Above: Lionesses’ Keira Walsh and head coach Sarina Wiegman at today’s media conference at St. George’s Park. Photo: Johnathan Stack for Impetus.
With World Cup qualification secured, the Lionesses head to Stoke-on-Trent for what is being described as a homecoming celebration.
Around 30,000 fans will descend on a sold-out Stoke City Stadium, in what will be England’s first home game since winning the UEFA Euro 2022 final and being crowned European champions.
With a brilliant 2-0 away victory in Austria on Saturday, thanks to goals from Alessia Russo and Nikita Parris confirming England as Group D winners, tomorrow night’s match will be the final game of FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying against Luxembourg.
Above: The Lionesses in training this morning at St. George’s Park. Photo: Johnathan Stack for Impetus.
Speaking on Russo starting in the number nine role against Austria, England manager Sarina Wiegman said: “We talk a lot about principles and how we want to create chances and score goals, and you want your players who can score goals the best to be in the best position at the moment the ball comes in front of goal. We really wanted Alessia to be in and around the 18-yard box when the ball gets there.
“Once in a while you go into the corner because that’s the solution for that moment, you have to do it. But you’re starting task is a little closer to the centre of the pitch. Dropping deep sometimes can absolutely be a solution if you want to get an overload or something but then someone else needs to make the run in behind.”
After the game, Wiegman was greeted by travelling England fans, and she spent time signing autographs while they chanted her name. It was an experience that she greatly valued. “It’s nice, it is absolutely nice. I think it’s all about the players. When they perform well, I’m doing well too. We work together, we work as a team. It’s always about the team but it’s nice, first of all, that the people come to Austria to watch us, they come to the stadium to cheer for us, and part I’m just part of what they cheer for.”
And even with the pressure off the Lionesses, Sarina Wiegman expects a similar result so the reverse fixture which saw England win 10-0 in the Stade de Luxembourg almost a year ago.
Above: England are put through their paces at training this morning. Photo: Johnathan Stack for Impetus.
With the match tomorrow being the first home match since the Euros success, Wiegman reflected on the incredible support that she feels that the team has from the public: “It’s really exciting and the support we have had has been great in the Euro’s and they keep coming now, so tomorrow it will be 30,000 coming to watch and we really want to show again our game and make a celebration and have a nice football game.
“This team is so eager to do well. Playing Luxembourg and it’s all done in the qualification, but we also have 30,000 people coming to watch us and that’s really exciting. As seen in training sessions and in the game played on Saturday, it’s so sharp and at such a good level, the team just wants to train and do well and do well every day in every moment that we get. I expect a very energetic team that really wants to show and with lots of goals and of course conceding none.”
With Group D done and dusted, the Lionesses head coach is expected to ring the changes with players itching to stake a claim in the starting 11 tomorrow night. Wiegman explained: “We still have one training session to do. Every player coming in very differently you might expect some changes.
“We are reviewing every game all the time, we’re reviewing what we did in camp and in training sessions on the pitch. This game will be a lot in possession, not the highest level, of course, it’s always an opportunity to show yourself and they are always competing here, competing in training and in games and also as competing at your club and as Keira (Walsh) said showing consistency in your own game for your team and getting minutes at your club which will give us all the information, we need to make the right choices.”
Above: The Lionesses are heading out for the final game of the qualification campaign tomorrow. Photo: Johnathan Stack for Impetus.
Also, in the press conference sat alongside Sarina Wiegman, was Keira Walsh, player of the match against Austria. The Manchester City midfielder is set to receive her 50th cap for England tomorrow: “If I’m in the team it’s exciting, when I was younger, I didn’t think I’d ever get to 50 caps for my country. I’ve still not even had time to reflect on the Euros so much because we’re straight back into it but I’m sure after the game probably sit down with my family at some point and reminisce on my journey in football.”
Walsh also spoke of her emotions on clinching qualification for next summer’s World Cup: “I don’t think it was a relief, I think we look forward to those sorts of games, we want to be playing in World Cup qualifiers. Austria is a good team and had a great Euros as well. We are confident in our own abilities, and we played a good game. It was just exciting to be back together after the Euros and get playing with each other again.”
Given the amazing celebrations from the Lionesses after the UEFA Euro 2022 final Walsh was asked whether the team celebrated after the game on Saturday evening: “I think it was difficult, with us being in different places in terms of club and stuff some of the girls had to go and train after the game, so we were kind of separated a little bit. But we came back to the hotel together and had post-match which was nice, (but) there were definitely muted celebrations compared to the Euros.”
Either way, there will definitely be celebrations after the full-time whistle tomorrow night which will bring the curtain down on an incredible summer not just for England but an incredible summer for women’s football in general, but up first can the Lionesses do it on a cold, wet and windy night in Stoke?
Impetus’ Ryan Miller-Woods heard from Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson ahead of the Matildas’ second friendly against Canada tomorrow (5/9/22).
Above: Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson has a lot to ponder ahead of tomorrow’s second game with Canada. Image: Football Australia.
Tony Gustavsson admitted today that he is still not sure on the availability of a number of his players ahead of their second friendly against Canada in Sydney.
“We tested some of the players in football but also afterwards some high-speed running because we have some soft tissue issues and some of the players weren’t available for the first game and we will hear later how they responded to that.
“Steph Catley is a question mark, for example, we decide that tonight, Caitlin Foord went through the training good, but we need to see how she responds tonight to that training. Those are the two ones that, Meeks (Tameka Yallop) trained fully as well and also Cortnee Vine trained fully, so hopefully, there’s some more players available for the game tomorrow but I won’t know for certain until tonight.
