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Annabelle Leek: “We’ve made a lot of progress with plenty more to come”

For this week’s WA On Wednesday feature, Fremantle City’s Annabelle Leek spoke to Ben Gilby about her footballing journey, life at Freo, and her aims for this season in the NPLW WA (19/7/23).

Above: Annabelle Leek plays a pass for Fremantle City against Balcatta Etna. Photo: Denyse McCulloch, supplied to Impetus by Annabelle Leek.

Annabelle Leek is part of a Fremantle City side who are building up a head of steam as the NPLW WA heads into the second half of the season.

This season, Leek is playing in a previously unfamiliar centre-back role, something that she feels she is gradually growing into.

“I’ve always thought of myself as an attacking player, previously playing as a midfielder or forward but this season has seen me transform into a ball-playing centre- back. At first, I was hesitant to move into defence but my experience playing elsewhere on the pitch and my knowledge of the game has helped me to adapt.

“I’d describe myself as an intelligent player with good composure and vision, all of which I have channelled into my centre-back role in which I endeavour to create and lead from the back. I’ve found having the whole pitch in front of me has played into my strengths and I’ve been playing with a level of confidence lately that I perhaps haven’t always had.”

For Leek, her current status as a key member of the Freo side all dates back to time spent watching Manchester City with her father.

**Above:** Annabelle Leek (19) in possession for Fremantle City at Perth SC. **Photo:** Denyse McCulloch, supplied to *Impetus* by: Annabelle Leek.

“My footballing journey was inspired by my Dad and watching Man City play every week. I would dream of playing for a club and my first season at Kelmscott when I was 11 lived up to it.

“The year after, I moved to Beckenham where we had a very successful season and my coaches encouraged me to trial for the NTC. I stayed at NTC for four years until the end of 2018, making my way through the different age groups. My experience in the U15s was a highlight, particularly at the National Youth Championships in 2017 when we finished second.

“I owe a lot to the coaches I had at the time for the immense influence they had on my growth as a player and understanding of the game. The following year at NTC was a major challenge for me and it saw my confidence plummet. I was always told that I needed to believe in myself more but there was a period where I really struggled to do this.

“Luckily, moving to Freo and playing for my school, John Curtin, helped me get out of this negative mindset. My development was taken to new heights over my time at John Curtin. Being exposed to a group of amazing coaches every day for five years, each with a wide breadth of knowledge, was a privilege. Not only would we train, but we would also learn the ins and outs of the game in a classroom setting.

“We were fortunate enough to travel to the UK in 2018 where we played local academies and other school teams, and was undoubtedly the highlight of my footballing journey. I joined Freo for the 2019 season and was met with such a refreshing environment and a culture that was unrivalled by other teams. For me, the culture of a team is what I value the most and I can only see it getting stronger this season.”

Last season was one of ups and downs for Fremantle City despite making the top four at the end of the campaign, as Leek reflected.

“It was difficult to get into a really good run of form. The hardest part for us was the inconsistency in our starting 11. We knew we had the ability to compete against the top teams but for one reason or another, we were missing key players almost every week.

**Above:** Annabelle Leek celebrating with team-mates against Murdoch University Melville last season. **Photo:** Denyse McCulloch, supplied to *Impetus* by: Annabelle Leek.

“Most notably, we struggled to get results against Perth SC and Perth RedStar, which unfortunately had us falling behind the leading pack. However, having the likes of Jamie-Lee Gale and Tash Rigby return as well as recruiting Kat Jukic to the squad was pivotal to our season. They added that extra level of experience and intensity to the team, helping us cement ourselves in the top four.”

Ahead of the 2023 campaign, Fremantle City appointed Faye Chambers as head coach, and Leek reveals that preparations started that little bit earlier than usual in order to become accustomed to the new coach, and help new faces to gel.

“The main focus was to welcome the new faces into the team and maintain the culture we have at Freo, whilst also creating a sustainable environment for future years. It can sometimes be daunting when there’s a lot of movement within a team, whether that be coaches or players, but the time during the off-season enabled everyone to integrate with ease.

“Our new players contribute a perfect balance of youth and experience to the squad. Abbey Green has had an instant impact since joining the team. After playing with her at NTC I knew right away that her direct attacking style and ability to beat defenders would see her fit swimmingly into the squad.

