by Johnathan Stack at the Bet365 Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent(7/9/22)
Above: There was plenty for the Lionesses to celebrate last night. Photo: Lionesses.
It was not cold, wet, or windy, but England were on fire and certainly did the job on a Tuesday night in Stoke-on-Trent beating Luxembourg 10-0 to round off their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers in dominating fashion.
Goals from Alessia Russo, Rachel Daly, Beth Mead, Nikita Parris, Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp, and braces from Georgia Stanway and Bethany England saw England finish with a perfect 100% record in qualifying.
England were in control of the match from the start and were as ruthless as they have been throughout these qualifiers as they looked to finish Group D flawlessly. They created chance after chance.
It was a great display all around as England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck did not touch the ball once with her hands as Luxembourg failed to register a shot on goal with the Lionesses finishing with 81% possession to boot.
Above: A big crowd at Stoke enjoyed the rampant Lionesses take on Luxembourg. Photo: Lionesses.
Ten wins from ten for the European champions in the qualifying campaign meant it was a night to remember as England took to the field for the first time on home soil since the historic triumph over Germany at the end of July.
Before the match, recently retired Lioness legend Jill Scott brought the UEFA Euro trophy onto the pitch, and England head coach Sarina Wiegman was presented with her UEFA Women’s coach of the year award in from of a home crowd of just over 24,000.
It was a great performance yet again from the Lionesses who picked up their third 10-0 win of the qualifying campaign, finishing with a goal difference of +80 with no goals conceded throughout the entirety of the campaign – extremely impressive stats that should not go unnoticed.
So, with the World Cup qualifiers, over focus and attention will now be on the new WSL season that starts this weekend, but it won’t be too long before the Lionesses return to St George’s Park for another international period as next month, they take on world champions the USA at a sold-out Wembley Stadium together with a friendly against the Czech Republic at Brighton’s Amex Stadium four days later.
Above: Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman speaks to the media after the match last night. Photo: Johnathan Stack for Impetus.
After the game, England head coach Sarina Wiegman expressed her delight with how the qualification campaign went saying: “I don’t think it could be much better than this so I’m really happy. The team has done a tremendous job coming out of the summer, everyone came in very differently, but then you play two games like this and we knew, of course, tonight we were so much better than Luxembourg but we still had to had to make the tempo of the game and keep the energy in the game that’s what we really wanted to do and I think that’s what we did for the most part of the game and 10-0 is really nice to go home with too.”
England captain Leah Williamson who provided a glorious assist for Alessia Russo for England’s second goal spoke about ending the qualifiers on a high: “It was a great campaign from us, and we always want to be better, we will look at those areas but in terms results on the pitch you couldn’t have asked for much more.” Williamson also spoke about carrying on the legacy that is being created post-Euro’s “We have set a tone and hopefully, across the WSL it will continue but every time we play an England game, we want people to come and have that experience.”
It has been a very successful summer for England who will have one eye on preparations for next summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, but will have the other eye on the upcoming task ahead as they prepare for a World Champions vs European Champions showdown.
by Martin Townley at the Cardiff City Stadium (7/9/22)
Above: Post-match scenes of delight among the Welsh players. Photo: FAW.
It was an historic night in Cardiff as Gemma Grainger’s Wales side made history making it to the World Cup play-offs for the first time. Needing just a point in front of a record crowd of 12,741 for a women’s football match in Wales, the side drew 0-0 with Slovenia.
Before kick-off as Zombie Nation blasted around the stadium, the heavens opened and rain cam hammering down on Cardiff City Stadium. The rain didn’t damper the home crowd who belted out Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
Wales, knowing that a draw was enough to see them reach the play-offs, were cautious in their play. They moved the ball patiently and did not commit too many players forward as they clearly were aware of Slovenia’s quick counter attacking style.
With so much on the line for both nations the game was tense, and the opening minutes showed both side struggling to get into their rhythms.
