An exhibit focusing on the history of women’s football in Northern Ireland has been officially launched at the Education and Heritage Centre within the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park.
The display contains several pieces of memorabilia linked to women’s football here and the Northern Ireland senior women’s international team, including match programmes covering a 40-year period.
And it also features a pair of match-worn boots and a shirt from Rachel Furness, Northern Ireland’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Northern Ireland internationals Sarah McFadden and Jackie Burns helped to officially launch the exhibit.
The pair popped along to the stadium during a special VIP Tour which was the prize in a competition designed to unveil the collection of memorabilia.
Niamh Keough (13) from Bangor Swifts Juniors in County Down was the winner of the competition, which encouraged kids to send a message to the Northern Ireland senior women’s team on a postcard.
Her message to the team urged the players to show young girls that football is “not just a boys’ sport but for everyone, and we are just as good, if not better”.
Niamh’s prize was the VIP Tour for her and her teammates. It included a visit to the Education and Heritage Centre – arriving at the stadium in style – on the official Northern Ireland team bus.
The Bangor girls got to take photos and have a Q&A session with Northern Ireland internationals Sarah McFadden and Jackie Burns. The players talked about their experiences at the UEFA Women’s Euros back in the summer and offered some advice about how players can improve their game.
Afterwards Sarah said: “Whenever we finished at the Euros, we all went back to our clubs and didn’t get to see the impact of what we’d actually done. It was great to be able to see these young girls and to realise that we did inspire.”
Irish FA tour guide Noel Keenan said the new display “will do a great job at showcasing the history of women’s football and also inspiring the young players that are coming in to view the display, as well as the tour itself”.
Noel felt going on the tour would “do wonders” for the confidence of the Bangor girls and encourage them to work hard, enjoy their game, keep developing and “be part of this journey that women’s football is on in Northern Ireland”.
Mark McAlister, the Visitor Experience Co-ordinator at the Irish FA, explained: “We hope that visitors on the tour can find out some facts about the women’s game which they did not know beforehand.
“For example, the first ever women’s international football match was held at Grosvenor Park in Belfast on Boxing Day 1917 in front of 20,000 spectators between teams from Ireland and England.
To celebrate the launch of the new women’s football display, Irish FA Tours is offering a 15% discount on all public tour bookings made throughout this month (October) via http://www.irishfa.com/tours when the discount code ANEWDREAM15 is used at checkout.
Above: Rachel Daly embraces Georgia Stanway (8) after her penalty, with Chloe Kelly (11) also showing her delight.Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.
It was a night of celebration on Friday at Wembley as an amazing tribute was paid to the women who paved the way for the European Champions.
The USA were the visitors in a European v World Champion Showdown as both teams joined forces in solidarity in light of the report findings that were published this week into the abuse scandal that has rocked the US Soccer Federation as well as the country’s top division. the National Women’s Soccer League.
Before the game, Wembley Stadium had special guests for the evening, in attendance under the arch were the 1972 Lionesses as well as all former players, and they were celebrated by The FA marking the 50th anniversary of the England Women’s Senior National Team.
Jill Scott was then presented with a framed shirt with 161 on the back to acknowledge her retirement as well as the number of appearances she made for England. The Lionesses legend proceeded to bring the European Championship trophy out to get the crowd going just before the players emerged from the tunnel.
Above: Lionesses legends from the past were introduced to the crowd before the game and at half-time to mark the 50th anniversary of the first official England Women’s team. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.
At half-time, all former Lioness players in attendance were invited to the pitch, to take part in a lap of honour and receive an appreciative round of applause from the Wembley crowd in acknowledgement of the part these Lioness legends played in England women’s footballing history.
As for the game, it was billed as a blockbuster, it did not disappoint with it being as action-packed as you would expect. England got the ball rolling by breaking the deadlock with a great move down the right-hand side as they took a 10th-minute lead. The move was started by Lucy Bronze and finished by Lauren Hemp after Alana Cook failed to deal with Beth Mead’s cross.
