Mariners announce Galic whilst Nix retain Taylor

1/8/23

Above: Bianca Galic, unveiled today as a Central Coast Mariners player as the club prepare for their return to the A-League Women.

Central Coast Mariners today announced the signing of midfielder Bianca Galic ahead of their return to A-League Women football.

Galic joins the club having played two seasons of A-League Women’s football in the past, missing the 2022/23 campaign after tearing her ACL and has been a key member of Sydney University’s First Grade women’s team for almost for a decade, joining the club at fourteen years of age.

Through her time with the team, the midfielder has regularly worked under Mariners’ new A-League Women’s head coach Emily Husband, currently lining up for her Sydney University First Grade squad.

The midfielder began her A-League Women’s career with Canberra United in 2020, helping the side to their first semi-finals appearance in four seasons. Galic featured four times that campaign, scoring one goal. Coming into the 2021/22 season she traded green for red and black, signing for Western Sydney Wanderers. She played 10 times that season, starting on nine occasions as one of the beating hearts of the midfield.

Galic unfortunately missed the most recent season after suffering an ACL injury, coming back this year to play for Husband’s Sydney University team. The midfielder is ecstatic to be joining the Mariners for the upcoming season, eager to play a key role for the side this campaign.

“I’m super excited to be able to sign with the Central Coast Mariners. I have had Emily coach me at Sydney University for a couple of seasons as well as having her as an assistant when I was at Canberra United, so to have her as my head coach at the Mariners will be great,” Galic said.

“I will bring a never give up attitude to the Central Coast. I will always give 100% and do anything to help the team win. With the season coming up in just a few months I can’t wait to get started.”

Above: Kate Taylor – back at Wellington Phoenix for the third year. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Tom McCarthy.

Wellington Phoenix have kept hold of another of their talented young defenders with vice-captain Kate Taylor re-signing for 2023/24.

Taylor follows Mackenzie Barry and Marisa van der Meer in recommitting to the club. The 19-year-old is also the fourth foundation player to sign on for next season, joining Barry, Chloe Knott, and Alyssa Whinham.

The teenager was the women’s player of the year in the team’s first season while being vice-captain to Lily Alfeld, but was limited to 12 appearances in the 2022-23 campaign because of a foot injury.

“I want to challenge myself and play more football,” Taylor said. “Being injured last season and with Lily being injured as well, it was quite challenging to navigate the team. It was my first big professional injury. I think it really made me respect football, the environment, and injuries.”

“I truly think it made me a different person in good ways and bad ways, and I believe I learned a lot about myself. I’m ready to be consistent and play in the A-League in a team that I’m really looking forward to building and helping develop.”

The ball playing centre back is also looking forward to working with new head coach Paul Temple and renewing her relationship with his assistant Callum Holmes. “I want to have a new experience and be coached by a male and I think Paul and Callum will be a really good combination.

“Callum really understands me as a person and as a player. He challenged me in ways I haven’t been challenged before by a coach. We’re quite similar and in terms of football, he got what I wanted and where I want to go. That’s why we worked so well together, so I’m looking forward to building on that.”

Kate Taylor took part in the Ferns’ gruelling nine-week training camp in the lead-up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup and was one of the squad’s three training partners during the tournament.

Above: Kate Taylor in action during Wellington Phoenix’s first season in the competition. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.

“It was an opportunity for me to grow. I forget that I’m young sometimes and I’m not 25 or 26 and reaching the peak of my career. It’s going to make me stronger in years to come and hopefully, I can look back and say I’m really proud of what I’ve done.

“Hopefully I’ve helped the team achieve their goals and even achieved some of mine as well. I haven’t been stepping out on the pitch, but I’ve still been giving it my all no matter what. It’s been pretty awesome and I’m very grateful. I’d redo it in a heartbeat.”

Phoenix head coach Paul Temple says it was very important they brought Taylor back for another season. “Kate is a young player with a lot of potential, but she’s also shown she’s a leader within the group,” Temple said. 

“When you’ve got a young player that has all this potential as a footballer, but also is a great character and strong leader, it’s a no-brainer to bring her back. I’m sure Kate will have big teams after her in the future. We want to help her achieve that potential and that will in turn help us, help her and the national team.”

Taylor has played predominantly as a centre back for the Nix, but she can also play in midfield.

“I first saw Kate playing for Cashmere Tech years and years ago at an under-17 tournament in Auckland and she was playing as a six and I was asking Aaron Clapham, who was with the team at the time, ‘who is this girl playing for you in centre midfield?’

“She really stood out for me, and I’ve always had it in my head she’s got the ability to play in different positions because she’s a really good technician, great passer of the ball, and has good vision, but she’s also defensively really sound. 

“For her as a young player coming through and trying to take that final step and become a regular with the national team, to be able to play in different positions is going to help her.”

Kate Taylor is the eighth player confirmed in the Wellington Phoenix women’s squad for the 2023-24 season, joining fellow defenders Mackenzie Barry, Marisa van der Meer, and Rebecca Lake, midfielders Chloe Knott and Alyssa Whinham and forwards Michaela Robertson and Emma Main.

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Foord and Hunt: We’re just getting started

It was an incredible night for The Matildas who defeated Olympic champions Canada 4-0 to top Group B. After the match, Caitlin Foord and Clare Hunt spoke to the media in the mixed zone at AAMI Park, Melbourne. Ben Gilby reports (1/8/23).

Above: Caitlin Foord speaking after yesterday’s win for Australia over Canada. Image: CommBank Matildas.