Slovenia captain Mateja Zver had the best chance of the early exchanges, latching onto a loose pass and trying a shot from the edge of the box. Her shot was straight at Laura O’Sullivan and the Wales keeper parried it down before dropping on the ball.
Carrie Jones out wide was Wales most dangerous player and she cut inside the box and hit a shot straight at Zara Mersnik. Jones was brought down on the edge of the box, but ref plays on. Moments later and the same player had the ball on the edge of the box and curled a shot over the bar.
A Rhiannon Roberts cross from the right was caught on the volley by Jones. The effort whisked across goal where Kayleigh Green was sliding in, but she couldn’t connect.
In the 70th minute Zara Mersnik pulled off two fantastic saves from a Jones shot then from Gemma Evans’ close range header.
Above: Hayley Ladd in action for Wales last night. Photo: FAW.
Wales were managing the later stages of the game well with Roberts keeping the ball deep in the Slovenia half. There was time for one last chance for the visitors however, when a ball over the Welsh defence needed Laura O’Sullivan to smother bravely.
Slovenia couldn’t find the goal they needed, and the final whistle blew to huge cheers around the stadium.
Wales make the play-offs for the first time after missing out in their final game in 2018, losing to England 3-0 after leading the group. Then again in 2019 they narrowly failed after a home 2-2 draw with Northern Ireland gave the visitors a better head-to-head record.
Wales manager Gemma Grainger was delighted after the game: “I’m so pleased for the players, they deserve everything that they get. It has been an exceptional campaign. We have developed.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the players. The players need to take all the credit, the 12,000 supporters here tonight were behind us, and we fed off that. Now we want even more. We don’t mind who we get in the draw, we don’t have a preference. We will look at the play-offs as game 11 and game 12, but we can at least talk about them now.”
Wales will be in the draw for the playoffs on Friday 9th September and Grainger continued: “I am pleased for the players, for them it has been a long-time coming. In terms of growing the game and making people fall in love with the team… it’s been a special night. I didn’t let myself think about this moment, but we inspired 12,000 people, that’s incredible.”
Captain Sophie Ingle also praised the record-breaking crowd. “I’m ecstatic, we dug deep, they’re a great team, a physical team, and they battled until the end,” she said. “I don’t know how we didn’t score, but we got the result we needed. A lot of family and friends are here and the fans, over 12,000… it’s amazing.”
Impetus‘ Darrell Allen provides his weekly round-up of all the women’s football action in Norfolk (6/9/22).
Above: Jess Horn hits a superb strike from 40 yards for Wroxham against Bowers and Pitsea. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos.
It was another action packed Sunday across Norfolk with Norwich City, Wymondham Town, Wroxham, King’s Lynn Town, and Fakenham Town all in action.
Norwich City made it 10 points from a possible 12 in their opening four games, drawing 2-2 at home to London Seaward in FA Women’s National League Division One South East.
London Seawood took the lead on 27th minutes with a curling shot from the edge of the box by Suzy Davies before Alice Parker equalised for the hosts right on half time to send the teams in level at the break.
Above: Megan Todd in action for Norwich City against London Seaward on Sunday. Photo: Norwich City Women.
Norwich City thought they had won it when Natasha Snelling scored her seventh goal of the season on 84 minutes but there was a late twist in the tale when Jo Butler-Williams header past Bryony Williams in the home goal meant that the North East London side took home a share of the spoils.
It’s been a wonderful start to the season for Shaun Howes and his team and a sign of how far they are progressing as a club that they were disappointed to not win this game.
Wymondham Town‘s tough start to life in tier four life continued with a 4-0 defeat at Chesham United. Millie Comgerton, Gemma Fraser, former Norwich City star Keunna Dill and Kate Bowers were scorers for the hosts on the day. Wymondham are still with out a point this season.
In the tier five Eastern Region Premier Division it was a disappointing day for both Wroxham and King’s Lynn Town.
Above: Becky Russell battles away for Wroxham against Bowers and Pitsea. Photo: Hardy Scott Photos.
Wroxham played their part in a thrilling contest against Bowers and Pitsea at Trafford Park.