The USA got back on level terms when Georgia Stanway was bodied off the ball by Lindsey Horan as Millie Bright put her own team-mate under pressure with a soft pass on the edge of her box, with the ball falling to Sophia Smith, who slotted the ball into the bottom right corner past Mary Earps.
One of the controversial moments of the game in the first half saw Lucy Bronze kicked in the face by substitute Hailie Mace inside the penalty area, despite protests from England players the referee Riem Hussein wasn’t interested and waved play on as the USA began to start an attack, only for action to be halted as VAR stepped in and asked the official her to take a look at the incident on the pitchside. The result was a penalty to the Lionesses and Bayern Munich midfielder Stanway made up for her earlier error from the spot to restore the lead.
Above: Two of the greatest players their respective nations have produced face-off as Lucy Bronze looks to get away from Megan Rapinoe. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.
The USA thought they had drawn level for a second time in the match four minutes later only for VAR to step in once again. Smith was involved once more as she was deemed to be offside from a long pass out from the back which she latched on to, with her cross flicked on by Megan Rapinoe to Trinity Rodman, who rifled into the bottom right corner.
Ten minutes from full-time VAR was needed once more as the US were awarded a penalty as Hemp was adjudged to have handled in the box. Rose Lavelle’s shot had hit her bottom and the decision was correctly overturned.
Both sides played with high spirits and intensity despite both missing key players and Sarina Wiegman will be very happy with picking up a victory over the USA although VAR came to save the day three times. In my opinion, the presence of it in this game was a major plus as it put right some poor decisions by the referee. If VAR wasn’t in use, this game could have been a different outcome entirely – and a highly controversial one at that.
After the game, England Head Coach Sarina Wiegman gave her reflections on beating the World Champions saying: “It was very intense, very open, and very competitive. It’s what you can expect from the USA and us too.
Above: Fran Kirby on the ball with the USA’s Sofia Huerta looking to get in a challenge. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.
“We can take lots of things from this. We don’t win a World Cup now but it’s really good to have this moment and this game, in this environment with all the people around cheering for us. The top countries have developed very much. The whole women’s game is developing but it’s good to have a test against the USA as they have won so many things over so many years. But it’s now October and not July yet.”
The Lionesses head south to Brighton on Tuesday to face the Czech Republic.
Justine Burch was pitchside at Kingsmeadow yesterday for Impetus yesterday to capture all the action from Australia’s game with South Africa. Here’s a selection of her outstanding work (9/10/22).
Above: Caitlin Foord hits Australia’s impressive fourth goal against South Africa yesterday. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Alex Chidiac, who had an impressive late cameo from the bench. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Teagan Micah flying through the air in the warm-up. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Captain for the day, Steph Catley was influential in the first half. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Showing an outstanding ability to read the game and snuff out danger before it develops, Charli Grant had a good shift. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Caitlin Foord attacks the box from the left before firing in The Matildas’ fourth goal. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Illness prevented Sam Kerr from coming on before the 83rd-minute mark. Here she takes on Ntsako Makhubela, Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Sam Kerr competes for the ball with Ntsako Makhubela (14) and Bambanani Mbane (13). Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Kyra Cooney-Cross looking to create in the midfield. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: All smiles for Chloe Logarzo on her return to the Matildas. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Teagan Micah dives at the feet of an onrushing South African attacker. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Hayley Raso looks on as her opponent flies through the air. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: A trademark Hayley Raso run, as she looks to escape from Bongeka Gamede. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Another battle between the pair. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: The sensational Banyana Banyana fans. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Cortnee Vine grabbed her first two international goals… Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: …and was full of smiles in the post-match press conference talking about it. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson makes a point in the post-match press conference. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
Above: The Matildas line up before kick-offat Kingsmeadow. Photo: Justine Burch for Impetus.
In My View
by Ben Gilbyat Kingsmeadowfor Impetus
Whilst the four goals may take the headlines, there were still a number of familiar issues which reared their head throughout the game. Whilst Australia dominated the match and scored four times, there was still a lack of a relentless sharp threat in front of goal.
With Sam Kerr missing due to illness apart from a seven-minute cameo at the end, once more there are question marks about what happens when she is not around – or when she is smothered by the opposition. Remy Siemsen remained on the bench, and against stronger opposition, the Matildas would have been made to pay.