“Olivia Trueman has also been key to our season so far, scoring important goals and adding even more pace up front. We’ve also had some new defenders join, which I’ve been lucky enough to play next to on the pitch. Catherine Adams has been my centre-back partner this season and we have gelled so quickly in such a short period of time. Her passing from the back and composure on the ball is exactly what we need for our style of play.

“Maya Spatafore has brought extra pace and a desirable work ethic, being able to drive forward and combine with our wingers, as well as put in crucial tackles when we need it most. Also coming into the team this year is Carys Hawkins, another experienced player who has extensive knowledge of the game and is a natural leader.”

At the present time, after an up-and-down start to the campaign, Fremantle City are firmly placed in the top four – something Leek puts down to the combinations between new and returning players solidifying, and the addition of statistical analysis.

**Above:** Annabelle Leek in possession at Perth SC. **Photo:** Denyse McCulloch, supplied to *Impetus* by: Annabelle Leek.

“We started the season a bit shaky, but I think we have since found our footing and have progressively improved with each game. We have been building our own brand of football and it’s really exciting to see our efforts amount to good results.

“Our style of play and chances we create are second to none, and this is further supported by the stats we receive from Emma Smith at Squared Ball Analytics. It gives us that extra bit of confidence that, even if we’re drawing or trailing at halftime, we have the capacity to win.

With Freo now beginning to fire on all cylinders, the centre-back sees only good things ahead.

“Now that we’re in a patch of good form and performing consistently week in and week out, myself and the team have high hopes for the season. We always say, ‘Trust the process,’ and it’s this trust that we have in each other, the coaching staff, and the brand of football that we’re building, that leaves me thinking the remainder of the season could go really well for us.

“We now have the consistency and squad depth that we have struggled with previously as well as the versatility to adapt to different setups that we come up against. The points may have been taken from us at the start but one thing that can’t be taken is our belief and desire to work for each other.”

Fremantle’s rise in the league has coincided with that of Perth SC’s winning run with Hyundai NTC threatening with a number of games in hand. Yet it is last season’s champions Perth RedStar that hold a commanding lead at the top of the NPLW WA once more.

**Above:** Annabelle Leek wins a header at Perth SC. **Photo:** Denyse McCulloch, supplied to *Impetus* by: Annabelle Leek.

“The league this season is unlike it has been for a few years,” observes Leek. “We’ve seen a number of surprise results that have made the top four spots harder to predict than ever. It seems every week there is a big game that can alter the league standings.

“What RedStar have previously had over the other teams is their consistency in both the league and finals, which makes them undoubtedly the team to beat. It’s tough to reach the top but even harder to stay there, yet they have managed to do this so well. However, this season has already been unpredictable so I think if we’re able to sustain our recent run of form, there’s no reason why we can’t rival them.”

In terms of Freo’s own potential for this season, Leek believes that the time is nigh for the port city club to lift some silverware.

“A trophy would be amazing. We’ve made top four a number of times but always come up short in the finals so to rectify this would be immense for the club. If we’re able to stay on this upward path I think sooner or later it will amount to some silverware.

“In terms of further growth, consolidating our style of play and maintaining the cohesion we have within the squad is always a priority, and will not only benefit us this season but also seasons to come.

“We also get to work alongside the Gaining Ground program, which has already achieved so much in empowering women and girls through sport. This is my fifth year at Freo and I have a lot of trust in what the club is building and believe we have already made a lot of progress this season with plenty more to come.”

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!

Boroondara on top but Bulleen in box seat: NPLW Round 18

By Kieran Yap 13/7/23 (Kieran84@live.com.au)

Above: Paige Zois (left) and Alana Burn for Bulleen Lions (Instagram)

The Boroondara-Carey Eagles registered another win, Calder United keep climbing but The Bulleen Lions are in a strong position to push for the title.

Alamein FC 3-3 South Melbourne

A dominant Sidney Allen put a dent in South Melbourne’s title hopes with a virtuoso performance that helped her side to a 3-3 draw with the league powerhouse.

South Melbourne came into Round 18 needing a win to keep in touch with the league leaders, but also to bounce back from a rough defeat against Calder United in the Nike FC Cup midweek.