Amy Jacobs gave the visitors the lead on 21 minutes before Wroxham captain Jess Horn levelled things up emphatically on 42 minutes scoring from 40 yards out.
Kelsey Smith scored within a minute of the re start to regain the lead for Bowers and Pitsea before an own goal made it 3-1 to the visitors on 49 minutes. The rapid fire scoring start to the second half continued as Laura Densley reduced the deficit for the hosts just after the hour before Jessica Strizovic made it 4-2 to Bowers & Pitsea, sending the points went back to Essex.
King’s Lynn Town were also beaten in tier five going down 4-0 at newly promoted AFC Sudbury.
Above: Alice Collins, usually a midfielder, spent the whole of Sunday’s game in goal for King’s Lynn Town at AFC Sudbury. Photo: Richard Brown.
Alex Penny, Evie Creaton, Holly Kennard, and Caitlyn Charles were the AFC Sudbury scorers. However King’s Lynn battled hard with players missing and a special mention has to go to midfielder Alice Collins who stepped up and played in goal to fill the void left by missing players.
With team spirit and togetherness like this, better results won’t be far away for Alex Cook and his team.
In the tier six Eastern Region Division One North, Fakenham Town remain pointless losing 3-2 at St. Ives Town however that doesn’t tell the whole story.
A remarkable brace from 16-year-old Chloe Gravett gave Fakenham a two goal lead was just the tonic the Norfolk side needed and they thought they were going to kick start their season but a brace from Hannah Seymour-Shove and another from Freyja Bermudez all in the final 12 minutes saw St. Ives complete a remarkable comeback and get the victory.
Impetus’ French editor Jean-Pierre Thiesset brings ushis 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.
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.
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.
Above: Lionesses’ Keira Walsh and head coach Sarina Wiegman at today’s media conference at St. George’s Park. Photo: Johnathan Stack for Impetus.
With World Cup qualification secured, the Lionesses head to Stoke-on-Trent for what is being described as a homecoming celebration.
Around 30,000 fans will descend on a sold-out Stoke City Stadium, in what will be England’s first home game since winning the UEFA Euro 2022 final and being crowned European champions.
With a brilliant 2-0 away victory in Austria on Saturday, thanks to goals from Alessia Russo and Nikita Parris confirming England as Group D winners, tomorrow night’s match will be the final game of FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying against Luxembourg.
Above: The Lionesses in training this morning at St. George’s Park. Photo: Johnathan Stack for Impetus.
Speaking on Russo starting in the number nine role against Austria, England manager Sarina Wiegman said: “We talk a lot about principles and how we want to create chances and score goals, and you want your players who can score goals the best to be in the best position at the moment the ball comes in front of goal. We really wanted Alessia to be in and around the 18-yard box when the ball gets there.
“Once in a while you go into the corner because that’s the solution for that moment, you have to do it. But you’re starting task is a little closer to the centre of the pitch. Dropping deep sometimes can absolutely be a solution if you want to get an overload or something but then someone else needs to make the run in behind.”
After the game, Wiegman was greeted by travelling England fans, and she spent time signing autographs while they chanted her name. It was an experience that she greatly valued. “It’s nice, it is absolutely nice. I think it’s all about the players. When they perform well, I’m doing well too. We work together, we work as a team. It’s always about the team but it’s nice, first of all, that the people come to Austria to watch us, they come to the stadium to cheer for us, and part I’m just part of what they cheer for.”
And even with the pressure off the Lionesses, Sarina Wiegman expects a similar result so the reverse fixture which saw England win 10-0 in the Stade de Luxembourg almost a year ago.
Above: England are put through their paces at training this morning. Photo: Johnathan Stack for Impetus.
With the match tomorrow being the first home match since the Euros success, Wiegman reflected on the incredible support that she feels that the team has from the public: “It’s really exciting and the support we have had has been great in the Euro’s and they keep coming now, so tomorrow it will be 30,000 coming to watch and we really want to show again our game and make a celebration and have a nice football game.