Too often the passing was not as crisp, accurate, or pacey as it should have been on a consistent basis, and this is a bugbear that returns with alarming regularity. Yes, Australia were missing players once more, but to compete at the highest table next July and August, Gustavsson’s side will need to change these habits and tighten up.
In terms of positives, Charli Grant’s tracking ability in defence was excellent during the first half in particular. She offers a quick read of the play and goes to put out defensive fires almost as soon as they begin to blaze.
Alex Chidiac was, for me, hugely impressive when coming on in the second half. ‘Chids’ was lively, offered herself, and looked to link play excellently. The Racing Louisville midfielder is worthy of more game time. There was also the welcome return, late in the second half for Chloe Logarzo ahead of her A-League Women switch to Western United.
Just as everyone in green and gold was breathing a sigh of relief at an absence of defensive errors, there was an uneasy moment at the end which gave South Africa a goal. Clare Polkinghorne got caught, there was no one home, and Hildah Magaia was able to run in and lob Teagan Micah.
The win and four goals are welcome, but there is still so much to do, and a step up is needed on Tuesday against Denmark.
Match Report
by Johnathan Stack at Kingsmeadow for Impetus
The Matildas got their international mini tour in Europe underway with a 4-1 victory over South Africa at Kingsmeadow Stadium in South-West London.
It took five minutes for the deadlock to break, as the Matildas captain Steph Catley’s corner was turned in by Cortnee Vine who pounced on a mistake from South African keeper Regirl Ngobeni whose lapse in judgment at gathering the ball from Mary Fowler’s initial header.
Vine doubled her tally on the day in the 25th minute. as quick thinking from Catley saw her capitalise on a loose South African pass on the edge of the box, she then flicked it through to Caitlin Foord who squared it across for Vine to slot home as Australia took a two-nil lead.
Catley was causing South Africa all kinds of problems down the left wing as five minutes later she crossed for Vine who was free in the 18-yard box but failed to hit the target when the Sydney FC player looked destined to score a first-half hat-trick.
The Matildas did make it three on the stroke of half-time as Catley was once again involved as her corner was headed home by Claire Polkinghorne as Australia asserted their dominance in a one-sided first half and led 3-0 at the break.
It was more of the same in the second half as Foord got onto the scoresheet nine minutes after the restart as the Arsenal forward received the ball from her Gunners’ team-mate Catley who claimed her third assist of the day, great skill from Shellharbour native to beat Bambanani Mbane to fire the ball home for the Matildas fourth goal.
The Matildas kept pushing for more as the second half wore on as Katrina Gorry’s superb strike from outside the box forced Ngobeni into a great save with 15 minutes left.
South Africa got a late consolation goal as they broke through and caught Australia off guard, especially Teagan Micah who was positioned outside of the penalty area and couldn’t backpedal quick enough as Hildah Magaia lobbed her from about 30 yards out.
After the game, Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson spoke about the importance of playing this game in London: “We love playing on home soil, especially in a World Cup year, get that connection with the fans and the football community back home. In that sense it is important we play in Australia, from a football preparation standpoint in massive that we get these camps in Europe.
“We had five training days here compared to the last camp in Australia, where we had two and a half days. Also, we had four players coming in not playing games this weekend so they were fresh from Monday so we can play five training sessions straight just football which was massive.”
Cortnee Vine also faced the media after bagging her first goals as a Matilda, “The first was the easiest goal you can get but I’ll take it as my first one, it was you want I just want to score as a striker coming into the Matildas, hopefully, I can score a few more. A brace is always nice as well, a bit disappointed how I didn’t get a hat-trick.”
The Matildas now head to Scandinavia to take on Denmark on Tuesday in Viborg.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from Perth Glory’s latest arrival, striker Rylee Baisden, along with head coach Alex Epakis(7/10/22).
Perth Glory today announced the arrival of American striker Rylee Baisden, who joins an already strong-looking group of attacking players in Western Australia.