South Melbourne were without Leticia McKenna and Alamein were able to take advantage of her absence early in midfield. Allen charged through the centre of the pitch and held off a challenge while playing a perfect pass to Emily Vatcky who opened the scoring in the third minute.

Allen doubled the lead after winning possession, passing wide then getting into the box to turn the eventual cross in. It was the ninth goal of the season for the Alamein captain. An impressive tally from her midfield role.

Caitlin Pickett dragged one back for South Melbourne before half time. Dragan Kljajic’s clever footwork on the right made space for the cross and it was scrambled home at the back post in the 33^rd minute.

Vatcky and Allen traded passes in the second half, and Vatcky earned a penalty after drawing a lunging tackle from South Melbourne. Sidney Allen converted the penalty to restore the home side’s two goal cushion.

Tayla Christensen provided some hope for the visitors when a series of relentless attacks eventually paid off. Janna Lawson exploded into a pocket of space and despite close attention cut the ball into the area for Christensen to turn it home.

Brianne Reed delivered the equaliser for a rejuvenated South Melbourne. Lawson’s corner was not met with much resistance, but it was met by South’s towering defender. The afternoon’s sixth goal arrived in the 62^nd minute and despite numerous attempts, neither team could find a winner.

A loss for South would have been almost fatal for their title chance, the draw may not be enough, but it remains a mathematical possibility.

Boroondara-Carey Eagles 4-1 Southern United

Boroondara-Carey got their 11^th win of this season so far, and Kurea Okino scored her fifth hatrick of the campaign, but Southern United scored one of the best goals all year despite the 4-1 defeat to the league’s top side.

Boroondara’s first goal came in the 12^th minute, a long ball from the wide area found Okino in between the centre backs. With one touch off her thigh, Okino cushioned the ball into the penalty area, with the next she rounded the goalkeeper and with her third touch she slotted the ball into the net for the 27^th time this season.

Okino won and converted a penalty kick in the 23^rd minute. A clever turn and a quick change of pace drew the foul and there was never any doubt about the finish.

The Eagles star striker had her third just two minutes later. She burst into space on the right flank and beat the next defender before firing home a low strike to make it 3-0.

Southern United were now in the tricky position of having to chase a lead against a team that thrives on the counterattack. When Boroondara score early, they usually add more goals on, if they don’t they will wait for the other side to overcommit and then launch when the time is right. Any team that finds themselves three goals down is between a rock and a hard place tactically.

That is what happened in the 51^st minute. Deanna Bottalico made a strong low save from Yuka Sato’s free kick and launched the ball upfield.

Southern United regained possession but Margot Robbine intercepted a switch of play and raced in on goal before burying the chance herself along with any hope of a Southern United comeback.

Erin Keyt was able to provide one memorable moment for the home side. She pulled one back with a stunning solo effort. Her curling effort from outside the box took everybody by surprise and left Bottalico with no chance despite the distance.

The match ended 4-1 and Boroondara continue their reign at the summit of the table, although they have played two more games than their nearest challenger.

Heidelberg United 0-6 Calder United

Both sides needed a win coming into this game, Heidelberg could not afford to lose a sixth match in a row, and Calder needed to keep some distance between themselves and Box Hill United on the ladder in the race for finals.

Heidelberg reshuffled their lineup, Tijan McKenna started in a deeper, more defensive role, while Katrina Nikpour and Nicole Blackett started in reserve.

A closely contested first half went Calder’s way. Heidelberg had no answer for the pace of Kiway Hieda and the winger menaced the home side all evening. Bella Sewards’ long ball released Hieda down the right wing and she carried the ball deep into the attack before cutting it across goal for the easiest finish Raquel Derales will have all season.

Heidleberg conceded the second following a corner kick and goalmouth scramble. Hieda was the scorer in the 58^th minute to add to her first half assist.

Annabel Haffenden was brought in by Calder at half time to replace Alana Cerne. It was an example of the type of defensive depth that they have built their recent form on, and the sort that Heidelberg have needed in the last month.

What followed was a flurry of goals to the visitors as Calder took advantage of an increasingly frantic Heidelberg.

