Impetus’ Ben Gilby was in the Lionesses pre-Euro 2022 media event yesterday and heard from England midfielder Georgia Stanway (30/7/22).
Above: Georgia Stanway speaking to the media yesterday afternoon as she revealed there was a time several months ago when she was told that she wouldn’t be in the team. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
England star Georgia Stanway revealed in the Lionesses pre-Euro 2022 Final media conference yesterday that she had been told that she was not going to be in the England team several months ago.
“To be honest, there was a moment when I was told I wasn’t. There was a moment where I was told to keep going and close the gap between me and the others. I’m not sure what changed things, what changed her (Sarina Wiegman’s) mind. There were no conversations. It was literally just down to situations.”
Stanway has been a sensation at this tournament, whilst her stunning goal against Spain in the quarter-finals took the headlines, she has been a real engine in midfield, a relentless ball of energy. It is now inconceivable that the Barrow-in-Furness-born player would not be part of this team.
Above: Georgia Stanway celebrating THAT goal against Spain in the quarter-finals. Photo: Lionesses.
“It’s been a bit of a ride, when Sarina first came into the job, I don’t think I was in favour. When she came in I was playing in defence for City and I’m a centre-midfielder. The Arnold Clark Cup was when I could actually say to her ‘This is me.’ It wasn’t really until the first game at the Euros that it felt like I was in.”
Stanway hasn’t looked back since and cannot stop beaming when asked about England’s progress in this tournament and the knock-on impact of it.
“We’re in such a good place. We’ve dominated the games we’ve played in so far. We know how special it is going to be. The stadium will be packed out, and the fans will be loving it!
“The number of people wearing England shirts with the women’s team names on is mad. It’s not women’s football, it’s not men’s football, it’s football.”
Georgia Stanway, England.
“It’s mad. We’re here and we don’t see much, but friends and family tell you. I don’t think though that we realise how big it’s been and how big it will be. It’s mad how many people recognise us.
Above: Georgia Stanway celebrating after England’s semi-final win. She’s aiming for even bigger celebrations on Sunday. Photo: Lionesses.
“We need to stop talking about how big women’s football is getting and now need to talk about how big it is. The TV figures are ridiculous now. The fans are going to be a massive part of it on Sunday.
“The fact that people are going – ‘The Lionesses are playing tonight, let’s get round the TV’ – it’s mad! The next step now is to get as many people as we can in the domestic game, we want as many people watching club as well as country.”
One of the aspects of the Lionesses being in camp for nine weeks that has not been touched upon is the lingering COVID protocols which have meant that the team have not been able to have any physical contact with loved ones for a considerable length of time. Stanway outlined the challenges that has posed for the squad.
“It’s been really hard, I can only speak to my parents from a distance, I just want to hug them. We haven’t seen our families for six weeks. This is the ninth week we’ve been in camp. People assume that because it’s a home tournament we’re seeing them all the time, but we’re not.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s Final, Stanway will be going up against a number of players who will be her new club teammates at Bayern Munich. However, the midfielder highlighted the influence of both Sarina Wiegman and Jill Scott in ensuring she is in the best possible place to be successful in the match.
Above: Georgia Stanway – playing for the little girl that wanted to be there from the start. Photo: Lionesses.
“Sarina has the experience, she’s been here and done it before, whereas we haven’t. We’ve made sure we’ve focused on ourselves. The biggest thing she has said to us is ‘Play for the little girl that wanted to be here from the start’.
“Jill doesn’t give herself enough credit for what she brings to this team. She always delivers. Off the pitch, she is the person to go to when you are down. She knows how to lift the mood. She always believed in me from the first day at Manchester City. She always told me ‘shoot! shoot! The only person who did…’ Indeed, and look what happened against Spain when Stanway did shoot!
One of the key battles in Sunday’s game will be in the midfield where the former Manchester City star will come up against the 20-year-old German sensation Lena Oberdorf.
“Yeah, the girls have told me that they are looking forward to the midfield battle between us to see who comes out on top! She is a great player. Their midfield is very good. It will be a real battle, but we’ll see who comes out on top. They can see how well we’ve done in this tournament. From the start, it was written in the stars that we would play Germany in the final. I think these are the two best teams going into the final.”
Impetus’ Ben Gilby was in the Lionesses pre-Euro 2022 Final media conference and heard from England legend Jill Scott, who played in the nation’s previous Euro Final in 2009(29/7/22).
Above: Jill Scott speaking to the media today at the Lionesses’ South-West London base. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
“I’m actually gutted that on Sunday it will all be over, we’ve been having such a great time.”
Jill Scott, England.
Jill Scott is a legend of English football and an absolute stalwart of the Lionesses. With 160 caps behind her, Scott has been an integral part of the squad for this tournament, coming on as a substitute at vital times to transfer her experience to the team in order to aid them in getting over the line.
Scott first played for the Lionesses in 2003, and six years later was part of the England team that made it to their most recent major final – Euro 2009 in Finland. A game that ended in a painful 6-2 loss to Sunday’s opponents Germany.