Australia’s Caitlin Foord believes that last night’s superb win over Olympic champions Canada in Melbourne is just the start for The Matildas at this World Cup.

Foord, who put in a superb performance throughout the game at AAMI Park believed that the match showcased everything that is good about her side: “I’m just really proud. We played really well, we were super aggressive and finished off our chances, and even better, we topped the group!”

The pressure release valve of Hayley Raso’s goal after just nine minutes was important for the Matildas, and the Arsenal star emphasised that as the half developed, despite Canada having large amounts of possession, she was always confident that it was Australia’s night.

“It’s always nice to get one early. It felt like it was going to come. We created, we scored, we had one disallowed, we scored straight off the back of it. It just felt like it was our day.

“This team is all it is about. It doesn’t matter who puts them away, just that they go in. Rass put great finishes in – she had to be there to do it. Mary – you just put the ball in the box and she’ll put it away. For Steph to step up there again – that was incredible. That’s what this team are about.”

The support that the Matildas have been getting both in stadiums and around the country further underlines their status as one of the nation’s most loved national sides. Whilst AAMI Park only holds just under 30,000 for this tournament, those inside drove Australia on.

“It was insane…it was so loud!” Foord enthused. “They definitely pushed us through. We’re thankful for them to push us through. We’re thankful for them for putting on that show, and we gave it back to them in return.

“We’re just getting started.”

Above: A thrilled Clare Hunt speaking after the match last night. Image: CommBank Matildas.

It was another outstanding performance in defence for Clare Hunt. The Western Sydney Wanderers captain has been on an emotional personal journey from heartbreaking injury during the 2021/22 A-League Women season to returning last season and getting called up to The Matildas just in time for the World Cup.

“I came off that pitch and said ‘That was the best game I’ve ever been part of!’ To have the crowd here a AAMI (Park) – such an intimate crowd. The last time we played here we beat Sweden 4-0. We’re so happy.

“For me, it has been an absolute rollercoaster. I’m just trying to enjoy it and take it every moment that comes. It’s huge. We’re rolling through and aiming for the top.”

Hunt is always about the bigger picture and the achievements of those around her. She spoke with pride about the collective defensive effort, after being under intense fire at times from the Olympic champions.

“For us to keep a clean sheet against Canada is huge, particularly after conceding three against Nigeria. It was a great re-start, it was a great effort from the team, and to get four goals from the players we had on the park, we’re really stoked with that.

“For us, it was always the focus to top the group. We’ve done that so now we move on to the last 16 and getting the job done there. We’re playing with a bit of confidence now.”

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Raso: We’re fighters…we’ll go out there and do it

Less than 24 hours before Australia’s do-or-die World Cup clash with Canada, Ben Gilby reports the thoughts of winger Hayley Raso as she spoke to the media today (30/7/23)

Above: The Matildas star Hayley Raso speaking to the media ahead of tomorrow’s huge game with Canada. Image: Football Australia.

Australia’s Hayley Raso is convinced that The Matildas have what it takes to beat Canada tomorrow in Melbourne and progress to the last 16 of the World Cup.

Reflecting back on their 3-2 loss to Nigeria last time out, the former Manchester City winger said: “It was a hugely disappointing result, but we’ve left it behind us. Everything is about this game (against Canada) and making sure we win.”

Unlike Australia’s first two group matches, where there was a week break in between, their shot at redemption has come round much quicker this time, and Raso believes this is a real benefit for The Matildas.

“In tournament football, it’s important to turn the corner quickly. You can’t relish the highs or wallow in the lows. You have to leave them behind you and focus on the next game as it comes round so quickly. We’re able to get back on the pitch quickly, to adjust and turn ourselves around.”

Above: Charli Grant in action for Australia when they met Canada in 2022. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

The equation tomorrow night in Melbourne is simple for the co-hosts. Win and they are definitely in the last 16 – potentially as group winners. Lose, and they are out. The tournament has got real and serious for Australia earlier than they would have liked, but ultimately, the new Real Madrid signing thinks that the scenario suits them.

“Yes, I think so. It really means that the playoffs start now. We know it’s a must-win. We’re fighters, we play and do our best when our backs are against the wall, so we’ll go out there and do that.”

“It’s important that we’ve played against them recently (twice in four days at the start of September 2022). We know how they play, we’ve also watched a lot of recent clips of them. Tournament football – there is never an easy game. You have to perform. We know we have the ‘Never Say Die’ spirit, it’s about having that belief and knowing we can win, we will step across that white line and be ready.”

Raso is backing the local fans to come out in force to roar on The Matildas tomorrow – whether that be in AAMI Park or at the fan zones across the nation.

“I always knew Australia would put on a show, people would turn up, and the streets would be packed and the fan festivals would be packed, but to be in the heart of it, it’s absolutely incredible.”

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England’s Lionesses are victorious in their game against Denmark, but is there still more to work on?

By Aimee Logan 29/7/23

Above: Lauren James scored the goal that separated them from Denmark. Image: @Lionesses Twitter

England’s lionesses have been kept to 1-0 victory in their second World Cup fixture against Denmark. I was at Box Park, Wembley to watch the game alongside some other England fans who were all excited to watch the Lionesses play to victory against the toughest opposition in their group, Denmark. 

England fans, like myself, were left slightly disappointed by their performance against Haiti in their opening game as they only managed to score one goal from a re-taken penalty the whole game.