The 28-year-old arrives following a successful season in the NWSL with North Carolina Courage and is no stranger to the Liberty A-League having scored three times in 11 appearances for Brisbane Roar during the 2019/20 campaign.
Originally from California, Baisden enjoyed a stellar collegiate career at Pepperdine University and following her spell with Roar, debuted for North Carolina in September 2020.
She is excited to be returning to Australia and confident that Glory can make a major impression in the ALW this year.
Above: Rylee Baisden (centre) pictured during her previous spell in the competition with Brisbane Roar. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
“I am beyond thrilled to be joining Perth Glory this season,” she said. “In speaking with [Head Coach] Alex [Epakis], it sounds like I share the same mindset and attitude towards football and winning as him and the rest of the club.
“I’m looking forward to hopefully being a worthy addition to the team and I’m excited to share the field with some amazing players in a country I have so much love for. After finishing my first season in the league back in 2020, I was excited to get back, but COVID derailed that plan.
“I feel like I have a bit of unfinished business and I’m grateful for this opportunity to come back.”
Epakis, meanwhile, believes Baisden’s signing represents a major coup for the club. “To secure Rylee for the upcoming ALW season is really special and exciting,” he said.
“She is exactly the type of player we are looking to have in our attacking play; quick, dynamic and with the capacity for repeat efforts with and without the ball.
Above: Rylee Baisden in action in the NWSL. Photo: Portland Thorns.
“Rylee is very direct and exciting when she is on the ball and moreover, she brings a strong level of experience from some of the top competitions around the world, as well as previous experience in the ALW.
“I am really looking forward to welcoming her to the club and I am sure she will have a strong impact for us in the competition.
“Finally, her professional mentality and demeanour is something that certainly stood out to me during our conversations and I believe the team will benefit a lot from having Rylee here this season.”
Epakis’ team already boast the attacking talents of Susan Phonsongkham, Sofia Sakalis, Cyera Hintzen, Alana Jancevski and Abbey Green amongst others. They will certainly pose a real threat to defences across the A-League Women this season.
The club are expected to be making further squad announcements shortly.
Perth Glory’s Current ALW 2022/23 Squad:
Morgan AQUINO, Kim CARROLL, Tash RIGBY, Tijan McKENNA, Liz ANTON, Hana LOWRY, Demi KOULIZAKIS, Susan PHONSONGKHAM, Rylee BAISDEN, Sofia SAKALIS, Sarah CAIN, Cyera HINTZEN, Bella WALLHEAD, Abbey GREEN, Sadie LAWRENCE, Sarah LANGMAN, Ella MASTRANTONIO, Claudia MIHOCIC, Alana JANCEVSKI, Milan HAMMOND, Gabriella COLEMAN.
Impetus‘ Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk (7/10/22).
Above: Samara Nche (9), scorer of a hat-trick for King’s Lynn Town in their FA Cup Second Qualifying Round win at Thetford Town. Photo: Richard Brown.
Main Match of the Week
Thetford Town 1-4 Kings Lynn Town
King’s Lynn Town progressed to the third qualifying round of the FA Cup with an eventually comfortable win at Mundford Road.
A Hat-trick from Samara Nche and a goal from new signing Chelsea Clarke was enough to send King’s Lynn through although they were made to work for it.
Thetford had their best-attacking chances early in the first half as Laura Martins forced an early save from Lynn goalkeeper Alice Collins after being brought down by Lily Porter to win the free kick.
There was a further chance for the hosts when Melissa Boulton found herself with the ball after the referee played a good advantage following Laura Martins being fouled but Boulton could only fire her shot over the crossbar.
Martins looked lively all afternoon for Thetford as she has done all season since her arrival in the summer and she fired over the bar from a corner.
Thetford paid for not taking an early chance when on the half-hour mark Nche fired past Amber Browne after a fine individual run to open the scoring and give King’s Lynn the lead at the break.
Above: Thetford Town line-up before their Fa Cup Second Qualifying Round Tie vs Kings Lynn Town. Photo: Richard Brown
Kings Lynn started the second half slowly and Thetford sensed their opportunity when Zoe Klimcke fired a shot which came off both posts and this then found its way into the net to spark wild scenes at Mundford Road.
