Focussed Lionesses Have Only One Aim

by Darrell Allen (16/7/22)

Above: England see a chance go narrowly wide against Northern Ireland at Southampton last night. Photo: Lionesses.

There was talk in the build-up to this Group A finale against Northern Ireland about how many changes Sarina Wiegman would make to her team. Wiegman, of course, was struck down herself with Covid 19 but the team remain unchanged. 

This shows the single-minded focus that the Lionesses are approaching this tournament with. This game in all seriousness meant very little. England had won the group. Northern Ireland were out there was nothing on this match other than the enhanced pride that comes when two UK nations meet, as well as continuing confidence and momentum. 

An unchanged lineup for a game of this nature shows England’s intentions and the respect Wiegman has for the tournament and opposition.

Above: Alessia Russo – regular chances across the group stage saw her rewarded with goals last night. Photo: Lionesses.

Beth Mead would have been one of many who were delighted by this and she responded by adding the second of the five scored on the night in her quest for the golden boot.

As you would expect from a Northern Ireland side strong in character and determination, Kenny Shiels’ side put up a brave fight all evening but England and their class saw them claim a comfortable win.

Arjan Veurink

Above: Arjan Veurink leading the post-match discussions last night. Photo: Lionesses.

With Wiegman struck down with Covid, it was down to her assistant Arjan Veurink, the former FC Twente women’s and Netherlands assistant to take charge of affairs at St Mary’s on Friday night. 

The unchanged team responded in spectacular fashion with another masterclass in goalscoring and finishing off an opponent. Veurink certainly enjoyed the evening.

Kirby Kicks Things off

Above: Super Fran – Kirby’s form in the tournament is making her struggles of the past few months a distant memory. Photo: Lionesses.

To the credit of Northern Ireland, they were superb in the opening phases and it wasn’t until the 41st minute that their brave resistance was broken. 

It required something special from a special player. That person was Fran Kirby who got this particular night off the mark.

Just as the game looked like it was heading to a goalless first half, a magic moment from Fran Kirby came.

The ball bounced to the Chelsea star on the edge of the box and she curled a shot brilliantly into the top right corner.

Kirby has well and truly come to this Euros party and that’s another incredible prospect as we head into the knock-out phase. Let’s not forget that this is a player who went into the tournament with very little recent game time due to a debilitating illness.

The Perfect Group A

Above: It wouldn’t be an England game at the Euros without Beth Mead scoring. Photo: Lionesses.

Well done England, that’s the group phase of a high-pressure home Euros complete with relative ease.

The most crucial part was negotiating the opening night against Austria in front of a huge crowd without a slip-up. They did that thanks to a Beth Mead goal; things have been a breeze ever since. 

The 8-0 demolition of Norway in the second game made the rest of Europe open their eyes to what England could deliver this summer if they weren’t aware already. 

With last night’s win maintaining a 100% record both winning and continuing the team’s run of clean sheets in addition to the fact that Beth Mead has already scored five goals, the prospect of England taking the trophy and Mead taking the golden boot are very possible. 

Admittedly, there are far tougher challenges ahead, but strap yourselves in for a special couple of weeks ahead. 

Denmark Or Spain 

Next up will be a return to the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton and that will be against Denmark or Spain. They face off this evening at The Brentford Community Stadium. 

A win for Denmark means they will face England but any points for Spain will mean it is they who will face the Lionesses on the South Coast on Wednesday night. 

Above: Scenes of joy in Southampton post-match. Will there be similar sights at Wembley on 31st July? Photo: Lionesses.

Teams: NORTHERN IRELAND (5-4-1): Burns, McKenna, Nelson, Robson, Vance, Holloway, Wade, Rafferty, Callaghan, McGuiness, Furness. Subs: Hutton, Mc Carron, Flaherty, Burrows, Caldwell, McDaniel, Wilson, Andrews, McGuinness, Magee, Turner.

ENGLAND (4-2-3-1): Earps, Bronze, Bright, Williamson, Daly, Walsh, Stanway, Kirby, Mead, Hemp, White. Subs: Greenwood, Carter, Hampton, Scott, Parris, Kelly, England, Toone, Roebuck, Wubben-Moy, Russell.

Scorers: Kirby 40′. Mead 44′. Russo 48′, 53′, Burrows (OG) 76′. 

Referee: Esther Staubil.

Attendance: 30,785.

Billa Breaks Passive Norway

Austria 1-0 Norway

by Jorge Ceron (16/7/22)

Above: Nicole Billa heads the winning goal for Austria. Photo: Euro 2022.