Hieda secured the three points in the 70^th minute. she raced onto Nicole Dakic’s long pass and finished calmly from close range.

Hieia was at the heart of the visitors’ fourth. She received the ball from Ava Groba’s flicked header and carried the ball forward before playing it back to the Calder skipper. Groba found herself in acres of space and sped toward goal before cutting the ball back across the face.

Derales was on hand to meet it, but Heidelberg’s defence reacted slowly. The Calder number 10 ghosted in ahead of the defender to finish at the back post.

Larissa Walsh added her side’s fifth in style. Groba was the creator once more and cruised along the edge of the 18 yard box before finding Walsh in space on the right. The midfielder cut inside and curled home and effort on her left foot to make it 5-0 with only minutes left on the clock.

Those remaining minutes were enough for Calder United to add one more. In the third minute of added time Mia Daskalovska was found by Groba and finished calmly after carrying the ball into the box.

The 6-0 scoreline felt harsh on Heidelberg, but the game simply got away from the players late in the second half. From a Calder United perspective it was an ominous flex of their attacking muscles and defensive depth.

After beating South Melbourne in the midweek knockout cup match, they looked back to last season’s form, and their ladder position was helped by the team they beat in 2022’s Grand Final.

Bulleen Lions 3-0 Box Hill United

It was a funny game between two of the competition’s in-form sides at The Veneto Club on Monday. All of the action took place in the first half, and although Box Hill matched Bulleen in general play, the Lions were far more clinical and decisive when it mattered.

Beattie Goad opened the scoring in the 20^th minute. After the referee impeded Box Hill’s Sofia Sakalis, the drop ball fell to Paige Zois. The Bulleen midfielder looked up and slide a hard low pass along the deck and through two lines of Box Hill’s players into the path of Goad.

The twice capped Matilda sped toward goal and finished emphatically at the near post. It was a ruthless, precision move by the home side.

Paige Zois bypasses the entire Box Hill United midfield and defence with an excellent ball to Beattie Goad.

The @gomvfc pair combined to give Bulleen the lead last night in the @nplwvictoria pic.twitter.com/et30Tgb2oj
— Impetus (@ImpetusFootball) July 18, 2023

Box Hill tried to pressure Bulleen on the ball at every opportunity and had some success in the early stages even after going a goal down. But Goad was proving hard to handle, she is in elite form this season and looks like a player who has faced the likes of Barcelona and the German national team.

Goad drew a foul a long way from goal and Box Hill prepared to defender a deep Zois delivery. Instead the Bulleen playmaker passed short to Tiffany Eliadis.

The shot from Eliadis was stunning. It was hit high over the defenders but dipped under the crossbar to make it 2-0 in the 44^th minute.

Bulleen score their third goal in injury time of the first half. With the clock ticking down, Bulleen won a late corner and Alana Jancevski’s delivery caused havoc in the penalty area.

Zois’s effort was mis-hit, but Alana Burn made no mistake with a half volley at close range.

The game slowed down in the second half, and Box Hill searched for a way back into the match but struggled against a well organized Bulleen side that now sits in second place but with two games in hand over league leaders Boroondara.

Next up, they travel to Dorothy Laver Reserve to face Alamein FC and continue their push for silverware.

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!

World Cup Preview: Australia

by Kieran Yap

Above: Katrina Gorry, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Ellie Carpenter and Charli Grant celebrate after Australia’s win over England. Photo: Football Australia/Rachel Bach/By The White Line

All eyes will be on Australia when the World Cup kicks off. As one of the host nations, and with one of the most famous players in the sport, the pressure will be even higher than it was four years ago in France. Every game will feel like a main event, but they have been well prepared and will be ready to embrace the occasion, while hopefully remaining focused on each game.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Lydia Williams (Brighton & Hove Albion), Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham United), Teagan Micah (Liverpool).

Defenders: Courtney Nevin (Leicester City), Aivi Luik (BK Häcken), Clare Polkinghorne (Vittsjö GIK), Steph Catley (Arsenal), Alanna Kennedy (Manchester City), Clare Hunt (Western Sydney Wanderers), Ellie Carpenter (Olympique Lyonnais), Charlotte Grant (Vittsjö GIK).