Above: Tony Gustavsson speaking to the media today in Sydney. Image: Football Australia.
“We looked at backup options, but we said that let’s wait for the training today because if three to four players pulled up well tonight, we don’t need it and if we do get an option that we can bring someone in, we do it, late call tomorrow just as a back-up on the bench so we have numbers at least but it doesn’t look like we need to right now cause in the training today, I actually had 19 outfield players that fulfilled the training but that includes Steph (Catley) that’s a little bit of a question mark, so it looks better going into this game than the first one.”
With the match being the first-round ball occasion hosted by the new Allianz Stadium, the Matildas head coach emphasised that tomorrow is more about building momentum for his team than a stadium opening.
“Everything is about momentum in sport, right? To get that momentum and I’ve been around in this game long enough for these 22 years to have taught me that sometimes you need a result just for the momentum and the belief around you, right? In that sense it is important.
“Internally, there’s still and I know some people might be sick and tired of me saying this but internally, we know what we have done, we know where we are and there’s a belief in the process and I don’t think that belief is going to be lost, even if we lose the game if that makes sense. I will be more worried if the game didn’t look good, you know, if performances are not there if they’re not playing the way we want to play, then maybe you can start to say ‘What’s happening here, right? But I think for the momentum, in that sense, I do think it is important and also for the outside, you know?
Above: Tony Gustavsson reflects on the importance of building momentum. Image: Football Australia.
“What we want to do is we want to inspire and these women want to fill this stadium on the 20th of July (2023), so if we can pull out a good performance, that could lead to a good result and get that momentum and the ways of positivity and then we want to fill this stadium.”
As Gustavsson highlighted, the countdown toward next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand is getting closer by the day, there is no question that the heat is being turned up on the Matildas head coach and his team to get results and performances on a more regular basis.
“I mean, it might be unfair to ask for trust in the process but I understand what it’s like, I do, you know I’ve been there on the other side as well and when you don’t see what is happening on the inside and you want to see those results to get the belief but I think Sam (Kerr) and the players, they deserve all the belief that they can get and even if we happen to lose a friendly or so, I think you know, if they can feel the belief from the fans, look at those last 50 minutes against Canada from Brisbane, for example, it was the fans, carrying us through those 50 minutes and we almost scored two goals because of that energy and the belief that we can do with the ‘Never Say Die’ attitude again like we’ve done a lot of times before.
“I’d say as well that it is important to look at the whole picture and see what we’ve tried to do. Maybe I can look at the mirror sometimes and say ‘Was I overambitious’ you know, trying to build depth in the roster and at the same time played the toughest schedule in the history of this program and maybe that wasn’t the best for the belief and the trust from the outside but I was very clear with the federation (Football Australia) and with the players, what we were doing, so I think internally the patience is there to trust us, the belief is there but externally I understand the question, I do and it’s fair.”
Above: Tony Gustavsson admits he has more options in midfield and up front compared to defence. Image: Football Australia.
There has been a degree of criticism over Australia’s defence, and Gustavsson emphasised that he sees that his team are attack heavy in terms of player numbers.
“We are definitely overloaded in the midfield, there’s tons of fantastic midfielders in this country and that’s a challenge because there’s not room for every single one of them. You saw in the last game that I played a centre midfielder out wide with Kyra Cooney-Cross because she has been phenomenal in clubland (for Hammarby) when she comes back from injury and she’s been phenomenal in training, so she deserved a start. So I choose to put her out on the 11 because I know she can play out there and by the way, she had a phenomenal second half (against Canada in Brisbane).
“When it comes to Chids (Alex Chidiac), all she can do is keep focusing on what she is doing right now meaning deliver good games in clubland (for Racing Louisville), coming in here, and try to prove for me that she deserves minutes on the field but it is tough competition, it’s tough competition for her, for Meeks (Tameka Yallop), for Chloe Logarzo, for Kyra Cooney-Cross, EVE (Emily van Egmond), Mary (Fowler), you name it, you know, it’s just a few of all the world-class midfielders, we add Wheeler (Clare Wheeler) to that list as well, Mini (Katrina Gorry) who’s normally maybe an eight or 10, who plays in the six role, you add KK (Elise Kellond-Knight) to that, coming back playing games now, a bit too early to bring her into this camp, I spoke to her but hopefully, we see her in the October camp and then here you go and there might be room for three of them.”
After the performance in the first game against Canada in Brisbane on Saturday, it will be interesting to look out for what Australia can, as a whole, do differently to get a result in Sydney.
Above: Wales are hoping for plenty of celebrations tomorrow night when they could clinch a first-ever World CupPlay-Off spot. Photo: FAW.
Wales will face Slovenia on Tuesday at Cardiff City Stadium in their final World Cup Qualifier needing just a draw to secure a place in the World Cup Play-offs and will have the backing of a record crowd set be over 10,000.
Gemma Grainger’s side stand on the brink of history and will be the first Welsh women’s side to make a major tournament play-off. A 1-0 win away to Greece on Friday night leaves a play-off place in Wales’s own hands thanks to Carrie Jones’ goal.
Slovenia could, with a win, overtake Wales in Group I and steal second place and a play-off place. Sara Makovec and Mateja Zver both scored as Slovenia kept their qualification hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Kazakhstan.