“When you speak about the 2009 Final, we knew that Germany were ahead of us in a lot of ways in terms of where football was in their country compared to ours. It was always going to be so difficult to win that game.
“Where the game is at now, it’s a different place. I think the 2009 Final against Germany had about 15,000 people in the ground. Now there will be 90,000 on Sunday. In 2009 players had their first central contracts. Now everyone is professional in the WSL, training full-time. It’s like night and day. But we can’t forget everyone who came before us and wear the shirt.”
Above: Jill Scott in action in the Euro 2009 Final for England against Germany. Photo: Reuters.
“Now, we’ve made quarter-finals, semi-finals. A lot of money has been invested. Sunday is for everyone – people who went before us in the team. Women’s football writers often do it for the love of the game too – if we can win the tournament on Sunday, they can have their hands on the trophy too.”
Scott spoke openly about the emotions of seeing such incredible support for the team throughout the competition. “We’ve seen the crowds all tournament – 70,000 at Old Trafford for the opener, 90,000 on Sunday at Wembley. It gives me goosebumps just saying it. The fans have just been amazing.
“It’s a defining moment for our sport. It’s hard when you are in it, because you just go from one thing to the next – meeting, training session, match. We don’t see the noise on the outside. Young boys and girls are coming up to us at the hotel asking for pictures.
“We wanted to inspire the nation and provide more opportunities for young girls and young boys, give women opportunities to work in the sport. We’ve ticked all those boxes so far, I think. There’s just one more box to go now!
“It’s been really difficult not to get emotional. Just seeing so many people at our games, everyone hanging around to see us. There have been a lot of special moments. We can’t thank the fans enough, these are memories we’ll take away for life. We have to have logical minds on Sunday though and focus on the task in hand.
Above: Jill Scott takes on Finland’s Maija Saari in the Euro 2009 Quarter-Final. Photo: Reuters.
“It will be a gamechanger if we win on Sunday. It’s hard because I’d be lying if I said the whole thing hasn’t crossed my mind. You can’t help but dare to dream.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s final specifically, Scott knows that Germany will give the Lionesses a challenge on a higher level to those they have faced already.
“When Germany were playing France in the semi-final, we knew both teams were fantastic and it would make a tough final. It’s another top opposition and tough game. We have to focus on ourselves. The girls have been incredible, totally out of this world.
“Germany and ourselves have been the most consistent teams in this tournament. Germany are so physical, so well drilled. They like the one-on-one duels and like to get you in on those battles as they believe they will win them. We expect a tough test, but we can take a lot of confidence in how we’ve been playing.”
Of course, with England taking on Germany, there will always be talk (and fears) of a penalty shoot-out to decide the winners. Scott is calm about any prospect of that.
Above: Jill Scott in training during the tournament. She sees Sunday’s Final as potentially “gamechanging” for women’s football in England. Photo: PA.
“We’ve had all our processes set in place for months now. I feel we’re the best-prepared team here, we’ve prepared for every possible eventuality.”
It is absolutely clear that there is no fear in this Lionesses team. There is a sense of belief in their ability and a real calmness instilled by head coach Sarina Wiegman.
“Sarina has been brilliant. She is an incredible women. She is very logical. She keeps us focused. I don’t think she realises how good she is. Against Spain, she was so calm on the sideline, she had all her processes in place. She is the driving force behind us being in the final.”
Allied to the sense of calmness is the really tight nature of the players. “We have a special group, we all get on so well. Sometimes I sit there and think: ‘God, there’s 15 years between us,’ when I think about the likes of Lauren Hemp!
“For me, playing alongside Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway for the past eight years at Manchester City, I’m just glad that the whole world is able to now see what I’ve seen for the past eight years with them. I’ve played with the best players in the world in training everyday.”
Above: Jill Scott with Sarina Wiegman, who the England legend describes as being “the driving force behind us being in the final. Photo: AFP.
“Millie Bright blocked me today in training today and nearly broke my arm. I turned round and told her to make sure she does that on Sunday. I don’t think anyone has got past her this tournament. She’s won every single header. She has been so consistent for Chelsea and now with England. She always breaks through barriers to get herself on the pitch and she is now getting her rewards. The plaudits are so well deserved.”
Looking ahead, at the age of 35, Scott knows that time is not on her side in terms of her playing career, but will wait until the dust settles after the final to make any decisions.
“I said that I wanted to give absolutely everything at this tournament. It’s taken a lot of energy over the past three months. I don’t know. I’ll see what this week looks like, and some decisions will be made.”
Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from Perth Glory‘s Sarah Langman, Brisbane Roar‘s Hollie Palmer, and Wellington Phoenix‘s Chloe Knott as they are unveiled today – plus the views of each club’s head coaches on their signings (29/7/22).
Perth Glory Add Langman
Perth Glory today announced that goalkeeper Sarah Langman (formerly Willacy) has signed a one-year deal with the club.
The 27-year-old has played nearly 60 Liberty A-League games during spells with her hometown club, Adelaide United, and most recently, Western Sydney Wanderers. Langman was called into the Matildas squad for the 2019 friendly series against Chile.