Many people predicted huge score lines for this game but ultimately England were lucky to receive a penalty kick and the mistake by Haiti’s keeper being off her line, let Georgia Stanway have another go at scoring for England after her first attempt was saved. I was impressed that Georgia had the composure and mentality to give the shot another go and to add to this she placed the ball in an identical place on round 2.

Overall England were only kept on a clean sheet this game because of Mary Earps, who played outstandingly and never loss focus on the task at hand. From the Haiti game the fans wanted more from the team and for their next game, the Lionesses were in need of a larger score line in their opinion.

Group stage match 2 kicked off and Sarina changed her starting XI which was a big surprise in comparison to how she has delt with tournament football before. It was debated whether she changed because she wanted to see how different players could shine and thrive when opportunity was given, or rather the first game disappointed her also so she saw the changes as necessary.

The change of most impact was without a doubt Lauren James. She’s becoming a household name already and at the age of 21 was in the starting lineup for the first time in a major tournament. James’ tactical ability is sublime and from kick-off her composure brought so many opportunities for England.

In the 6th minute she took a shot for herself and from just outside the box hammered the ball bottom corner. Her confidence is rapidly growing, and I would personally love to see Lauren starting for England more often than not. She created so many amazing opportunities for the team against Denmark and had 100% shot accuracy so what more does she have to prove? Well, I would say that there isn’t a lot more that she has to prove, she’s been consistent with Chelsea and now her technique has been evident so far in camp for England.

With Beth Mead’s injury and absence from the squad, this space on the wing is ultimately up for grabs and it could be looking like Lauren will be the one to fill it.

Lauren James’ goal was arguably the only joy England had in this game. For the first 35 minutes everyone seemed to gain confidence and were led to believe that the goals were going to flood in, but nothing came of any other attacks.

England dominated possession but when it came to being clinical and converting in front of goal nothing seemed to be fitting. Rachel Daly had been pushed back to left-back after she had game time upfront last match, and Lucy Bronze, as usual, filled the right-back position. These two players pushed up the pitch which allowed the press to develop well: this is a tactic I would love to see be used in another game as it really worked. Maybe there was a lack of communication or just a lack of execution in the box, it was hard to tell, but for the shift the girls put in for the first half, they didn’t have a lot, other than one goal, to show for it.

Coming into half time, however, the Lionesses were out of sync as world-class holding midfielder, Keira Walsh went down with a serious looking knee injury. England manager Sarina Wiegman has always had Keira as a consistent player to play the full 90 for her country and this has worked wonders for the squad. But, because of this consistency, has anyone in England ever thought of a plan B?

As it seems, England build their style of play from Keira Walsh. She’s targeted in the midfield because of her impeccable footwork along with her ability to cut oppositions defensive lines. The Lionesses have rarely had to play without her so its almost as if they know nothing different. Keira’s injury silenced Box Park where all the fans nervously watched as her teammates came to show her the love whilst she was being stretched off the pitch.

I think the shock also came for everyone as Walsh has almost been seen as the ‘invincible’, ‘untouchable’ player for a long time and it’s impossible to imagine the squad without her. Many people were quick to jump on the assumption that the injury she suffered was a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), even the commentators, just because of the amount of ACL injuries we have seen this season in women’s football.

It is disappointing, in my opinion, that people instantly expect the worse and significantly, the commentators and post-match reporters, lead people to believe that this is the outcome even though they didn’t have any results to any tests that had been carried out on the injury. The FA confirmed the following day, 29/07/23, that the injury suffered was not an ACL injury which definitely brought relief for many Lionesses fans and as I can imagine, the whole squad, who I am sure are hoping Keira Walsh will be back on the pitch before the end of this World Cup.

In the second half, England were messy. It ultimately looked like they played worse because of the change in formation without Walsh. There was a significant amount of space left empty, which Keira Walsh had left, and it seemed now necessary that there were 2 players needed to fill this void on the pitch. The defensive line started to lack communication and Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly’s high pressed positions left centre-backs Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood with more work than ever. 

Denmark seemed to pick up the ball most in the area where Walsh was before and driving the ball forward, into the box, time and time again. Mary Earps is evidently FIFA’s best goalkeeper for a reason and despite the team’s distraction from the game her focus, again, kept England from conceding multiple goals.

I think that with Walsh’s absence, for an unknown period of time, is going to leave the team with a massive gap and result in Mary making massive saves to single-handedly help England progress.

It has been confirmed that Keira will not be available for the Lionesses last group game against China so it will be interesting to see what Sarina will decide is tactically best for the team. It’s now time to turn to the plan B that hasn’t even been thought about until now.

Personally, I would love Jordan Nobbs to be given the opportunity on the field in Keira’s absence as from midfield she’s known to be great in attack and score absolute worldies for goals.

England must focus on a promising attack as well as a good defence so maybe a 4-4-2 formation would work now, especially if you bring in more attacking-minded midfielders.

It will be exciting to see who starts in Keira’s place against China and whether there will be some changes in the midfield to try others in her position.

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Newcastle Jets & Wellington Phoenix announce new signings

Three months out from the new A-League Women season, Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix have announced new arrivals (30/7/23).

Above: Claudia Cicco in Wellington Phoenix colours last season, has joined Newcastle Jets. Photo: Friends of Football.

Newcastle Jets have announced the signing of Young Matildas defender Claudia Cicco for the 2023/24 season.

Cicco joins the Jets from Wellington Phoenix where she spent the 2022/23 A-League Women’s campaign in her debut season. Predominantly a centre-back, Cicco is able to operate in a number of positions including as a wing-back, winger, and striker.