When the sides met back in October last year the match ended 1-1. Manja Rogan giving the hosts the lead with Kayleigh Green equalising two minutes after. Shortly after scoring Green was shown a red card for a second booking leaving Wales to hold on for what may turn out to be a vital away point.
Despite only needing a point Wales manager Gemma Grainger told BBC Sport,
“We have put ourselves in this position where we need only a point, but we’ll absolutely prepare to go and win that game because they are the standards that we have as a team. They are the standards whoever we play.
Above: There will be a record crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium tomorrow night. Photo: Cardiff City FC.
“We know what position we have put ourselves in and we know now that we will flip to Slovenia,” Grainger added.
With a record crowd at Cardiff for the game, Grainger emphasised the importance of the fans to the team,
“The fans are huge to us, we have broken the record by a long way, but we want to see more than 10,000 because they are huge.
“We have seen it with Rob [Page] and the men’s team and now it’s our turn. The fans will make the difference.”
Wales star Jess Fishlock was on the bench for the game against Greece after picking up an injury. There is no news as yet as to whether or not Fishlock will start against Slovenia, so it’s likely that Wales will remain unchanged from the team that started against Greece.
This game will be a tense affair with so much on the line for both teams but with the Red Wall in full force Wales at Cardiff is a tough task for any team.
The weekend saw the first two matches in the NPLW WA Top Four Cup. Perth RedStar took on Perth SC in the major semi-final with Fremantle City hosting Hyundai NTC in an eliminator. Impetus’ Ben Gilby reports on both games (5/9/22).
Above: Perth SC goalkeeper Rebecca Bennett looks back as Carla Bennett’s shot is to hit the bar before bouncing down and over the line to give Perth RedStar the lead. Photosupplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Perth RedStar 1-0 Perth SC
Perth RedStar’s march towards a clean sweep of all four trophies available to them continued as a Carla Bennett goal just before the hour mark saw them into the Top Four Cup Final.
Perth SC will have a second opportunity in midweek to make the season finale in the Preliminary Final, and had chances themselves, particularly in the closing stages, but the home side’s ability to lift their performance and do what is necessary at the right times deservedly saw them over the line.
RedStar were full of rapid energy from the start, looking to disrupt Perth’s passing game by getting in quickly and pressing the Azzurri players on the ball.
Above: Perth RedStar’s Carla Bennett (6) – had a major influence on the match. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Carla Bennett, who was a major player in the sharp press on the visitors, created a moment of attacking threat with eight minutes on the clock when her dangerously curled in free-kick from the left needed Perth SC keeper Rebecca Bennett to palm it away.
The visitors were getting more time out wide, and the influence of Jaime Duncanson to create along the left and pull teasing balls into the box developed. Just before the 20 minute mark, it was Faye Phillips on the opposite wing who was able to feed Caitlin Doeglas. The former Perth Glory player got a shot away that Maya Diederichsen did well to get her body behind and smother.
As the game hit the half-hour mark, clear-cut chances were becoming fewer and further between. Getting a firm foothold of the midfield would be the key area to decide the outcome. For the home side, that was about getting their rapid-fire passing that clinically dissects the opposition. For the visitors, it was about making the best possible use of their wide players to create.
Above: Eyes on the prize – Perth RedStar and the NPLW WA’s top scorer Larissa Walsh (red shirt). Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
One such rare opportunity presented itself as Carla Bennett profited from loose play from Jaymee Gibbons to advance and square to Sarah Carroll, but as the A-League Women star was about to pull the trigger, Gibbons brilliantly got back to deny RedStar with a perfectly timed tackle.
Three minutes before the break, there were a flurry of half chances. Jessica Byrne brought down RedStar hot-shot Larissa Walsh on the left-hand edge of the box and Kim Carroll’s free kick went into the arms of Rebecca Bennett. Within seconds, a delicate exchange of passing in midfield from the Azzurri led to Abbey Meakins feeding Liana Cook at the left edge of the opposite area, and her shot went just over the top.
Meakins was involved moments later as she lifted in a long-range free-kick and earned her team a corner which was comfortably claimed by Diederichsen. It remained goalless at the break.
Above: Ella Lincoln looks to get free for Perth SC in the semi-final yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Within moments of the second-half opening, RedStar had a golden opportunity. Kim Carroll floated in a free-kick from a central position around 35 yards out, whilst Carla Bennett missed her attempted header, the ball found Olivia Wood on the right and her low ball in was scooped over the bar by Sarah Carroll.
The home side continued their strong start in the second 45 by earning a corner. Carla Bennett floated it in from the left, Walsh flicked it on and a superb twisting half-volley from Sarah Carroll was met by an equally fine save by Rebecca Bennett.
The pressure continued and just before the hour mark, Duncanson was forced off possession which saw the ball played in for Walsh who fed Carla Bennett outside her. The RedStar’s legend advanced into the box and let fly with a shot that cannoned down off of the bar and over the line to put the hosts in front.
Above: Perth SC goalkeeper Rebecca Bennett looks on in agony as Carla Bennett’s shot bounces down off of the bar and over the line to secure Perth RedStar’s win. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Perth SC worked hard to respond, but the home side were stubborn, strong, and resolute. RedStar could have doubled their tally two minutes before the end but Jayna Ridley was not quite able to direct her shot from close range in the way she would have hoped.