Having featured 13 times for Wanderers last term, she is looking forward to furthering her ambitions to play Finals football in the West.
“I’m excited for my move to Perth for the upcoming season,” she said. “[Head Coach] Alex Epakis has built a core playing group and I am looking forward to bringing my experiences to the team and helping the club push for that Finals spot. I think the move to Perth is the right one for me to keep developing my football and to be the best I can be.”
Epakis believes that Langman is another key addition to the squad for 2022/23. “I am excited to have Sarah as part of the Perth Glory family for next season,” he said. “She has a great character about her and a strong skill-set on the field.
Above: Sarah Langman making a save during her Adelaide United days. Her arrival in Western Australia ensures that Perth Glory have two excellent goalkeepers. Photo: Sarah Langman Twitter.
“She will certainly add further depth to our goalkeeper options and will be doing her part to fight for a position and help the team improve and grow further. Sarah brings the experience of 60-odd ALW appearances and has been involved in senior Matildas camps across recent years.
“I believe her key strengths, on top of her shot-stopping ability, are her distribution from the back and her aggressive positioning. “I look forward to having her in the squad this season.”
Glory CEO Tony Pignata is similarly enthused by the prospect of Langman lining up for Glory.
“Sarah is undoubtedly one of the best ‘keepers in the competition,” he said, “and a very good pick-up for the club. There is serious competition for every position in the squad that Alex has worked so hard to assemble and that bodes well for what we are confident will be a really successful Liberty A-League campaign.”
Langman debuted for Adelaide in the 2016/17 season and soon established herself as the Reds’ first-choice number one, forcing herself into Matildas contention in the process
After six seasons with United, she completed a move to Western Sydney where she was again a regular starter, making 21 starts across the 2020/21 and 2021/22 campaigns. Glory’s new recruit made 47 saves last term and kept three clean sheets.
Artwork: Perth Glory
Perth Glory Contracted Players for Liberty A-League Season 2022/23
Morgan Aquino, Sarah Langman, Alana Jancevski, Kim Carroll, Hana Lowry, Claudia Mihocic, Tijan McKenna, Sofia Sakalis, Isabella Wallhead, Abbey Green, Natasha Rigby, Cyera Hintzen, Liz Anton, Sarah Cain, Demi Koulizakis, Sadie Lawrence, Ella Mastrantonio, Susan Phonsongkham.
Palmer Back At The Roar
Artwork: Brisbane Roar
Brisbane Roar today revealed that they had re-signed midfielder Hollie Palmer for the upcoming Liberty A-League season.
Palmer will rejoin the Roar following her NPL Queensland commitments with her current club Capalaba FC, where she has been building form and fitness after overcoming the ankle injury she sustained late last year.
That setback forced her to miss the first half of the last Liberty A-League campaign, meaning the 21-year-old will be full of motivation for the new season.
“Brisbane is home for me, I enjoy being around my family, and I when I got to play last season I enjoyed myself,” Palmer said. “We were starting to play well towards the end of last season, starting to get into a rhythm. It’s a shame it ended when it did. But I think that will give us so much confidence and if we can build on that, we’ll do well.
Above: Hollie Palmer in action for Brisbane Roar in the past. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
“I’m feeling good now thankfully. I’ve been working hard and it’s been good getting 90 minutes for Capalaba. Hopefully, I can stay injury free and have a good pre-season.”
Palmer becomes the Roar’s second confirmed re-signing with more to follow as Garrath McPherson looks to build on last season’s strong finish. Alongside captain Ayesha Norrie, the Head Coach now has two midfield pieces in place.
“It’s exciting,” McPherson said. “The way Hollie finished last season showed why we were so keen to bring her home from Melbourne. I can’t wait to see her fit and healthy and starting games.
“We’re chasing cohesion. We started pretty much from scratch last season, so to have Hollie and Eash locked away – and we’ll see a number of other re-signings – is a really good platform to build on.”Whilst that time out was disappointing for us and for Hollie, I think any time a player gets a long-term injury it gives them that hunger to get back and they really understand why they love football.”
Nix Secure Knott For Another Season
Artwork: Wellington Phoenix.
Chloe Knott is the latest player to commit to Wellington Phoenix. The hardworking midfielder has signed a new two-year deal with the club, after being one of just two players to start all 14 matches in the women’s maiden season.
Knott, 26, scored two of the Nix’s goals, including the first in the team’s breakthrough 3-0 win over Canberra United in February. She also showcased her versatility by playing in an unfamiliar position up front.
“It was definitely an easy decision to re-sign with the club,” Knott said. “I was super keen to get back into it after last season as it felt like we had a lot of unfinished business.
“As a team, we want to be competitive next season. We don’t want to just be in the league to make up the numbers. We want to win games and hopefully finish a lot higher than we did last season.”
Above: Chloe Knott in action for Wellington Phoenix last season – she played an important role in the club’s maiden season. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
Knott was born in England but went to high school in Auckland and wants to play for the Football Ferns in the future. “I have to stay in New Zealand to fulfil the eligibility requirements but I’m not complaining. A two-year deal for me means a bit of stability and means I can plan for the next two years with the Phoenix.
