by Tom Coopey at The King Power Stadium for Impetus (28/10/23).
Above: Team celebrations after Lauren Hemp’s goal. Photo: Lionesses.
Lauren Hemp’s early goal found England’s second win of the UEFA Nations League campaign, to move them ahead of Belgium and go top of the group. It was a game of many chances, but Hemp’s 13th-minute goal was the decider.
Keira Walshreturned to the England starting eleven, whilst Chloe Kelly and Niamh Charles made their way back into the side after defeat to the Netherlands last time out. Lauren James was ruled out of the squad earlier in the week due to concussion, as well as Lucy Parker with an ankle injury. Belgium boss Ives Serneels made two changes from the 11 that drew against Scotland. Jassina Blom and Sari Kees made way for Janice Cayman and Club Brugge’s Jody Vangheluwe.
Belgium would have had their tails up going into this game, being top and catching England at a bad time, having lost two of their past three.
Under the lights of the King Power Stadium, England made a bright start just 40 seconds in with Charles getting on the end of a cross, lifting it just over the bar. The Lionesses were putting early pressure on the visitors, with Hemp’s parried effort by the goalkeeper falling to Ella Toone. Her header dribbled just wide of the post, to Nicky Evrard’s relief. It was a fast-paced start in the East Midlands.
Despite England’s positive start, Belgium had a brilliant chance to take the lead. Justine Vanhaevermaet’s header looked certain to ripple the back of the net, but an astonishing save by Mary Earps denied what looked to be a definite goal.
It took England just 13 minutes to find the lead after Hemp bundled it in from the corner. Kelly’s inviting delivery found Millie Bright, with her header coming back off the upright and into the path of Hemp for an easy finish. It was a deserved lead for the Lionesses.
Above: Lionesses match winner Lauren Hemp. Photo: Lionesses.
England were looking sharp as well as hungry to extend their lead, with Toone’s ferocious strike straight down the throat of the keeper. Wiegman would have been happy with the start her side had made. They were looking in the mood.
Belgium looked positive on the counter-attack, with a chance going begging for the visitors. Tessa Wullaert looked to play a ball into the box, but it kindly deflected off Bright, whistling just wide of the post.
England were a whisker away from going two up with Alessia Russo not finding the right connection to poke it into the open net. In fairness to the Arsenal striker, the cross from Hemp may have been slightly just behind her.
Despite leaving themselves open at the back at times, the Lionesses were looking dangerously good on the attack. They were knocking on the door and it seemed only a matter of time before they found their second of the night.
England were in control closing in on the half-time break, as they had been the whole half, searching to extend their early lead. However, Tine De Caigny nearly found the equalising goal, with her effort closing in at the near post. However, she was only able to find the side netting.
It was a dominant first-half display from the Lionesses, one which would have filled the fans with more confidence after the Netherlands loss. They’d have hoped to go into the break with a more convincing lead, after 13 attempts, five of which were on target. Hemp reacting to the loose ball for the goal was the difference at the break, with England taking in a well-deserved lead.
In the second half, Bright looked to double England’s advantage, with her headed effort just dropping onto the roof of the net. Then Kelly’s deflected effort dropped nicely in the box for Russo, with her attempt going just over. It was yet another missed opportunity for England.
Earps was called into action, making a fine stop to keep her side’s lead intact. Wijnant looked to make an impact and was close to doing so- with her shot from range forcing a tip around the post from the Manchester United goalkeeper.
The tempo of the second period wasn’t as intense as the first, with England controlling the game. Greenwood was close to putting her name in the headlines if it wasn’t for a crucial save by Evrard. The 30-year-old took aim from around 25 yards with her free kick, with her curling effort towards the top corner tipped away.
England were knocking on the door, but just couldn’t seem to make the most of the good positions they were getting themselves into. They would be fortunate that the missed chances didn’t come back to haunt them. The visitors tried to grab a crucial point and Wijnants looped a dangerous ball into the box, but Earps met the loose ball to the delight of the crowd.
It was a well-fought victory for England, seeing them overtake Belgium after the victory over Serneel’s side. Hemp’s early strike was the decider of the taking of the points and the eventual winner.
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Just over two months after the World Cup, The Matildas are back in action. Impetus’ Ben Gilby, who spent a month back in Australia for the tournament, reflects on a period which combined strong emotional ties with the women’s game in the city of Perth to never-to-be-forgotten experiences (27/10/23).
Above: The scene at Stadium Australia as England faced Colombia in the quarter-finals. Photo: Ben Gilby.
Australia. It is the country that introduced me to women’s football back in 2008. It is the country that I identify with and love passionately despite living 9,000 miles away and only getting there once a year.
More specifically than that – Perth was the city that introduced me to women’s football. A city where I have family and deep friendships. A city that, in 2023, hosted World Cup matches in the stadium that I saw my first-ever women’s match in. This was personal. Not “just” a World Cup to attend, but a World Cup in the location of my introduction to the women’s game. The emotional and personal links were on a whole other level.
Arriving back in Western Australia a few days into the tournament, Perth, a city where Australian Rules Football reigns supreme, there was something very different in the air. World Cup banners were everywhere, and Forrest Place public square in the heart of the shopping area was transformed into a fan zone.
Above: The fan zone in Forrest Place, Perth City Centre. Photo: Ben Gilby.