Norway, many people’s dark horses to advance deep into the competition ended a nightmare week in the tournament with elimination at the group stages at Brighton.

Despite being beaten 8-0 by England a few days earlier, the Norwegians started as slight favorites in Brighton against Austria, who were semi-finalists in 2017.

Going into the game, Austria needed only a draw to progress, so one would think that the Norwegians, having the obligation to win, would go with everything from the first whistle, but it was not until the 15th minute that they approached the Austrian goal through Barcelona’s Caroline Graham Hansen, whose shot was deflected away.

There was a real feeling of tension about the game, logical perhaps due to the winner-takes-all situation in terms of qualifying for the Quarter-Finals. Austria had the first opportunity when calling for a penalty when Nicole Billa entered the area and fell, but It was never fatal, although the VAR did check it, the result of that play was the first corner kick of the game.

Above: Norway’s Guro Reiten (left) puts in a challenge. Photo: @OEFB1904.

With 12 minutes on the clock, Laura Feiersinger’s shot looked about to enter the net, but ended up against the bar. The first serious warning from the Alpine nation. The minutes passed and Norway continued to show themselves as a very passive team, perhaps still remembering the eight goals against a few days ago.

Indeed, it was Austria who kept Norway’s backline busy. Just over 10 minutes before the break, after an excellent build-up, Billa’s shot was repelled by Norwegian goalkeeper Guro Pettersen.

But the die was cast, and Billa headed in superbly a precise pass from Verena Hanshaw and scored the first goal of the game. The first precise blow had already been given. Something major needed to happen from the Norwegians in the second half after they ended the opening 45 without a single shot on goal.

Above: Nicole Billa celebrates her match winner for Austria. Photo: Euro 2022.

The second half began like the first. The Austrians going on the attack and Norway passive, knocked out. In the first 20 minutes of the period, Austria had shots on goal, and two crosses into the area, although nothing to worry about, while Norway had only one shot very wide by Ada Hegerberg.

Precisely in the middle minutes of the second half, Norway had its best moment, having several crosses into the area, but they only stayed at that, crosses into the area that nobody could finish off, or shots deflected.

In the final 20 minutes, Austrians responded and Lisa Makas received the ball totally alone in front of the goalkeeper, but that loneliness appeared to unnerve her, and her shot the ball passed under the goalkeeper, flirted with the post, and went to a corner kick.

In the last 10 minutes, the Norwegians remembered the need for goals and went on the attack, although without much technique, or luck, or anything. Five corner kicks were the sum outcome of their attacks, and the most dangerous move for them arrived a minute into stoppage time which the goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger saved brilliantly.

The game ended, and Austria deservedly beat Norway 1-0, qualified for the quarterfinals, and their ‘prize’ is called Germany.

Above: Austria celebrate post-match at Brighton. Photo: Euro 2022.

Teams: AUSTRIA (4-1-4-1): Zinsberger; Wienroither, Wenninger, Schnaderbeck, Hanshaw, Puntigam, Hickelsberger-Füller (Makas), Zadrazil, Feiersinger, Dunst; Billa (Georgieva).

Scorer: Billa 37′.

NORWAY (4-2-3-1): Pettersen, T.Hansen, Bergsvand, Mjelde, Blakstad (Haug), Syrstad Engen, Maanum (Boe Risa); Eikeland (Ildhusøy), Graham Hansen, Reiten, Hegerberg.

Referee: Kateryna Monzul.

Attendance: 12,667

No Fireworks, Just Progress On La Fête Nationale Française

by Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus French Editor (15/7/22).

Above: Belgium goalkeeper Nicky Evrard saves at the feet of France’s Ouleymata Sarr (18) last night as Julie Biesmans attempts to intervene. Photo: Euro 2022.

France did what they needed to in edging past Belgium to qualify for the Quarter-Finals in Rotherham last night.

It was not a fireworks display from Corinne Diacre’s team on Bastille Day, the French national holiday and France sealed their qualification with difficulty. Furthermore, there was very bad news as the excellent Marie-Antoinette Katoto had to leave the pitch with a sprained right knee after 17 minutes. It will not be clear for a few days if she will be able to be back on the pitch for the Quarter-Finals.

Above: Kadidiatou Diani celebrates her goal for France against Belgium last night. Photo: Euro 2022.

France dominated this game but lack efficiency in attack; this is not new, and it is a little bit worrisome for future games in this competition. Throughout qualifying and in friendlies Diacre’s charges have struggled to turn possession and territory into goals, and as the opposition gets tougher, problems may arise.