“I think there are going to be some tears as it’s going to be very emotional to be on New Zealand soil after last year. To have fans and family in the stands will be really awesome.”
While the Phoenix women won’t assemble in Wellington until October, Knott and a number of her teammates have been taking part in an off-season programme in Auckland, under the guidance of head coach Gemma Lewis.
“I’ve been training with a lot of the girls already like Paige [Satchell], Alyssa [Whinham] and Kate [Taylor]. We’ve all been in together since the Phoenix season finished and those partnerships will hopefully be fine-tuned for the season ahead.”
Above: Chloe Knott’s re-signing brings the Nix squad up to eight ahead of next season. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.
Lewis is delighted Knott has re-signed with the club as she believes “Chloe embodies what the Phoenix are about in terms of her work ethic, her professionalism, and her commitment. She didn’t care who she was playing against, she always gave whatever she could and made an impact on the game,” Lewis said.
“We saw that with the turnovers she created and some of the scrappy goals that she created, which are hard to come by. Chloe also played wherever we put her last year and is really flexible in that respect. She can play as a midfielder really well, she can play in the forward line and she can still be effective.
“She’s an athlete and we know she’s only getting better and better as a result of being involved in the off-season programme.”
Chloe Knott is the Phoenix women’s eighth signing for the 2022-23 Liberty A-League season, joining fellow foundation players Lily Alfeld, Kate Taylor, Alyssa Whinham, Mackenzie Barry, and Brianna Edwards and Football Ferns recruits Betsy Hassett and Paige Satchell in the Wellington squad.
Back in June, the then nine-year-old Summer Hoofe went into her local branch of Sports Direct to buy a new pair of football boots. When she saw that the store had labelled football boots as being for boys, she was rightly shocked. Summer began a social media campaign highlighting the crazy situation and called for all football boots to be marketed as unisex which soon caught the attention of the Manchester Evening News. Impetus’ Ben Gilby spoke to Summer about her campaign, her football, and, of course the Lionesses (28/7/22).
Above: Summer with some of the trophies won with Tikitaka Girls. Photo: Charlene Hoofe.
“I first started playing about two years ago. “I enjoy being part of my teams and scoring goals.”
Summer Hoofe is just like any other young female footballer. She loves the game, she loves playing it, and she loves the camaraderie it brings. When she went into her local branch of Sports Direct to buy a new pair of football boots to wear for the three different teams she plays for, she got a nasty surprise.
“When I went into Sports Direct, to get new boots, I noticed that all the labels said they were for boys. It made me really angry, so my sister helped me to make a TikTok video about it.”
Summer Hoofe.
Above: Summer playing the game she loves. Photo: Charlene Hoofe.
“Once my friends saw my campaign that football boots should be branded as unisex, they agreed with me – even the boys that I play football with agreed. There haven’t been any women players who reached out to back my campaign though, and that makes me really sad.”
Summer lives and breathes football and plays the game whenever she can, as she reveals: “I play for Wigan Junior Latics Mixed Team on the wing. I also play for Tikitaka Girls and Bolton Futsal Club. The Latics Mixed Team did OK this season. Tikitaka did great and won the league. My best performance was when I played in a tournament and scored a worldie from the half way line!”
Above: Summer in the kit of her beloved Liverpool. Photo: Charlene Hoofe.
The youngster then highlighted her footballing heroes, and she clearly has an eye for a great player. “My favourite is Luiz Díaz at Liverpool because he is an effective creative player. Ella Toone is my favourite player for Manchester United as she inspires me to be just like her – but she can’t sing! Alex Brooks at Blackburn Rovers is also great because she has made some great saves and has a great kick.”
Like everyone who adores women’s football, Summer is loving every second of the Euros, and having been to a Lionesses match herself during the competition, she is absolutely clear that they are going to lift the trophy on Sunday.
Above: Summer shows her delight at discovering she had tickets for the Lionesses opening game at the Euros for her 10th birthday! Photo: Charlene Hoofe.
“England are going to win the Euros because I personally think they have smashed every team so far and I cannot wait to watch them on the TV playing at Wembley Stadium. It’s going to be amazing. I was really lucky to go and watch the opening game against Austria at Old Trafford as I got tickets for my 10th birthday.
“It was a great game and the atmosphere was amazing. I just wish that they had scored more goals, but they have made up for that since! Making history against Norway scoring eight. I’m so excited for Sunday, but it will be sad when it is over as it’s been so good watching so much women’s football on the TV.”
Above: Summer at Old Trafford for the Lionesses’ opening game with Austria at Euro 2022. Photo: Charlene Hoofe.
by Emmanuel Faith, Impetus’ African Women’s Football Correspondent (28/7/22)
Above: South Africa celebrate with the WAFCON trophy after defeating Morocco in the final. Photo: CAF Online.
When the hosts Morocco locked horns with the five-time finalists South Africa at the Rabat Stadium, we knew we were in for an exciting ride. Both teams were unbeaten prior to the finals, and both were set for breaking a record. Morocco trying to repeat a feat of hosting and winning, while the South Africans were committed to ending the hoodoo of the trophy evading them.
