the women’s game in Australia to the next level.”
Finally – what is next for the young defender. At the end of the Damallsvenskan season, Grant announced she was leaving Vittsjö for a new challenge, and one that has seen feverish speculation about a move to the WSL, with Grant linked to four sides in England with strong rumours that it’s just a matter of days before she is announced as a Tottenham Hotspur player.
Whilst her soon-to-be-revealed new club will offer Grant excitement and major opportunities, the South Australian just wants to take stock before embarking on this new challenge.
“It’s been a huge year, so just I’m wanting to spend as much time with my partner, family, and friends before I venture off to my next move. It was really hard to leave Vittsjö as the club became a second family to me, but I feel like I’m ready for a new chapter.”
Above: Charli Grant (blue shirt, front row) with her Vittsjö teammates. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Charli Grant.
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Today sees the joining together of two women’s football sites to create a merged entity with over 120 contributors based on four continents.
Whilst Impetus and Since 71 have both built strong reputations covering the women’s game in their own individual rights, this coming together creates huge opportunities to grow coverage even further and diversify into other forms of media.
Impetus 71 was born from a collaboration between Impetus and Since 71 women’s football websites. Both launched with the same mission of promoting the women’s game and sharing stories that were not being told in the mainstream media at the time.
Both websites have grown organically since their respective launches to become two of the most respected women’s football platforms on the internet. In 2023 both were nominated as Women’s Football Platform of the Year by On Her Side, an accolade that was won by Impetus.
Since 71 was launched in the summer of 2018 by Stuart Barker. With a background in design and writing about art, music, and culture for the English South Coast-based blog Strong Island he decided to put his skills to plug the gap and build a home where he can share women’s football stories that were being left untold.
The name, Since 71, was inspired by the year that the English FA lifted the ban on female participation in the game.
As the website grew, so did the number of volunteer contributors, and a podcast was launched.
A year later, in September 2019, Impetus was launched. Run by an editorial board of seven volunteers, the site has over 100 volunteer writers, photographers, and TikTok content creators based on four continents. Over 60% of the team are female, and over 25% of their contributors are under the age of 21.
The site grew its audience consistently since October 2020 after an article in support of Sam Kerr after she received abuse on social media was read over 3,500 times around the world in the space of 48 hours. In 2023 the site was voted as Women’s Football Platform of the Year at the On Her Side Awards, with Impetus‘ graphics designer Paige Walder also named Women’s Football Designer of the Year at the same time.
Impetus attracts several thousand readers each week from around the world, with a particularly large audience in Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, Sweden, France, and New Zealand.
Impetus’ founder Ben Gilby won the Women’s Sports Alliance’s inaugural media contributor award for women’s sport in April 2020. He is additionally on the Squared Ball Analytics judging panel that picks the NPLW Western Australia team of the week during the season.
In June 2022, the British Library announced that it was adding Impetus to its online archives due to the site representing “different aspects of UK heritage as well as important global events.”
Clearinghouse, based at the world-renowned Australian Institute of Sport, regularly includes links to Impetus articles on its daily bulletins which signpost the best articles on Australian sport, as recognition of the quality of the team’s coverage of Australian women’s football.
On 1st January 2024, both sites shared that they were merging under the single banner of Impetus 71 combining both names and both teams of amazing writers and content creators.
On the merger, Stuart Barker explains, “For a long time I have admired the team at Impetus. I have long believed that if the many exceptional women’s football correspondents worked together under one banner then there is enough talent to compete with the biggest names in the mainstream media. Therefore, I decided to approach the team at Impetus to see if there is an appetite to work together on a permanent basis by creating Impetus 71.”
Both Since 71 and Impetus have always sought to give back to the game by sponsorship of players and supporting clubs, most often within grassroots levels. The first collaboration between both sites was the sponsorship of Olivia Watson, then playing for Sutton United.
Both sites are Associate Members of the Football Supporters Association’s Women’s Game Network – the national democratic representative body for football supporters in England and Wales. The group played a part in the government’s recent reviews of football and specifically the women’s game review. This is something that will continue as we move forward as Impetus 71.
As well as regular content including match reports from all levels of the game, Impetus 71 will continue to run features on grassroots clubs. The volunteer contributors of our site believe passionately about supporting the women’s game and as well as producing content, we also come together using our own money to sponsor fourteen players for the 2023/24 season across the United Kingdom and Australia.