Matchday one for me in the tournament was Canada against the Republic of Ireland. The location, HBF Park, was one with that extensive personal connection. On 7th December 2008, it was the location for my first ever women’s match as Perth Glory took on Queensland Roar (now Brisbane Roar) in the opening season of the W-League (now A-League Women). That game will stay with me for several reasons – not just the fact that it saw eight goals (Roar won 5-3) – but for the presence of a 15-year-old striker.
That 15-year-old was Sam Kerr. I first came across the name earlier that year at an AFL match (Australian Rules) where Sam’s big brother Daniel, was performing for my team West Coast Eagles. Fans behind me mentioned that “Daniel’s little sister has just signed for Perth Glory.” Fair enough. Yet further discussion around my family dinner table that night revealed something a bit extra.
Daniel’s little sister grew up 20 minutes up the road from that very dinner table at which I was sitting. Sam was a local. She knew the same streets, shops, and areas that my family knew. This was personal, and that match between Perth Glory and Queensland Roar was the beginning of a long period following closely the career of “the local kid” who went global.
To make things even more special, Kerr scored one of Glory’s three goals that day in December 2008. Now, in July 2023, the World Cup was coming to the very same stadium.
Above: Outside HBF Park in Perth – a key location in my women’s football story. Photo: Ben Gilby
The game started with a bang. Ireland, who were stubborn and physical opponents for The Matildas in the opening game of the tournament in Australia, hit the front with a typical piece of Katie McCabe magic. The Arsenal star hit a stunning Olimpico from the right-hand side at the famous Shed End of the stadium.
The Irish fans, who were just enjoying one long party all night long, despite the incessant torrential rain, were superb and turned Perth green. Whilst, eventually it was not to be for them as an extremely unconvincing Canada came back to win, it was a thrilling night.
Above: Massed ranks of Irish fans at HBF Park as their nation took on Canada. Photo: Ben Gilby.
If the Irish fans created an incredible atmosphere, that was nothing compared to what was to follow. Jamaica, missing Khadija Shaw due to suspension were next up in Perth against Panama. Musical instruments, drums, non-stop singing, and swaying meant there was as much action in the stands as there was on the pitch. Allyson Swaby’s winner just before the hour mark set Jamaica on the way to what was going to be a historic tournament for them.
Above: An aerial duel between Jamaica (yellow) and Panama. Photo: Ben Gilby.
After a slightly lower-key clash in the stands between Denmark and Haiti, which saw the Danes produce a less-than-impressive performance in defeating an exciting Haiti side 2-0, with superstar Pernille Harder on the scoresheet, came one of the most unexpected experiences of the tournament.
Perth’s final World Cup game – Morocco against Colombia. Both teams were having a superb tournament and went into the match with a chance to make the last sixteen. My cousin, one of three generations of my family to live around Perth, has a Colombian partner, and we were all going to the match together. Our expectation was that he would be the only Colombian in the stadium. As far as we knew, there were only a handful of Colombians living in Perth. Whilst that may be true, we reckoned without a huge influx of travelling fans.
Above: My cousin’s Colombian partner (left) – definitely NOT the only Colombian in Perth on 3rd August. Photo: Ben Gilby
It was like HBF Park had been transported to Bogata for the night. Of the 17,342 fans inside the stadium, easily 12,000 were in Colombian colours. There were flags, music, dancing, jumping, choreographed movement, and swaying in the stands. It was a thrilling taste of what it’s like to watch a match in South America, whilst still being in Perth.
The experience had everything – the Colombian fans, and Morocco creating history on the pitch with a 1-0 win that put them into the last sixteen along with the South Americans as Germany incredibly crashed out. What a night.
Above: Morocco (red) clear the danger against Colombia on an incredible night at HBF Park. Photo: Ben Gilby.
What a way to end Perth’s World Cup. It was a period of four games in nine days that had so much. It had been an experience that I had shared with family and some of my closest footballing friends from Western Australia. Everyone else I knew attending the tournament from England, the USA, New Zealand, and Australia were staying on the east coast for the duration of the event. That had made this time in Perth personal. I was able to experience the emotion of the World Cup being at the stadium that shared my first women’s football match just under 15 years previously with the people who mean so much to me in that part of the world. It was personal.
Above: The sun sets on the World Cup in Perth as Colombia (yellow) face Morocco. Ever wondered why Perth Glory play in purple and orange…Photo: Ben Gilby.
After a further week in Perth with family and friends, it was time to join the rest of the World Cup experience on the east coast. I would spend the remainder of the tournament in Sydney. The first time I had visited the city since 2012.
Sydney is a huge culture shock after being in Perth. It is almost like another country. Perth is laid back, it’s very slow and relaxing. Sydney is bustling, big, and fast-paced. It took a while to get back used to that again.
Yet Sydney would provide another crop of experiences of a different sort. Sydney had The Matildas.
Above: Part two of my World Cup experience – Sydney. Photo: Ben Gilby.
Australia had made their way to a record-equalling quarter-final of the tournament. Whilst their last eight tie against France was being played just over 900km away in Brisbane, The Matildas were everywhere. Their shirt sales were already way ahead of those sold by the Socceroos during the previous year’s men’s World Cup. Posters were all over the streets, Matildas flags were flying from the many building sites around Sydney. They were on all the news bulletins.