The first half was feisty, terse, and tense as South Africans played direct football, optimizing the speed and trickery of Noxolo Cesane and Seopesenwe on and off the ball. With half-goal scoring chances created in the fourth and eighth minutes, however the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco remained resilient, soaking up the pressure while hitting the Bayana Bayana on the counter. There were chances towards the end of the first half as Hildah Magaia drew a save from Morocco’s goalkeeper, while Ayane recorded the host nation’s first shot on target in the final.
The match sprung to life in the second half when Magaia connected with Seopesenwe to slot calmly into the right corner of the net to put South Africa ahead. A few minutes later, Magaia latched on a loose ball played into the box to double the lead leaving the Moroccan’s rattled. The hosts’ manager, Reynald Pedros issued directions from the touchline and it worked as in the 81st minute, Ayane connected with a beautifully laid pass from Fatima Tagnaout to get a goal back, causing the stadium to erupt in raucous roar.
South-African however defended with resilience in the last ten minutes, ensuring they laid their hands on the trophy for the first time.
Above: Zambia celebrate with their bronze medals after defeating Nigeria in the Third/Fourth Place Play-Off. Photo: CAF Online.
A day before, Zambia had beaten the Super Falcons of Nigeria by a goal to nothing to take the bronze medal. A long-range strike from Zambian midfielder, Susan Katongo hit the bar and was deflected into the net off of the Nigerian goalkeeper. It was enough to give the she-polopolo of Zambia the win.
This was the first time the Nigerian women finished outside of the top three teams since 2012. Andile Dlamini won the goalkeeper of the tournament, while Ghizlane Chebbak won the player of the tournament.
With all eyes on the FIFA World Cup 2023, there are a lot of expectations from Africa. The continent’s best finish on the global stage has been quarter-finals and they would be looking forward to equaling that record and who knows, maybe surpassing it.
Above: Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak, player of the tournament. Artwork: CAF Online.
For players like Grace Chanda, Ghizlane Chebbak, and Jermaine Seopesenwe, they are new names the world can’t wait to behold, while for established stars like Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala, who were recently crowned African player of the year for a record fifth time, they would be looking to make a better account of themselves while living up the expectations of their fans and supporters.
Let’s not forget that there is still the possibility of one or two more African nations picking up slots from the Inter-Confederation play-offs next February, and I am sure that Africans would be hoping that at least, Cameroon gets one of those slots as it increases the continent’s chances of making it to the next round.
Impetus’ Johnathan Stack, who has followed Germany for us from the very start of the tournament, reflects on their victory over France in last night’s semi-final (28/7/22).
Above: Alexandra Popp shows her joy at providing Germany’s ticket to Sunday’s final. Photo: Euro 2022.
Germany will face England in the final of Euro 2022 after beating France 2-1 in Milton Keynes.
Two goals from player of the match German captain Alexandra Popp either side of a Merle Frohms own goal was enough to seal their passage to Wembley.
Above: Alexandra Popp (centre) celebrates for Germany. Photo: Euro 2022,
Popp’s first goal was a stunning volley from a Svenja Huth cross, and her second was towering thumping header from another Huth cross.
Popp has now equalled Michel Platini’s Euro ’84 achievement of scoring in five consecutive games at any UEFA European Championships and could break the record in Sunday’s final.
France had their chances and got a tad fortunate with their goal after Diani’s strike cannoned off the post hit the back of German goalkeeper Merle Frohms before ending up in the back of the net.
But the headlines and highlights will no doubt go to Popp who has been in blistering form this summer.
Above: Post-match joy featuring Giulia Gwinn (15), Felicitas Rauch (centre), and Merle Frohms (right). Photo: Euro 2022.
The England defence will have to play the game of their lives if they are going to stop Germany and Alexandra Popp.
Also, there is a crucial battle for the UEFA Euro 2022 Golden Boot with both England’s Beth Mead and Germany’s Alexandra Popp on six goals each.
I said in a previous article after Germany’s second group game that it looked like it will be an England against Germany final. That has come to fruition, and the countdown is on for Sunday. Who will be crowned European Champions in 2022 England or Germany? Will the Lionesses roar or be tamed by the Germans?
Impetus hears from the Adelaide United defender Matilda McNamara and head coach Adrian Stenta as the South Australian club announce her departure for Europe (28/7/22).
Above: Matilda McNamara in action for Adelaide United last season. There is a possibility that her move to Denmark may still allow her to play some part in the 2022/23 A-League campaign. Photo: Adelaide United.
Adelaide United star Matilda McNamara has departed the club to pursue an overseas opportunity with Danish Women’s League side, Aarhus Gymnastik Forening (AGF).
The 23-year-old has been a stalwart in defence over the last two seasons for the Reds, playing all 27 matches and scoring three goals, and last month was called up to the Matildas for the first time.
Speaking about her decision to join AGF, the centre-back said: “I’m extremely grateful for my time with Adelaide United and feel like I’ve improved a lot since returning to the team in 2019. My goal has always been to play abroad and I believe now is the right time in my career to take that next step and challenge myself.