Miley Shipp, our teenage Moriarty Foundation scholarship holder in Australia.
Lauren Coleman at third-tier Scottish Championship side Rossvale
Modlen Gwynne and Ella Thomas at tier one Welsh side Aberystwyth Town
Lisa Topping of Chorley Women – FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) Division One North (T4)
Ashley Cheatley of Ashford Town (Middlesex) – FAWNL Division One South East (T4)
Emma Plewa of AFC Wimbledon – FAWNL Division One South East (T4)
Annabel Rutter of Moneyfields – FAWNL Division One South West (T4)
Gabriella Howell of Dartford – London & South East Premier Division (T5)
Evie Nebbitt of Saltdean United – London & South East Premier Division (T5)
Poppy Payne from Millwall Lionesses – London & South-East Premier Division (T5)
Otty Baker of Pride Park – Derbyshire Ladies League Division One (T7)
Sophia Demetriou of Corinthian-Casuals – Greater London League Division One (T9)
Karly Smith of Andoversford – Gloucestershire League Division Three (T10)
The site additionally has content partnerships with AFC Wimbledon, Ashford Town (Middlesex), Millwall Lionesses, and Pride Park.
Impetus 71 has a Charity partner, Moriarty Foundation, which work with Indigenous children in Australia through football to improve education and healthcare. One of their earliest scholars is Shadeene Evans, who represented the Young Matildas.
As part of our relationship with Moriarty Foundation, Impetus 71 sponsors Miley Shipp, one of their young female scholarship holders from rural Australia to help fund her top-level life-changing educational and footballing opportunities in Sydney.
As Impetus 71 we aim to continue to provide in-depth coverage of international football and are recognised media by the English FA, Football Australia, FA Wales, Football Association of Ireland, and New Zealand Football. Our French editor Jean-Pierre Thiesset holds accreditation to photograph for us from Olympique Lyonnais Feminin home games. Impetus 71 is proud to be part of a panel that selects the NPLW Western Australia team of the week as part of our extensive coverage of football within Australia.
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Members of the Impetus 71 team of contributors covering the competition unveil their choices of player, coach, and event of the week. We’ll keep a tally of all the votes and just before Finals, reveal which player and coach have received the most votes across the season to be named the Impetus A-League Women Player and Coach of the Season (1/1/24).
Player of the week:
Above: Emina Ekic, who received two votes for Player of the Week. Photo: Melbourne City.
BEN GILBY: Can’t go beyond Emina Ekić. A hat-trick and an assist in Melbourne City’s 5-3 win over Brisbane Roar. Absolutely sensational.
JONATHON HAGGER: Millie Farrow. The Perth Glory attacker is one of the competition’s most in-form goalscorers right now. However, to just term her a goalscorer doesn’t do justice to her ability and worth to the team. Her work rate is phenomenal.
BEN CAREY: Emina Ekić. Her performance against Brisbane Roar was absolutely magnificent. Three goals and an assist. If she maintains this form, she’ll be a contender for the Golden Boot award.
Coach of the week:
Above: An impressive performance for Western Sydney Wanderers earned their head coach Robbie Hooker two votes this week. Photo: A-Leagues.
BEN GILBY:Robbie Hooker. It’s taken a while for the Wanderers to find their feet this season, but Hooker has slowly developed his team after coming in as boss so close to the season starting. He guided them to a sensational win over a Melbourne Victory side containing the returning Alex Chidiac.
JONATHON HAGGER: Gary van Egmond – Newcastle Jets are steadily climbing the table and their success over Adelaide United was both impressive and important.
BEN CAREY: Robbie Hooker. Picking his team up from a rough start of the season and leading them to a solid win over the three-time champions, Melbourne Victory is a wonderful achievement.
Moment of the week:
Above: Gema Simon’s 150th appearance was a superb achievement for the Newcastle Jets star. Photo: Newcastle Jets.
BEN GILBY: Gema Simon coming on to make her 150th appearance for a club she was a foundation player for in 2008/09. A wonderful achievement by a total legend of both Newcastle Jets and the Australian game.
JONATHON HAGGER: Ante Juric getting a yellow card!
BEN CAREY: Chloe Logarzo reaching 100 W/A-League Women appearances against Canberra United. Amazing effort.
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Above: Newcastle Jets icon Gema Simon in action last season, made a historic 150th appearance for the club today. Photo: Newcastle Jets.