The best chances for the visitors came at the death. Two minutes into stoppage time, Doeglas was fouled just outside the box on the right. Phillips’ free-kick was met by a flick header from Alyssa van Heurck which went wide. Doeglas was involved seconds later as she hit a shot that deflected up and bounced high in front of RedStar keeper Diederichsen, only just clearing the bar at the cost of a corner.
The corner came in and wasn’t cleared by RedStar. The ball came rapidly – too rapidly -across to Meakins for a close-range header which failed to hit the target.
Above: Jaime Duncanson tries to create for Perth SC in yesterday’s semi-final. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
The Azzurri now have to do it the hard way if they want to win their first piece of NPLW silverware. A midweek Preliminary Final needs to be won before another showdown with Perth RedStar in the Top Four Cup Final if they are successful, next Saturday. That is a physically demanding challenge, but one Pete Rakic will have his team up for.
Above: Fremantle City (black) and Hyundai NTC battle it out on Friday night. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch.
Hyundai NTC are one game from their first ever Top Four Cup Final after producing an impressively controlled performance to defeat Fremantle City at Wauhop Park on Friday night.
For Fremantle, this was a tough loss to take having been positioned inside the top four for virtually the entire season, but the NTC, who only confirmed their place in the Finals on the last week of the regular season, has consistently proved this season, that on their day, their combination of skill, firepower, and strength can be a test for anyone.
It was the visitors who started this encounter on the front foot, full of energy, and looking to push the home side back. However, Freo conjured up the first opportunities on goal. Jamie-Lee Gale, from the right, found Jess Darmago whose first shot was repelled by the midriff of onrushing NTC keeper Lilly Bailey before the custodian smothered the instant rebound.
NTC’s Sophie Meaden and Violet Longmore were influential along the right flank, combining to deliver dangerous balls into the box that kept Fremantle keeper Dayle Schroeder busy.
Above: Ischia Brooking in possession – her deflected shot led to Hyundai NTC taking the lead. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch.
With the encounter largely even at this stage, it was increasingly becoming a case of the team who took a chance when it arrived being the one who would come out on top. When the opening goal came after 24 minutes, it had a big slice of luck about it.
A long NTC throw on the left led to a dangerous cross-shot which was pushed out by a firm hand from Schroeder and fell to Ischia Brooking on the edge of the box. Brooking drove her shot which was deflected off of a defender and wrong-footed Schroeder as it flew into the net.
The teenage side remained on the ascendency after the goal. They were exceptionally well organised, mounting a high press and getting in Fremantle faces quickly to force the home side back and win back possession.
NTC saw out a combative period before the break as the hosts forced back-to-back corners, the second of which Bailey leapt high under pressure to claim the ball.
Freo created a half chance within five minutes of the re-start as Tash Rigby got away down the right and pulled the ball across for Mikayla Lyons whose shot went over. Rigby’s influence was growing on the game, and as it did so, Fremantle began to mount their most consistent spell of pressure in the game.
Rigby was driving down the right as well as looking to cut inside to deliver inch-perfect crossfield balls. Just after the hour mark, the hosts forced a corner, and Gale’s flag kick from the left curled viciously in just beyond the far post.
The action was fast and furious now and Tanika Lala broke through for the NTC, headed the ball down, but as she was about to pull the trigger, was denied by tackle inside the box. Lala showed her worth shortly afterwards by winning a corner after it took two Freo defenders to deny her a shot on goal.
Grace Johnston was working hard and largely succeeded in reducing the threat that Darmago poses week-in-week-out for Fremantle. Bailey was well protected in the NTC goal and had very little to do in the way of shot-stopping in the second half as the youngsters weathered the mini Fremantle storm.
Natalia Vega Mena and Anna Powell combined in the box with 20 minutes to go, with the later forcing Schroeder into a save. Substitute Nelli Johnson was also putting in a powerful cameo shift, tracking Freo attacks confidently and offering herself in offensive situations as well.
With five minutes remaining, Freo won a free-kick on the left, some 20 yards from goal. It was curled in, and Bailey claimed under heavy traffic with the additional gain of a free-kick herself. NTC responded themselves by winning a corner which almost brought about a match-clinching second goal from Ava Richards.
Freo’s final chance came in the last minute of regulation time as a powerful drive was blocked on the line by Georgia Cassidy.
Within two minutes the game was settled by a piece of trademark skill by Lala. Johnson’s throw-in for the NTC on the left inside their own half found the young gun up the same wing. Lala showed strength and pace to beat her marker, cut inside, and hit a perfectly angled low shot between two would-be defenders on its way to rolling home at the far post.
Above: Tanika Lala (yellow shirt) – scorer of Hyundai NTC’s second goal. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch,
This was a deserved win for the NTC who have an impressive mix of skill, organisation, game management, and physical presence. They are always an enjoyable team to watch, and now head into a clash away to Perth SC in midweek for a place in the Top Four Cup Final.
Above: England’s Rachel Daley shows her delight after the match with World Cup qualification sealed. Photo: Lionesses.
England secured their place at next summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup with a 2-0 win away in Austria – a victory that maintained the Lionesses’ perfect record in World Cup Qualifying.
Goals in either half from Alessia Russo and Nikita Parris sealed the group for England who only needed one point coming into this game to be confirmed as Group D winners.
Russo was handed the number nine shirt relinquished by the retired Ellen White, in what was just her third start for England she repaid the faith in manager Sarina Wiegman’s decision to have Russo lead the line as she volleyed home from inside the area to give the Lionesses a seventh-minute lead.