Thetford Town of the Tier Seven Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One, making their first-ever appearance in the FA Cup were roared on by a three-figure crowd in the sunshine as the players did the club proud against their opponents King’s Lynn from two tiers higher in the Eastern Region Premier Division.
The Thetford goal seemed to spark the visitors into life as super sub Chelsea Clarke on her debut after signing from Wymondham Town, hit a rocket past Browne a minute later from the edge of the box to restore the visitors’ lead.
Above: Chelsea Clarke (far right) second Kings Lynn Towns second goal within a minute of coming on as a substitute. Photo: Richard Brown.
With 20 minutes left on the clock, Nche then was found a delightful through ball and slotted calmly past Browne to put the game beyond Thetford.
Nche completed her hat trick with three minutes remaining after linking well with Amy Magnus and then firing past Browne into the net to round off the scoring.
King’s Lynn Town with an eventual safe passage into the third qualifying round, will now host Hitchin Belles to The Walks on Sunday 23rd October.
For Thetford Town, this was the defeat they expected, but they can be proud they made a club from two divisions higher work so hard for their win and this will only provide encouragement for the future league matches.
FA Women’s National League Division One South East
Above: Norwich City’s Ellie Smith in action against Hounslow, against whom she scored twice. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos.
Norwich City maintained their unbeaten start to the season in Tier Four with an emphatic 7-0 victory over Hounslow. Braces from Kathryn Stanley and Ellie Smith as well as strikes from Megan Todd, Olivia Cook, and Ella Gambell saw the Canaries take a comfortable three points.
Wymondham Town‘s trip to AFC Wimbledon was postponed due to lack of player availability for Wymondham Town.
FA Cup Second Qualifying Round
Above: Wroxham were 4-1 winners at Lawford on Second Qualifing Round day. Photo: Wroxham FC
Tier Five Wroxham from the Eastern Region Premier Division negotiated a tricky-looking trip to Tier Six Lawford winning 4-1 thanks to goals from Jess Horn and a hat trick from Hannah Waters. Annalise Ryan with the goal for Lawford.
Tier Six Fakenham Town were made to sweat by Tier Seven Beccles Town with Fakenham running out eventual 3-2 winners. A brace from Chloe Gravett and a goal from Nicole Costin saw Fakenham Town progress.
Tier Seven Mulbarton Belles were 5-1 winners at Stanway Rovers from the Essex County League thanks to a brace from Rebekah Lake and goals from Ellie Hunter, Molly Ryan and Analise Smith.
Tier Seven Bungay Town were comprehensively beaten 10-0 at home by Tier Five AFC Sudbury, Four goals for Holly Kennard, a hat trick for Alex Penny, a brace for Sophie Jeffers and Caitlyn Charles with the other completed an emphatic away win.
In the day’s final FA Cup game, Sprowston and Brett Vale played out a thrilling 2-2 draw. Rosie Milligan and Anais Winney scoring for Sprowston with Tarnya McKew and Kirby King scoring for Brett Vale. The game went to penalties with Sprowston winning 6-5 with, 16-year-old Lois King the hero sending Sprowston into the third qualifying round.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One
Long Stratton were the day’s headline makers in Tier Seven with a stunning 4-2 win at Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers. Luci Middleton netting all four goals for Long Stratton with a Shanice Sutton brace for the hosts.
Due to the FA Cup action, there was only one other Tier Seven game which saw the University of East Anglia beat Caister 7-1. Braces from Ella Burnley and Freya Fuller and further goals from Rachel Lawrence, Cassandra Piejko, and Lucy Wright saw UEA claim a big win. Bethany Turner was on target for Caister.
Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two
Blofield United won a thrilling game 4-3 over FC Viking Valkyries. A Lola Eadie Hat-Trick and further strikes from Lucy Schug secured the points with Molly Howes, Cerys Nicholas, and Chloe Ward replying for Valkyries.
King’s Lynn Soccer Club claimed an impressive 3-0 away win at Mulbarton Wanderers Reserves thanks to a Jordan Turner hat-trick.
