Queen of the set piece Sherida Spitse retires from international football

By Roos Schelen (29/10/2025)

Above: the Dutch national team forms a guard of honor for Sherida Spitse. Photo: Oranjevrouwen on X.

Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Canada saw Netherlands’ record cap holder Sherida Spitse’s final match in an orange jersey. As the Leeuwinnen prepared to kick off against Canada, Spitse sang the Wilhelmus one final time. The 35-year-old is retiring from international football, but will keep playing in Ajax colours in the Dutch Eredivisie. 

Impetus Football looked back at her impressive international career – in which she racked up 248 caps. Those 248 matches in orange make her the record international appearance maker in Europe (considering both men and women), ahead of legends like Caroline Seger. 

Eight major tournaments

She started her international career in 2006 at just 16 years old when she made an appearance in the 4-0 loss against England. She found out about her call up when her mother came to her in the supermarket she was working at, to inform her that then-head coach Vera Pauw had called. 

Above: Spitse’ debut, 2006. Photo: WEURO2025 on X.

It was the start of something special for the Frisian player: a career in which she played at five European Championships and three World Cups. That Euros in 2017? A special one. She only went and won it with her team mates. But more about that later. 

In 2009 the Dutch women’s national football team went to their first Euros, under Vera Pauw as head coach. It wasn’t an unsuccessful tournament at all, as the Oranje Leeuwinnen lost their semifinal against England after extra time and eventually went on to win the bronze medal. The following Euros in 2013 weren’t as glorious as the Dutchies did not make it out of their group. 

On to 2015, when the Leeuwinnen went to their first World Cup, in Canada. This time, they made it out of their group but stranded in the Round of 16. Then came that home tournament in 2017. 

Spitse started the tournament without the captain’s armband, but captain Mandy van den Berg was quickly moved to the bench by Sarina Wiegman. After a successful tournament, it was Spitse who lifted the trophy with the captain’s armband on her arm. Spitse scored a free kick in the final. Spitse herself calls that day, the 6th of August 2017, the best day in her international career. She said: “I will never forget that day. […] 2017 is the best year. We became European Champions and my son was born”.

Above: Spitse with the 2017 Euros trophy. Photo: KNVB.

The Leeuwinnen made it to the final at the World Cup in France in 2019, but lost out to the United States, who beat the girls in orange 2-0. Spitse captained the team throughout the tournament. She missed out on the Olympics in 2021 with a knee injury. 

Her two final Euros weren’t as successful as Spitse as Oranje exited the tournament to France in the round of 16 in 2022 in England, and did not survive the group stages this summer in Switzerland. Nor was the World Cup in 2023, when they went out in the quarter finals against Spain. 

Set piece queen

Spitse could always be heard coaching the team, especially during the COVID-19 lockdowns when no audiences were allowed in the stadiums. She was always making sure her team mates were fighting for the ball and closing down spaces. 

When set pieces had to be taken, Spitse was the player her fellow Leeuwinnen looked at. Spitse has a phenomenal shot in her, a skill she will no doubt continue to use at Ajax in the Eredivisie. She has scored some cracking goals for the team. Her most notable (but nowhere near her best) goal was that free kick in the final against Denmark in 2017. It was a low shot past the Danish wall, while everyone probably expected her to kick the ball high. 

The down-to-earth player from Sneek could pick out some great passes as well. To name another example from the 2017 Euros final: her long ball over the top to find Vivianne Miedema, who turned Spitse’s pass into an assist, was a beauty. In her hay days she would also effortlessly control the pace in midfield. When she missed out on the Olympics, her absence as the anchor in midfield was notable. The team struggled to keep their defensive shape throughout the tournament, conceding a whopping 10 goals in 4 matches.

An ending international career

She was however losing out to opponents increasingly later in her international career. She was moved back a line to play at centre back, making up for her deteriorating pace, under head coach Andries Jonker in 2023. But, in her final two years as an international player, the criticism swelled. Spitse started the Euros this summer on the bench. 

And now, she is retiring. In an interview with the KNVB (the Dutch FA), Spitse said her priorities have changed. She wants to spend more time with her children and focus on her club, Ajax. She also wants to become a coach when her playing career ends definitively. She said: “singing the Wilhelmus every time and being allowed to wear that shirt, that’s what fills me with pride.”

And so, in the 48th minute on her 248th cap, Spitse was subbed off to a standing ovation by the spectators and a guard of honour by the Dutch and Canadian players. She addressed the crowd emotionally after the match, flanked by her two children Jens and Mila.

Let’s not let the recency bias dictate our feelings towards Spitse too much. She was an anchor in the Dutch team for many years, contributing to a lot of successes like the Euro 2017 win. Always available when the team needed her to be, a leader when prompted and unprompted. It’s definitely the start of a new era for the Oranje Leeuwinnen. 

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Kennedy sees red as England triumph over ten-player Australia

England 3-0 Australia 

Above: The England side that lined up to face Australia. Photo: The Lionesses on X.