Midfielders: Kyra Cooney-Cross (Hammarby IF), Katrina Gorry (Vittsjö GIK), Tameka Yallop (SK Brann), Emily Van Egmond (San Diego Wave), Alex Chidiac (Racing Louisville), Clare Wheeler (Everton), Cortnee Vine (Sydney FC), Hayley Raso (Real Madrid).

Forwards: Sam Kerr (Chelsea), Caitlin Foord (Arsenal), Kyah Simon (Unattached), Mary Fowler (Manchester City).

Head Coach

In 2020 Swedish manager Tony Gustavsson took on one of the most difficult, but promising jobs in world football. The former USA assistant to Jill Ellis was given two responsibilities, to contend for trophies, while building depth in the national team setup. Essentially, he had to develop inexperienced players while winning games.

This would be difficult in normal circumstances, with COVID affecting his first two years in charge it meant that youth teams were mostly unable to play or assemble. In the years preceding the Euros and the World Cup, it also meant that many potential opponents were hard to pin down for friendlies in the middle of congested competitive fixtures.

From the start of his tenure, Gustavsson has sought out the most difficult and varied sparring partners for The Matildas. This has resulted in some heavy losses, but some glorious wins, and most importantly some examples of accelerated development in the likes of Courtney Nevin, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Charli Grant, and Mary Fowler.

Gustavsson has added a level of tactical flexibility to the side that was not as evident under previous managers. There are at least three formations that The Matildas can switch to between or within games, and there are goal-scoring options outside of Sam Kerr.

Recent results have been impressive, but it is the performances that have given the fans reasons to feel encouraged. They have come a long way in a short time. The former teacher deserves an A+ for one aspect of his job, now we wait to see how he fares for the other.

World Cup History

Australia has qualified for every edition of the Women’s World Cup except for the first in 1991. Over that time, they have produced some great highlights and performances but have not gone past the quarter-final stage.

The Matildas became the first and remain the only Australian side to win a World Cup knockout game after a Kyah Simon goal beat Brazil in 2015.

5. @KyahSimon v Brazil. pic.twitter.com/LX5yPjoAmf
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) December 17, 2019

Australian World Cup campaigns are usually packed with incident and drama. There was the late Cheryl Salisbury goal to draw against Canada in 2007, the dramatic win against Norway in 2011, a bizarre handball not given against Equatorial Guinea in the same group stage, and the Miracle of Montpellier in 2019.

Despite these memories, there is a feeling that the current generation are yet to reach their potential at the tournament. The last World Cup ended at the first knockout game against Norway after a chaotic match ended in penalties and 2007 was the last time that they won their opening match.

That is due to change.

How they qualified

As co-hosts, Australia qualified automatically.

Strengths

This is a cohesive team that has developed a strong on-field bond over the past two years in particular. The combination of Kyra Cooney-Cross and Katrina Gorry in midfield has helped unlock the potential of this side. The pair have confidence on the ball, the ability to shoot from almost any range, and can carry it forward or move the ball rapidly.

In other positions, Australia have quality that many other sides would be envious of. Sam Kerr has a claim to being the best player in the world, Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley are crucial for Arsenal and Clare Wheeler has been dominant for Everton.

Ellie Carpenter is one of Europe’s premier right backs and Courtney Nevin was one of Leicester City’s heroes as the club survived an unlikely relegation battle in the FAWSL.

The Matildas have a good mix of X-Factor players like Alex Chidiac and dependable, experienced heads like Clare Polkinghorne. They have pace to spare in Hayley Raso and Cortnee Vine, and players that can slow a game down if need be like Wheeler or Van Egmond.

This is a team that has variety and can shift gears in games.

There’s scoring your first Matildas goal on home soil, then…

THERE’S SCORING YOUR FIRST MATILDAS GOAL ON HOME SOIL 🤯

Cortnee Vine. Take a bow 🙇 pic.twitter.com/FWFiesTuTI
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) February 19, 2023

Development Areas

The team has significant depth in most positions, but has limited options for defensive midfield. Should Australia need to close out a game, or the partnership of Gorry and Cooney-Cross is not working, then Clare Wheeler is the most likely answer.

