D1 Arkema 2022/23 Preview

Impetus’ French editor Jean-Pierre Thiesset brings us his look ahead to the new season in France’s top tier. He runs through key signings, injuries, and makes his predictions for 2022/23 (6/9/22).

Above: Olympique Lyonnais lift last season’s D1 Arkema title. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

The New Teams:

Above: The Rodez squad that achieved promotion at the end of last season. Photo: Rodez Aveyron Football.

There will still be 12 teams in D1 Arkema this season with two new teams, Rodez and Le Havre replacing Saint-Etienne and Issy, who were relegated at the end of last season.

Rodez have already spent nine previous seasons in D1 Arkema from 2010 to 2019. Le Havre return to the top flight after being relegated at the end of their only previous spell in 2020/21 when they finished bottom.

The Main Injuries:

Above: Marie-Antoinette Katoto of Paris St. Germain, Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Paris Saint-Germain will have to start its season without its leading scorer Marie-Antoinette Katoto who tore her left-hand side ACL at the beginning of the Euros in England.

Olympique Lyonnais have lost Australian international right back Ellie Carpenter who tore her left-hand side ACL during the Womens UEFA Champions League final in Turin.

The Main Moves/Transfers:

Bordeaux lost most of their key players in part due to the financial problems of the professional men’s team who were demoted to the second tier. Their main departures: Eve Périsset (Chelsea), Charlotte Bilbault (Montpellier), Claire Lavogez (Kansas City), Inès Jaurena (Lyon), Katja Snoeijs (Everton), Laetitia Philippe (Le Havre), Marine Perea (Guingamp). There are no arrivals.

Fleury lost a few players but kept most of their key ones. Arrivals: Laurine Baga (Lyon), Batcheba Louis (Issy), Chantelle Swaby (Rangers), Chloé N’Gazi (Orleans). Departures: Diaz Cirauqui (Dijon), Emmeline Mainguy (Metz), Kenza Chapelle (Nantes), Nikola Karczewska (Tottenham).

Above: Le Havre unveil new signing Eva Kouache. Photo: Havre Athletic Club.

Le Havre made a lot of changes but only a few that are worth mentioning. Main arrivals: Eva Kouache (Metz – ex-Lyon), Laetitia Philippe (Bordeaux).

Olympique Lyonnais made few changes in their squad and mostly reinforced their midfield and let go only two main players. Main arrivals: Signe Bruun (Manchester United – Loan return), Sara Däbritz (Paris SG), Inès Jaurena (Bordeaux). Main departures: Kadeisha Buchanan (Chelsea), Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir (Juventus), Emelyne Laurent (Bayern Munich).

Montpellier have balanced their arrivals and departures even if the loss of Mary Fowler will be difficult to compensate for. Arrivals: Léa Khelifi (Paris SG), Charlotte Bilbault (Bordeaux), Océane Deslandes (Reims), Celeste Boureille (AC Milan). Departures: Mary Fowler (Manchester City), Sarah Puntigam (Cologne), Ashleigh Weerden (Ajax), Morgane Nicoli (Sevilla).

Paris FC made only a few changes in a squad that did a very good job last season, clinching a place in UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arrivals: Louise Fleury (Guingamp), Margaux Le Mouël (Guingamp), Lou Bogaert (Lille). Departures: Hélèna Theriez (Brest), Oriane Jean François (Paris SG).

Above: Gérard Prêcheur, new head coach of Paris St Germain. Photo: PSG Féminines.

Paris Saint-Germain recruited Gérard Prêcheur the ex-coach of Lyon from 2014 to 2017 with which he won several titles in the French Premier League and in UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arrivals: Alice Pinguet (Le Havre – loan return), Lieke Martens (Barcelona), Lydia Williams (Arsenal), Oriane Jean François (Paris FC). Departures: Léa Khelifi (Montpellier), Sara Dabritz (Lyon), Jordyn Huitema (OL Reign), Luana (Corinthians), Charlotte Voll (Altach), Aminata Diallo (free).

Reims lost Naomie Feller who departed for Real Madrid and made a few other changes but kept most of last year’s squad.

There are no significant changes at Rodez and Soyaux.

My Predictions For This Season:

Olympique Lyonnais seems to be the team that once again will largely dominate D1 Arkema this season. Almost no key players left except Kadeisha Buchanan who was not always a starter; they reinforced their midfield with Sara Dabritz; and have Janice Cayman and Inès Jaurena to step in for Ellie Carpenter during her injury.

Furthermore, a few young players from the OL Academy are ready to step up like Nesrine Bahlouli (midfielder), and Kysha Sylla (defender). With the other young players that already integrated the squad last year (like Alice Sombath and Inès Benyahia), Lyon will not only have a strong starting lineup but also a strong bench to back them up for the whole season.

Lyon already demonstrated that their young squad is ready by helping them to win the WICC Cup in Portland in August defeating Chelsea on penalties after a 2-2 draw before seeing off and Monterrey of Mexico 4-0 in the Final.