“This team is so eager to do well. Playing Luxembourg and it’s all done in the qualification, but we also have 30,000 people coming to watch us and that’s really exciting. As seen in training sessions and in the game played on Saturday, it’s so sharp and at such a good level, the team just wants to train and do well and do well every day in every moment that we get. I expect a very energetic team that really wants to show and with lots of goals and of course conceding none.”
With Group D done and dusted, the Lionesses head coach is expected to ring the changes with players itching to stake a claim in the starting 11 tomorrow night. Wiegman explained: “We still have one training session to do. Every player coming in very differently you might expect some changes.
“We are reviewing every game all the time, we’re reviewing what we did in camp and in training sessions on the pitch. This game will be a lot in possession, not the highest level, of course, it’s always an opportunity to show yourself and they are always competing here, competing in training and in games and also as competing at your club and as Keira (Walsh) said showing consistency in your own game for your team and getting minutes at your club which will give us all the information, we need to make the right choices.”
Above: The Lionesses are heading out for the final game of the qualification campaign tomorrow. Photo: Johnathan Stack for Impetus.
Also, in the press conference sat alongside Sarina Wiegman, was Keira Walsh, player of the match against Austria. The Manchester City midfielder is set to receive her 50th cap for England tomorrow: “If I’m in the team it’s exciting, when I was younger, I didn’t think I’d ever get to 50 caps for my country. I’ve still not even had time to reflect on the Euros so much because we’re straight back into it but I’m sure after the game probably sit down with my family at some point and reminisce on my journey in football.”
Walsh also spoke of her emotions on clinching qualification for next summer’s World Cup: “I don’t think it was a relief, I think we look forward to those sorts of games, we want to be playing in World Cup qualifiers. Austria is a good team and had a great Euros as well. We are confident in our own abilities, and we played a good game. It was just exciting to be back together after the Euros and get playing with each other again.”
Given the amazing celebrations from the Lionesses after the UEFA Euro 2022 final Walsh was asked whether the team celebrated after the game on Saturday evening: “I think it was difficult, with us being in different places in terms of club and stuff some of the girls had to go and train after the game, so we were kind of separated a little bit. But we came back to the hotel together and had post-match which was nice, (but) there were definitely muted celebrations compared to the Euros.”
Either way, there will definitely be celebrations after the full-time whistle tomorrow night which will bring the curtain down on an incredible summer not just for England but an incredible summer for women’s football in general, but up first can the Lionesses do it on a cold, wet and windy night in Stoke?
Impetus’ Ryan Miller-Woods heard from Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson ahead of the Matildas’ second friendly against Canada tomorrow (5/9/22).
Above: Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson has a lot to ponder ahead of tomorrow’s second game with Canada. Image: Football Australia.
Tony Gustavsson admitted today that he is still not sure on the availability of a number of his players ahead of their second friendly against Canada in Sydney.
“We tested some of the players in football but also afterwards some high-speed running because we have some soft tissue issues and some of the players weren’t available for the first game and we will hear later how they responded to that.
“Steph Catley is a question mark, for example, we decide that tonight, Caitlin Foord went through the training good, but we need to see how she responds tonight to that training. Those are the two ones that, Meeks (Tameka Yallop) trained fully as well and also Cortnee Vine trained fully, so hopefully, there’s some more players available for the game tomorrow but I won’t know for certain until tonight.
Above: Tony Gustavsson speaking to the media today in Sydney. Image: Football Australia.
“We looked at backup options, but we said that let’s wait for the training today because if three to four players pulled up well tonight, we don’t need it and if we do get an option that we can bring someone in, we do it, late call tomorrow just as a back-up on the bench so we have numbers at least but it doesn’t look like we need to right now cause in the training today, I actually had 19 outfield players that fulfilled the training but that includes Steph (Catley) that’s a little bit of a question mark, so it looks better going into this game than the first one.”
With the match being the first-round ball occasion hosted by the new Allianz Stadium, the Matildas head coach emphasised that tomorrow is more about building momentum for his team than a stadium opening.