Originally from Sydney, Cicco played her junior football for Hurlstone Park Wanderers before playing for Football NSW Institute. Cicco then moved on to APIA Leichhardt before heading over to the Wellington Phoenix where she made a total of 13 appearances in her debut A-League season.

Cicco also made her first appearance for the Young Matildas (U20s) and scored a hat-trick earlier this year against Guam.

Cicco is eager to arrive in Newcastle and make an impact for the 2023/24 A-League season.

“Obviously I’m very excited to be joining the Jets for the coming campaign. I can’t wait to further challenge myself and meet my future teammates. I feel really privileged to have a coach in Gary van Egmond and I’m sure we can achieve great things this season.”

Above: Rebecca Lake in action for Canterbury United Pride. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.

Wellington Phoenix backed up the loss of Cicco by securing Rebecca Lake, a key member of the Canterbury United Pride side that won six national titles in the past decade.

Lake, 24, has played for the Pride since 2014 and in 2020 captained the three-peat winning side, which featured Phoenix regulars Kate Taylor, Alyssa Whinham and Marisa van der Meer, and Football Ferns Annalie Longo, and Gabi Rennie.

“I love the Pride and I’ve loved playing beside all of them,” Lake said. “I look up to them now, so it’ll be awesome to be playing alongside some of them again. I think this is the next step for me. I’ve watched a lot of A-League games over the past couple of seasons and I was like ‘I want to be a part of that’. 

“Some of my really good football mates play for the Phoenix and it seems right to play for New Zealand’s only professional women’s team. I want to give professional football a shot and see what I can do.”

The proud Cantabrian is currently playing for Northern Tigers in the New South Wales National Premier Leagues (NPL) first-grade competition after making the move to Sydney earlier this year and has been named in the NSW NPL team of the week twice this season.

“I’ve lived in Christchurch most of my life and I’ve loved playing with the girls there, but I just felt like I needed to do something different this season. I wanted to play in the NPL over here. I heard the New South Wales NPL was the best in Aussie, underneath the A-League. I’ve found it to be competitive and I think it was a good learning curve for me to leave New Zealand.” 

Lake has represented New Zealand at U-17 and U-20 level and was one of eight uncapped players named in the Football Ferns squad for their two matches against the USA in January.

Alongside football, Lake works full-time as an accountant and will soon become a fully qualified chartered accountant. She plans to continue to work part-time when she arrives in Wellington for the start of pre-season and is excited about the chance to play professional football. 

“I’m a centre back who focuses on composure, pass completion, and aerial dominance. I’m looking forward to the challenge of the A-League and playing with the Phoenix this season. I’m going to be competing for a starting spot, but if I’m not there yet I’m still going to bring my leadership and support to the team.

“I was talking to (coach) Paul (Temple) and he was saying ‘your experience through football, but also life is paramount’ so hopefully I can be a bit of a leader and older head even though I’m only 24-years-old.”

Temple says Lake has earned her first professional contract by being a consistent high performer in the national league.

“It’s important there is a pathway for our young women who perform well domestically,” he said. “So many of our players came through the national league and it’s great to be able to give Bex an opportunity to join them at the next level.

“Despite being young she’s won numerous titles, and she’s a fierce competitor that will add leadership to our squad. Bex deserves this opportunity and I’m convinced she has the character and quality to step up into professional football.”

Lake is the seventh player confirmed in the Wellington Phoenix women’s squad for the 2023-24 season, joining fellow defenders Mackenzie Barry and Marisa van der Meer, midfielders Chloe Knott and Alyssa Whinham, and forwards Michaela Robertson and Emma Main.

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Fūka Nagano: The understated jewel in the Japanese crown

by David P. Astill (29/7/23)

Above: Japan’s Fūka Nagano. Photo: Planet Radio.

Some teams at the World Cup have been stuttering through wins; others have had their exits already confirmed. However, a select few have been flying and putting on a display worthy of champions, and one who have really established their title credentials and who fall into that final category is Japan.

The 2011 world champions have been a joy to watch and have attracted a lot of praise for their style and creativity on the pitch during their opening two fixtures, with them getting the balance right between playing attractive football and securing the results that they have needed to progress to the knockout stages.

Their success has come down to each player knowing their roles and understanding what they can bring to the overall package, but whilst attention has tended to gravitate towards the likes of Mina Tanaka, Yui Hasegawa, and Risa Shimizu when looking at standout members of the squad so far, there is one who has gone a little under the radar.

Fūka Nagano didn’t feature against Costa Rica, with head coach Futoshi Ikeda opting to rest her, but there was little doubt that she played a vital role in their opening-round win against Zambia and was a key reason for them being so productive in front of goal.

Her footballing background

A former Asian Young Footballer of the Year, Nagano’s footballing journey began at Urawa Reds, where she won the Nadeshiko League (the then-Japanese top flight) in 2014 and the League Cup three years later. It was obvious even at that early stage of her career that she had something about her and that she would be a star of the future, and Urawa knew that it would be difficult to keep hold of her for too long.

Sure enough, her strong performances did indeed lead to external interest and a move to South Korea beckoned in 2018, with Nagano joining Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels. Whilst she helped the team to the WK League title that year, she had only been handed a one-year contract, so her time in South Korea was brief and she returned home to join Chifure AS Elfen Saitama the following year, before then moving on to MyNavi Sendai in 2021.

Above: Fūka Nagano in action for Liverpool. Photo: Liverpool FC Women.