North Walsham Town beat Horsford 7-0 thanks to a brace from Rio Dobbie and other goals from Ella Cattermole, Charlotte Hardingham, Rhiannon Holt, Paige Samwell, and Lucy Taylor. In the day’s final game, Thorpe St Andrew beat Bulldogs 7-1 at home thanks to a hat-trick from Abi Simmons with Jennifer Brown, Jennifer Brown, Tabitha Mileham, Sarah Rooke, and Rebecca Sutton scoring for Thorpe St Andrew with Niamh Underhill getting the goal for Bulldogs.
Above: Thorpe St Andrew recorded their first win of the season beating Bulldogs 7-1. Photo: Thorpe St Andrew FC
Impetus’ Ben Gilby spoke to Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson at Kingsmeadow this afternoon ahead of tomorrow’s friendly with South Africa(7/10/22).
Above: Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson. Image: Football Australia.
Whilst Australia are shorn of a number of first-choice players for their game with South Africa tomorrow, head coach Tony Gustavsson feels that his squad are capable of finding the answers required to get back to winning ways.
Gustavsson started by outlining the threats posed by South Africa and the approach his team are going to take to tomorrow’s match saying: “We’ve identified our opponents as we always do, and South Africa are a team with a lot of power and pace. They have a lot of individual skills. I’m impressed. They can hurt any team in transition.
“Their wide forwards do a lot of running, and they use that skill in defending as well. They make it a game of one v ones. They have pace in the backline too, so it’s hard to get behind them. They do lack height, they have conceded goals from set-plays and crosses. We’ve spent a lot of time on that today. That will be a massive part of the game.
“We need to control the game and make it about what we want it to be. If it becomes a stretched game and a lot of one v ones, then it is to their advantage. We need to be compact and then it’s to our advantage.
“South Africa are a good team. They played Spain in 2019 and were winning 1-0 until the 70th minute when they conceded a penalty. They played Brazil recently and kept it 0-0 until the 42nd minute. We are expecting a tough challenge.”
Above: South Africa’s 2019 World Cup tie against Spain – when Banyana Banyana gave the European side a major fright. Photo: Yahoo! Sports.
A lot of focus has been put on the number six role in the Matildas’ midfield in recent games. Yet, with the World Cup less than a year away, I asked the Australian head coach how he sees the rest of the midfield knitting together and becoming cohesive in both offering a defensive shield and formulating attacks.
“We have spent a lot of time this camp finding the best midfield combination. Sometimes it’s not the best players, it’s about the best combination, so you look at the best centre-back pairing, the best left-side combination, the best link between a nine and 10.
“We’ve had five training days this week looking at that cohesion. We have some players in there playing some of the best football in their life right now – Katrina Gorry is dominating the Swedish league. Kyra Cooney-Cross has been amazing, having been in the team of the week in Sweden, and obviously, we have Mary Fowler, who has also been phenomenal in the 10 position.
“We’re looking for that link between the players in that area, getting a bit closer together so they can play off each other more, and looking at the balance when we get dispossessed as that’s an area in which we’ve struggled in defending transitions. There we need to have not just a six protecting the backline, but more midfielders helping out defensively in the central area of the park.”
At the present time, Gustavsson has never fielded the same goalkeeper consistently during his tenure. Whilst Teagan Micah excelled at the Olympic Games and is in fine form for Rosengård in the Damallsvenskan, both Lydia Williams of Paris St. Germain and West Ham United’s Mackenzie Arnold have had regular opportunities. Gustavsson outlined how he is very close to settling on a first-choice keeper who will start all matches going into the World Cup.
Above: Teagan Micah – in great form for her club and aiming to become Australia’s first-choice goalkeeper. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
“We’ve spent 18 months giving everyone game time. Now we are narrowing down. You will see less rotation on the goalkeepers. We will have a clear number one. It is influenced by clubland; how they are playing, how much game time they get.”
With Australia having won only five of their ten matches this year – New Zealand (twice), Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand – there has previously been a mantra from Gustavsson of “losing a match but winning a player”. The Australia head coach outlined that whilst those days will soon pass, tomorrow’s inexperienced squad are still out to impress and claim a World Cup spot.