For over 14 years, I had followed the fortunes of The Matildas, since “local girl Sam” made her debut for them. Getting up at ungodly hours to watch them play, roaring them on, waking up the neighbours (and occasionally upsetting them when they heard me cheering as they defeated Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics), they were my team. Now they were everyone‘s team, and how good was that?
We had access to the Matildas’ post-match media chats during the tournament as a site and they were the biggest ticket in town. I would be at Stadium Australia on the evening of their Quarter-Final with France – and it was being shown on a series of big screens around the 80,000 venue for ticket holders of the last eight game between England and Colombia later that night.
The scenes in Cathy Freeman Park outside the stadium that evening were something that is very hard to describe if you didn’t experience it. It was an evening where over 50,000 people came together as one. 50,000 people in green and gold who went through the biggest number of twists and turns that it is possible for anyone to experience at a football match.
Above: The scene in Cathy Freeman Park as over 50,000 ticket holders for the England v Colombia quarter-final gather to watch Australia’s quarter-final with France. Photo: Ben Gilby.
Chances came and went all night and there was an air of predictability that it went to penalties. What happened next was one of the most incredible sequences of events that I have ever experienced watching football. An experience that I cannot possibly see that can ever be beaten in terms of sheer drama and changes of emotion.
A penalty shoot-out that went on. And on. It was all about Mackenzie Arnold. Twists, turns, saves, shock penalty takers (Arnold stepping up to take the potential match-winning kick anyone?), and then the West Ham keeper producing a sensational display saving five kicks from four players.
Then, with the scores locked at 6-6 and the tenth round of kicks, upstepped Cortnee Vine. The Sydney FC attacker just had to score to put Australia into their first-ever World Cup semi-final. And she did. And boy what happened next…
Have you ever stood with 50,000 people in a park watching the most dramatic football match of the year before? Can you imagine what happens when such a long penalty shoot-out finally comes to a conclusion? Over two and a half hours of pent-up emotions finally exploded as the fans got the outcome they craved. Our Matildas had done it. And, the whole of Sydney heard the roar. In fact, I suspect my English family and friends thousands of miles away heard the roar…
Above: THAT night in Sydney watching the Matildas defeat France on penalties at the World Cup. An experience that will never be forgotten.
Then the whole 50,000 crowd realised that the game had gone on for so long, there was now only 15 minutes until the actual match we all had tickets for (England v Colombia) kicked off. That number of people were never going to get into the stadium for kick-off. The national anthems and opening minutes of the game were played in a strange atmosphere of a half-empty stadium with tens of thousands patiently queuing to get inside singing loudly about the Matildas. Having gone through an emotional wringer watching Tony Gustavsson’s team, there was absolutely nothing left inside me. I just got a beer and sat in my seat and stared at the game.
Above: World Cup semi-final dayselfie. Photo: Ben Gilby.
That brought about a World Cup semi-final at Stadium Australia between Australia and England. The country that has my heart against the country in which I was born and live. I had the hottest ticket in town, and, as I always do when attending Matildas v Lionesses games, I had as much green and gold on as possible.
The day before the game brought about another unexpected development. My status as “that bloke in England who is obsessed about/writes about (delete as appropriate) Australian women’s football”, led to contact by BBC Radio Norfolk asking to record an interview with me by Zoom from Sydney to go out on air talking about the match.
Moving onto the events surrounding the game itself, it was a night that provided a series of lifelong memories. From arrival at Stadium Australia was the eagerly awaited meet-up of all the Impetus team that were at the tournament. Given the fact that we were from four different nations, it was an opportunity that we knew would never be repeated. This is a hugely talented group of writers, photographers, and TikTok content creators who work so hard as volunteers in their spare time to make our site what it is. Despite the whole group of 70 of us being based around the globe, we make a big thing about being the ImpetusFamily. It was exactly that on the night. It felt like we’d all known each other in person for life. It was fun, it was friendly, it was women’s football.
Above:Impetus contributors based in Australia, New Zealand, England, and the USA came together before the Australia v England World Cup Semi-Final.
The match itself was one of action, disappointment, sheer exhilaration, and then accepted disappointment. Inside the stadium, the anticipation was off the scale. There was a mass of green and gold across Stadium Australia. England started in an unusual physically aggressive notion. The yellow cards built up and so did the volume of support for the hosts.
There was a greater nous and experience in the way England were playing. This was their third successive World Cup semi-final, and they had won the European Championships just over 12 months previously. It was not a surprise when they took the lead.
Then cometh the hour, cometh the “local girl Sam.” Receiving the ball, Kerr raced relentlessly towards the goal at the end of the stadium I was at. As England continued to back off her, I turned to the person next to me and shouted “She’s gonna score! She’s gonna score!” Sure enough, she did. And how! The East Fremantle-born hero let fly with an absolute rocket that flew past Mary Earps and into the net. I have never heard noise like it in any stadium anywhere in the world as 80,000 people went absolutely crazy. It was insane.
Above: The scene at Stadium Australia as The Matildas faced England in the World Cup Semi-Final. Photo: Ben Gilby.
For about five minutes it looked as if The Matildas might just do it. Kerr missed a crucial opportunity, and that was it. The greater big-game experience of the Lionesses kicked in and they ran out deserved 3-1 winners. What a ride though. What an experience.