However, in 2022, arguably her biggest move was made, with North Carolina Courage calling and the NWSL the destination for her next foray abroad. It was a move that paid off for her personal progression, with her putting on some really good displays in one of the toughest and most competitive leagues in the global women’s game, and her performances quickly attracted envious glances from other clubs and coaches, including Liverpool’s Matt Beard, who brought her to Merseyside in January of this year.

Internationally, Nagano has enjoyed just as much success, with her achieving honours at most age levels. Just some of those include being part of the U16 and U17 Japan teams that won continental and world titles, whilst she captained the U17 Japan side that finished as runners-up in the 2016 World Cup in Jordan, picking up the Golden Ball award for the highest tournament scorer in the process.

She received her first senior call-up in June 2018 but had to wait until November of the same year to make her debut, during a meeting with Norway. The 2019 Women’s World Cup came just too soon for her, but 2023 was very much in her sights and she has really made a name for herself during her time down under so far.

Her role with Liverpool

When looking at Nagano’s playing style, it is not hard to see why she has had such a successful career so far. Her usual role is a deep-lying distributor, and she has spoken publicly about her love for passing and starting attacks from inside her own half.

The system that best suits her qualities is a 4-3-3, as it gives her support on either side and three forwards who can split and stretch defenders ahead of her, all of which equates to a range of spaces being created for her to target with her pinpoint passes.

When she moved to Liverpool though, she found that they favoured a 5-3-2 shape, with Beard preferring to have wing-backs and just two players at the top of the field. Therefore, Nagano has needed to adapt to a different setup on Merseyside, with there not being the wide attacking threats that she has had at other clubs and instead there being a greater reliance on playing through the thirds in transition when building attacks.

Above: Fūka Nagano and Japan are looking to advance into the latter stages of the World Cup. Photo: The News Market.

This is not something that has fazed her though, and she has instead used these experiences to her advantage, by her adding new elements to her game and continually working hard to develop what she can offer. Once she had got a few games under her belt, she quickly established herself as a key cog in the Liverpool machine, both in and out of possession, and it was her presence that allowed the likes of Missy Bo Kearns and Ceri Holland to play in more advanced areas and to demonstrate a greater goalscoring threat during the latter stages of the WSL campaign.

Fitting into the Japanese system

Under Ikeda’s stewardship, Japan have always used players in areas that suit their capabilities, and this rigid structure helps them to shift the ball through the thirds and to have a solid defensive shape to fall back on whenever they lose the ball.

Nagano has been a key part of that, with her ability to sit back ensuring that Japan have a lynchpin in front of their back three that gives them the freedom to push others higher up the pitch. Certainly, her presence is one of the reasons that Hasegawa has been able to revert to her creative playmaking abilities around the final third, rather than the deeper protective role that she has taken up since moving to Manchester City.

However, Japan are also very adaptable and will find different ways to win games if their original plans are limited by what their opponents do against them. This has been increasingly evident in the World Cup so far, with Zambia playing very openly and allowing the former world champions to pass through them, whilst Costa Rica sat back more and didn’t allow the same spaces to open up.

This means that there have been games when some players would not have fitted into the necessary style, and that was one of the reasons that Nagano was not used against the Central Americans. Against Zambia, the high back line gave her chances to make long passes and to distribute in her usual fashion, but the greater focus on wing play against Costa Rica meant that there wasn’t as much of a need for her creative passes.

Whilst that might indicate a few limitations to her game, what is clear is that she is a key player for her country when they are allowed to play their expansive, exciting brand of football, and, whilst there are perhaps bigger names in the squad, she is a vital cog that they do miss when she is not on the field.

David P. Astill is a freelance journalist who is guest-writing for Impetus throughout the World Cup.

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Down but not out: why the Matildas loss to Nigeria may be a blessing in disguise

By Ben Carey 28/7/23

Above: The Matildas re-group after the loss to Nigeria Photo: Football Australia

The Matildas lost to Nigeria on Thursday night. Nigeria was fast, physical, and clinical. The Matildas were anything but. It cost them the match, and if things don’t go well against Canada next Monday, it could cost them the World Cup. But it’s not the end of the world. In fact, it could actually be a blessing in disguise.

I’m sure there are hundreds of articles out there that analyse how and why the Matildas lost the match. But that doesn’t interest me in the slightest. All that matters is the bigger picture. The Matildas have often struggled against lower ranked opponents but then performed really well when the pressure is on. As Sam Kerr herself said in her episode of Icons, “It’s still to this day, the challenge of the Matildas. We can play really well against top teams, but against the lower ranked teams it can be tough to get up to those games.”

In the 2019 Women’s World Cup, Australia lost to the lower ranked Italy in their opening group stage match. But they were then able to turn around and beat Brazil and Jamaica to make it through to the knockout rounds. More recently, they lost to lower ranked Scotland, and then four days later beat the best team in the world, England. Basically, the situation they find themselves in now is not new territory for the Matildas. 

Their loss to Nigeria is actually hauntingly similar to Germany’s loss to Zambia just three weeks ago. A top 10 team that plays attacking, high-press football, exposed numerous times on the counterattack by the sheer speed and physicality of an African side with a much lower ranking. Believe it or not, the scoreline was the same as well. The reason I mention this is because that was Germany’s wake-up call. Luckily for them it came just before the World Cup. They were able to take what they learned from that match, make adjustments, and work on their improving their game in training before the World Cup even started. They have since made a scintillating start in their first group stage match, with a 6-0 win over Morocco. 