Above: Matilda McNamara in training with the Australian national side recently. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
“Having overseas experience will also help in my development as a footballer and person, and hopefully increase my chances of representing the Matildas, especially with the World Cup occurring next year.”
Adelaide United’s Liberty A-League Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “Matilda has been a resolute presence at the back for us for a couple of seasons now and deserves this opportunity.
“However, as a Club, we’ll never stand in the way of a player looking to better themselves by moving overseas. Hopefully, Matilda will still be able to play some role for us in the upcoming 2022/23 season, but we’ll have a better understanding about that possibility later in the year.”
McNamara accumulated a total of 33 appearances with Adelaide across two separate stints with the Club.
Impetus’ French editor Jean-Pierre Thiesset reflects on his nation’s semi-final against Germany last night (28/7/22).
Above: The French team in a huddle last night – their first semi-final ended in disappointment. Photo: Euro 2022.
Despite fighting to the end, it was Germany who were stronger and deservedly took their place in Sunday’s Euro 2022 Final against England.
France head coach Corinne Diacre named the same team which started the quarter-final against Netherlands.
In the first quarter, the action was end to end. There was a huge battle to win the midfield. Pauline Peyraud-Magnin was called into action in the French goal with a 19th-minute free-kick. German talisman Alexandra Popp hit another set-piece from a central position 18 meters out which the French custodian dealt with well at the cost of a corner.
Above: Pauline Peyraud-Magnin directing her defence last night. Photo: Equipe de France Feminine.
France relied on counterattacks, but they lost most of their duels as they failed to move the ball around quickly enough. Additionally, it seemed that the two extra days between matches which fell in Germany’s favour from their last eight clash with Austria saw them clearly dominating Les Bleues in the physical battle.
With 40 minutes on the clock, from yet another Germany attack, Svenja Huth’s cross was dispatched into the net by Popp for her fifth goal in as many games this tournament. Despite this, France pushed on and levelled right on the half-time whistle. A rapid-fire attack saw Kadidiatou Diani dispatch a superb shot from 18 meters which came off of the left-hand post and bounced off of the back of Germany goalkeeper Merle Frohms to make it 1-1 at the break.
Above: Kadidiatou Diani shows her joy after her shot on the stroke of half-time went into the net off of Germany goalkeeper Merle Frohms. Photo: Equipe de France Feminine.
The first half may have been difficult for France, but they were still alive. As expected, the young star Selma Bacha replaced Melvine Malard, who lacked efficiency. The introduction of Bacha sees her now out on the left with Diani as centre forward, and Delphine Cascarino on the right – her preferred position.
France remained with their difficulties to maintain possession in midfield. Bacha’s qualities were seen just after the hour mark when her shot was blocked out for a corner. Frohms worked hard to deny Renard’s header and another effort from Bacha.
Above: Selma Bacha gets a shot in on goalduring the second half. Photo: Equipe de France Feminine.
Yet, it was Germany who showed their efficiency and ability to transfer chances into goals when Huth’s cross was headed home by Popp, who joined England’s Beth Mead at the top of the tournament scoring charts.
France had chances in the final stages with Bacha letting fly from the edge of the box and Clara Matéo who put the ball just over. France players fought until the end, but Germany was stronger.
Above: The Lionesses celebrate after their incredible win against Sweden last night. Photo: Lionesses.
After all the challenges and anxiety that were involved with the Lionesses’ Quarter Final against Spain, this Semi Final night in Sheffield against Sweden was a walk in the park in comparison.
A crowd just shy of the 29,000 mark roared the Lionesses on to success and a place in Sunday’s Wembley Final thanks to goals from Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo, and Fran Kirby.
Following a tricky spell in the first half, this night was a breeze and that’s credit to how well Sarina Wiegman’s team played.
Magnificent Mead
Above: Beth Mead – on target again and leading the Golden Boot race. Photo: Lionesses.
Beth Mead – who else – got this magical Bramall Lane night off with a beautiful goal as the first touch and swivel was superb before she finished to give England the lead.
This was the Arsenal forward’s sixth goal of the tournament and she will be hoping to be the hero again in Sunday’s Final.
It’s not just on the pitch where Mead is magnificent, in every television interview she is herself – human and genuine and that’s the reason she is so popular. A role model on and off the pitch.
Steam Engine Stanway
Above: Georgia Stanway receives the adulation of the crowd at Bramall Lane last night. Photo: Lionesses.
Georgia Stanway, simply magnificent again, her wonderful headline extra time winning moment against Spain was followed up with a display of critical hard craft and incredible passing.
Stanway is a player who doesn’t get enough credit, always an eight out of 10 player or better, vital to everything the Lionesses do well.
Bayern Munich’s latest signing can do headline moments but more importantly does the dirty work, ensures the defence is protected but also gets forward and tries to create opportunities. She will be a massive player in deciding whether England are successful in the final.
Russo Does The Henry
Above: Alessia Russo scoring THAT goal last night. Photo: Lionesses.