Above: Lauren Hemp and Ella Toone congratulate Alessia Russo after the Manchester United star put the Lionesses ahead. Photo: Lionesses.
England were out there to show why they are the European champions and looked comfortable passing the ball about, at times a little too comfortable with a couple of stray passes turning into opportunities for Austria and a lapse in concentration from England shot-stopper Mary Earps from receiving a pass for captain Leah Williamson saw Austria forward Julia Hickelsberger-Fuller close Earps down and put her under pressure which saw her attempt at a clearance deflect just past the post and nearly saw Austria level.
Nevertheless, England looked in control in this game against an opponent they have only beaten 1-0 on the last two occasions. The Lionesses controlled the midfield and a great pass from Bayern Munich player Georgia Stanway saw Nikita Parris score her first goal for England since last September with a great finish.
England has been dominant in the qualifying campaign, with nine wins from nine group games, 70 goals scored, and none conceded with one game left to play on Tuesday against Luxembourg.
The pressure is now off of the Lionesses who will play in the Stoke City Stadium in front of a sell-out crowd in their first game on home soil since being crowned European Champions by winning UEFA Euro 2022, 35 days ago and the Lionesses sold out friendly against world champions the USA can go ahead as planned as England won’t have to take part in the World Cup play-offs.
Above: Lucy Bronze powers in a header in Austria. Photo: Lionesses.
Speaking after the game, England head coach Sarina Wiegman said, “I’m very proud, we have done so well. From September last year till now we keep on doing well. Today was a hard game, we had some hard moments in the game, but I think we were the better team”.
Alessia Russo, who put the Lionesses ahead, spoke of her pride in the team’s mission being accomplished: “That was our main target this camp, and to have done it today is really special it’s what we have been aiming for. Now the Euros are done, it is behind us and now Australia and New Zealand is the next stop of the journey. To tick qualifying off is exciting”.
The scorer of the goal that sealed England’s qualification, new Manchester United signing Nikita Parris said: “Austria gave us a tough game, they always defend well against us, and it was about us having the patience to break them down. First half Austria stayed in the game we got the early goal, but in the second half we were so much better”.
Impetus’ Kris Goman reports on Australia’s friendly against Canada earlier today and joined the post-match media conference with both Tony Gustavsson and Bev Priestman in Brisbane for us (3/9/22).
The Matildas haven’t played in Brisbane for some time and 25,016 people turned out to Suncorp Stadium to watch the Matildas go down narrowly to the Olympic gold medal holders. The Canadians scored early in a pretty scrappy match where possession was not the hallmark of either team.
The Aussies kicked off and pressed hard. An early cross from Emily Van Egmond saw a header from Sam Kerr deflected out for a corner.
Canada’s first foray into the box was a cross from Nichelle Prince straight to Lydia Williams. Almost immediately after, Kerr took a long-range shot on goal that went straight to Kailen Sheridan.
After a handball from Katrina Gorry, Canada were awarded a free kick. It was initially headed away but then sent out to the right of the box to Jordyn Huitema who passed to Adriana Leon who was unmarked and in acres of space. She lined up and fired to the top left of the goal past the outstretched fingertips of Williams for the first goal of the match, sending Canada ahead 1-0 at the 12th-minute mark.
Above: Adriana Leon celebrates after putting Canada in front. Photo: Canada Soccer.
A corner taken by Gorry ends with Claire Polkinghorne’s header going over the bar and this is the story of the rest of the match. Close attempts by both sides, either missed or saved. Both keepers were kept on their toes as the attempts piled up.
Prince made one of many damaging runs through the middle, passed to Huitema who was taken out by Polkinghorne and was given a yellow right at the top of the box. A five-player wall is installed. Leon takes the free kick but buries it in the wall instead of clearing it and it’s eventually sent back up the field.
Down the other end, Gielnik managed a decent cross but Kyra Cooney-Cross can’t connect and she’s bundled off the ball by Bianca St-Georges who put in a massive defensive effort in the absence of the usual Vanessa Gilles, Ashley Lawrence, and Deanne Rose.
Gorry sent a long ball to Kerr who found herself in the clear. Sheridan came right out and got a foot to the ball but sent it to Gielnik who tried to lob her but it went harmlessly over the top post. Fowler brought it back into the box and lobbed it to the head of Van Egmond. She was on target but Sheridan stopped it up in the corner.
Another attack had Kerr coming into the box again but she was denied once more. The Matildas launched wave after wave of attack but just couldn’t break through. Shortly after, Price gets around Gorry and shoots low to Williams who is able to get the ball in her grasp.
Above: Kailen Sheridan, who had an impressive afternoon for Canada. Photo: Canada Soccer.
Kerr gets away again and on a solo run shoots a rather weak shot that is saved by Sheridan. Another attack by Canada is saved by Williams. Australia has been playing with 10 for a short time as Kennedy has gone off injured. Eventually, Aivi Luik comes on to replace her. A Matildas’ corner bounces around before a header by Mary Fowler is easily gathered. Sheridan’s been busy today though. The finishing on both sides leaves a bit to be desired. There’s been a lot of chances but all the shots are either wide or straight to the keeper, when on target.
Things don’t really change much after halftime and, if anything, it gets more hectic. A long throw-in from Gielnik goes to Polkinghorne for a header that’s captured by Sheridan. Kerr gets a run and then passes to Fowler who slides it to Gielnik but her shot from the right hits the side netting.