Talking of rides…the journey on the train back to Sydney from the stadium was an epic one. Due to vandalism on a signal box, trains were held stationary for 90 minutes between stations. As the clock ticked closer to midnight, a group of Brazilian fans who were in the same carriage as me struck up conversation – we had a great time – and it definitely made the long journey back feel a lot quicker, as something that should have taken just over half an hour took nearer two and a quarter hours.
So to the World Cup Final itself. Around the city during the day, the predominant national shirt in evidence apart from Matildas ones were those of the USWNT – not surprisingly given their powerful record in the tournament. Yet their early exit – in quite dramatic style by Sweden – had meant that they would not see their side in action this time.
There were no such travel travails this time. To avoid any risk of train chaos that marred the semi-final, the Sydney Trains authorities had brought in extra staff and engineers in a bid to prevent a repeat.
Above: Stadium Australia – venue for the World Cup Final. Photo: Ben Gilby.
Stadium Australia was, not surprisingly nowhere near as buzzy or as energetic as it was for the semi-final, but there was a huge sense of pride in the tournament that the nation had hosted.
For the game itself and the aftermath – so much has been written by so many. From a personal perspective in the stadium, Spain were masterful and England, quite honestly couldn’t cope with it.
The disgraceful scenes at the presentation were not immediately obvious in the stadium from so far back and relying on the big screen. General consensus around me was “who the hell is that guy?” Within moments of arriving back in my hotel room, his identity would become painfully apparent.
It was a month of memories. A month of making connections and my relationship with the women’s game coming full circle. Perth, the city of my heart, Australia, the country that means everything to me did it again. I’ll be back in August 2024. No World Cup action, but plenty of NPLW WA games to see!
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In the second of exclusive photo galleries from the Olympic qualifier, Kris Goman was pitchside at HBF Park for Impetus to capture these images from yesterday’s game (27/10/23).
Above: Ellie Carpenter battles for possession in Perth last night. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
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Above: Amy Sayer gets up to head goalwards against Iran yesterday. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.
Amy Sayer made her first start for the Matildas in five years in their Olympic Qualifying match against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The 21-year-old impressed, showing her ability to get behind defenders and put herself in promising positions. The tall attacking midfielder brings not only her physical presence, but an awareness of the game that sets her above many players of her age.
In just her seventh cap for her country, Sayer proved why Tony Gustavsson finds her to be such a special player. The attacking midfielder created many opportunities while facing a tough low block. This talent and vision has been honed for years in various high-level leagues.
Sayer started her career at Canberra United after impressing with Sydney University in the New South Wales National Premier League as well as the U-20 national team. After a solid season in the capital, she moved to Sydney FC, where she once again impressed. But, the defining factor in her career was being accepted to Stanford University in the United States.
Stanford has been one of the highest-level colleges for women’s football for years, so it is a testament to Sayer’s attitude, skills, and work ethic that she made this team. She starred for the Cardinals in her first year, starting matches and adding creativity to the attack that saw her be named to the 2020 PAC-12 All-Freshman team.
Above: Amy Sayer in training with the Matildas in London earlier this year. Photo: Andy Wicks for Impetus.
In her Sophomore season, Sayer began to play as more of a forward than a midfielder, and she adapted fantastically well. She once again was a mainstay for the team, scoring and assisting quite a few goals. The next year, she got less game time but she still managed to score a few goals and help her team to the PAC-12 Conference title.
After her impressive college career, Sayer had a quick stay at San Francisco Glens FC in the USL W-League, where she was a key part of their rise to the top, as they were named the best team in the power rankings.
During these club and college seasons, Sayer was a fringe player with the Matildas. She started playing for the Young Matildas at the age of 14, where she thrived, scoring goals and creating chances aplenty. In 2018, she made her first appearance for the senior national team. Over the years, she would continue to demolish the competition at youth levels and be an option for the senior Matildas.
After her impressive year in the USA, Sayer was named in the provisional Women’s World Cup squad for Australia but narrowly missed the final cut. This heartbreak lit a spark in Sayer, bringing her to new levels.
This past August, Sayer joined Swedish club Kristianstads DFF, where she has produced a series of stunning performances. Since she arrived, the club is undefeated. Sayer came into the starting lineup almost immediately, adding not only goals, but speed, strength, and skill. The club has moved up two places in the table since her arrival, a difficult feat in a competitive league.
Above: Amy Sayer at Matildas training in Gosford last year. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
This impressive resume for someone so young makes Sayer a great player for Australia, not only for the future but for right now.
She brought something special to the Matildas team that played against Iran. Her tireless running helped to break down the defence countless times, as well as being a valuable part of the build-up play. And, she’ll only get better. If she was that good in only her second start, imagine how could she could be after building relationships and gaining her confidence.
Her vision is of someone almost twice her age, and as her career continues it could become on par with some of the greats. Playing with such tacticians as Sam Kerr and Emily Van Egmond will only help her grow into her role as a leader on the pitch.
Although it will be an uphill battle to cement a permanent spot in the Matildas squad, Sayer has shown time and time again that she has the ethic and talent of someone deserving of these opportunities.
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In the first of two exclusive photo galleries to come on the site from the Olympic qualifier, Cat Bryant was pitchside at HBF Park for Impetus to capture these images from tonight’s game(26/10/23).
Above: The Matildas enter the pitch in Perth tonight as they take on Iran in an Olympic qualifier. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.
An additional photo gallery from Kris Goman at the match for Impetus will appear later.