By Ava-Marianne Elliott at Pride Park (28/10/25)

The back-to-back European Champions claimed a dominant 3-0 victory at Derby County’s Pride Park after an early red card from Alanna Kennedy left Australia with ten players, but two second-half injury concerns to Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones dampened the win. 

The teams 

Last weekend brought a loss for England against a ten-player Brazil in the first game of their ‘homecoming series’ after winning the Euro’s for the second time on the trot. Despite the game not being as negative as it seemed, it felt largely crucial that the Lionesses achieved a win this time out. 

Reflecting the experimental nature of this window, Sarina Wiegman named six changes to the starting lineup from the weekend, notably introducing debutants Taylor Hinds and Lucia Kendall, who both received their first Senior call up this window. 

Fresh off the back of a win in Cardiff against Wales, a second win for Australia would add another positive to their international window. Under Joe Montemurro the side are still largely finding their feet, searching for combinations that achieve the best outcome before the Women’s Asian Cup in March next year. 

To match a side with quality attack, the Matildas had four changes introduced, all of which coming in defensive positions. 

The action 

The first-half consisted largely of the Lionesses’ dominating the field. The opening minutes saw opportunities for both sides, with Kennedy taking an early ambitious shot and England facing disappointment as Beever-Jones’ early goal was chalked off for offside. 

It was Beever-Jones’ who claimed the first viable goal of the evening, after pressure badgered Kennedy into a misstep that led her to drag Alessia Russo down just outside the box. The defender was shown a straight red and the visitors were down to ten just 20 minutes in. 

Beever-Jones’ initial shot from the freekick hit the bottom of the wall, but bounced back for a second chance which she cleanly sent into the top left-hand side of goal. 

A chance shone through for Australia when Ellie Carpenter made a clever run on the counter down the right-hand channel, sending a cross to Sam Kerr who forced Hannah Hampton to push the ball out for a corner. Just as the energy picked up, the momentum was killed when the flag went up for offside after Steph Catley’s corner. 

England’s second goal came towards the end of the half. Despite some excellent initial defending from the visitors in a box overcrowded with England shirts, Lucy Bronze struck a low shot past Arnold into an uncovered bottom left corner, doubling their lead before the break. 

The second half was a relatively quiet affair, with the visitors doubling down on their defensive efforts. As the game crept into extra time it looked as if the last 45 would remain goalless, until misfortune struck again in the final moments of extra time, when VAR granted England a penalty. 

Georgia Stanway, despite being denied by an incredible save from Arnold earlier in the half, stepped up to the spot and confidently buried the third before the whistle signalled full time. 

Post-match thoughts 

England’s presence on the pitch tonight was top-notch. Everything seemed to align and the dynamic the team produced ensured all the connections across the pitch clicked. In the end, it just proved to be a code that the visitors were unable to crack. Overall, the performance was a huge positive, especially when there were a few new partnerships and players on the field. 

Wiegman’s side were relatively untested, dominating the possession. England were largely on top, even before Kennedy’s mishap that made the rest of the match more difficult and put the Matildas in a position of disadvantage. 

Despite the negatives in Australia’s performance, one positive shone through in the form of Heatley. Although one of the younger, less experienced players on the pitch, her performance today radiated composure and maturity. 

TEAMS: ENGLAND: Hampton (GK), Bronze, Hinds, Walsh (C ), Le Tissier, Morgan, Mead, Kendall, Russo, Toone, Beever-Jones SUBS: Charles (46’), Keating (GK), Stanway (62’), Greenwood (62’), Carter, Kelly (80’), Kearns (62’), Agyemang (62’), Blindkilde Brown, Moorhouse (GK), Fisk, Naz.

AUSTRALIA: Arnold (GK), Heatley, Hunt, Catley, Foord, Kennedy, Sayer, Gorry, Kerr (C ), Carpenter, Cooney-Cross SUBS: Nevin, Vine, Torpey, Wheeler (70’), Micah (GK), Raso (70’), Aquino (GK), Grant (70’), Mcnamara, Siemsen (90+3), Rankin (90+2), Heyman.

REFEREE: Luliana Demetrescu 

ATTENDANCE: 26,544

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Steph Catley: “To win a major trophy with this team would mean absolutely everything to me.”

By Alice de Koster-Kitto 27/10/2025

Above: Steph Catley scores for Australia. Photo: Football Australia.

Steph Catley spoke to the media following a 2-1 win against Cymru in Cardiff this past weekend, reflecting on her takeaways from the victory and her hopes for the Matildas’ upcoming clash against England this Wednesday.

Catley was absent from the match against the Welsh side, having come into camp late, just a few days prior to the meeting; however, the defender had a lot to say about her squad’s performance and what it means going into the remainder of this international window, and ultimately the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

“We’re capable of playing some really, really great football. And I think Joe (Montemurro) really believes in those sorts of foundations, in the style of possession-based football.”

The primary aim for the Matildas this internation window will be to build upon already established tactics and relationships, under the fresh guise of head coach Joe Montemurro, who took on the position earlier this year, and has already brought an innovative style of play to the squad in his short time with them.