The Matildas loss to Nigeria is their wake-up call. Granted, it has come at a bad time, and now they must beat Canada in their last group stage match to ensure that they qualify for the knockout rounds of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. A home World Cup. The opportunity of a lifetime. The pressure is most certainly on. But as Matildas player Emily Gielnik said to KeepUp’s Dub at the CupPodcast, “We thrive under pressure.”

This is a blessing in disguise because the Nigeria match taught the Matildas and Tony Gustavsson a number ofvaluable lessons. Now they have the chance to take those lessons, make adjustments, and work on improving their game in training. If the Matildas do that, they can do what they have historically done, they can do what Germany did, they can turn this around.

There is a reason “never say die” is stitched into the Matildas player jerseys. That’s because it’s not only a part of the fabric of their clothes but it is part of the fabric of their very being. Nowhere was this epitomised more than in the quarterfinals of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when Australia was down 1-2 against Great Britain late in the match, facing near certain elimination. The Matildas were able to dig deep, and Sam Kerr found an equaliser in the 89th minute to send the match to extra time, in which Kerr scored again to win the match.

Speaking of which, it is essential that Kerr play a role in the match against Canada. Her leadership on the field and unparalleled big match experience will be invaluable to the other players, and her presence alone will undoubtedly inspire the Matildas to new heights. Not to mention that she is one of the best strikers in the world and the Matildas are going to need goals to get through to the next stage. A draw will not cut the mustard.

The Canadian team has a lot going for them: they have a great defence, plenty of attacking threats, and lots of recent experience winning big matches against the very best (they beat USA, Brazil, and Sweden to win the Olympic gold medal). But they’ve got two big things going against them as well. The first is the Australian public, who will show up in droves and make their voices heard in Melbourne. The second is their high ranking. Against higher ranked opponents the Matildas are like a school of sharks, and “World No. 7” is just as good as blood in the water to them.

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Australia v Nigeria – The aftermath

After yesterday’s superb game in Brisbane between Australia and Nigeria, Impetus‘ African Football Correspondent Emmanuel Faith, who watched the game in Nigeria reflects on his nation’s achievement, whilst Ben Gilby, based in Australia for the tournament, reports the thoughts of Matildas’ midfielder Katrina Gorry (28/7/23)

Above: Nigeria celebrate after a night of high drama in Brisbane. Photo: CAF.

History made, records broken

by Emmanuel Faith, Impetus‘ African Football Correspondent in Nigeria

When the final whistle was blown-the reactions were contrasting: an ecstatic jubilant Super Falcons splattered the field with joy, almost preventing the audience from noticing the crestfallen demeanour of the hosts, the Matildas.

The African Queens have just made history-a lot of it actually. From Onome Ebi becoming the oldest African and the second oldest player to feature in the World Cup, to Asisat Oshoala becoming the first African to score in three World Cups.

Both teams were without key players, to be fair to the host, the absence of both Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler was probably a bigger blow than the initial absence of the Falcons’ Talisman Asisat Oshoala, who couldn’t start the game because of a knock (and reported illness), and the suspension of the latest discovery – Deborah Abiodun, whose work rate has been compared with the famous French midfielder Ngolo Kante.

Additionally, unlike the hosts, The Falcons had the injection of two players (Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimatu Ayinde) who missed out on the first match due to suspension.

The match started with a swing of momentum as the Super Falcons grew into the game, Uchenna Kanu saw a ball flash across the Matildas’ defence and Ucheibe had a shot go over the post. There were more flurry of chances as Uchenna Kanu slipped while attempting to connect with a through pass from Tony Payne, and Ashleigh Plumptre re-directed a freekick that might have been a routine save for Mackenzie Arnold.

The hosts however grew into the game with Katrina Gorry and Kyra Cooney-Cross dictating the tempo and thwarting any build-up play from the Africans. This pressure led to a couple shots on target and an array of corners. However, the first goal came from an open play in the first minute of extra-time after Chiamaka made a poor goal kick that was intercepted and laid off to Caitlin Foord who found Emily Van Egmond to score with a glorious pass.

The Super Falcons, with momentum on their side equalised with the last action of the half as Uchenna slotted in a deflected shot from Ajibade ensuring the match was even at half-time.

The second half opened with a flurry of actions as both teams played cautiously while being adventurous on the breaks and counters while the host nation were buoyed by the buzzing stadium lit up with shimmering green and gold.

This buzz however halted when Nigeria’s coach Randy Waldrum made a change in the 64th minute, five-time African player of the year – Asisat Oshoala who came on for the goal scorer, Uchenna Kanu. It didn’t take long for her impact to be felt as her first touch led to a corner that led to Nigeria’s second goal.

Above: Uchenna Kanu celebrates her goal for Nigeria against Australia. Photo: Super Falcons Twitter.

A narrowly defended corner kick bounced in and around the box and landed on Ajibade who nodded the ball towards the goal. Arnold attempted to make a save but the ball fell into the path of the experienced defender Osinachi Ohale who put her body in the line to get the ball into the net, however the wonder of the day was yet to happen.

In the 71st minute, Tony Payne who had been amazingly brilliant all evening sent a pin-point ball to Australia’s box with Asisat already making a run. It should have been better dealt with by Kennedy but a moment of error didn’t go unpunished as Asisat pounced on the loose ball for a clean finishing at a rather tight angle – the world went agog, and Nigeria had a two-goal lead.

The Aussies huffed and puffed and finally broke-down a really disciplined resilient Nigeria’s defence as Kennedy nodded home from a corner in the ninth minute of extra time. However, the Super Falcons ensured they held onto their lead to secure their first win of the tournament.