Alessia Russo’s goal was truly extraordinary. The control and the audacity to back heel the ball into the goal.
It had the air of Thierry Henry about it, one of the men’s games greatest forwards. Back on 2nd October 2004 he backheeled the ball in for Arsenal at Highbury against Charlton Athletic.
The two goals were almost carbon copies and Russo added further stock to her already amazing tournament.
Kirby Comes to Town
Above: What a night it was for Fran Kirby. Photo: Lionesses.
What an incredible performance from Fran Kirby of Chelsea. It seemed just apt that it was Kirby who wrote the final chapter of this remarkable evening with an extraordinary lob over Lindahl in the Sweden goal.
Kirby was influential and covered every blade of grass on a night where she was simply amazing.
Incredible really for a player who missed the second half of the domestic season due to injury and illness.
Kirby was in the mood all night and got her reward when she scored the final goal of the contest on 76 minutes.
Get ready for a Special Sunday
Whatever happens now, Sunday 31st July will live long in the memory as England go for glory in a home Euros at a sold out Wembley Stadium.
Whether you are lucky enough to be at the ground or watching at home this is a day to be proud of Lionesses, proud of Football, and proud of our country.
In the latest of our WA on Wednesday series featuring players from the NPL WA Women competition, Subiaco‘s Lizzie Wallwork spoke to Impetus’ Ben Gilby aboutthe constant growth and development at the club which has recently led to the likes of Lisa De Vanna, Ella Mastrantonio and Marianna Tabain joining.(27/7/22).
Above: Lizzie Wallwork(maroon shirt) in action for Subiaco at Perth SC. Photo: Rob Lizzi, supplied by Lizzie Wallwork.
Football has been an integral part of Lizzie Wallwork’s life for a long time, and she has played the game in both Australia and Singapore.
“I have been playing soccer for as long as I can remember, starting my footballing journey playing Joey soccer for Nedlands in a team with my younger brother, and my Dad as the coach,” she revealed.
“Being brought up playing soccer made the sport an embedded love and passion of mine from a very young age. I continued playing for Nedlands until 2014 when I moved to Singapore for two years. Whilst there, I improved my skillset, with numerous opportunities to travel for competition. I then returned to Perth in 2016 and joined Subiaco in the U18 age group andhave progressed throughout the years from playing in state divisions, now to NPL.”
The Subiaco star credits a previous period taking part in athletics as making her the player she is. “It gave me solid foundations in speed and agility to assist with my soccer ability. Playing for Subiaco from an age of 16 in an open-age Division has also helped me develop my strength on the ball, as I have learnt how to hold my ground more effectively against players that might be bigger or stronger than myself. My technical ability has also dramatically improved since being at Subiaco, but further improvement in that department is my main goal for the future.”
Her footballing career may have been on an upward trajectory, but it has come with its challenges for Wallwork, who suffered interior and exterior ligaments in her ankle during a game two years ago. “I needed reconstructive surgery which led to almost an entire year of rehab and recovery, she reflected. “At that point in time, I had to make the decision whether it was worth returning to soccer, or whether my time as a player had peaked.
“After hard deliberation, I decided that my love for the sport, the Club, and my teammates outweighed my fear of not being able to perform to the same extent again. This combined with the support from the coaches drove my determination to return, and I am so grateful for that decision to this day.”
This supportive network at the club is, for Wallwork a key reason why they are continuing to develop every season.
“Subi is known for its togetherness and team unity which creates an environment for players to want to give their best as both individuals and team members. Subiaco instils values of spirit, willpower, and ambition into all aspiring young players, which is what creates such a positive community.
Above: Lizzie Wallwork pictured with her Subiaco U18 teammates in 2018.
All my teammates share the common mentality and drive of wanting to improve, not only for themselves, but for the team as a whole. It’s this spirit, heart, and determination of everyone at Subi that makes me beyond proud to represent the club.”
Having been part of Subiaco for a number of years now, Wallwork is well placed to explain the huge development of the senior team and wider club since those pre-NPL days.
“The Club has developed almost out of sight since I joined. Subiaco were State League Division One Champions in 2019, and later joined the NPL competition in 2020. The increase in quality of football between State Division One and NPL was extreme, and in my opinion, this has been the biggest driver of Subiaco’s development.
“It was a big change in dynamic from winning almost every game in 2019, to not winning a single game in 2020 and finishing bottom of the ladder. This was by far the most difficult season for Subiaco, but not due to a lack of effort or commitment.
Subiaco was very lucky to have such strong and inspirational leadership figures who gave their entire heart to the club and drove the path for improvement. Namely, head coach Iain Jolly, reserves coach Jimmy Campbell, technical directors Adi Juric and Branko Jelic, and captain Jen Walsh worked non-stop to ensure Subiaco was making progress, and on track to meet the standard of competition in NPL. After a very difficult first season in NPL, progression started to become apparent in 2021.
“Our development as a club in 2021 was outstanding, and I am so proud of the Club and the players for their dedication, commitment, and hard work they put into growing and raising our standard. Although Subiaco finished bottom of the ladder, no one can deny the extreme improvement between seasons. We experienced our first wins in the NPL, and the hard work and dedication started showing in gameplay.