“The main thing for us is trying to build an identity again in the way that we play. And I think, you know, we’ve got players that are playing in some of the best leagues and some of the best teams around the world and in Europe.”

While they’re looking at each of these games for what they are, as individual opportunities to grow as a team, the upcoming Asian Cup is always at the back of mind.

“To win a major trophy with this team would mean absolutely everything to me. and I know the girls feel exactly the same way.”

With just three friendly matches to go ahead of an incredibly high-stakes tournament, pressure is at an all-time high for the Matildas, as the Asian Cup serves as not only a major home tournament, but as qualifiers for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

“We’ve got a short amount of time, but we’re working really, really hard to do it.”

Success in these upcoming matches feels more in reach than ever for Catley after taking home the UEFA Women’s Champions League with Arsenal earlier in the year. The history-making victory gave the Matildas captain a new sense of belief and motivation to bring home that kind of success for her country, saying the taste of victory “wakes something up, a new, a little extra drive to want to win things, because you know it’s possible, you know, how it feels.”

“I think it just gives you a sense that anything’s possible in football.”

Despite playing most of her Matilda’s career at left-back, Catley recently received  A Ballon d’Or nomination for her performance at centre back at Arsenal, and while she believes that consistency in positioning may be of benefit in the lead up to the Asian Cup, it is moree so a credit to the diversity in her own game, as well as the squad.

“I think for a coach, especially like Joe, if he has players that can play multiple positions, leading into a tournament,” says Catley. “If you get an injury or something happens to a player that’s supposed to play a certain position, being able to play multiple times is really handy in that situation” she added.

Her time at Arsenal has not only developed her tactically, but has provided the unique opportunity to get to know many of her England opponents, playing with and against them regularly in The Women’s Super League each week.

“I think there’s always an advantage in knowing the players that you’re going to play against.”

The last time the Matildas took on the Lionesses was in a devastating World Cup semi-final, in which Australia took a 3-1 loss to their opponents. Since then, England have gone on to win their second consecutive UEFA Women’s Euros titles, and the intensity of this clash is not lost on Catley.

“That was probably one of the most heartbreaking games I’ve played in my career. So, yeah, there’s definitely wounds there and you do remember those moments, but like I said, it’s a fresh new project and a new challenge for us.”

“It’s almost like a sibling rivalry in a way, I think it becomes really, really competitive, especially because we probably know each other so well.”

While having such familiarity with a vast majority of the England squad has better prepared the Matildas for this match, in comparison to their last meeting, Catley is aware that “It also gives them the same sort of upper hand because they know us really, really well.”

“We’re in a completely different stage now with our team, different coach, different players, different tournaments. But, I think you can’t help but remember past games when you come up against the same opposition.”

The Lionesses’ attacking front line will be a main point of contention for the Matildas, especially for Catley, as she looks to build up a defense that could often be described as lacking depth.

“It’s something that we’ve always talked about as a squad, as being probably one of our weaknesses going into a major tournament, is that maybe we haven’t got the depth that we’ve wanted.”

Despite this weakness, it is the innate awareness of it that is helping build the squad to the place it needs to be in order for Australia’s defense to hold their own over a threat as heavy as England.

With a number of defenders having such a versatile style of play, including  players such as Alanna Kennedy being able to play further forward, or Courtney Nevin, who recently scored while remaining strong at the back, Catley is confident that the depth is far into development, and the combinations needed to hold their own are there.

“It’s just about bringing them in together and sort of seeing that happening in a fluid way,  that benefits each other on the field and brings the best out of you.”

“I’ve represented this team and my country for many, many years, and it’s always been the most important thing to me in a way, it means so much every time I put the shirt on.”

Above all, representing Australia is the most important thing to Catley. The gravity of the opportunity has not been lost on the defender, and has shined through especially during her time as captain over the past two years.

“I try to bring who I am off the pitch, on the pitch,” says Catley, “Whether I’ve got the armband on or not, I’ll continue to do the same thing.”

The Matildas will take on England Lionesses on Wednesday, 29th October at 6 am AEDT, with the match to be streamed on Paramount+.

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Foord finish gives Matildas win in Cardiff

By Kieran Yap 26/10/25

Above: Caitlin Foord and Courtney Nevin for Australia. Photo: Football Australia

Australia have begun the latest international window with a 2-1 win over Cymru in Cardiff.

Goals to Courtney Nevin and Caitlin Foord secured the victory despite a classy second half finish from Mared Griffiths.

Joe Montemurro had an almost full strength lineup at his disposal, but vice captains Steph Catley and Ellie Carpenter were kept in reserve, with Nevin and Kaitlyn Torpey chosen over the rested stars.

Winonah Heatley started in central defence, partnering Clare Hunt with Montemurro placing trust in the paid who have both been  in the first XI at their respective clubs. 

The Matildas midfield was a combination of Katrina Gorry and Kyra Cooney-Cross. The World Cup partnership was reunited for the first time since the Paris Olympics but were anchored by Clare Wheeler. The Everton captain finally getting her chance to impress the new coach.