Although Gustavsson clearly values the Everton midfielder, she has received limited game time with the national team in the past year. In Australia’s Asian Cup loss to South Korea, the tide began to turn against The Matildas when Ji So Yun was able to get the upper hand. This coincided with Wheeler’s substitution.

The other issue is what happens in the absence of both Caitlin Foord and Sam Kerr. Australia was able to create numerous opportunities against Scotland, but without either striker on the pitch, they struggled to convert. Vine has been tried in this role, and Mary Fowler is most suited to it, but Gustavsson has also turned to Larissa Crummer. The former Brisbane Roar attacker has all the attributes, but struggled to score in the last A-League Women’s season, and found her best form when moved onto the wing.

Alex Chidiac also remains an option, and with Kyah Simon’s fitness state not totally certain, there remains a concern over the backup plan in attack. The fitness of Foord and Kerr is still of paramount importance to this team. They remain irreplaceable.

Key Players

Australia’s recent revival has been largely built around the return of Katrina Gorry. The playmaker has been peripheral under previous national team managers but has been central to the way Gustavsson wants his team to play. Gorry can receive the ball under pressure, make quick decisions, create openings for others and score goals.

Australia's Katrina Gorry LAUNCHED this goal into the net 🔥

pic.twitter.com/q4hBUCiUc5
— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) February 22, 2023

Steph Catley is also a highly important player for this team. The Arsenal star can play at left back, or in central defence. Only Charli Grant and Ellie Carpenter can match her for speed, but few players have her experience and ability on the ball. Catley can be the first outlet for an Australian attack in any position, is one of the best crossers of the ball in the side, and is a dangerous set-piece specialist.

For the first time in years, Australia has good backups for Catley, and Charli Grant was one of The Matildas best against England, but Catley is simply one of the world’s best left backs. She makes a difference.

Lydia Williams, Mackenzie Arnold, and Teagan Micah are all in contention to star in goal. Williams has spent much of the last three years as a second-choice keeper at club level but has the experience at this level. Arnold is the most in-form goalkeeper Australia can call on, and Micah is the hero of the Tokyo Olympics.

**Above:** Steph Catley – a key component of Australia’s back line. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

All have merits, and Arnold in particular has been fantastic since Micah has been recovering from a severe concussion.

A confident, in-form goalkeeper will be essential in the World Cup, whoever that may be.

One to Watch

She is one of Australia’s most popular players, but the world has not yet seen what Alex Chidiac is capable of. After making her debut for the national side as a teenager, Chidiac looked set to be the next big thing in Australian football. A move to Athletico Madrid seemed to confirm this, but injuries stalled her progress if not her undeniable talent.

Chidiac is a hard-working and skillful midfielder, just as comfortable getting stuck into a tackle as she is nutmegging a defender. She can score goals, create chances and press the opposition. The reigning Julie Dolan medallist makes an impact in every game she plays in.

The World Cup could be her first chance on as truly global stage. For a player who relishes the big occasion and enjoys the support of thousands, this could be a pivotal moment in her career, and she could turn the tide for Australia.

My neck 🎵 My back 🎵 𝘔𝘠 𝘈𝘓𝘌𝘟 𝘊𝘏𝘐𝘋𝘐𝘈𝘊 🎵

A game-changing impact off the bench from Alex Chidiac puts @TheMatildas up 2-0 in Newy

🇦🇺 #AUSvJAM 🇯🇲 is live on Paramount+ #CupOfNations pic.twitter.com/a21lAm0RLD
— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) February 22, 2023

Success Would Be

As the hosts, the expectation is to win it, although that has not happened since the USA won in 1999. Australia has the players to go deep into the competition, and they will be aiming to lift the trophy. Broader expectations within the country are for a Matildas victory, but closer followers of women’s football know that this would be an incredible achievement. A lot has to go right for Australia, and something has to go wrong for the other contenders.

They will need to improve on the record of only one knockout win at a World Cup and go two games further to have the opportunity.

That said, it is not impossible, and they do not need miracles to win the World Cup, they just need the luck that has deserted them in the last few tournaments.

Prediction

As hosts, and with their form and talent, semi-finals should be possible. Anything less will be disappointing, although not a disaster. Once they survive the group stage, there will be no easy matches. Even in heavy losses, Gustavsson’s Matildas have created scoring chances against top-level opposition, and have become far more clinical in the last six games they have played.