What we learnt

The Matildas missed their star player. As it was with the opening game, the absence of Kerr was obvious as there were a lot of balls that would have been played differently if it was the PFA player of the year leading the line. Caitlin Foord did her best and Van Egmond put in a decent shift, but the return of Kerr will be very crucial if the co-host will have a sniff of the second round.

Critics have slammed Nigeria head coach Randy Waldrum for his poor decision making when it comes to making substitutions, he is either making them at the last minute or being stingy with his choices, but yesterday, he optimised the strength of his bench to get the desired results.

Removing Ifeoma Onumonu and Uchenna Kanu for Esther Okoronkwo and Asisat Oshoala was great as it enabled Toni Payne and Ucheibe to play more advanced positions as Esther slotted into the midfield. It was Payne who combined with Oshoala to score the third and very important goal.

What next?

Australia plays Canada in their last match and the host might need Kerr to win her race against fitness if they are to progress against the Olympic champions. They need at least a point (while hoping the Super Falcons lose by a margin of two goals against Ireland) or a victory to qualify, whereas the Canadians just need a draw.

The Super Falcons will hope to ride on this momentum and pick up maximum points against a really superb Ireland team who has nothing to play for asides pride, but pride sometimes is everything.

The African giants have sent a message to the world, the underdogs are being inspired to cause more upsets, and if the evidence we have seen so far is true, then the world should watch out for what the Super Falcons have in store. Right now, they are soaring and the world is watching them reach new heights.

Gorry: There were positives but we have to manage the transitions better

by Ben Gilby in Australia.

Above: Australia’s Katrina Gorry speaking in the mixed zone after the match yesterday. Image: CommBank Matildas.

Australia midfielder Katrina Gorry emphasised the need for her team to focus on the positives in their performance against Nigeria and use the home crowd to drive them forward to gain the win they need against Canada on Monday to make it into the last 16.

Speaking in the mixed zone after the game, Gorry highlighted the fact that despite missing key attacking players, and having unsettling moments at the back, The Matildas did look good coming forward.

“It’s obviously disappointing, I still think we created a lot of chances. We kept possession of the ball well, so there were some positives to take out of the game. We’ve got to be ready (for the Canada game on Monday) and we’ve got to recover well and be prepared.”

However, the Queenslander was well aware of the aspects of play that let the co-hosts down and emphasised those areas they need to work on before Monday: “We need to regain second balls and have our defence in the best positions so we don’t get done on the transitions.

“It’s going to be a good game against Canada. We both need a win. We know we are good when our backs are against the wall. We believe in ourselves and know we have the home crowd advantage (in our favour.)”

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The World Cup debutants – how are they getting on?

by Genevieve Henry in Australia (28/7/23)

Above: Republic of Ireland’s Katie McCabe (right) has had a sensational World Cup on her country’s first appearance in the tournament. Photo: Katie McCabe Twitter.

In the past 20 years, 17 nations have made their debut on the world stage. Only three have ever made it out of the group on their first try. Although none of these teams managed to get a point out of this first round of games, can any of the eight debutants this year break new ground? 

Haiti
Above: Melchie Dumornay – Haiti’s superstar. Photo: CONCACAF.

From the moment the Haitian players stepped out onto the pitch to face England, they blew the world away. They held themselves with determination and pride, and from the second the whistle sounded, England had no idea what had hit them.

Haiti played physically, but not violently, withstanding pressure and fouls from the European champions whilst creating their own promising attacks. Haiti were in the game the whole time, causing England fans to fret and fear the worst. Only losing 1-0 on a penalty to one of the best teams in the world was a huge statement from the Haitians. If they continue on this trajectory, they could realistically make it out of the group.

Players who impressed included Kethna Louis, Karly Théus, Batcheba Louis, and, unsurprisingly, Melchie Dumornay.

Kethna Louis was a strong, quick decision-making presence in the back line who rarely fumbled or allowed for an England player to get the better of her. Théus put on a masterclass in goal, only allowing Georgia Stanway’s game-winning penalty past her (after saving the first but breaching her line, causing a retake to be necessary).

Batcheba Louis used her body to shelter and progress the ball in a way that utterly perplexed the English defence at times. Dumornay was a menace the whole game, causing the defenders, as well as Mary Earps, to have quite a few scares. This team’s strength captured the hearts of all the neutral fans in the ground and all over the world. 

Morocco
Above: Ghizlane Chebbak of Morocco. Photo: Morocco World News.

While Morocco faced the worst smashing of any of the debutants, they also faced the biggest gap in rankings. Germany is ranked second, whereas Morocco are seventy-second.

Morocco looked completely out of their depth most of the game, only creating very miniscule chances that ultimately led to nothing. The team didn’t seem to be communicating well enough to snuff out any of Germany’s attacks, as well as causing problems of their own and even finding the back of their own net twice.

Defensively, they lacked cohesion and it seemed there was tension with the goalkeeper, who was very harsh on her defenders. If they had kept the score to 0-0 for longer, they could have retained some composure and continued to press forward to make use of their talented attackers. Morocco were frustrated and overwhelmed, but there were still bright spots in Ghizlane Chebbak and Zineb Redouani.

Although there was not much room for Chebbak to operate, the captain still managed to have a few chances, as well as set up her teammates in front of goal. Redouani showed her passion and skill the whole match, as she desperately tackled, cleared, and hustled to make sure the Germans weren’t getting goals too easily.

Although the scoreline showed the ocean of difference in resources and talent between these sides, there were Moroccan players who gave admirable and gutsy performances to give fans hope for the rest of the group stage.