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Impetus had reporter Rebecca Hall and photographer Madeleine Blount at St. George’s Park today to cover the Lionesses’ media conference ahead of tomorrow’s UEFA Nations League game with Belgium at the King Power Stadium and capture today’s training (26/10/23).
Above: England head coach Sarina Wiegman at today’s media conference. Photo: Madeleine Blount for Impetus.
England boss Sarina Wiegman and Lionesses shot-stopper Mary Earps spoke to the press at today’s media conference from St. George’s Park ahead of their Nations League clash against Belgium tomorrow.
Wiegman began by discussing which players of the 25 were available. “Unfortunately, Lauren James is not fit,” after suffering a concussion she will be unavailable on Friday or Tuesday to face Belgium. Lotte Wubben-Moy suffered a minor ankle injury over the weekend during WSL action. The Arsenal player joined up with the England squad but had to initially miss full team training, however ahead of the Nations League match she returns to full training but needs to be further assessed before a call can be made on her availability.
This week a number of WSL teams and the wider England set-up have faced questions on the accessibility of the game and how the England team mirrors the society it represents. England boss, Wiegman, said she was “happy with all the things we’re doing but that doesn’t change overnight. When you start doing things really intense, it’s not going to change over a month or two months.”
Wiegman drew particular attention to the ‘Discover My Talent’ programme, which allows players from any level and background to be referred to the talent pathway, training centres, and work being done within the FA. “There is more access to football for everyone, and hopefully in the future, this will change and what we see in society… will play football and top (level) football.”
Above: Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps speaking to the media today. Photo: Madeleine Blount for Impetus.
Mary Earps also shared her thoughts on the hot topic of fan and player interactions within the women’s game. “It is something we as players are experiencing in a very different way with the profile of the game-changing. We love to interact with the fans but it’s becoming at times really difficult to keep everybody happy and interact with as many people as possible.
“We’re so grateful that thousands and thousands of people want to come and meet us and talk to us, but the reality is that if that’s the expectation then we’re always going to fall short. I think the emphasis on it needs to switch now. We love that we can be so connected because of how the game has grown. But equally, I think we are subjected to a lot of comments. We love it but it’s becoming difficult to maintain.” Recently, Earps posted a message on Instagram explaining the difficulty of saying hello to every fan who is waiting after games.
Earps had kind words to share on Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating who received her first senior England call-up this week. “She’s a good person and fitted into the goalkeeper union and team really well and easily. She’s got a big bubbly personality and I’m looking forward to working with her more.” Keating joins Ellie Roebuck, Hannah Hampton, and Mary Earps in this international break’s line-up of keepers.
The press conference also coincided with Wiegman’s birthday and Earps joked that “you would not believe the party we have in store matchday minus one.”
The England boss spoke on the expectations surrounding the side saying, “We always want to win and we know the expectations are high, but we have our own expectations too. We lost our last game, and we were not happy with that and we want to bounce back. We want to improve our game and get a good result, they are the expectations.”
The Lionesses have struggled to keep clean sheets since the World Cup but Earps insisted that “a clean sheet doesn’t define a performance. There’s lots of factors that play into a performance but ultimately we know that we can be better and were always looking to improve. We know that we haven’t hit the levels we’d like to and that’s what we’re focused on doing.”
Above: Lucy Bronze in training today. Photo: Madeleine Blount for Impetus.
Despite a string of losses, England have a strong record against Belgium, winning their last two games. The Lionesses won 3-0 in a friendly in June 2022 and 6-1 during the Arnold Clark Cup in February 2023. Despite this, the game is expected to be more competitive given the teams are fighting for the Nation’s League and as a result Olympic qualification. “I think they are in a very different situation, playing in a different shape, they play with different players, they have been in transition. They’re very well organised and competitive,” said Wiegman.
England are looking to the future with Khiara Keating and Grace Clinton receiving their first senior call-ups, at 19 and 20 respectively, they are very much considered the new kids on the block but from training it is clear they have meshed well with the team, and are not just here to make up the numbers but to fight for minutes, which was a sentiment echoed by Wiegman who shared that “They have done really well so far.”
Earps is proudly from Nottingham and spent some of her early years in Leicester at the Centre of Excellence. The star spoke about the joy of playing, hyping up the crowd saying “Midlands massive! I have no doubt they will come out in big numbers. It’s always special to play close to home, I’ve not had the opportunity to do that yet, hopefully, that is on the cards soon!” she hinted to the organisers at the FA jokily. “Leicester was the team I feel I did a lot of developing in my younger years so it’s really special to go back in an England shirt, and my gran can come, so I’m excited.
“It’s incredibly rewarding. For me, this is the greater purpose in why I do what I do. I love playing football, I love diving around in the mud, I love representing my country but to be able to give back to young kids coming through and to be able to change how things are done and influence that. It was unbelievable and very pinch me.” Many of those attending the event were given goalkeepers shirts and Earps also revealed “More shirts will be coming before the end of the year and I’m really excited about that,” for those that were unable to purchase in the first drop by Nike.
Manchester City goalkeeper Sandy MacIver has been called up for Scotland, despite previously being a Lioness. Wiegman confirmed the player had reached out and had a discussion about the situation. The England boss offered her congratulations to the shotstopper.
England now continue their final preparations for Friday’s game against Belgium, in what will be a tougher game than their meetings in the past. The game at the King Power Stadium in Leicester is a sell-out.