The group concludes on Monday when France take on an Iceland side who know that a win will guarantee a spot in the last eight. Elsewhere Italy face Belgium with the winners of that game needing France to take something against the Icelandic side.

Teams: FRANCE (4-3-3): Peyraud-Magnin, Karchaoui, Renard, Tounkara, Périsset, Toletti (Matéo 66′), Bilbault, Geyoro (Palis 90’+1), Cascarino (Malard 90’+1), Katoto (Sarr 17′), Diani (Bacha 65′).

Scorers: Diani 6′, Mbock 41′.

BELGIUM (4-2-3-1): Evrard, Philtjens (Deloose 59′), De Neve (Tysiak 70′), Kees, Vangheluwe (Minnaert 46′), Biesmans, Vanhaevermaet (Delacauw 59′) Cayman, De Caigny, Dhont (Eurlings 78′), Wullaert.

Referee: Cheryl Foster.

Attendance: 8,173.

Dower Reflects On “Depth Of Talent” In Junior Matildas Squad

16/7/22

Impetus hears from Junior Matildas head coach Rae Dower as the squad for the AFF U18s Championship is announced and Ben Gilby highlights the Western Australian contingent.

Above: Junior Matildas head coach Rae Dower. Photo: AFC.

Junior Matildas Head Coach Rae Dower has finalised her squad to compete at the AFF U18 Women’s Championship 2022 in Palembang, Indonesia.

Australia will take 28-players to face Malaysia, Myanmar, and the Philippines in Group B of the tournament commencing on 22 July 2022.

The selection of the final squad for this tournament follows four camps over the past six months, involving more than sixty players, with a further six players promoted up and in contention for selection in the Young Matildas squad for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup 2022.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to travel to Indonesia to participate in the AFF U18 Women’s Championship, which will be the CommBank Junior Matildas’ first competitive matches since September 2019,” Dower said. 

This tournament will be the Junior Matildas’ first international activity since their involvement in the 2019 AFC U16 Women’s Championship where they finished fourth in the tournament three years ago. It also marks the final Australian Women’s National Team to re-commence international action. 

Above: Ella Abdul Massih, who played A-League Women football for Western Sydney Wanderers last season and is part of the Junior Matildas squad named today. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.

“As a coaching unit, we’re delighted with the depth of talent within this age group. The technical quality and game awareness of the players was of a very high standard, and they’ve maintained that level when back with their respective clubs, which presented a welcomed headache when selecting the final squad.”

Rae Dower, Junior Matildas Head Coach.

Football Australia’s commitment to the national youth teams has seen the appointment of additional staff to the Junior Matildas’ support and technical ranks over recent months, with this AFF tournament being their first overseas tournament as members of the National Teams Program.

“This AFF U18 Women’s Championship gives all but four players their first experience in travelling overseas, which in itself is a great life lesson. Combining that with being in a full-time football environment, with the heat and humidity of Indonesia, it will provide the players with invaluable insight into what to expect in the future when competing in tournaments and qualifying through the AFC pathways,” Dower explained.

“I would like to acknowledge the collaboration between Football Australia and the coaching and support staff at both Member Federations and clubs for their tireless work in preparing this age group for Australian honours, and I have no doubt this group of footballers will do everyone proud in Indonesia,” Rae Dower concluded.

Above: Georgia Cassidy – the Hyundai NTC player is in great form in the NPLW WA this season. Photo: Football West.

Among the squad are two outstanding talents of Western Australian football. Zara Board has played regularly in goal for Subiaco this season in the NPLW WA. Her distribution is consistently impressive as is her command of the box for one so young.

Hyundai NTC prospect Georgia Cassidy has been part of a hugely promising side in the NPLW WA this season. The NTC are playing a highly technical brand of rapid pass and move, which has seen Cassidy at the forefront of some impressive performances this season. Her team-mate Tanika Lala, an outstanding player with pace, power and goals can also be regarded as a potential future member of Matildas age group squads.