Cooney-Cross strikes from outside the box but that’s straight to Sheridan who takes it comfortably. Nevin clatters Leon again and somehow manages not to get a second yellow. It’s been quite a battle between Leon and Nevin and both have hit the deck numerous times.
Prince launches an attack down the left and crosses to Christine Sinclair who hasn’t been particularly involved as yet. Her shot from near the goal line flies straight into Luik’s stomach, winding her slightly and then out for a corner.
Another run by Prince and the cross just misses the head of Leon as it flies across the face of the goal. An intercept by Prince is centred to Sinclair who shoots. It’s parried away by Williams and then cleared. Shortly after, Canada have another intercept by Prince that causes chaos in the box, culminating in a shot wide by Beckie. The next run sees Prince miss a sitter in a very unlucky attack.
Above: It was a frustrating afternoon for the Matildas and head coach Tony Gustavsson. Photo: Football Australia.
Prince is tearing holes in the defence and although she never scores she’s making significant ground each time she gets the ball. Thankfully at 75 minutes, she’s replaced by Simi Awujo and Clarissa Larisey also comes on for Leon at the same time. Australia has also replaced Gielnik with Cortnee Vine and Nevin with Tameka Yallop.
Almost immediately, Larisey gets a shot on goal that is batted away by Williams Possession has been fairly even to this point and shots have now also come up to even after Canada has been attacking a bit more.
At 78 minutes, Larissa Crummer replaces Van Egmond. Soon after, Kerr is in the box and holds up the ball then passes to Vine who sidesteps and shoots wide. It’s so close but she couldn’t quite curl it in.
Back down the other end and Cloe Lacasse brings it into box and sidesteps Williams but then missed an open goal as Williams recovers. It’s like ping pong with the ball back and forth and Vine brings it near the goal line and gets it back to Kerr who also missed to the right.
A Charli Grant intercept is sent to Fowler and her shot goes high in an injury-time effort. Gorry gets a late yellow after a collision with Lacasse. A final rush in sees it out for a corner as Kerr closes. The corner results in a big save by Sheridan as she tips Kerr’s header over the bar. Despite a concerted effort by the Aussies towards the end, nothing goes in. There’s been plenty of chances at both ends but it’s all a bit rushed and there’s been very little composure on the ball. It felt like a very fast-paced game and despite the loss, it was exciting to watch with plenty of action.
Above: Canada head coach Bev Priestman and goalscorer Adriana Leon speaking to the media after the match. Image: Football Australia.
In the post-match press conference, both coaches, Bev Priestman and Tony Gustavsson agreed it was scrappy. Priestman said that came in the challenges but she was happy with Canada’s possession and said the game was at the highest level with two top teams.
Canada’s head coach spoke highly of St-Georges who missed the Olympics and had a tough time getting back into the team. She said she “had an incredible mindset to do anything to stop the ball coming into the box”. Despite a depleted team that would normally see Gilles step up, St-Georges did that tonight.
Priestman was very pleased with their commitment and togetherness to make their country proud. They “got down to business”. Kailen (Sheridan) was their number two keeper and has stepped into (Steph) Labbe’s spot and her presence tonight was the best she’s seen. “She did some incredible saves.” They had two debuts, a dynamic midfield, and were electric in terms of passing. They did what was asked and had a front six in many ways. She was happy with what she had seen.
She spoke about this being a trial run for the World Cup – to do the prep, the flights, suffer the jetlag, see the hotels, the grounds, the fans, the traffic. “These learnings make a huge difference”. We want to “use the learnings and deliver when it matters.”
Above: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson and Katrina Gorry in the post-match media conference. Image: Football Australia.
Australia head coach Gustavsson said it felt like chaos and the aggression was in regaining possession. “We tried to be aggressive but made technical mistakes today. The tempo is very fast right now so decision-making is important. We were reactive in defensive actions so there’s work to do to be more compact and how fast we move the ball. We tried to play the same way as against NZ but Canada are ranked much higher. We created a lot of chances to score, which was difficult to do.”
He said he was sitting with the stats. 26 to 21 box entries. It was even possession, pretty even shots. It was decided on the conversion rate and “that’s what we need to work on. “Sam is world class goal scorer. Other days she scores a hat trick.” It wasn’t one of those days. “I won’t make a big deal of it.”
She also needs final passes so she doesn’t have to do a lot of work on the ball. The final pass and how we set her up. “Mini (Katrina Gorry) is hardest on herself. She’s a phenomenal quarterback. The physicality she brings in. She doesn’t hesitate.” Gustavsson also revealed that he thought “Mary (Fowler) struggled in defending a bit today. Her attacking was phenomenal and she can spin on a dime and shoot from distance. “We were not intense enough in the first half.”
Reflecting on the impact of Charli Grant and Cortnee Vine, the Matildas head coach said: “It was a great opportunity for Charli and Cortnee. Charli doesn’t shy away from a challenge. We came into this window with a different mindset. Grant is getting great chances against world-class players. The last 15 minutes you saw that never say die attitude.”
With Australia already hit by injuries, Gustavsson revealed that the prognosis for Alanna Kennedy, who went off with a hamstring injury is not immediately positive, saying “She might not come back too fast from that.”
Despite the outcome on the day, Australia’s head coach was positive looking ahead to the second match between the two nations in Sydney. “We can beat Canada, I know we can. We can beat the best team in the world, if we play at the level we know we can play at.”
Above: Katrina Gorry speaking after the final whistle with daughter Harper. Image: Football Australia.