Above: Inès Jaurena in action for Lyon last month in a friendly against St. Etienne. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Paris Saint-Germain will fight at least for second place, especially with Gérard Prêcheur at the helm, but it could be more difficult for them without Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Sara Dabritz, and Jordyn Huitema who were three of their key players last year. They already struggled in the AMOS Cup in Toulouse where they finished last losing their two games, 1-0 to Manchester United in the semi-final and to Barcelona on penalties in the third place game after a 1-1 draw.

Paris FC and Fleury will probably fight for thir place and maybe for second if Paris Saint-Germain find it harder this time round. Paris FC started their pre-season by winning 3-0 against Servette Geneva and then a loss on penalties to Roma.

Montpellier may enter in the fight for third or fourth, but it will be difficult with the loss of Mary Fowler. They are more likely to join Reims in a battle for fifth or sixth. The latter side have lost Naomie Feller but that kept most of their last season players.

Guingamp and Dijon could aim to the bottom middle part of the standings. Bordeaux will probably struggle to avoid relegation even if they have a very good coach, Patrice Lair. They lost too many key players who have not been replaced to hope a lot more than just stay in D1 Arkema next season.

Above: Le Havre preparing for battles ahead. Photo: Havre Athletic Club.

Soyaux, Le Havre, and Rodez will probably fight all season long with Bordeaux not to be bottom.

First Round Fixtures:

Weekend of September 10:

Bordeaux v Le Havre

Paris Saint-Germain v Soyaux

Paris FC v Rodez

Reims v Olympique Lyonnais

Montpellier v Dijon

Guingamp v Fleury

Above: Delphine Cascarino, player of the match at the Trophée des Championnes clash between Olympique Lyonnais and Paris St. Germain. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Before then was the Trophée des Championnes game between the D1 Arkema Championship winner Olympique Lyonnais and the French Cup winner Paris Saint-Germain on August 28, 2022.

Olympique Lyonnais won the battle 1-0. In a game where the ball went back and forth, Lyon were more efficient and scored after 13 minutes. Danielle Van De Donk was on the mark following a shot from Delphine Cascarino which was deflected the Paris SG goalkeeper to Van De Donk. Despite the fact that Lyon started without seven of their key players – Ellie Carpenter, Catarina Macario, Wendie Renard, Amandine Henry, Eugénie Le Sommer, Damaris Egurrola, and Selma Bacha, we saw a team that played together and that was very strong in midfield and defence. Delphine Cascarino was named player of the game.

Orlando Pride Rise To Play-Off Contention

by Blaise Ogutu (6/9/22).

Above: Orlando Pride players huddle after a game. Photo: ORLPride/Twitter.

Teams in the NWSL this season have been riddled with their own storylines. Whether good, bad or ugly, there is no denying the fact that the league has gotten a lot of attention in recent months.

One team that caught people’s attention is the Orlando Pride. The team currently sits in eighth place, with five points being the only barrier to a play-off berth. The fans and players have been through a lot this season, especially with off-pitch issues plaguing the franchise from earlier this year. 

Let us take it back to December 2021. As part of the expansion draft, Orlando lost arguably the face of the franchise in the form of Alex Morgan to the newly formed San Diego Wave. She was followed by Jodie Taylor who also ended up on the west coast.

Within a similar period, they also traded goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris and defender Ali Krieger to Gotham FC in New Jersey. Two other important cogs in the Pride machinery. Furthermore, in the same two weeks, they traded another goalkeeper, Brittany Isenhour and defender Phoebe McClernon. They weren’t done yet as they waived Konya Plummer and Crystal Thomas. All this before 2022.

The new year came rolling in and more players rolled out of Orlando. In January, Pride lost Taylor Kornieck, Emily Van Egmond, Ali Riley, and Marisa Viggiano in trades to San Diego, Angel City and Houston Dash. Adding salt to injury, these players have turned out to be massive coups for their respective teams. Adding to the list of players shipping out was Mia Fishel, a talented 20-year-old forward who chose to play across the border in a relatively new Liga MX Femenil for Tigres.

Above: Orlando Pride’s Exploria Stadium. Photo: ORLPride/Twitter.

Clearly, something was not being done right down in Florida. The mass exodus left the team with almost no senior players. Compounding the heap of problems, during a Challenge Cup group stage game against the North Carolina Courage, Brazilian superstar Marta pulled up with an injury. Days later, the club confirmed the veteran striker would be out for the season with an ACL injury.

The club was in disarray barely a month before the start of the NWSL regular season. At the start of the season, Orlando only managed two wins in seven games getting eight points out of a possible 21. Another disappointing season was on the cards for the team.

On 7th June, the club announced that head coach Amanda Cromwell and assistant Sam Greene would be placed on administrative leave, effective immediately, pending the conclusion of a joint investigation between the NWSL and NWSL Players Association that explores allegations of workplace misconduct toward NWSL players.

Orlando looked inwards for a replacement and another assistant, Seb Hines was placed on the hot seat on an interim basis. So swift was the move that Hines learned of his new position the same time he heard the news of Cromwell and Greene’s suspensions.