“Every time we step out on the field we are looking to win. That’s what we are going to do tomorrow. If we lose, we are going to see what did we learn. We will see a lot of young players out there tomorrow with less experience and that is a good thing in terms of getting a chance to play an African team. That doesn’t mean it’s an excuse not to try to win, we will do everything we can to win the game.”
In the day’s wider press conference, Gustavsson outlined the huge positives of staging this match in Europe from the point of view of maximising preparation time.
Above: The Matildas in training today at Kingsmeadow. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
“It has been a privilege to have five full days of training. The players came in fresh. We’ve had some double sessions and meetings. If you compare that to the last camp when half of the team arrived at midnight on Tuesday then we had a training session on Wednesday and a complete one on the Thursday, this is a completely different camp.
“That doesn’t mean we don’t want to be in Australia, of course we do. It’s just from a training point of view, this week has been one of the best weeks we’ve had since I came in, in terms of the amount we’ve been able to do together.”
“Results matter, we want everyone to feel part of it. The players and federation know what we have done and why, so internally the need hasn’t been as strong – amount of injuries, number of debutants, the teams we’ve played.”
Gustavsson pointed out that when he has his strongest team together consistently, they can achieve great things – so despite a poor run of results against the top nations in the world, he believes that there can be great times ahead.
“We were successful at the Olympics as it was one of the times the country has had the biggest number of its main players together at the same time for a major tournament.
“It’s not fun to have the amount of players unavailable that we have now. We had tons of injuries in the last camp and we have tons of injuries this time too. Having said that we will have four or five young players starting tomorrow who I am really excited to see, they’ve been looking great in training this week.”
Above: Cortnee Vine – a player who could have a leading role tomorrow. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby was at Kingsmeadow today to see Australia hold their final training session ahead of tomorrow’s game with South Africa(7/10/22).
Above: Courtney Nevin shares a laugh with Cortnee Vine earlier today. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Australia took to the turf at a newly branded Kingsmeadow Stadium ahead of tomorrow’s fixture with South Africa.
Matildas’ branding and sponsorship logos were all in place on the advertising hoardings as Tony Gustavsson and his coaching staff put their squad through their paces in the early Autumn South-West London sun.
Here are some of the best images from the session:
Above: Manchester City’s Mary Fowler stretches out. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Above: Teagan Micah is put through her paces in goal. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Above: Courtney Nevin (front) and Remy Siemsen warm up. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Above: Cortnee Vine is floored. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Above: A smiling Caitlin Foord on the move. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Above: Sam Kerr stretches out. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Above: Young gun Kyra Cooney-Cross. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Above: The Matildas were put through a series of rapid-moving drills. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Above: Charli Grant focusing. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Above: Remy Siemsen. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Above: Charli Grant looks on as her team-mates drill. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Above: Aivi Luik reflects during training. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Above: Emma Checker taking advice from the Matildas coaching staff. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
by Martin Townley at the Cardiff City Stadiumfor Impetus.
Above: Jess Fishlock celebrates after scoring a stunning winner to put Wales into a play-off in Switzerland next week in the World Cup qualifiers. Photo: FAW.
As always before Wales games, ‘Zombie Nation’ blasts around Cardiff City Stadium and the feeling is that something special is about to happen. As the Wales players take to the field the roar around Cardiff grows. The Red Wall in full voice could the team deliver?
Oh yes they did. Wales outclassed Bosnia from start to finish seeing four goals ruled out. Bosnia keeper Almina Hodzic pulled off save after save throughout the game. It was going to take some magic for Wales to make the breakthrough and in extra time Wales’ star player produced it.
Jess Fishlock got the vital goal in extra time, two minutes into added time in the first period. Fitting for Wales’ most capped player to get the most important goal in the nation’s history.
Wales will head to a play-off final away at Switzerland in the next step to qualify for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The first half saw Wales create chance after chance but some early runs and some fine saves from Almina Hodzic kept the scores level. Bosnia had a good chance to take the lead, but Laura O’Sullivan was sharp and made the save. Wales will have felt that should have gone into the break ahead.