They can beat anybody, but they will be in uncharted territory once they reach the quarter-finals. A semi-final will be a historic finish.

**Above:** Alex Chidiac (right) offers Australia midfield creativity and vision. **Photo:** Kris Goman for *Impetus*.

Group B Fixtures

20th July – Republic of Ireland, Stadium Australia, Sydney.

27th July – Nigeria, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.

31st July – Canada, AAMI Park, Melbourne.

To read the other World Cup nation previews published so far, click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/international-football/

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!

West is best?

The vast majority of women’s football fans heading to Australia for the World Cup will be spending their time on the east coast of the country where most of the big-name nations will be playing their matches. Impetus’ Ben Gilby is not following that trend. Instead, he’ll be covering the tournament’s group stages from the west coast capital of Perth. He explains why he’s thrilled to be going against the grain (18/7/23).

Above: The stunning city of Perth, where Impetus’ Ben Gilby will be spending the group stages of the World Cup. Photo: Ben Gilby.

Think of Australia as an English person and what comes to mind? Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and possibly the world-renowned cricketing mecca of the MCG in Melbourne.

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane – all capitals of the nation’s most populous states and home of the bigger venues being used at this World Cup, and, where many of the more favoured nations will be playing.

So, as someone soon to be heading out to the World Cup, that’s where you’d expect me to be going, right? Ah, no.

As soon as the dates for the tournament were announced and the Western Australian state capital of Perth was announced as a venue, my arrangements were made to spend the group stage out west.

**Above:** Sam Kerr playing for Perth Glory during the earliest years of the W-League. It was Sam Kerr and Perth that introduced Ben Gilby to women’s football. **Photo:** Wikipedia.

If the World Cup was coming to Australia, it felt right that I should spend time watching matches in the city that introduced me to the women’s game some 15 years ago.

Football was always my sport of choice in England, but having family in Western Australia, I would always when out there try and get to watch my beloved Aussie Rules side West Coast Eagles. At one match in 2007, I overheard the following conversation at the Eagles’ cavernous then home of Subiaco Oval.

“Ya know Daniel’s got a little sister who’s pretty handy at soccer!”

The comment was made by a guy sat in the row behind me and marked the first time I was ‘introduced’ to Sam Kerr who would then have been 15 years old. The ‘Daniel’ is her big brother, who starred for the Eagles from 2001 to 2013, playing 220 games and winning the 2006 AFL Premiership.

The next day, upon catching up with my family out there, I asked them what they knew about ‘Daniel Kerr’s little sister.’ “Ah yeh, she’s some teenager from up the road in East Freo who’s going to be playing with Perth Glory next season.”

**Above:** Lydia Williams, another of the Matildas’ Western Australian cohort. **Photo** Football Australia.

Coming back during the first-ever W-League season, then consisting of just ten rounds and eight clubs, I went along to watch the mighty Purples take on Queensland Roar (now Brisbane Roar).

Local kid Sam then originally became a player I followed as she was from up the road from where the Aussie branch of my family live, and then quickly represented the national side. Perth introduced me to women’s football. So when Perth got given World Cup group games, it was only right that I’d spend the whole of that part of the tournament watching games at the home of Perth Glory – HBF Park (not for me the ridiculous name of ‘Perth Rectangular Stadium’ its been given for the tournament to please FIFA’s sponsors).

Perth might not have the Matildas, England, the USA, or Sweden, but it does have a collection of games full of fascination and a real chance to set eyes on some legends of the game as well as a group of players from nations I would never have a chance to watch otherwise.

Game one in Perth for me is next Wednesday (26th July) with a fascinating encounter between Canada and the Republic of Ireland. The Olympic champions are potential winners of the tournament, and any opportunity to see Christine Sinclair in what is likely to be her final World Cup is not one to miss. Throw in the fact that Ireland are stubborn opposition who are more than capable of earning a point from the big names in the group, make this a game that is to be anticipated. With it being the pivotal second match for both nations, it is a potential make-or-break for Ireland.