In attack, the headlines were made. Sam Kerr was in the starting lineup. The returning superstar was flanked by Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso who wore the armband in her 100th cap.

Montemurro had forecast a possession based game, but it was obvious from kickoff that it should not be confused with slow play. 

Australia tried to move the ball quickly to wide attacking areas. Although for the most part the ball was kept on the ground, the passes were often direct and aggressive.

Heatley’s ability with both feet was a real asset in bringing the ball out of defence and the overlapping Torpey was energetic on the right.

The opening goal for fortuitous. Nevin curled a free kick into the near post, and Kerr’s typically well timed run did enough to distract the goalkeeper and allow the ball to fly into the net. 

Jess Fishlock came close to an equaliser in her farewell game, but her excellent half volley was caught by Teagan Micah.

Despite being the more attacking of the two teams, Australia’s style and movement still came with risks. In the 55th minute Cymru took advantage. 

Nevin was caught high up the pitch, and the rest of the defence were equally out of position when Griffiths was allowed space at the back of the penalty box and time to turn.

Despite this, the finish was all class as she lofted the ball over Micah with a perfect chip.

Australia made some changes midway through the second half. Carpenter, Holly McNamara and Amy Sayer all entered the game. Alanna Kennedy also came on into midfield and all the substitutes made an impact. 

Kennedy’s presence allowed Cooney-Cross to play a more advanced role and the Arsenal midfielder was on the end of a move involving Carpenter that gave her space to cross for Foord to shoot at the top of the six-yard box.

The goal was enough to win the match and boost confidence, but as always there are pros and cons to any performance.

As good as the wingers were, Australia’s attack looked a little repetitive. 

The main Matildas plan of attack looked to be getting it wide and cutting the ball back to the goalmouth. 

This did eventually result in the winning shot, and makes sense as a plan A because Raso and Foord are two of Australia’s best and most consistent players, but ideally they will need to find other ways to create chances. 

Over time the development of players like Daniela Galic, the return of Mary Fowler and the potential use of Emily Van Egmond may improve this.

In defence, Heatley was a stand out. She is fast, two-footed, brave in possession and well positioned without the ball. 

The Roma centre back is already a fan favourite and an equally impressive outing against England should cement her position as the first choice central defender or best understudy should Catley take up that role.

Defensively, Australia were solid in formation, but a better team would punish some of the turnovers and occasional errors. 

Overall, this was a strong if unspectacular performance, but that is to be expected with a team and manager still finding their best combinations.

The issue remains that time is running out to do that, but on the strength of this win, it looks like things are headed in the right direction.

Lineups: Cymru: Middleton-Patel, Evan’s, Ingle, Zimmerman, Holland, James, Fishlock, Cain, Ladd, M Griffiths, Morgan. Substitutes: Clark, Soper, Estcourt, Scarlett, Ross, Filby, Hill, A Griffiths, Jones, Hughes, Teisar, Mcateer. 

Goals: M Griffiths 55’ 

Australia :  Micah, Nevin, Heatley, Hunt, Torpey, Wheeler, Gorry, Cooney-Cross, Raso, Foord, Kerr. Substitutes: Arnold, Aquino, Catley, Grant, Siemsen, Rankin, Carpenter, Heyman, Sayer, Kennedy, McNamara, Vine. 

Goals: Courtney Nevin 27′, Caitlin Foord 85′

Referee: TBC

Attendance: TBC

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Brasil survive England onslaugt to claim friendly win

England 1-2 Brasil

By Catherine MacKenzie (25/10/25)

Above: the England starting eleven. Photo: @Lionesses on X.

It was a battle of Champions in Manchester as the Euros-winning Lionesses hosted the Copa América victors Brazil in a friendly. Brasil ended with the win, after scoring two early goals against a makeshift England defence.

Context

Fresh off the back of their victorious run at the 2025 Euros, England billed the match as the start of their Homecoming series. With the World Cup two years away, the Lionesses are in a relatively quiet period, which brings with it the opportunity for friendlies. Brasil are fresh from success themselves, a Copa América victory in hand – a final that was also won via penalties, against Columbia.

Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman called this camp a ‘new cycle’, a phrase which certainly feels apt: the team is undergoing a period of transition, with retirements (Millie Bright, Fran Kirby, Mary Earps), and injuries (Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Katie Reid, Jess Park, Grace Clinton). New players have been embedded, and there is a sense that the new tournament cycle will signal a changing of the guard.

The action

Fast counter-attacks saw Brasil easily take an early lead. Exploiting England’s lack of pace through the middle, Dudinha passed to Kansas City’s Bia Zaneratto who slotted home with little resistance from the home side. Dudinha made it two ten minutes later, just before captain Angelina was sent off for denying Ella Toone a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

Following the red card, England took control of the game. They created a flurry of chances – the best being Alex Greenwood’s free-kick which hit the bar – but were not clinical enough in the final third. They struggled to find star striker Alessia Russo, particularly in the first half.