Panama
Above: Panama’s Aldrith Quintero. Photo: La Prensa Panama.

Panama faced a tough test against Brazil, but ultimately showed character as they limited them to only four goals.

The Panamanians managed to cause chaos and make the path to the goal less straightforward. There seemed to be a resignation about the side at first, content to weather endless attacking moves from Brazil, but they looked stronger and more determined in the second half.

Although they didn’t have many opportunities to showcase their attacking options, when facing a lower calibre team, they will have to give fans a taste of their abilities going forwards. In a tough group, this team will need to dig deep to find a truly impressive performance. Yenith Bailey put on a very good performance in goal, showing leadership as well as shot-stopping skills. This team may have not looked up to par, but they still have time to prove themselves.

Philippines
Above: Sarina Bolden celebrates after scoring for the Philippines in their historic win over New Zealand. Photo: Sports Inquirer.

This young and ambitious side fell short when facing Switzerland, but the Philippines showed that they are not to be discounted, with a stoic defence, only allowing two goals to squeeze past them.

This squad is a diverse and untested array of players hailing from all over the world, with only one member being born in the Philippines. This gives them a disadvantage because it means very few would have chemistry from youth levels or other development paths.

Although not up to the level of many top teams, they could prove to be difficult for less experienced sides. Some players that made an impact were Olivia McDaniel, Angela Beard, and Katrina Guillou. McDaniel was a commanding presence at the back, inspiring her team with her saves and leading them to a strong defensive performance.

Beard was excellent, showing all of her experience and quality in her defensive work, speed, and smarts. Guillou offered a bright spark going forward, using speed and skills to get around the Swiss players to alleviate the pressure on the Philippines. What can this young team prove on their historical world cup debut?

Portugal
Above: Ana Borges (9) in action for Portugal against England prior to the World Cup. Photo: Lionesses.

It’s hard to believe that this is Portugal’s first World Cup considering the impressive showing they put on against The Netherlands. The Portuguese girls are experienced, yet have so much to prove.

They have many creative, attacking players that were ready to make an impact as well as solid and resolute defenders that only allowed one goal to end up in the back of their net. With players in top clubs around the world, nothing less could be expected of this side.

A side with resources, talent, and desire, they could mean trouble for some top teams. Amongst the Portuguese squad, a few stood out in Tatiana Pinto, Ana Borges, and Jessica Silva. Pinto was important in attack and defence, showing her strength and commitment to her team. Borges was a solid presence in defence, blocking and cutting out promising attacks from the Dutch all game. Silva showed all of her experience when going forward, using tricky footwork and speed to perplex the opposing defence. 

Republic of Ireland
Above: Ireland legend Denise O’Sullivan. Photo: Irish Mirror.

As one the more well-off debutants, the Girls in Green certainly did not underwhelm against the co-hosts Australia. They put up a real fight, throwing in crunching tackles and threatening attacks from the first minute.

Some could say that they were unlucky to escape without at least a point to their name. Defensively, they snuffed out Australia’s attacks pretty successfully and only conceded on a penalty. On the other end of the pitch, they had a few chances they failed to capitalise on as well as a plethora of corners that all came to nothing.

Players that impressed were Katie McCabe and Denise O’Sullivan in the Irish midfield. McCabe played with tenacity and ferocity, making the Australian players think twice before taking her on. She made the game far more difficult for the opposition. O’Sullivan controlled the midfield, quieting the opposing midfield as well as providing a threat in attack. The Republic of Ireland showed promise, and they will surely do everything within their power to continue on this trajectory.

Vietnam
Above: Lê Thị Diễm My – impressive for Vietnam in their opening games. Photo: Tieusunguoinoitieng.

Vietnam fought against the reigning world champions, the USA, with tenacity and determination. They disjointed the American attack enough to frustrate and snuff their confidence. They showed a defensive resolve that proved to be a tough test for the USA and only conceded three goals.

Vietnam did not look strong in many areas of the pitch, showing little to no attacking and creative forces. Could they show more positives against a lesser team? Players that showed up for Vietnam were Tran Thi Kim Thanh, Le Thi Diem My, and Thai Thi Thao.

Tran Thi Kim was stunning in goal, blocking shots from the world’s best players as well as controlling her defensive line to avoid slip-ups. Thi Diem My was a rock in the centre of defence, marshalling the game and not letting any forwards past her without a fight. Thai was a spark in midfield, using her experience to help in defence as well as continuing to push forward. This Vietnamese side showed real promise.

Zambia
Above: Margaret Belemu of Zambia. Photo: Steffen Prößdorf.

Coming into this tournament, there were sky-high hopes for the Copper Queens after brilliant displays against top teams. However, Zambia was completely dismantled by Japan in such a way that would have crushed their hopes.

Japan managed to keep them out of the game by providing a never-ending onslaught of attacks. For a team that thrives on goalscoring, Zambia have had to defend far more than they would have liked. They have a relatively inexperienced backline, as well as a rough goalie situation with their number one sustaining a serious injury before the tournament and their backup receiving a red card in the opening match.

Though they were on the end of a beating, some standouts shone. Margaret Belemu and Martha Tembo were outstanding in defence, working hard all game to quell the waves of Japanese attacks. Belemu made it difficult to access her side of the field, showing off her experience and passion for her country. Tembo was similarly impressive on the other side, forcing her opponents to work extra hard to forge their paths to goal. This Zambian team has great promise and they will hope to show the attacking side of their game in the future.

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