Madeleine Blount’s exclusive photo gallery for Impetus from St. George’s Park today:
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by Kelechi Osunwa at HBF Park in Perth for Impetus (26/10/23).
Above:Ellie Carpenter (centre) shows her delight after putting Australia ahead against Iran today with Emily van Egmond (left) and Charli Grant (right). Photo: Football Australia.
Australia kicked off their 2024 AFC Women’s Olympic qualifying campaign in style, securing a comfortable yet at times frustrating 2-0 victory over the Islamic Republic of Iran at HBF Park. The match marked a long-awaited return to Perth for the Matildas, and local hero Sam Kerr, following their last appearance in 2018.
As expected coach Tony Gustavsson used the fixture as an opportunity to provide critical minutes to fringe World Cup players like Charlotte Grant, Courtney Neven, Teagan Micah, Amy Sayers, and Alex Chidiac with the local favourite Kerr content with a position on the bench. Indeed, a number of those fringe players put forward terrific displays with Grant playing a key role in the opening goal.
Courtnee Vine’s deep cross found Grant, and the tireless fullback kept her composure to find her fullback counter-part Ellie Carpenter who exorcised some of her World Cup demons with a powerful finish past an outstretched Zahra Khajavi, much to the delight of the 18,798 in attendance.
The goal seemed to settle both teams as an intricate pattern of play developed. Iran would sit deep in a bank of five defenders and four midfielders, inviting Australia to play down the wing with Carpenter and Grant overlapping past Vine and Temeka Yallop, while disrupting play through Fatemeh Adeli and Melika Mohammadi in the heart of the defence and trying their best to find the silky Zahra Ghanbari on the very rare moments of possession.
The Matildas continued to grow into the game and so did the influence of Chidiac, Clare Wheeler, and Emily van Egmond in the Australian midfield as they treaded passes to all too willing runners in Carpenter, Vine, and Sayer.
Iran remained resolute and defiant in their role of spoiler for Matildas’ home coming with key blocks, and interceptions aplenty. The most notable from Fatemeh Amineh and Melika Mohammadi. Amineh reacted brilliantly to deny a powerful goal-bound effort from van Egmond, and Mohammadi making a last ditch clearance to deny a tireless Vine.
Moments before halftime the Matildas should have made it 2-0. Chidiac was offered too much space and found Carpenter in terrific position, but the full-back failed to convert with the Matildas settling for a 1-0 lead into the break.
They started the second half with real intensity and added physicality in attempts to overcome the Shirzanan’s disruptive style. The more direct approach led to searching cross-field balls from Van-Egmond and mazy bursts from midfield by Wheeler who’s deft control and fleet feet delighted the home crowd who resorted first to boos over the visitors’ disruptive tactics and then to cheers each time Iran’s medical staff rushed to attend to injured players.
But the biggest cheers for the crowd were of course reserved for Kerr as she jogged up and down the sidelines during her warm-up. At times it felt as if coach Gustavsson was teasing the home fans as players were sent to keep warm before he finally readied a trio of substitutes in Steph Catley, Mary Fowler, and Kerr. The substitutions seemed to jolt Iran into life with the visitors having their best chance and only chance of the night seconds later.
Negin Zandi, who had been an isolated figure for much of the match, found some joy with the ball breaking her way from a throw-in and the skilful forward broke at pace, however, her touch took her wide and her shot failed to trouble Micah in goal.
From there, it become the Kerr show.
A well-worked corner presented the East Fremantle-born star with a guilt-edge chance with the striker blazing over the bar in a goalmouth full of bodies. The home crowd were primed to take the proverbial roof off the stadium and while disappointed with that effort, they wouldn’t have to wait for long to see a goal from their local heroine.
Above: Home town hero Sam Kerr after her goal. Photo: Football Australia.
Indeed was fitting that the goal came from a terrific attacking move with the three substitutes combining. Fowler found an overlapping Catley and the fullback kept her composure to find Kerr for the simplest of finishes which sent the home crowd into raptures.
Kerr almost made it 3-0 moments later after the striker latched onto a long ball but was thwarted by Khajavi who reacted quickly to move off her line.
With the match all but done the Matildas pressed for the third with Alana Kennedy coming close from a guilt-edged head and Kerr spurning two efforts to add to her goal tally. The first was when the Chelsea striker dinked over the bar and the second when a header was blocked on the line by a teammate.
The match would end 2-0 and both sides largely content with the result. For Australia, it’s a home win, a clean sheet and no injuries. For Iran, it’s a terrific showing for the 63 ranked team in the world who stay alive in the group and will look to get a result against Chinese Taipei.
Above: The Matildas team that started against Iran in Perth today. Photo: Football Australia.
To follow – Impetus’ exclusive match photo gallery from our pitchside photographers Cat Bryant and Kris Goman.
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Report by Freya Ward, exclusive photos by Morganna King, both at St. George’s Park for Impetus (25/10/23).
Above: England’s Millie Bright looking relaxed in training. Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.
The Lionesses have regrouped ahead of their doubleheader against Belgium in the UEFA Women’s Nations League in hopes of securing Team GB Olympic qualification, but it does not seem as easy as fans and players alike had originally hoped.
England’s first two fixtures were against Scotland and the Netherlands home and away respectively, where England came out with just three points after winning 2-1 in a very scrappy game against Scotland, having two goals ruled out for offside with the use of VAR; but then losing 2-1 to the Dutch in a game which did not have the help of VAR to rule out Lieke Martens goal that appeared to be offside.