Gorry said it was nice to be back in Brisbane and play at Suncorp Stadium but was disappointed with the loss. “They are just red jerseys,” she said of the Canadian team, “and I just play my game and intercept as much as possible. It’s a balance sometimes and I get too far forward. I need to get on the ball more. I’m still learning and building, playing different formations and I need to find spaces on the field. I’m enjoying the position.”
Impetus’ Nathan Edwards spoke EXCLUSIVELY to Reading head coach Kelly Chambers on how the WSL clubs need to work constantly to build on the foundations laid by the Lionesses’ Euros triumph to keep growing the game (3/9/22).
Above: Reading head coach Kelly Chambers. Photo: Reading FC.
Kelly Chambers believes the Women’s Super League should be the next competition to inspire young girls to get involved in football, after England’s success at Euro 2022.
The Lionesses return to the field for the first time since their victorious campaign in the European Championships to play Austria in a World Cup qualifier this evening.
Following this batch of international fixtures, the top flight of women’s football returns, and with clubs expecting record-breaking attendances, the attention on the women’s game has never been stronger.
Reading FC kick off their campaign against Liverpool with an expected 400 season ticket holders set to be attending the Royals’ curtain raiser.
Looking ahead to that game, Chambers said, “Off the back of the Euros everyone is excited for the season to kick off, and the work that the people at the club have done to help get this attendance has been phenomenal and long may it continue.”
The Royals’ manager doesn’t just want the opening game to be the end of the growth, with Chambers also believing it is time for WSL clubs to take advantage off the field as well.
Above: Reading head coach Kelly Chambers believes continued action is needed to ensure that the women’s game keeps growing. Photo: PA.
The 36-year-old said, “We have seen the immediate impact from the Euros with ticket sales but we can’t rest on that.
“For me, the biggest thing is growing the club and helping women’s teams become more sustainable and start to see them stand on their own two feet.
“And this is going to be achieved through commercial deals to help push the game to another level off the pitch.”
The WSL has continued to show its potential with every passing season, but Chambers also believes that all levels of the game can be positively impacted by England’s performances this summer, with the right improvements.
“I hope young girls who wanted to get into the game who watched the Euros have been inspired, along with those who didn’t really have an interest in the sport have now wanted to get involved. I know my niece was the first to say she wanted to play football now.
“And the FA have done a lot behind the scenes to broaden their pathway, in terms of who they are hitting around the country and making sure everyone has access to join that talent pathway.
“For me, it’s a case of keep getting girls involved and use the WSL to keep inspiring those young players and get us players and staff out in the community to help keep people interested.
“At the end of the day, all the fans want to do is speak to the girls who step out on the pitch and have photos with them and that is an experience you get in the women’s game that might not be seen in the men’s game.
“So hopefully we keep on inspiring people every week and we keep growing the foundations that allow us to keep pushing at the top end.”
Tom Freeman previews this weekend’s action in the third and fourth tiers of Scottish Women’s Football (3/9/22).
Above: Jemma McQuillan hits Rossvale’s first goal in their win at Dryburgh last weekend. Photo: Ger Harley/Sportspix.
The lack of SWPL action this weekend allows the spotlight of women’s football in Scotland to fall on the Championship and League One.
The highly competitive leagues run by Scottish Women’s Football are playing their fourth week of ties, with Livingston unbeaten at the top of the eight-team Championship with seven points travelling to Petershill to face Glasgow club Rossvale, who are just a point behind. Also on six points are Edinburgh’s Hutchison Vale, who host Dundee club Dryburgh Athletic in Wester Hailes, and Renfrew Ladies who are visiting Ayr United in Cumnock.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle will host Morton on Sunday with both sides looking to build on their three-point tally.
All eight teams are aiming for promotion, with the Championship winner gaining an automatic SWPL place at the end of the season, and the second-placed team also entering into a playoff.
Above: Livingston (amber) are unbeaten in the SWF Championship so far. Photo: Joe Patterson.
Falkirk’s victory in their local derby with Stenhousemuir last weekend has put them in pole position in the Women’s League One, and on Sunday they travel to face Paisley club Gleniffer Thistle, who are still looking for their first points of the campaign.
Also unbeaten in League One are Westdyke, who will host newcomers Giffnock to the northeast, and FC Edinburgh, who welcome Airdrie Ladies to Meadowbank. Grampian Ladies, who have scored 12 goals in their last two games will welcome Dundee West to the Bank of Dee.
Elsewhere, BSC Glasgow will be looking to pick up their first points of the season at home to St Mirren and Stenhousemuir play Edinburgh Caledonia at Ochilview.
Commenting, Scottish Women’s Football CEO Aileen Campbell said: “There are no SWPL games being played this weekend because of the international break, but there is plenty of quality, competitive women’s football happening across the country. Whether you are in the Highlands, the Northeast, Ayrshire or Central Scotland, everyone has the opportunity to get along to support their local girls in action.
“Even if there is no Championship or League One action near you, we also have our Biffa SWFL regional leagues and the Highlands and Islands league, providing opportunities for women and girls to play and get involved all across the country. If you are interested in watching a game, check out all the fixtures on the Scottish Women’s Football website.”
Above: Jayden Simmons of underbeaten League One side FC Edinburgh, who face Airdrie this weekend. Photo: Ger Harley/Sportspix
Above: Celebrations for AFC Wimbledon at Ashford Town on Thursday night. Photo: Glyn Roberts.