JUNIOR MATILDAS SQUAD

NamePositionClub / Member Federation
Ella ABDUL MASSIHDefenderNSW Institute / Football NSW
Isabella ACCARDODefenderFootball Victoria NTC / Football Victoria
Josie ALLANForwardNewcastle Jets / Northern NSW Football
Tegan BERTOLISSIODefenderNSW Institute / Football NSW
Zara BOARDGoalkeeperSubiaco AFC / Football West
India BREIERForwardNSW Institute / Football NSW
Daisy BROWNForwardFootball Queensland-QAS / Football Queensland
Georgia CASSIDYMidfielderHyundai NTC / Football West
Alana CORTELLINOForwardFootball Victoria NTC / Football Victoria
Leah DE OLIVEIRAForwardNSW Institute / Football NSW
Jonti FISHERMidfielderFootball Queensland-QAS / Football Queensland
Tahlia FRANCOGoalkeeperNSW Institute / Football NSW
Charlie GIBSONDefenderFootball Queensland-QAS / Football Queensland
Erin GORDONDefenderNSW Institute / Football NSW
Aimee HALLGoalkeeperNSW Institute / Football NSW
Shay HOLLMANMidfielderNSW Institute / Football NSW
Zoe KARIPIDISDefenderNewcastle Jets / Northern NSW Football
Maya LOBOMidfielderNSW Institute / Football NSW
Megan MIFSUDDefenderNSW Institute / Football NSW
Silver Bell MORRISDefenderFootball Victoria NTC / Football Victoria
Ella O’GRADYForwardFootball Queensland-QAS / Football Queensland
Avaani PRAKASHMidfielderNSW Institute / Football NSW
Sienna SAVESKAForwardNSW Institute / Football NSW
Mary STANIC-FLOODYMidfielderNSW Institute / Football NSW
Peta TRIMISForwardNSW Institute / Football NSW
Chloe WALANDOUWDefenderNewcastle Jets / Northern NSW Football
Grace WILSONGoalkeeperSA NTC / Football South Australia
Adelaide WYRZYNSKIForwardNSW Institute / Football NSW

Shadow Players

NamePositionClub / Member Federation
Lily BARBERMidfielderSA NTC / Football South Australia
Margaret BARRETTForwardFootball Queensland-QAS / Football Queensland
Jasmine BLACKGoalkeeperNSW Institute / Football NSW
Aleeah DAVERNMidfielderFootball Queensland-QAS / Football Queensland
Ellen GETTForwardFootball Queensland-QAS / Football Queensland
Claire SCARPINForwardSA NTC / Football South Australia
Hayley WELLINGTONDefenderSA NTC / Football South Australia

Phoenix Farewell Jale Who Is One Of Three New Faces At Canberra

by Ben Gilby (15/7/22)

Above: Grace Jale pictured ahead of last season with Wellington Phoenix. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.

Football Ferns forward Grace Jale has signed with Canberra United for the 2022/23 A-League Women campaign.

The 23-year-old was the Phoenix women’s top goal scorer in their maiden season, finding the back of the net six times in 12 matches.

Five of her goals came in the Nix’s final six games and led to her being recalled to the Football Ferns after a four-year absence.

Above: Grace Jale in action for Wellington Phoenix last season against Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: AAP.

Jale featured against the Matildas in April and was also selected in the Ferns squad for last month’s internationals against Norway and Wales.

Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis says Jale needs a new challenge. “We’ve worked with Grace for a number of years, since under-17s onwards, so she’s used to us and now she’s looking to get out of her comfort zone.

“We understand that completely and think it’s a good move for her to check out a different environment and get used to what professional football is without playing for your coaches you’ve known for years and years.”

Lewis reflected on the influence of Jale on her squad last season. “Grace did a really good job for us last year under challenging circumstances and she’s always going to be a part of the Phoenix’s first women’s team. We wish her nothing but the best and we’re excited to see her playing up against us.”

Above: Canberra United unveil their trio of new signings today – from left to right: Rebecca Burrows, Njegosh Popovich (head coach), Grace Jale, and Grace Taranto. Photo: Canberra United.

Jale’s arrival at Canberra United today was part of a triple-player announcement from the capital city club. The Greens have also added Grace Taranto who was previously at Adelaide United and Rebecca Burrows. The latter two players have been in impressive form this campaign in the NPLW Victoria competition with South Melbourne and Heidelburg United respectively.

Canberra have previously announced Hayley Taylor-Young, Sasha Grove, Emma Ilijoski, and Nickoletta Flannery in their 2022/23 squad.

Ben Gooden: How ‘Little Chorley’ Flew Under The Radar

In the final part of our series looking back over the season with Impetus’ sponsored players and partner clubs, Chorley head coach Ben Gooden speaks to Ben Gilby about the FA Women’s National League Division One North side’s successful campaign in both league and cup (14/7/22).

Above: Chorley head coach Ben Gooden on the touchline last season. Photo: John Shirras.