Three days later, Panama take on Jamaica at HBF Park. Another chance to see a nation’s inspiration – Bunny Shaw – and the exciting attacking talent around her in the Reggae Girlz team. This is a vital game for the Caribbean side as victory would put them firmly in the race for a first-ever qualification for the last sixteen. Panama will also feel this is the match for them to take points from. Neither side will be able to afford to sit back and defend, making this a clash that could well thrill the fans.

**Above:** Jamaica and Bunny Shaw – coming to Perth for the World Cup group stage. **Photo:** Sportmax.

My third game in Perth brings another nation with a big-name player – Denmark and Pernille Harder, taking on the outsiders from Haiti. With the Danes likely to be battling it out with China for second place in the group and goal difference potentially decisive, this will be a game that the Europeans will be going all out to win and score. The prospect of watching one of the real minnows at the tournament is one I’m really looking forward to – Haiti are an unknown quantity, and sharing my discovery from first-hand exposure to them is something I’m looking forward to sharing with the Impetus audience.

Finally, it will be a bit of a family affair as Colombia take on Morocco. My cousin is married to a Colombian, and we’re all going along together to be part of what should be a brilliant atmosphere for the last World Cup game in Perth. Both nations are likely to throw caution to the wind in a battle for points in their final group matches.

The fact that Perth will be off the beaten track for most World Cup visitors from overseas is also a bit of an attraction in itself.

By its very nature, the city is exceptionally laid back and runs at a much slower pace than life in Sydney or Melbourne. There’s time to stop for toasted banana bread and the best coffee on earth whilst next to the Swan River. A leisurely stroll round the bush and parkland of King’s Park. The atmosphere of Fremantle, and the calm of Cottesloe. I’ll start my World Cup the Perth way – chilled and full of hidden gems.

From Perth, it’s across to Sydney for the Quarter-Finals, Semi-Final, and Final. The tournament will then be building to a crescendo with 80,000+ crowds, fittingly in the busiest city in the nation. It will be a heck of a ride – come and join me and the rest of the Impetus team on it.

**Above:** HBF Park in Perth – venue for Western Australia’s World Cup matches. **Photo:** The Stadium Guide.

Impetus at the World Cup

Impetus will have 11 writers at the tournament attending games at the vast majority of the venues across Australia and New Zealand. We’ll be providing you with analysis, coverage of the atmosphere in the cities, and opinion articles.

We will also have writers based on three continents around the globe highlighting how the tournament is being viewed from their location.

Also, keep a close eye on our social media as our dedicated TikTok content creators will be uploading daily videos with footage from Australia and New Zealand as well as thoughts on the progress of the Lionesses from within England as well as Australia.

It will be a heck of a ride – come and join the Impetus team on it.

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!

World Cup Preview: South Korea

by Genevieve Henry (17/7/23)

Above: South Korea celebrate after reaching the Asian Women’s Cup Final last year. Photo: KFA.

South Korea have a group of talented, cohesive, and passionate players who will aim to make their mark on the world stage after a decent run of form that saw them finish second in the 2022 Asian Cup. This team is packed with potential and power.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Kim Jung-Mi (Incheon Hyundai SRA), Ji-Soo Ryu (Seoul WFC), Yoon Young-Guel (BK Häcken).

Defenders: Kim Hyeri (Hyundai Steel Red Angels), Shim Seo-yeon (Suwon FC), Lee Youngju (Madrid CFF), Lim Seonjoo (Hyundai Steel Red Angels), Jang Selfi (Hyundai Steel Red Angels), Choo Hyojoo (Suwon FC), Hong Hyeji (Hyundai Steel Red Angels).

Midfielders: Kim Yun-Ji (Suwon UDC), Bae Ye-Bin (Uiduk University), Lee Geummin (Brighton), Jeoun Eun-Ha (Suwon UDC), Cho Sohyun (Tottenham), Ji Soyun (Suwon UDC), Chun Ga-Ram (Hwacheon KSPO).

Forwards: Kang Chaerim (Incheon Hyundai SRA), Moon Mira (Suwon UDC), Park Eun-Sun (Seoul WFC), Son Hwayeon (Incheon Hyundai SRA), Choe Yu-Ri (Incheon Hyundai SRA), Phair Casey Yu-Jin (Players Development Academy).