England regained their focus for the second half and dominated from the restart, with 79% of the possession and 13 shots to Brasil’s one, with two on target. The Lionesses also hit the woodwork and forced Lorena in the Brasilian goal into a number of saves. Despite a typically strong penalty from Georgia Stanway, the hosts’ late onslaught was not enough to seal the win.

Post-match thoughts

Ahead of the match, Wiegman said she wanted the Lionessses to stay out of duels and avoid getting pulled into a physical competition. Whilst they managed this well for large parts of the game, the opening period saw the home side struggle to cope. It is perhaps unsurprising – a new goalkeeper and a backline that have rarely played together will always take time to gel.

Going forward, England were frustrated. The front three of Russo, Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly all play for the same club, and have had a tendency at club to play one too many passes in the opposition box, giving their opponents time to clear the ball. This seemed to be at play here: when there were opportunities to shoot, the ball was instead passed, as the Lionesses tried to walk the ball into the goal.

Overall, whilst there tends to be panic whenever England lose, it was not an altogether poor performance. The Lionesses dominated the entire second half, however the visitors’ shift to a defensive back five ensured they saw out the win. Where England will be most frustrated is in conceding early once again – two goals within the opening twenty minutes. This has become a trend over the last year; one that Wiegman will be eager to iron out before their next competitive fixture.

The Lionesses return to action on Tuesday against Australia.

TEAMS: ENGLAND (4-2-3-1): Keating, Le Tissier, Morgan, Carter, Greenwood, Walsh, Stanway, Kelly, Toone, Mead, Russo. Substitutes: Moorhouse, Baggaley, Bronze (for Carter 63′), Fisk, Hinds, Charles, Hinds, Blinkilde-Brown, Kendall, Kearns, Beever-Jones (for Kelly 63′), Naz, Agyemang (for Stanway 83′).

Scorers: Stanway 1-2 52′

BRASIL (3-4-2-1): Leite, Haas, Mariza, Tarciane, Ribeiro, Sampaio, Angelina, Rosa, Dudinha, Zaneratto, Silva. Substitutes: Carla, Claudia, Lima, Bruinha (for Yasmin 63′) , Ferreira (for Haas 62′), Calhau, Borges (for Zaneratto 63′), Estevam, Amanda, Isabela (for Luany 62′), Caroline, Jheniffer, Maranhao.

Scorers: Zaneratto 0-1 9′, Dudinha 0-2 18′

Attendance: 37,460

Referee: Natalie Simon (USA)

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Sam Kerr ready to lead again

Above: Sam Kerr arriving to Cardiff. Photo: via Commbank Matildas

By Callum Logie (25/10/2025)

Sam Kerr has announced her intention to return to a leadership role for the Matildas upon her return to the squad after nearly two years out from an ACL injury.

Speaking to the press in Cardiff ahead of the Matilda’s upcoming friendly against Wales, Kerr spoke about her passion for the team and how she feels she has a lot to give to the side in a leadership role.

“On being the captain, of course I still feel really passionate about that,” said Kerr.

“I have so much more to give this team in a leadership role. This team here will make football decisions, and I feel like football-wise, I’m one of the best leaders in the team. I feel really passionate and proud that I’ve been in that position before, and hopefully continue forward.”

Arsenal’s Steph Catley has taken the captain’s armband during Kerr’s absence and has done an admirable job leading the team for that near two year period. Coach Joe Montemurro indicated that bringing Kerr back into the squad will be at the same gradual pace that her club side Chelsea has been implementing since her return.

Kerr spoke candidly about her recovery period for the injury, sharing about the mental struggles of working through such a level of rehabilitation, especially when receiving treatment for a previous undiagnosed injury.

“I struggled a little bit in the first nine months with a few setbacks,” Kerr said.

“As an athlete, you go up and down in self-belief and self-doubt when you’re injured. It’s hard to be away from the game.”

Being the competitive leader she has always been, Kerr has expressed frustration toward her limited minutes with Chelsea upon her return, indicating that she was eager to contribute more now that she was able to play again.

“I’ve come back from my injury, but there’s a year-and-a-half of no football behind me, so it’s been quite frustrating because I want to play as many minutes as possible, but there have been people a lot smarter than me holding me back a little bit,” Kerr said.

“I’m definitely not 90-minute fit. I think I’ve got about 70 minutes in me. That’s what I would say. Every day, every session is helpful for me, because I’ve had a year-and-a-half out of football, so I just need more sessions, more game time. I’m fully fit, but I’m about 70-80 per cent game fit.”

Kerr was pleased with her reintegration into the Matilda’s set-up indicating that coach Joe Montemurro allowed her to come back into the squad and play with the group on her terms.

“I’ve just come in and the only meetings I’ve attended, which has been really nice to be honest, have been the team meetings. I think everyone is just giving me space to just come back and enjoy myself and be free, come back in and play football.” Kerr said.

While eager to get involved in the friendly on Sunday, next year’s Asian Cup remains the key focus for Kerr and the Matildas.

“I’ve had a long time out of football, and the Asian Cup is the most important thing to me coming up, so there’s no need to rush it,” she said.