Ben Gooden’s Chorley, although not receiving some of the attention that other teams in tier four have had last season, completed a campaign to be proud of. Just four defeats in the FA Women’s National League Division One North and a superb FA Cup run are examples of what the Lancashire team can do (see https://impetusfootball.org/2021/12/12/chorley-the-game-is-massive-in-stature/). Yet Ben tempers this pride with thoughts of how they could have done even better.

“I think we can look back with some pride that’s for sure. I’ll always look back on a few of the games and wonder ‘what if’? But that is for me to obsess over and try and put it right next season. On the whole though I think we gave a very good account of ourselves for the most part.

Asked whether he thinks the club has received the attention that their achievements deserve, Chorley’s head coach was clear.

“I still don’t think so, but I think it helps us go about our business on the pitch without fear and pressure from the outside. We just have to focus on ourselves. I think in the first round of games we were underestimated by most and you hear the post-match comments from coaches and players after we’d beat them saying ‘no disrespect to Chorley but…’ and that’s fine. We’ll embrace that attitude and use it to fuel us in the chase.”

Ben reflected in detail in identifying what were the keys to Chorley’s successful campaign.

“It’s not a difficult question but the answer has so many layers to it because I can’t put it down to just one aspect, it’s a combination of everything. The players have been brilliant, they’ve taken on board information, they’ve been open to new ideas and they’ve been happy to go and try and win every game that we played in last season.

Above: Chorley head coach Ben Gooden. Photo: @BenGooden.

“When you add this to the hard work we put in at training, the amount of hours put into analysis whether it’s counting every single one of our passes, duels, shots (the list goes on) and then we’ve got the opposition analysis to put the game plan together, it’s always going to be a good mix.

“There were a lot of sacrifices made last season and for a club of our size, that’s what it takes to have a year like that. When pre-season rolls around in the middle of June, it has to start all over again. Unfortunately, nothing is given to us, we aren’t attached and funded by a pro men’s club, we don’t play in a stadium, we have played on five different home grounds this season, our training facilities are spread around all over the place and in the eyes of everyone, we are little Chorley.

“But I think that is part of our charm and that’s what we thrive off. We are happy to be little Chorley in the eyes of everyone else, because we know we have massive hearts, incredible work ethic and a never say die attitude.

“There are lots that contribute really and I think it would be unfair to pinpoint a handful of players when it’s a full squad effort. Everyone brings something to the table and contributes in a positive way.

“Something we do have though is a unique way of implementing the team’s rules. We have a changing room court system where we have a judge, a player appointed jury and a non-financial fines wheel for punishments so there is a fun way of ensuring that the standards are kept.”

In terms of his most memorable moments of the campaign, Ben identified several. “I think it’s the attitude and resilience that is the highlight for me. There’s a bit of something special about the team and we’ve seen it not just on one occasion, but many throughout the season. Which in itself will have created memories that will stay with me and the players probably for the rest of our careers.

“We were 3-0 down at halftime against Stockport County and we came back to 3-3 and had more than enough chances to win the game. There’s the Middlesbrough FA Cup game that we just kept coming back at them and then had it about us to keep our nerve at the end to progress. There is an equaliser late on against Barnsley away, two games against Alnwick where we score a winner in the 94th minute, Stockport again who equalised in the 88th minute and we go and score the winner in the 91st minute.

Above: Ben Gooden (red top) watches his side in action during the campaign. Photo: John Shirras.

“We just don’t give up. We play the same way from the very first whistle to the last and everyone that played us last season may not like to admit it but they will say that if they’ve got something from us, they’ve had to work hard for it.”

Ben is not resting on his laurels and planning to get things in place to help the team’s continuing evolvement in 2022/23.

“In the coaching department, we are adding new people to ensure that we have the right balance of specialisation, individual and unit development, and tactical understanding without watering down what has given us an edge this season.

“In the playing department, we need to ensure our recruitment adds quality and not just quantity, as we are a little light in certain positions. There are upgrades to our game that I need to make on the grass in pre-season and we’ll need a few extra bodies to ensure we can do that consistently in every game of the season rather than most games. A number of targets haven’t paid off for us but the summer is only just beginning.”

“We need to continue what we are doing in terms of developing the younger players but also making slight changes to ensure we are enhancing what we do.

“I’ll not give all of it away but we are making changes to the game model which I think will allow us to be more consistent, see games out and ensure we get more wins on the board. I’ve made changes in the way we look at the analysis of the game which I feel will allow us to be far more productive and be prepared for anything that we may face. 

“The message to the players is that we don’t think of this season as a massive achievement and we’ve hit the ceiling but this is now the minimum expectation and the chase starts now.”

Artwork: Graphics by PW.