Above: Orlando’s interim head coach, Seb Hines. Photo: ORLPride/Twitter.

Coming off the back of a heavy 5-0 defeat at the hands of the Houston Dash, Hines had to find a way to steer the Orlando ship into safer waters. A tough ask for a coach who only came in two years before. The 34-year-old former defender had to rally his new troop ahead of the game against Chicago Red Stars. Needless to say, Hines lost the game courtesy of a Mallory Pugh tenth-minute strike.

A tough away fixture at the NWSL Shield-chasing Portland Thorns awaited them next and they lost resoundingly 6-0. It was looking bleak. Lucky enough for the struggling team, a two-week international break gave them a chance to regroup.

The regroup however had to be done without another star forward: Sydney Leroux. The striker was traded to Angel City during the break leaving yet another gaping hole that needed to be filled in. Return to action saw Pride host struggling Racing Louisville at the Daytona International Speedway. Seb Hines would register his first point at the helm of the club after his team battled from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw.

The team would go on a seven-game unbeaten run starting with a win slender 1-0 win over the Houston Dash. After the win against Houston, Orlando won two more games and drew three before finally losing the streak to a Megan Rapinoe-inspired comeback to the OL Reign.

In that seven-game run, Seb Hines improved one aspect the team had been struggling with, defending. The partnership forged between Megan Montefusco and Toni Pressley has proved fruitful in games in which they have had their backs against the wall.

Their attack hasn’t been the best but it has done the job as Hines would have wanted. Julie Doyle and Darian Jenkins all found the back of the net in that run supplied by Meggie Dougherty-Howard and Erika Tymrak from midfield. Hines further strengthened his forward line with the acquisition of Ally Watt from OL Reign who scored on her debut. The winner against Gotham FC.

Above: Ally Watt celebrating her debut goal in Orlando vs NJ/NY Gotham FC. Photo: ORLPride/Twitter.

Few people gave the team a chance to be a play-off prospect. With the off-field issues still raging on, Hines seems to have found the right formula to make the team competitive again. With five games remaining in the regular season, Orlando still remain a wild shot at the playoff positions. They still have Angel City and OL Reign to dislodge in order to get the coveted position.

Whether they do get to the post-season, (something they haven’t achieved since 2017) it is no doubt that Seb Hines has built a solid foundation for a team that was crumbling day by day. Huge credit to needs to go to the players who have also had to endure the rough moments the club has gone through.

Lionesses Prepare For A Party In The Potteries

by Johnathan Stack at St. George’s Park (5/9/22)

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?

Gustavsson: It’s About Momentum

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.

Wales Prepare to Make History

by Martin Townley (5/9/22)

Above: Wales are hoping for plenty of celebrations tomorrow night when they could clinch a first-ever World Cup Play-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. 

Lionesses Book Their Ticket Down Under

Austria 0-2 England

by Johnathan Stack (4/9/22)

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”. 

Teams: AUSTRIA (4-1-4-1): Zinsberger, Wienroither, Wenninger, Georgieva, Hanshaw, Puntigam, Hickelsberger-Fuller, Zadrazil, Feiersinger, Dunst, Billa. Substitutes: Degen, Eder, El Sherif, Hobinger, Kirchberger, Klein, Kolb, Kresche, Nasschenweng, Schasching, Schiechtl, Wienerroither.

ENGLAND (4-2-1-3): Earps, Bronze, Bright, Williamson, Greenwood, Stanway, Walsh, Toone, Mead, Hemp, Russo. Substitutes: Carter, Daly, England, James, Nobbs, Parris, Roebuck, Salmon, Maciver, Stokes, Wubben-Moy, Zelem.

Goals: Russo 7′, Parris 69′.

Referee: Iuliana Elena Demetrescu.

Attendance: 2,600.

Conversion Rate An Issue As Canada Defeat Matildas

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).

Above: Canada celebrate Adriana Leon’s goal. Photo: Canada Soccer.

Australia 0-1 Canada

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.”

Teams: AUSTRALIA: Williams, Nevin, Polkinghorne, Grant, Van Egmond, Fowler, Kennedy, Gielnik, Gorry, Kerr, Cooney-Cross. Substitutes: Micah (GK), Whyman (GK), Luik, Vine, Yallop, Ibini-Isei, Crummer, Wheeler, Chidiac.

CANADA: Sheridan, Zadorsky, Grosso, Huitema, Sinclair, Prince, Beckie, Leon, Bianca St-Georges, Fleming, Sura Yekka. Substitutes: D’Angelo (GK), Proulx (GK), Quinn, Scott, Schmidt, Carle. Awujo, Lacasse, Larisey, Levasseur.

Scorer: Leon 12′.

Attendance: 25,016.

Above: The Australia team that faced Canada in Brisbane today. Photo: Football Australia.

Kelly Chambers: We Need To Inspire The Next Generation Weekly

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.”

International Break Allows SWF Stars To Shine

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