“The Asian Cup is so important. When I last won it, I was a young 16-year-old kid, so I didn’t even really get to experience what it actually was like. Looking back, I was living my dream without even knowing it, so it would be good to hopefully lift the trophy. It would be a dream come true.”

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Ferns falter in first North American challenge

Above: Annalie Longo (right) battles with her Mexican opponent. Photo: via Mexico Football 

By Jonathon Hagger (24/10/2025)

MEXICO 1 – 0 NEW ZEALAND

The first of a trio of friendly matches for the New Zealand Football Ferns this international window did not go well for the travelling Football Ferns, after an early Aaliyah Farmer goal saw Mexico saw the Ferns lose to Mexico 1-0.

The first goal scoring opportunity came about in the eighth minute as a deflected pass fell at the feet of an unmarked Lizbeth Ovalle in the Ferns goal area, which was ultimately deflected out for a corner kick by a fully outstretched Liz Anton.

The Mexican women went ahead with the first goal of the match off a well taken corner kick that baffled the Ferns defenders, who appeared to be unaware of their required positional roles. An uncleared ball found the feet of Farmer who easily slotted the ball into the next, giving Mexico an early lead in the 9th minute. 

The Mexican women played a possession-based game throughout the first half, building in phases and advancing confidently down the pitch. Whereas the Ferns – who were unable to keep possession for any length of time – resorted to playing counterattack football which was easily shut down by a well drilled defensive unit.

The remainder of the first fell into a slow rhythm with the Mexican women closing any opportunities for the Ferns, while the Ferns absorbed relentless pressure fending off wave after wave of attack. Halftime was taken with the score remaining at Mexico 1 – 0 to the Football Ferns.

The second half started in the same way that the first half finished – Mexico holding the ball deep inside the Ferns half, waiting for opportunities to present themselves, and attempting to score. Shots on goal and attempts to score played out in the first five minutes with the Ferns, once again, sitting on their heels trying desperately to at least get the ball through to the attacking midfielders but alas, without success.

An uncharacteristic lapse of concentration in the Mexican team created an opening for the Ferns to score in the 52nd minute. Poor clearance actions by Mexico gave the Ferns a rare chance to score as a well weighted chip by Michaela Foster into the path of a fast-moving Milly Clegg, forced the goalkeeper to punch the ball away into safety.

The introduction of Manaia Elliott provided some spark for the Ferns as she controlled the ball well on the left flank. Elliott injected herself into the play energetically right from her first touch of the ball.

The Ferns secured their first real goal scoring opportunity in the 63rd minute from a very irregular lack of clearance by Mexico. Kelli Brown fired a solid shot from the top of the goal area, forcing the Mexican goalkeeper into action. The shot was saved, and the Ferns earned an attacking corner. In the same way as the rest of the match, the attack was shut down by a dominant Mexican defensive unit.

The match snapped out of its lackluster speed beginning in the 75th minute as a defensive high press forced the Ferns into turning over possession of the ball in their own half. A strong shot struck from 10 feet out from the goal area by Montserrat Saldívar required Victoria Esson to activate her reflexes and force the ball away.

Mexico’s next threatening play came in the 81st minute with a speculative shot on goal by Ovalle that was taken with two hands by Esson, which was then followed up a mere minute later with the Mexican women stringing together passes that cut through weak Ferns defence.

Not wanting to settle for just one goal, the Mexican women upped the ante in the final five minutes of the match with wave after wave of attack. The Ferns defenders were caught floundering as the attackers ran past and through them. Esson’s heroics as goalkeeper made all the difference and saved the Ferns from an even bigger loss.

The Mexican women can take a lot of positives from the match as their chemistry was good and the quality of passing excellent. The Ferns on the other hand have a lot of work to do if they are going to keep attempting to implement the coaches’ desired system.

MEXICO: Barreras, Robles (79’), Bernal, Farmer (45’), Reyes, K Rodríguez (60’), Nieto, Delgadillo (68’), Corral (45’), Palacios (60’), Ovalle. Substitutes: Espino, Velasco, Espinoza (60’), A Rodríguez, Ordoñez (45’), Gutiérrez (79’), Delgado, Saldívar (68’), Granados, Soto, Martínez, Mendoza, Ferral (60’), Casárez, Hernández, Servín (45’), Ordoñez.

Goals: Farmer 9’

NEW ZEALAND: Esson, Anton, Foster, Taylor (54’), Hahn, Hand (54’), Kitching (78’), Longo (54’), Riley, Brown (63’), Clegg (63’). Substitutes: Barry, Blake, Bowen (54’), Bunge, Elliott (54’), Jackson (78’), Lake, Moore (54’), Neville, Pijnenburg (63’), Rennie (63’), Wall, Santos.

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Raso revels in reaching monumental milestone

Above: Hayley Raso working hard in training. Photo: via Football Australia.

By Isabelle Campbell (23/10/2025)

Hayley Raso is preparing to reach a monumental milestone in her career – her 100th appearance for the Matildas in their upcoming match against Wales on Saturday. This milestone represents years of dedication, hard work, and resilience, and it holds a special place in her heart.