Above: Georgia Stanway in training. Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.
The importance of the Belgium games is definitely something that the players are aware of, Niamh Charles speaking to the media at St. George’s Park said: “Massively important, any game you play for your country is important and although we didn’t get the result we wanted last camp we have had some amazing learnings from that and hopefully we can implement them this camp against Belgium”.
The team took part in their first full training session back yesterday where 24 out of the 25 players were out on the grass – the one absentee being Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy after sustaining an ankle “knock” at the weekend, which led her to be doing her own separate session in the gym, hoping she can be fit for Friday’s game.
This session saw the likes of Fran Kirby being back in the international fold for the first time since she sustained a knee injury in February which evidently caused her to have to withdraw herself from the World Cup in Australia; Kirby was in full training with the rest of the players who had played for their domestic clubs on Sunday, in a slightly less full on session but she looked in form and I think she is going to be key to England’s plans in Paris 2024 qualification.
Above: Khiara Keating – enjoying her first taste of senior Lionesses training. Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.
Two more exciting arrivals were those of Grace Clinton and Khiara Keating, both of whom were participating in their first-ever senior training sessions having progressed their way through the age groups and having earned their first call-ups due to their form for their domestic clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City respectively.
Both players took part in a press conference where they were asked about their initial feelings about their first senior call-ups at just 19 and 20, they both spoke about their feelings of “pride”; something extremely understandable for two youngsters to be included in such a talented group full of European champions, World Cup runners up, and Champions league winners.
Keating was seen getting stuck into the goalkeepers union, winning warm-up games with fellow teammate Hannah Hampton. I think her future is very bright as England potential number one in the near future., having already claimed that position for Manchester City ahead of fellow England international Ellie Roebuck.
More of Morganna King’s exclusive photography for Impetus from St. George’s Park
Don’t miss Impetus‘ coverage of the Lionesses game with Belgium in Leicester on Friday – Tom Coopey will be in the press box and Andy Wicks pitch side on photography duties to bring you the best possible coverage.
Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook.DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!
Above: Charlton Athletic celebrate a goal in their South London derby against Crystal Palace. Photo: Barclays Championship.
Lewes 0-2 Sunderland
Sunderland’s undefeated start to the season was extended with a tough 2-0 victory at Lewes. The first-half goals from Jenna Dear and Liz Ejupi proved to be the difference, as the Lasses shot three points ahead at the top of the table. With just one victory in eight games thus far (last weekend against Watford), Lewes remain bottom of the standings.
Reading 1-3 Sheffield United
Above: An aerial challenge for the ball between Reading and Sheffield United. Photo: Andy Wicks for Impetus.
Sheffield United defeated Reading 3-1 in a fiercely contested game to record their third victory in four games. Charlotte Newsham, Isobel Goodwin, and Ashley Hodson all scored as the Blades bounced back from their 4-0 home loss to Birmingham City the previous week. In injury time, Tia Primmer scored for the Royals, but it was nothing more than a consolation.
Birmingham City 5-2 Watford
Five different players scored for the Blues at St. Andrews as newly promoted Watford’s challenging start to the season continued. Ellie Mason, Charlie Devlin, Libby Smith, Ivana Fuso, and Lily Agg all scored goals for the home side, with Lucia Leon and Carly Johns replying for Watford. The outcome keeps struggling Watford and Lewes tied on points at the bottom of the Championship table and maintains City’s position in the middle.
Charlton Athletic 3-2 Crystal Palace
On an exciting day of Barclays Women’s Championship action, super sub-Melissa Johnson led Charlton Athletic to a derby day victory over Crystal Palace in front of just under 1,000 fans at The Valley.
With 15 minutes remaining, the seasoned striker came off the bench to score the game’s winning goal and help the hosts move up to third place in the table, ahead of their south London rivals. In a wild first half, both teams swapped blows with the in-form Angela Addison and Kayleigh Green scoring for the Addicks.
However, Palace were level by halftime thanks to a header from Elise Hughes and a strike from Araya Dennis.
It was left for former Aston Villa player Johnson to secure the win and ensure Karen Hills’s high-flying team won their fourth Championship game in a row.
Durham 2-1 Blackburn Rovers
Above: Saoirse Noonan (20) celebrates with her Durham team mates after a goal against Blackburn Rovers. Photo: Durham WFC.
With a lovely double from Saoirse Noonan, Durham defeated Blackburn Rovers 2-1. Before Tyler Toland cut the margin in half just before halftime, Noonan scored twice in five first-half minutes to put the Wildcats ahead.
Despite having many opportunities in a commanding second half, the hosts were unable to close out the match, but they held tight to guarantee that the crucial three points stayed in the northeast.
London City Lionesses 1-0 Southampton
With the aid of Lois Joel’s long-range goal, the London City Lionesses shocked Southampton by winning 1-0. The captain regained possession from 35 yards out, lobbing Saints’ keeper Kayla Rendell to score a dramatic first-half winner.
The visitors from second position fought hard to level the score in the second half but were unable to register a point in the capital, suffering their third loss of the year. The Lionesses’ triumph proved significant since it put an end to their string of four straight losses and moved them four points clear of the drop zone.