NPL Victoria Women Round 15 Wrap

Kieran Yap provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Victoria NPL Women’s competition. As usual, there is a detailed report on one game and a wrap of all the other matches along with photos (13/7/22).

Above: Caitlin Pickett, part of the South Melbourne side that earned a superb win over Bulleen Lions at the weekend. Photo: Gold Leaf Creative. 

MAIN REPORT OF THE WEEK:

South Melbourne 3-0 Bulleen Lions

It has been a hectic week in Victorian women’s football, particularly for South Melbourne FC. Last week at home, they were beaten 4-2 by Box Hill United, despite taking an early lead. They responded with a win for the ages midweek.

A semi-final win over Heidelberg United in the Nike FC Cup would be worth celebrating under any circumstances. But a 3-2 win after being two goals down is worth commemorating. It was an incredible fight back, especially after they seemed to struggle to recover from Box Hill scoring just days earlier.

A spot in the NPLW Victoria Finals are looking unlikely for South Melbourne, but they are not a side to be taken lightly. They still have quality all over the pitch. Consistency has been their issue, but on their day they can beat anybody. Saturday was their day.

Bulleen Lions FC were the visitors, and the third-place side were packed with stars. Lia Privitelli and Alana Jancevski started up front. Tyla Jay Vlajnic was in defence and even without Paige Zois and Rebekah Stott, they still have one of the most impressive squads in the league.

Above: The return of Gabby Garton could not prevent Bulleen Lions from falling to defeat at South Melbourne. Photo: Imago.

Headlining the names on the team sheet was Gabby Garton. The Melbourne Victory Grand Final star of 2020/21 was making her first start for the club since her return to the field. Even after the momentous win over Heidelberg United, this was not a game many were backing South to win, even at near full strength.

Bulleen had the best of the early chances. Although they were made to earn them and Jenna Farrow had no trouble saving. Alana Burn tried to beat the goalkeeper from long range with a lofted effort, then Privitelli collected well and shot on the turn, but Farrow was positioned well enough for a comfortable stop.

Although Bulleen had plenty of possession, the South Melbourne defence marshalled and patrolled with authority by Claudia Mihocic was largely untroubled.

Above: Claudia Mihocic, who was hugely impressive for South Melbourne. Photo: South Melbourne FC.

Georgia Kandilas combined with Janna Lawson created the first goal of the afternoon. Kandilas slid in to tackle as Bulleen attemped to play the ball out. Lawson latched onto the loose ball and carried it forward on the right side of the 18-yard box. Her shot was struck with very little back lift and at full pace, it was always coming, but still felt surprising. She took no time to steady and gave the Bulleen defenders no time to block it. The ball flew into the top corner and it was 1-0 to the home side.

South Melbourne doubled the lead before halftime. Francesca Iermano won the ball with another tackle in the final third. She held off one defender, then cut inside the next. The winger got as close to Garton’s goal as she could before finishing calmly on her left foot.

One goal was all power, the other came at the end of a mazy run. But both were created by forward pressure and well-timed tackles by the South Melbourne attack.

Above: An impressive South Melbourne side led 2-0 at the break. Artwork: South Melbourne FC.

Bulleen struggled to respond. The second half saw them have plenty of the ball but lacked clear-cut chances.

Grace Taranto was dominant in a deep role. Her tackle, run, and long pass almost set up another goal. It was a direct move but done with precision and it was unlucky that nobody could get on the end of Iermano’s eventual cross.

Taranto tried again from long range, once more after winning the ball herself. Garton caught it easily, but South Melbourne were high in confidence on an individual and team level.

The third and final goal came from a long ball from defence. Kandilas’ hard work all game paid off when she ran onto the pass, turned inside the last defender and finished under Garton to cap off another big win for South Melbourne.

For Bulleen, a win next week will be essential. They still have a game in hand, but have lost their last two. They will face Box Hill United who are hunting fourth spot and can score easily. South Melbourne will look to continue their second resurgence against bottom-placed Bayside United.

Teams: SOUTH MELBOURNE: Farrow, Houndalas (Keppens 87′), Kandilas (Carman 80′), Tolios (Stringfellow 80′), Iermano, Taranto, Lawson, Pickett, Sandhu, Mihocic, Murray.

Scorers: Lawson 30’, Iermano 40’, Kandilas 57’.

BULLEEN LIONS: Garton, Natoli, Burn, Privitelli (Govic 78), Little, Johnson (Tavere 78), O’Bryan (Vass 58), Vlajnic, Roger (Griss), Dolzan, Jancevski

Referee: Warwick Berner.