In the final A-League Women game of 2023, Newcastle Jets defeated visitors Adelaide United in a 3-1 win at Number Two Sportsground.
Adelaide opened the scoring through Dylan Holmes early in the first half. Against the run of play, Holmes slipped past the diving Jets keeper, Isobel Nino, and scored into an empty net securing the lead for the visitors.
It took the Jets less than five minutes to find a response to Holmes’ goal. Swiss international Lorena Bauman played in Libby Copus-Brown with an incredible long ball that sailed over three defenders before landing perfectly as Copus-Brown made no mistake in her shot and the scores were set at one apiece.
Newcastle’s lead was soon extended by defender Natasha Prior. Copus-Brown’s corner delivery fell into space that Prior almost fell onto, which she fired into the roof of the net.
The Jets’ final goal of the year came through Philippines international Sarina Bolden, at the beginning of the second half. Bolden managed to stay onside of the play when Laura Allen sent in a through ball and went in one-on-one with Grove in goal. Bolden came out on top with the cooly executed finish that went under Grove’s outstretched arm.
The moment an A-Leagues legend reached a 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 milestone 🥹🙌@NewcastleJetsFC defender Gema Simon came off the bench at the 85th minute to make her 150th Liberty A-League appearance 👏
Emmanuel Faith unveils his choices of the most memorable moments in women’s footballduring 2023(31/12/23).
Above: Spain lift the World Cup after defeating England in the Final this August. Photo: FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Where were you when Sam Kerr scored a rocket at the World Cup semifinals in Stadium Australia? Were you in the stands? Did you watch the match at the bar or were you in front of your TV?
2023 will be remembered as a monumental year for women’s football. From the record-breaking experiences at the FIFA World Cup to mind-blowing performances at club level, and individual displays that left the world agape, this is an attempt to remind you of some memorable moments in 2023 in no particular order.
Grab your drink, get some tacos, and let’s journey together.
Finalissima 2023: It was the first time UEFA organized a female Finalissima- a match that saw the European champions, England match up with the reigning CONMEBOL champion, Brazil. It was record-breaking with 83,132football fans seated in the prestigious Wembley Stadium. You could talk about the electric atmosphere, the chanting fans from all sides of the ground, and the thrill and intensity that pushed the match to penalties where England won 4-2 but the first Finalissima has set a bar.
Barcelona winning the UWCL: It wasn’t that they won the Champions League Final it was how they won it. It’s not every time you see a come-back from a two-goal deficit, especially in a final but Barcelona did this against VfL Wolfsburg. Two quick second-half goals by Patri Guijarro ensured Barcelona was level five minutes into the second half and they went ahead after Fridolina Rolfo capitalized on a defensive error to ensure her team won their second UWCL title in three years.
Above: Chelsea lift the FA Cup after victory over Manchester United at Wembley. Photo: Ben Phillips for Impetus.
Chelsea beating Manchester United to win the FA Cup: It was an intense match. Manchester United had chased Chelsea down to the last day of the WSL, only missing out on the title by two points so the FA Cup looked like a chance for perfect revenge. They came with full intent in the first half and threw all they got at a rather resilient Chelsea who didn’t cave into any pressure. It was however Chelsea’s time to shine in the second half when Sam Kerr connected with a well-laid pass from the soon-to-depart Pernille Harder and slotted home a perfect goal. She proceeded to do her eye-catching backflip celebrations in front of 77,390spectators at Wembley to create a moment that every Chelsea fan and neutral will cherish.
The “Las 15”: The Las 15, a group of 15 Spanish players demanded changes to the national team structure and deliberately made themselves unavailable for selection after last year’s Euros while directing their complaint to Jorge Vilda. After an arduous back and forth, three of them, including the current Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati came back to the team, but the year’s later scandal with Rubiales proved that the Las 15 were justified.
Zambia beating Germany 3-2: The season was over and different countries organized friendlies as they prepared for the World Cup but no one could have predicted Zambia beating Germany in a five-goal thriller that saw three goals after the 90th minute mark. The Chipopolo’s striker Barbara Banda opened the scoring with a 48th-minute strike and Rachel Kudanaji doubled the lead six minutes afterwards. Germany made some changes, changed their tactics, and knocked on the Zambians’ door ferociously until their defence caved in the 91st minute via Lea Schuller’s header.