“This year we have followed suit in maintaining incredible leadership by recruiting Greg Farrell as our first-team coach. Subi also signed some very talented players, including new captain Chelsie Winchcombe, who have even furthered our development. The coaches’ dedication and passion for soccer, and the club, resonate with the team and drives our cohesiveness and motivation.
“With Greg as coach this year, and the abundance of new talented players on the team, all with the same vision for the future, Subiaco is looking stronger than ever and has even more capacity/potential for improvement and growth.”
Above: Subiaco head coach Greg Farrell. Photo: Subiaco AFC.
One of the most promising sources of this growth is the increasing one-club ethos between the different age group teams and the senior squad, as Wallwork outlined.
“Greg is also ensuring an even brighter future for Subiaco NPL by providing even more opportunity for aspiring young women in soccer, by immersing U18 players in occasional NPL training sessions, exposing them to higher level playing, building relationships between older and younger players, and highlighting the direct pathway from younger age groups to NPL.”
Subiaco overcame some serious hurdles at the start of this year’s campaign in Night Series, but Wallwork sees things only going in a positive direction.
“We recruited an abundance of talented new players this season, with only a few first team players remaining from last season. The new talent on the team presents an incredible opportunity for this season and those to come, however at the start of night series, Subi did struggle in the short term in gameplay, as obviously this was the first opportunity for us to play together as essentially, a newly formed team.
“More challenges arose during night series due to implications of COVID for both players and coaches, and an unexpected shift in coaching staff. Adi, Branko, Jimmy, and Iain led the team through these times of uncertainty, and thanks to Subi’s fundamentals, the remaining players on the team banned together and worked hard in the interim. Thankfully, Greg (Farrell) stepped in as head coach and lifted our standard even higher, recruiting even more talented players, and giving us a stable platform to progress and reach our potential.
There have been ups and downs for Subi this season, but considering such a shaky start during pre-season, and working with an essentially new team of players and coaches, the level of improvement and achievement so far has shown some very promising moments which culminated in Sunday’s win over Balcatta Etna which ensured the club won three games in a NPLW WA season for the first time – and stand on 12 points – their highest ever tally, and there are still six games to play.
Above: Lisa De Vanna in action for Subiaco last weekend against Balcatta Etna. Photo: JASP Photography.
“Greg has promoted a common mentality and intention, to improve the quality of gameplay through control and prolonged possession. Although this strategy may lead to concession when mistakes are made upon the development of these skills, it is substantially improving the quality of Subiaco’s gameplay and progressing us to smooth and high-level football.”
That higher-level of football has been ratcheted up to new levels in recent weeks with the arrival of three of Western Australia’s most prominent players – Lisa De Vanna, Ella Mastrantonio, and Marianna Tabain.
The arrival of the trio may have left some in the NPL WA Women rubbing their eyes with disbelief, but it is a sign that Subi are a club making real strides.
Wallwork outlined how the club were able to bring the three stars in. “Lisa came to the club through the J&J Academy and is working with Adi Juric and Branko Jelic there, as well as with the Subiaco juniors to help them develop technically and also in terms of mentality. I think Lisa had seen the improvements being made with the first team, and with two players like Marianna and Ella not playing anywhere, spoke to them about joining up and they’ve made a big impact on the group.
“The three of them have been really good with communicating and helping individuals, especially the younger ones who come up from the 21s, with their understanding and knowledge in training, which has then helped with team play on the field.
“With playing a much more possession-based style this season their movement, awareness, and quick thinking is next level to most in WA, so it’s terrific for the rest of us to see in action at training and to try to learn from. They’ve come in and been great as part of the group in training as well, specifically with going out of their way to help younger individuals who otherwise may not have had the confidence to approach them and ask questions.”
Above: Lizzie Wallwork (far left) in action for Subiaco against Fremantle City this season. Photo: Denyse McCulloch, supplied by: Lizzie Wallwork.
With the season approaching its final regular stages, Wallwork assessed how both she and her team have developed this season.
“Personally, my main focus this season was to improve my technical ability as well as be able to more effectively assess potential passages of play. I am trying to slow down my own game and improve the quality of my decision-making on the field, with regard to leading runs and passing decisions, rather than making the wrong decisions and overworking myself unnecessarily. The overall aim for the team is to improve the quality of gameplay through maintaining possession and control. Subiaco’s standard has already significantly lifted this season, and even more progression is expected.”
Like many others, Wallwork feels the NPL WA Women competition has been a very different beast this year, and that further improvements are still necessary for the league to reach its potential.
“Due to COVID, injuries as well as lacking opportunity in Perth, many teams lost key 2021 players, leaving the playing field quite unpredictable as the competition started to level out. RedStar is the only team to have consistently performed at an exceptional level this season, but otherwise, the level of competition is a lot closer this year than last.
“Although there has been increasing representation and opportunity for women’s soccer in recent times, there are still lengths to go to further this movement. The competition in NPL WA Women would be even better if there were easier pathways for elite sportswomen to advance above this level.
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