Above: There was plenty of Welsh pressure in the first half, but no goals. Photo: FAW.
Wales again had the better of the play second half, but another two offside goals and a resolute Bosnian defence held firm.
Wales started the game quickly. Kayleigh Green rolled the ball across the box for Jess Fishlock who hit it first time, but her effort was blocked. It wouldn’t have counted as the flag went up but an early sign of Gemma Grainger’s intent.
Jess Fishlock went close when a well-worked free-kick routine caught Bosnia off guard. Fishlock’s first-time hit went straight at Almina Hodzic who looked relieved to get the ball.
Bosnia won a corner that Wales put out for another, but it was from the second they had their first chance. The ball fell to Marija Aleksic whose low-range shot was just stopped by the outstretched leg of O’Sullivan.
Wales did have the ball in the net after Fishlock ran into the box and was only stopped by Hodzic. The ball fell to Kayleigh Green who had a tap in but once again the flag came to haunt Wales.
Wales were cranking up the pressure as Rachel Rowe forced Hodzic to save low to her right. Then Ceri Holland hit the upright from the rebound. Still, Wales attacked with shots blocked, as Bosnia scrambled to get the ball away Roberts put in a cross, but Hodzic cut it out.
Ceri Holland forced Hodzic into another save from her low shot across the goal. Holland got the ball from a Kayleigh Green flick-on cut into the box, but the Bosnian keeper saved her side again.
Rowe went close from another well-worked Wales set piece. Receiving the ball outside the box from a corner, she hit a low shot that Hodzic struggled to hold.
Above: Jess Fishlock holds off a Bosnia player. Photo: FAW.
Wales should have had the lead when Angharad James’ effort grazed the crossbar as it went over. James dived onto a fine cross into the box after a crisp Welsh passing move. It was goalless at the break.
Wales escaped a scare as Hayley Ladd headed the ball back to her own goal. With O’Sullivan on the other side, Ladd had to race back to clear the ball from the line.
Wales made a quick counter when Carrie Jones won the ball and sent Kayleigh Green on a run. Green cut across the box and sent the ball wide to Holland who put a cross in, but Bosnia were able to clear.
Kayleigh Green put the ball in the net once again, but it was ruled out for offside. A crisp passing move involving Ingle and Fishlock sent Green through and the Wales forward put the ball under the keeper. The goal was ruled out to huge boos from the Welsh fans.
Hodzic pulled off the save of the game from a cross into the six-yard box by Holland. Crawling a fingertip to the ball before the advancing Fishlock could reach it.
Ffion Morgan fired a powerful effort past Hodzic from a cross into the box sending the crowd wild. Again, a flag went up and after a VAR check another Welsh goal was ruled out.
Just seconds later Fishlock thought she had scored after a clear ball to put her though, but replays showed she had gone a fraction offside. Despite all Wales’ chances, it was 0-0 at the end of the 90 minutes.
Wales began extra time attacking from the off and won a corner from Ffion Morgan’s cross. Fishlock sent it in the box but neither Evans nor Holland could direct a header goalwards.
Above: Jess Fishlock wheels away after hitting her stunning winner. Photo: FAW.
Good work from Rowe down the right won Wales another corner. Fishlock sent the ball to the back of the penalty area where Ceri Holland was free, but her header went over the bar.
In added time at the end of the first period, Wales finally took the lead. A free kick from out on the right by Rowe found the run of Fishlock and with a deft touch, the Welsh star sent the ball past Hodzic to send the home crowd wild.
After going behind Bosnia had to try and push forward and test the Welsh defence. Gemma Grainger’s team had other ideas as they kept going about the way they had been.
Ceri Holland tried to bend the ball in from outside the box, but her effort didn’t have the pace to beat Hodzic.
As the minutes ticked away Wales did a great job of pinning Bosnia in their own half and killing the clock.
Teams: WALES (4-1-4-1): O’Sullivan, Evans, Roberts, Ladd, Rowe, Ingle, Holland, James, Jess Fishlock (Ward 115′), Jones (Morgan 80′), Green (Wynne 120).
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