Reflecting on what this achievement means to her, Raso spoke to the media about the emotional journey she has experienced along the way. She has faced ups and downs, competed in numerous tournaments, and overcome injuries. These moments combining to make this milestone all the more meaningful.

“I’ve been in this team for a long time, so I feel like there’s been a bit of a roller coaster of emotion, ups and downs, been at a lot of tournaments, comeback from injury, and I think when I think about it like that, it’s just really special to have played for this team for so long and to reach such an important milestone.”

For Raso, reaching 100 games is not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of the strong bond she has with the team itself.

“To be able to do it 100 times for Australia, it’s pretty special. We’re a group who have been together for such a long time. It’s like a family, and I think that representing Australia is the biggest honour in the world.”

As Matildas are preparing for another major tournament on home soil, Raso reminisced on the incredible atmosphere during the World Cup and is eager to experience that again.

“We saw what happened after the World Cup and how Australia took to us and the crowds we got and all of those things after having the World Cup in Australia so we’re hoping to replicate that a little bit.”

“We want to make sure that we’re inspiring Australia, bringing in people, getting all of the fans behind us, and we know that that will take us far in the tournament.”

Since her recent move to Germany to join Eintracht Frankfurt, Raso noted that “it’s taken me a few weeks just to understand the way it works in Germany, but I’m loving it over there. I’ve got a really great team. I’m enjoying the football, so I’ve come in here off a high and I’m feeling really good.”

Hayley Raso (above) has had a big few months moving from Tottenham Hotspur to Eintracht Frankfurt.
Photo: via Eintracht Frankfurt

“Life is different. I’m in a really good environment at the moment, so that’s important to me, and one I was chasing. I’ve been very pleasantly impressed with the league and the facility and the clubs.”

Playing regularly across multiple competitions has been one of the major benefits of her move.

“We’ve had a lot of games. We’re playing twice a week, each week. It’s been a really good step for me and a really good move that I needed.”

Although the Matildas have limited camps left before the Asian Cup, Raso feels confident in the coaching staff’s approach and the clarity of the team’s goals.

“We’ve only got a couple of camps and when you think about it, it’s actually very soon, but when you’re in the National team set up, you kind of have to move quickly with your information.”

“We’ve been here a couple of days now, we’ve had a lot of meetings. We’re getting everything across and making sure that everything’s very clear.”

Looking ahead to the match against Wales, Raso says the team is focused on executing the coach’s game plan and making the most of their training sessions.

“Joe has come in and he’s kind of implementing his game plan and the way he wants us to play and what he wants us to do.”

She notes that avoiding travel-related fatigue has allowed for more practice time on the pitch.

“We haven’t lost a number of days flying to Australia with jet lag and those things, so we’re actually able to get a lot more sessions on the grass to prepare.”

As one of the more experienced players in the squad, Raso recognises the responsibility she has to support younger teammates.

“I don’t know at what point I became this experienced player, but I can definitely feel it after being here for so long” Raso said.

“I remember my first days coming in and trying to find my feet and it being difficult going into the national team set up for the first time. Because it’s such a big jump.”

As Raso prepares to take to the field for her 100th game in the green and gold, she carries the pride of a long journey and the determination to continue representing her country with passion and commitment.

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Carpenter chats momentum building ahead of big window

Above: Ellie Carpenter working hard in training. Photo: Rachel Bach for Football Australia.

By Alyce Collett (23/10/2025)

The Matildas are in an important stretch of international windows, and will take another step up in challenge when they face England and Wales in the next week.

Speaking to the media, star defender Ellie Carpenter alluded to the momentum the team is currently trying to build.

This window will be the second until new manager Joe Montemurro, and Carpenter believes this window will see the team build on the foundations laid a few months ago.

“Obviously the camp in July, there was a lot of new faces, experience and also young players coming through, but now I think we have the core group here” Carpenter said.

“He implemented in Perth what his style of play is, how he wants us to execute that on the pitch, and I think in these next few games we can really show what he wants us to do.”

There are not many matches left for the Matildas to prepare for March’s Asian Cup, but Carpenter did confirm that the team has clear plans for what they hope to get out of this window.

“I think chemistry within the team” Carpenter said.

“I think building on those foundations that we want to bring into the Asian Cup. Obviously Wales is a tough opposition they just competed at the Euros, and obviously we all know England are fresh coming off that Euros win.

“But I think we want to see us playing good football and obviously converting chances because I feel like our style of play now, keeping the ball and also going forward but being patient with it.

I think you’ll be see that in the next two games and I think also seeing who fits with each other, relationships on the field, what combinations work well. Joe needs to look at that.”

Next year’s Asian Cup is significant for the Matildas for more than one reason.

Not only is it another major tournament at home but the tournament serves as Asia’s qualifiers for the World Cup, and unlike at the last tournament in 2022 Australia has to fight for its spot at the World Cup this time around because they are not hosting the World Cup.