A lot of changes, injuries, and stoppages meant there were 10 minutes extra time, which was enough time for more drama. Alex Popp connected with a cross from Svenja Huth in the 100th minute to seemingly salvage a draw. Everyone thought the game was over and were waiting for the final whistle but Germany kept the ball in play pushing for an equalizer and the referee seemed in the mood to let the action flow; this had repercussions as Zambia latched on a poor throw, to hit Germany on a counter with Barbara Banda scoring a brilliant loop over Frohms to cement a historic victory for the Africans.
Above: The scenes at Cathy Freeman Park outside Stadium Australia where up to 50,000 fans gathered to watch the World Cup Quarter-Final between Australia and France on big screens. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
A first cross-confederation World Cup: While there are a lot of monumental moments from the tournament which will be spotlighted below, the World Cup deserves a place of its own in this list for being awesome and entertaining. From countries scoring their debut goals to stadiums selling out and over $570 million being made in revenue. The World Cup was a major part of 2023 that gave birth to a lot of lasting memories. Let’s revisit some of them below.
Ali Riley’s goal: Ali Riley’s strike for New Zealand in the opening game in front of 42,137 people- the largest crowd in the nation’s history for any football match regardless of gender.
Chiamaka Nnadozie’s penalty save: Group B was termed the Group of Death and it lived up to expectations. One of the catchy moments of the group stage was Nigerian goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie saving Christine Sinclair’s penalty to deny her the record of being the oldest scorer at the World Cup.
Above: Massed ranks of Republic of Ireland fans in Perth where Katie McCabe scored an Olimpico in their group game with Canada. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Katie McCabe’s Olimpico: Another Group B match-up saw the debutant Republic of Ireland lock horns with the current Olympic champions, Canada. Just four minutes in, Katie McCabe produced a moment of magic by scoring directly from a corner. It was their only goal in the tournament and it is one that will be remembered for a very long while.
Marta Cox Strike: There were a lot of eye-catching goals at the World Cup and Marta Cox’s one for Panama was one of the best. Is there a better way to score the first goal for your country than a first-minute spell-binding free-kick against France?
Linda Caicedo’s wonder strike against Germany: Colombia’s Linda Caicedo had already stolen the spotlight as the first footballer to play three levels of the World Cup (U-17, U-20, and senior level) within 12 calendar months and was ready to show the world she was up for the new level of challenge. Caicedo had already scored a solo goal in the first match although the goal-keeper could have done better, but there was nothing Merle Frohms could do to stop Caicedo’s 51st-minute strike in the next game, a goal that was pivotal to defeating Germany and also won the Hyundai’s goal of the tournament.
Morroco waiting for Germany’s result: The last minutes of Group H’s game witnessed a lot of drama; Morocco had managed to beat Colombia thanks to a first-half rebound goal from a penalty and Germany were playing out a 1-1 draw with South Korea. Germany needed a victory to qualify on goal difference and a draw meant Morocco would make it to the second round in their debut tournament. The team huddled together on the pitch in Perth and waited for the results and surprisingly, they qualified ahead of Germany and this was celebrated with glee.
Above: Morocco show their joy in Perth after making it through to the last 16 of the World Cup. Photo: FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Chloe Kelly’s shot and class act: The last 16 game between Nigeria and England was a classic. The African queens stepped on the gas from the first minute and pushed the European champions to the very limit and would count themselves unlucky not to have won the match after hitting the goalpost a couple times.
The match went on to penalties and the Super Falcons missed the first two, putting the Lionesses at an advantage. Chloe Kelly stepped up to take the final penalty, firing an unstoppable shot into the back of the net. Her strike had an astonishing 111km/hr speed, faster than any Premier League goal last season. What happened after was even more memorable. While her teammates rejoiced, Kelly went to console the crestfallen Nigeria’s goalkeeper and shushed the cameramen away from her. It was a moment of sportsmanship that every lover of the game will cherish for a very long while.
Above: Australia celebrate their hugely dramatic Quarter-Final win over France. Photo: CommBank Matildas/Football Australia.
Twenty-kick penalty thriller: What is the longest set of penalties you’ve watched? Mine is 20. After 120 minutes of drama, France and Australia played an entertaining 10 rounds of penalties – the longest in the history of the FIFA World Cup (male or female), when Cortnee Vine scored the final penalty, Suncorp Stadium erupted as did the entire nation of Australia and – the Matildas had made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time.