AFC Wimbledon bounced back to winning form in style on Thursday night with Ashlee Hincks striking a superb hat-trick in a 4-1 win at newly promoted Ashford Town (Middx) in the FA Women’s National League Division One South-East.
The victory was achieved without captain Hannah Billingham, Emily Donovan, and Amy Taylor, but young talent Remmi Gardner stepped up impressively as she marked her first-team elevation by scoring with a lovely lob.
Aiming to make amends after Sunday’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to QPR, things certainly didn’t go to plan initially as Ashford took the lead inside 10 minutes as the home side’s dangerous striker Ashley Cheatley took advantage of a defensive mix up to put her team ahead.
The reaction that followed from the Dons was exactly what was required in the circumstances though as Ashford keeper Sophie Shults was required to make several fine saves. The woodwork was then rattled by Ashlee Hincks, who also came close to levelling the scores with a free-kick from range that went just wide.
It was starting to look like another frustrating match for the Dons, but then came that moment of brilliance from Remmi Gardner, who struck a lob from outside the penalty area that left Shults with no chance.
The second-half continued with more Dons pressure, but patience was required to gain the upper hand. With 15 minutes remaining, Ashlee Hincks bundled the ball in from close range to get her first of the season and that opened the floodgates. Two more from last season’s top scorer completed a quick-fire hat-trick, sending a warning to the rest of the league in the process.
Manager Kevin Foster said: “Unlike Sunday when we couldn’t get that breakthrough goal, we got it today, and it calmed us down, helping us to start finding the back of the net again.”
Remmi Gardner added: “I felt that we started off well, but getting the goal gave us the momentum to go and get the next three goals. I thought it was a good battle.”
With Wimbledon’s next scheduled fixture at Hounslow on Sunday having been postponed, Kevin Foster’s side have to wait until Sunday 11 September to be back in action with a game at Cheltenham Town in the FAWNL Plate.
Five Talents You Should Watch Out For From The U-20 World Cup
by Emmanuel Faith (2/9/22)
Above: The new U20 World Champions, Spain. Artwork: FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
Although the FIFA under-20 World Cup wrapped up on Monday, a lot of football fans are still basking in the array of exhilarating moments of the tournament.
From Spain scoring three goals in 27 minutes, to Brazilians singing for and wrapping the player of the tournament Maika Hamano in a warm embrace, and Tarciane scoring a bicycle kick to put her team ahead against Dutch after losing a penalty, monumental moments like this would live in our hearts forever.
FIFA Under-20 World Cups have produced players that later went on to shine for their countries and this year’s edition is no exception. Having witnessed amazing talents like Christine Sinclair of Canada in 2002, Marta of Brazil in 2004, Alexandra Popp of Germany in 2010, and the Nigerian whiz Asisat Oshoala in 2014. Costa Rica has shone the lights on another amazing set of talents and below are a few you should watch out for.
1. Tarciane Karen: The Brazilian defender and captain was one of the most outstanding players of the tournament. Besides scoring three important goals and shouldering the responsibility of being the team’s designated penalty taker, her leadership qualities marshalled the Brazilian defence while contributing to the attack with her pace when and tackles when required. Little wonder the Brazilian coach Pia Sundhage mentioned in an interview that she would be glad to give her a trial time with the senior national team.
2. Inma Gabarro: How do you know a player who is going to be the football rockstar in the next couple of months? By her impressive goal-scoring abilities. Scoring eight goals in six matches was more than enough for the Sevilla attacking midfielder to pick up the golden boot and if she continues with this form, the Spanish senior team can be assured of another top-tier talent in a few years. Who knows, she might even be part of the team travelling to Australia and New Zealand.
Above: Maika Hamano (left), Inma Gabarro (centre), and Yuzuki Yamammoto (right) pose with the silver, golden, and bronze boots. Photo: FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
3. Imuran Abiola: Despite the quarter-final exit of the African starlets at the competition, the Nigerian team were one of the dazzling teams and the 18-year-old defender was one of the stars who glistened with resplendence. Apart from her incisive contributions to the attack, providing two assists during the process, her defensive contribution in the first two matches, positioned her as one of the stars to watch out for in the nearest future. It isn’t surprising she has been called up to the Super Falcons for their friendly against the reigning World champions, the United States.
4. Maika Hamano: She plays with grace, poise, and flair. Winning the golden ball award was a deserving consolation for the Japanese striker whose immense contribution kept the Asian heroines going. While a lot of Asians haven’t been in the spotlight in Europe and WSL, we have seen the likes of Ji So-Yun and Sam Kerr of Chelsea, Iwabuchi of Arsenal, Saki Kumagai of Bayern Munich engrave their name in the frame of modern football. Hamano might be following their footsteps soon, especially if she makes it to the FIFA World Cup next year or the Olympics in 2024.
5. Yaya: The Brazilians were a handful in the tournament and the lanky midfield maestro was one of the spotlights of the young Selecaos. The way she dazzles the ball reminds you of prime Marta, or Ronaldinho, and who knows, she might be playing in the NWSL or Europe in the nearest future.
Above: The Brazilian rockstars; Yaya and Tarciane celebrate a goal. Photo: FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
There are also astounding talents like the dazzling Dutch midfielder Liz Rijsbergen, the Nigerian midfield engine Esther Onyenezide, the Spanish forward; Slama Paralluelo among others.
The world is waiting for these talents and we can’t wait to see how far they would go. Which other amazing youngster caught your attention? Please comment below.
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