Round 15 Wrap:

Above: Kat Nikpour (red shirt) – scorer of two goals for Alamein against FV Emerging. Photo: Alamein FC.

With Box Hill and Calder United’s game postponed, there was only two more matches in Round 15. Heidelberg United defeated Bayside United 2-0 with goals from Danielle Wise and Stephanie Galea.

Alamein beat FV Emerging 4-1 thanks to two goals from Kat Nikpour, one from Nia Stamatopoulos and another struck in after a goal mouth scramble. Candice Kilderry pulled one back for FV Emerging.

The results mean that the top two spots are looking increasingly locked in. Only unfortunate delays can prevent Calder United from continuing their undefeated streak. Alamein started the season strongly and since adding Amy Jackson to the midfield, they have looked even better. Bulleen once looked imperious, but now their position looks tenuous. They are missing some extremely good players, but still will be expecting to win at home in the next round.

Table From: NPLW Victoria
Artwork: Graphics by PW.

WAFCON Group Stage Round-Up

Impetus’ new African Football Correspondent Emmanuel Faith and Blaise Ogutu provide us with all the details from the group stages of the Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) African’s continental international competition (13/7/22).

Above: South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana, whose loss from injury in the group stages is a major blow for the Banyana Banyana. Photo: CAF Online.

It is quite a busy summer for female football, with Euros being at the frontline, and CONCACAF championship ongoing which also doubles as the region’s world cup qualifier. However, there is a lot of excitement going on in the Northern part of Africa as far as female football is concerned. Morocco is hosting the WAFCON – the first time a North-African country would be hosting the competition, and it has lived up to its expectations.

Above: An enthusiastic group of fans at the opening game between hosts Morocco and Burkina Faso. Photo: CAF Online

Group A:
To say the hosts dominated the group would not be an understatement. From becoming the first country to win their first three matches, to outstanding individual performances displayed by their captain Ghizlane Chebbak, the Atlas Lionesses have sent a warning to the rest of the continent with their almost flawless delivery of gracious football.

Morocco kicked off the tournament with an easy 1-0 win over debutants Burkina Faso courtesy of a goal by Ghizlane Chebakk in the 29th minute. The Atlas Lionesses comfortably steam-rolled through the group with another two wins afterwards; a 3-1 win over Uganda saw them through to the next stage. They also earned a 1-0 win over Senegal.

The Senegalese picked up the second qualification slot from the group after winning two matches and narrowly losing to the host. They haven’t been convincing so far as two of their three goals have come from penalties. The Zambian team would be a great test of their quality as they seek to book a World Cup ticket for 2023.

Burkina Faso and Uganda drew in their final group game, a result that helped neither of the teams get out as one of the best third-placed teams.

Above: Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak with teammates in celebration against Senegal. Photo: CAF Online

Group B:

After playing a goalless draw in their match against Cameroon, the She-polopolo of Zambia edged out the Tunisian women by a goal to nothing before thumping Togo by four goals to one to secure the top spot in Group B.

The Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon had a struggling start after two draws but an early goal from Michaela Abam and another one in the closing moments of the final game from their captain, Ajara Nchout, ensured they booked a slot in the quarter-finals while they would be facing the current holder of the championships, the Super-Falcons of Nigeria.

Winning a match was sufficient for Tunisia to progress to the quarter-finals, they would however have to improve a lot on their performance to have any chances of eliminating the athletic ladies from South Africa.

Above: Zambia’s Avell Chitundu celebrates a 90th-minute winner against Tunisia. Photo: CAF Online.

Group C:

Opening the tournament with a victory over uncoordinated Nigeria was a perfect way to make a statement, but going on to secure three wins (the only team to do so asides the host country) could be a shadow of things to come for South Africa‘s Banyana Banyana women.

Two second half goals by Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hildah Magaia were enough for South Africa to put away the Super Falcons who got their consolation goal in added time but it was too little too late to get an equalizer

While losing their major playmaker, Thembi Kgatlana, to an injury might be a slight dent to their performance, they would have their gaze on booking a consecutive World Cup ticket when they meet Zambia in their next match.

Despite losing the first match to South Africa and losing their star player to injury, Nigeria’s Super Falcons had the highest number of goals scored and the highest goal difference during the group stages. The coach has explored different alternatives in the forward-line, however it is the Atletico-Madrid feminine attacking midfielder, Rasheedat Ajibade that has stepped up the most, having two goals and two assists in their last two games.

A quarter-final against Cameroon would be a challenge to relish for the nine times continental champion as they keep their focus on securing a ninth consecutive World cup ticket.