Coming Up …
The Barclays Women’s Championship has the week off due to the international window, but the action returns between 3rd and 5th November with the following matchups: Lewes at home against Charlton Athletic, Durham host table-topping Sunderland, Birmingham City visit Reading, and London City Lionesses travel to Blackburn Rovers; meanwhile high-flying Southampton are at home against Sheffield United, and Crystal Palace make the short trip to play in another local derby at Watford.
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Impetus’ Ben Gilby reports on the press conference featuring Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson and Iran head coach Maryam Azmoonahead of the two nations’ meeting at HBF Park in Perth tomorrow as the second round of Asian qualifying for the Olympics gets underway – plus photos from training today (25/10/23).
Above: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson at the media conference in Perth today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Joseph Mayers/Football Australia.
Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson revealed some of the outcomes of his World Cup analysis ahead of three Olympic qualifiers which he described as a “big challenge.”
Speaking to the media at Perth’s HBF Park today, the Australia boss highlighted both the positives and development points from his team’s World Cup journey that saw the Matildas finish fourth.
“In terms of our pressing game, we were one of the most efficient teams in the World Cup, and that was a key reason for why we went as far as we did. In terms of the regain – losing the ball and winning it back – we were not as good as the other top teams, and we need to improve that.
“We were one of the best teams in the World Cup at breaking the lines – but, in terms of breaking through, we were not. Hopefully, we will see some improvements in that during this tournament.”
With this stage of the Olympic qualifying featuring three games in such a short period of time, Gustavsson emphasised the importance of rotation over the coming week and highlighted two players in particular that he is excited to give opportunities to.
“I’m really excited for some new players coming into the camp. Amy Sayer missed out on the World Cup by that much (held thumb and finger closely together) – that sparked something in her. She has been fantastic with Kristianstads in Sweden and you can see that in training. With Charlize Rule, you can see the rewards of investment in our U23 team. She has been one of the standouts in that space.”
As is always the case with the Matildas, the opportunity to have full training sessions ahead of the first match in an international window is limited, and this time round the challenge has been added to by temperatures of 34c in Perth.
Above: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson with IR Iran counterpart Maryam Azmoon at HBF Park, Perth today. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Joseph Mayers/Football Australia.
“This is a big challenge, this tournament. We have not been together for nine weeks, and today was the first time I’ve had the whole squad together. We’ve had one training session going into the tournament with jet lag, and that’s probably the same with the other teams. That means there will be some rusty performances. With three games in short succession, we will have to rotate in the roster. With the heat, we’ve had to have lighter training. It will also impact the matches, slowing things down and how we use set plays.”
At the conclusion of the World Cup, there were discussions about Gustavsson’s future, with strong rumoured interest from the USWNT in securing his services. The Swede reiterated his deep love for his current role, and what he wants to see happen next from the authorities in Australia to motivate him to extend his contract with the Matildas.
“This (job) is my full focus. I love working with this team. I have one year left on my contract. We know we are never better than our last game. The USA is one of the biggest jobs in the world in terms of finance. But working with this team is one of the biggest jobs in the world. Look at what we’ve done. What we did at the World Cup was not the end of something, it was the start of something. I was clear then, and I am also clear now – I want to see investment. For me to be motivated to stay, we can’t be complacent.”
One of the headlines in the Matildas’ long-awaited return to Perth is the equally long-awaited presence of local hero Sam Kerr. With the record goalscorer playing a limited role in Chelsea’s opening WSL matches, Gustavsson was realistic about how often the East Fremantle-born star will be used in the three games
“I will work closely with my SSSM team, they work very closely with Chelsea as well. We all want Sam to be in form. We can expect to see some rotation with her. It’s then down to me to consider where the most impact will be – starting her, bringing her on.”
After the successes of lower-ranked nations in the World Cup, and Australia’s own travails at the Asian Cup, Gustavsson recognised that his team face unique challenges over the coming days – he also identified the specific areas that he expects all three opponents to cause his side some potential headaches.
“They are very well organised, they are very well structured, but I am very impressed with their technical ability. If you give them time and space, all three teams (Iran, Chinese Taipei, and the Philippines) are very good on the ball. If we’re not aggressive, all these three teams can hurt us with the ball.
“Also, they will not give us much space, and we need space to be successful. That will be a challenge for us, to unlock teams and create the space that we need to get behind.”
Above: Iran head coach Maryam Azmoon at today’s press conference in Perth Photo supplied to Impetus by: Jospeh Mayers/Football Australia.
IR Iran head coach Maryam Azmoon spoke of her delight that her team made it through to the second round of qualifying and the wider implications of their progress.
“Football keeps all our nations together and shows the unity of nations, despite our religion and politics. Football is a social event, not just a sporting event.
“I want you to know that Iranian football is underdeveloped and we are aiming for a good performance. Iranian families who watch these games – we want to give them hope that we can do our best and develop women’s football in Iran to be among the top-level Asian teams. For us to be here as an Iran team – it is a very good opportunity for women football players in Iran.
“Football is not predictable, but we know we will have to play very hard and strong teams. It’s very hard for us, but we are here to update our knowledge. Our players have never played in full-capacity stadiums, so they will be so excited to see that. Everything is new for us. We are playing the top teams in Asia.”
Photography from Matildas training at HBF Park today from Rachel Bach/Football Australia
Impetus will be providing detailed coverage from all the Matildas’ matches in Perth with a team of photographers plus reporters in the press box and covering the media conferences.
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