USA vs Sweden Dramatic penalty shoot-out: To be very honest, we have to start by talking about how the post saved USA from crashing out in the group stage after Portugal’s Ana Capeta hit the post in the 91st minute of their final group game. However, another drama awaited the back-to-back champions in the second round.
After a goalless 120 minutes, the match went to penalties and Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith, and Kelly O’Hara failed to score, it was up to Lina Hurtig to seal the victory for the Swedes. Her penalty was initially saved by US goalkeeper, Alyssa Naeher but the ball hovered around the line and after a nervy wait for the VAR’s decision, it was confirmed that the ball had crossed the line sending the crowd to a mix of frenzied emotions.
Sam Kerr’s wonder strike against England: If there was a goal that defined 2023, it was this thunder strike. Having missed a larger part of the tournament due to a calf injury, Sam Kerr made her first start in the semi-finals although the England central defenders who also doubled as her team-mates at Chelsea kept her silent for the first half of the game.
The game opened up in the second half as Kerr made a lot of off-the-ball runs to create spaces for her team-mates and time will smile on her in the 62nd minute when she collected the ball halfway, and drove at Bright and Carter who were back-pedaling while blocking a possible pass. Instead of picking a pass, Kerr went for the spectacular and buried one of the most ferocious shots you’d ever witness into the back of the net. It was a moment that reminded the world what a gem the Western Australian superstar is.
Above: Sam Kerr celebrates her wonder strike against England in the World Cup Semi-Final. Photo: Hindustan Times.
Spain becoming the world champions: Spain had an enthralling journey to the final; beating Switzerland, Netherlands, and Sweden and they had to be at their 100% to beat a resolute team like England. Olga Carmona’s 29th minute strike was enough to seal the victory for the Spanish who were crowned world champions for the first time. What happened after was however soured the moment.
LuisRubiales scandal: Luis Rubiales’ actions overshadowed Spain’s win over England in the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney. Rubiales, who was Spanish Football Association president at the time, kissed Spain forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation ceremony. Hermoso said the kiss wasn’t consensual. However, after a long-running saga which included Rubiales’ mother staging a brief hunger strike, Rubiales eventually resigned from his post and was banned by FIFA from all football-related activity for three years.
Paris FC knocking out Arsenal and Wolfsburg: After the World Cup, the 2023/2024 season came knocking swiftly and while a lot has been said about the UWCL Qualification path to the group stage, it was Paris FC who stole the show this season as they knocked out last year’s semi-finalist and finalist on their journey to their debut Champions League adventure. They currently sit in third position in their group and still have a chance of qualifying if they are able to pick up some points from their last two games.
Above: Paris FC celebrate their Champions League Qualifying Round win over Arsenal. Photo: Paris FC.
Asisat Oshoala’s sixth award: Popularly known as agba baller, the Nigerian and Barcelona striker won the African Player of the Year award for the record sixth time. Oshoala dedicated the award to all African players and urged the continent to come together and do the right thing by paying allowances, and players’ wages and putting the right investment in female football.
Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis Engagement: They are the football couple of the year, the face of the LGBTQ community in sport and Twitter went into frenzy when the open secret was finally announced on the 21st November.
NY/NJ Gotham winning the NWSL championship: There are a lot of notable moments in this match. It was the final match for both USWNT superstars Megan Rapinoe and Ali Kreger and it was a fairy tale ending for the latter when her team won the trophy. Rapinoe had a tougher luck as she left the pitch early in the game due to a knock. A major talking point was the championship’s Most Valuable Player, Midge Purce striking an audacious pose with a cigar and the trophy after the post-match celebrations.
Above: Kristie Mewis is a Hammer. Photo: Sky Sports.
Kristie Mewis signing for West Ham United: Last week, West Ham United signed Kristie Mewis for an undisclosed amount. It was huge for reasons both on and off the pitch. The names of Mewis and her partner Sam Kerr trended on social media for 72 hours, and the announcement of Mewis’ arrival became the most engaged post on the social media pages of the East London club.
Elsewhere: There are a lot of other honorable mentions like Aitana Bonmati winning the Ballon d’Or, Sarina Wiegman winning the Coach of the Year, Hammarby IF winning the Damallsvenskan on goal difference, and lots more. 2023 was an exciting year and we can’t wait to see what the new year has in store. Are there moments you think deserve to be on this list? Please share below.
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