“I think it’s in the back of our minds” Carpenter admitted, speaking about whether she and her team mates have been thinking about the significance of the tournament as a World Cup qualifier.

“I think that Asian cup in India, we were automatically qualified, but I think it just shows the importance of this tournament. It’s not just the Asian Cup, it is our qualifying. So that is very important and there is so much at stake.

“We need to be ready. We need to be competitive and we need to win our games, just as simple as that. So we know what’s at stake, and I think more for us here, it’s probably just a day to day thing to get through camp, but I’m sure it’s in everyone’s minds and obviously when we come next year in March, we all know what’s at stake.”

It has been a big few months for Carpenter, who is playing for Chelsea in the English Women’s Super League after moving across from French giants Lyon in the mid year transfer window.

Ellie Carpenter (above) has had a big few months on the domestic football front, but has settled in really well to new club Chelsea. Photo: via Chelsea FC

Carpenter described her move to Chelsea as “I think was the best thing for my football career at this time.”

“I think the, the league is very competitive. I can already see my game improving in small parts. Every game is hard and the training environment also is intense.

“I’m really happy of how the season has started and obviously being under Sonia [Bompastor] again.”

This move has brought some new challenges for Carpenter, who said that she “wanted to be out of my comfort zone again, and I think moving to Chelsea I was put out of my comfort zone a little bit. A new team, a new environment, a new league, a whole new team that I didn’t really know going into it.

“I’m a very competitive person, so I really love a challenge and I think it’s really bringing out the best in me.”

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Clare Hunt putting her best foot forward at Tottenham

Above: Clare Hunt in action for the Matildas against Japan at the SheBelieves Cup. Image: Genevieve Henry for Impetus.

By Genevieve Henry (22/10/25).

Clare Hunt has been off to a flying start for the 25-26 season for Tottenham, establishing herself as one of the most composed and consistent centre backs in the Women’s Super League. Playing with confidence, she looks like a new player– or perhaps the one we fell in love with during the World Cup.

With questions about the look of the Matildas defence for not only this window but the next few years, many of Australia’s best defenders are looking to cement their starting spots under head coach Joe Montemurro. Between Hunt, Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy, and Wini Heatley to name a few, there’s heavy competition for centre backs for the Australian national team– and since her transition from the left to the middle for Arsenal, Catley looks to be a lock for one of the spots. Alongside Catley, Hunt is putting on a convincing argument for why she should start. 

If these decisions were made solely on club performance, Hunt would be a lock. Hunt is the only Australian in the WSL to play every minute of every game this season. Steph Catley comes closest, but Hunt has not been subbed off a single time so far. In contrast, Hunt’s likely main competition in Kennedy has played only 181 minutes for London City Lionesses. Only Charli Grant at Tottenham has played less for the Australians abroad in England. Heatley has been performing well and starting for AS Roma in Italy, but Serie A Femminile has played three matches to the WSL’s six as of yet.   

Only losing to Chelsea and Manchester City in the WSL so far, Tottenham are performing at the expected level for the players they have. Undergoing a revitalization under head coach Martin Ho, the defence has solidified since previous seasons. Hunt has played a large role in that, anchoring the defence besides the sensational Japanese 19-year old Toko Koga. 

Hunt has more clearances and more blocks than any other WSL player, with 40 and 14 respectively. Her clearances rank in the 91st percentile and blocks in the 99th. Additionally, Hunt is ninth in accurate long balls per 90, with the fifth highest success rate. Her percentage of aerial duels won also ranks in the 90th percentile, which is in complement to Catley’s only ranking in the 27th.

In fact, Catley and Hunt have near opposite qualities reflected in statistics; where Catley excels in passing and forward momentum, Hunt brings more typical centre-back characteristics. While this partnership works perfectly in theory, the pair should be tested together in the few remaining windows to build chemistry for this cycle. 

Above: Hunt on the ball in February for the Matildas. Image: Genevieve Henry for Impetus.

In her meteoric rise to the biggest stage, Hunt barely put a foot wrong for the Matildas. She has kept this going for the large part of her still young national team career. There was a rough patch for her that coincided with the whole team’s rough patch, so it would be hard to calculate the mental and physical aspects that shaped that period. Hunt has also started to play at a higher level more regularly, which in turn is improving her confidence and form. 

Even in playing against the biggest names in football including Bunny Shaw, Alessia Russo, and the dozens of other top strikers in the WSL, Hunt seems unphased. That’s not to say there’s no room for improvement– there is– but having the building blocks of composure make a difference, especially for the national team. When trust is placed in Hunt, it is evident that she excels and works hard to round out her game.  

Another positive aspect of Hunt is her age. A player in her prime, the 26-year old plays with composure far beyond her years but still has longevity and time to develop even further. She is actually five years younger than Catley and four younger than Kennedy. Playing as right-sided centreback, Hunt could potentially play for many more cycles to come alongside 25-year old Ellie Carpenter. 

Whether it’s a Hunt and Catley combo we see in these friendlies or any iteration of the many capable defenders that the Matildas have in their roster, Hunt has certainly put herself in the best possible position to shine.

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