With a brilliant display in their opening match, Bostwana picks the second “best-loser’s” ticket to earn their spot in the quarter-finals, where they square up with the hosts. That performance saw them produced the highest goalscoring game of the tournament so far defeating Burundi 4-2. The Mares put on a show with a brilliant brace from Refilwe Tholakele.

Above: Celebratory dance for South Africa after scoring against Burundi. Photo: CAF Online.

QUARTER-FINALS

The knock-out round kicks off today with hosts Morocco facing Botswana, and Zambia clashing with Senegal. The following day sees Cameroon entertain Nigeria who will be without star striker Asisat Oshoala for the rest of the tournament. The other game on Thursday features a north vs south clash as South Africa battles Tunisia at the Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan without prolific forward Thembi Kgatlana who was injured in the final group game.

An entertaining knock-out phase lies ahead of us in the African Cup of Nations and we’ll be looking forward to more brilliant football from Morocco.

Artwork: CAF.

To find out more about our newest writer Emmanual Faith and all our team of contributors, click here: https://impetusfootball.org/about-our-contributors/


Germany Glide Past Spain And Into The Quarter-Finals

by Johnathan Stack (13/7/22)

Above: Germany show their joy at Brentford last night after defeating Spain. Photo: Euro 2022.

The Brentford Community Stadium was the scene for Germany’s second group game against Spain. Going into this Group B encounter, one goal split the sides in the table.

Germany head coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg was forced into making a change to the side that breezed past Finland, as striker Lea Schüller tested positive for Coronavirus yesterday, so Alexandra Popp was brought into the side and took the armband.

This was a big game in West London, with both teams going for a quarter-final spot. If the Germans had put the whole tournament on notice after matchday one, they have certainly put their names in the hat as favourites after last night’s win.

They looked very good, especially defensively, and have kept back-to-back clean sheets in this tournament thus far while scoring goals in the process.

It must not have been easy in the Germany camp in the last 24 hours, with one of their key players being sent into isolation, they came out and put on another impressive display.

Carrying on from the Denmark game, the Germans came out pressing putting Spain under pressure and it definitely paid off as three minutes into the game Sandra Panos was hustled and harried into making a monumental error trying to play the ball out from the back. Her pass was straight into the path of Klara Bühl who got around Spain centre-back Irene Paredes to send the ball into the back of the net.

Above: Alexandra Popp shows her joy after scoring her second goal in two games this tournament. Photo: Euro 2022.

Germany doubled their lead when skipper Alexandra Popp headed in from a corner in the 37th minute. She is certainly making the most of this tournament having missed out in 2013 and 2017 by bagging her second goal of Euro 2022.

Spain brought Merle Frohms into action into the second half but failed to conjure up anything of significance. Next up for Germany is Finland then the runner-up from Group A – either Austria or Norway in the quarterfinals.

The way that Germany is playing they look like they could make it a ninth European Championship title and the way the host England are currently playing all roads may well lead to a final between the two sides at Wembley Stadium on 31st July.

Speaking after the game Germany coach Voss-Tecklenburg said “Our game plan worked and Bühl’s goal played into our hands. Based on our willingness to defend and the way in which we played, I have to pay the team a huge compliment. It was incredible. This team is prepared to be disciplined on the day and are completely invested. That feels good.” 

Voss-Tecklenburg will be looking to get her tactics right and make a clean sweep of Group B against Finland on Saturday in Milton Keynes. She will also be keeping a close eye on her squad and hoping she doesn’t lose any further key players to Coronavirus.

Above: Germany after the game dedicating the win to their stricken teammate Lea Schüller. Photo: @DFB_Frauen.

Teams: GERMANY (4-3-3): Frohms, Hendrich, Hegering, Oberdorf, Popp, Huth, Däbritz, Gwinn, Rauch, Bühl, Magull. Substitutes: Anyomi, Berger, Brand, Dallmann, Doorsoun-Khajeh, Freigang, Kleinherne, Lattwein, Lohmann, Schult, Wassmuth.

Scorers: Bühl 3’ Popp 36’.

SPAIN (4-5-1): Panos, Batlle, Paredes, Leon, Ouahabi, Aleixandri, Guijarro, Bonmanti, Caldentey, S.Garcia, L.Garcia. Substitutes: Gallardo, Rodriguez, Andres, Guerrero, Gonzalez, Del Castillo, Cardona, Sarriegi, Abelleira, Carmona, Pereira, Pina.

Referee: Stéphanie Frappart.

Attendance: 16,037.