“Everything is about momentum in sport, right? To get that momentum and I’ve been around in this game long enough for these 22 years to have taught me that sometimes you need a result just for the momentum and the belief around you, right? In that sense it is important.
“Internally, there’s still and I know some people might be sick and tired of me saying this but internally, we know what we have done, we know where we are and there’s a belief in the process and I don’t think that belief is going to be lost, even if we lose the game if that makes sense. I will be more worried if the game didn’t look good, you know, if performances are not there if they’re not playing the way we want to play, then maybe you can start to say ‘What’s happening here, right? But I think for the momentum, in that sense, I do think it is important and also for the outside, you know?
Above: Tony Gustavsson reflects on the importance of building momentum. Image: Football Australia.
“What we want to do is we want to inspire and these women want to fill this stadium on the 20th of July (2023), so if we can pull out a good performance, that could lead to a good result and get that momentum and the ways of positivity and then we want to fill this stadium.”
As Gustavsson highlighted, the countdown toward next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand is getting closer by the day, there is no question that the heat is being turned up on the Matildas head coach and his team to get results and performances on a more regular basis.
“I mean, it might be unfair to ask for trust in the process but I understand what it’s like, I do, you know I’ve been there on the other side as well and when you don’t see what is happening on the inside and you want to see those results to get the belief but I think Sam (Kerr) and the players, they deserve all the belief that they can get and even if we happen to lose a friendly or so, I think you know, if they can feel the belief from the fans, look at those last 50 minutes against Canada from Brisbane, for example, it was the fans, carrying us through those 50 minutes and we almost scored two goals because of that energy and the belief that we can do with the ‘Never Say Die’ attitude again like we’ve done a lot of times before.
“I’d say as well that it is important to look at the whole picture and see what we’ve tried to do. Maybe I can look at the mirror sometimes and say ‘Was I overambitious’ you know, trying to build depth in the roster and at the same time played the toughest schedule in the history of this program and maybe that wasn’t the best for the belief and the trust from the outside but I was very clear with the federation (Football Australia) and with the players, what we were doing, so I think internally the patience is there to trust us, the belief is there but externally I understand the question, I do and it’s fair.”
Above: Tony Gustavsson admits he has more options in midfield and up front compared to defence. Image: Football Australia.
There has been a degree of criticism over Australia’s defence, and Gustavsson emphasised that he sees that his team are attack heavy in terms of player numbers.
“We are definitely overloaded in the midfield, there’s tons of fantastic midfielders in this country and that’s a challenge because there’s not room for every single one of them. You saw in the last game that I played a centre midfielder out wide with Kyra Cooney-Cross because she has been phenomenal in clubland (for Hammarby) when she comes back from injury and she’s been phenomenal in training, so she deserved a start. So I choose to put her out on the 11 because I know she can play out there and by the way, she had a phenomenal second half (against Canada in Brisbane).
“When it comes to Chids (Alex Chidiac), all she can do is keep focusing on what she is doing right now meaning deliver good games in clubland (for Racing Louisville), coming in here, and try to prove for me that she deserves minutes on the field but it is tough competition, it’s tough competition for her, for Meeks (Tameka Yallop), for Chloe Logarzo, for Kyra Cooney-Cross, EVE (Emily van Egmond), Mary (Fowler), you name it, you know, it’s just a few of all the world-class midfielders, we add Wheeler (Clare Wheeler) to that list as well, Mini (Katrina Gorry) who’s normally maybe an eight or 10, who plays in the six role, you add KK (Elise Kellond-Knight) to that, coming back playing games now, a bit too early to bring her into this camp, I spoke to her but hopefully, we see her in the October camp and then here you go and there might be room for three of them.”
After the performance in the first game against Canada in Brisbane on Saturday, it will be interesting to look out for what Australia can, as a whole, do differently to get a result in Sydney.
Above: Wales are hoping for plenty of celebrations tomorrow night when they could clinch a first-ever World CupPlay-Off spot. Photo: FAW.
Wales will face Slovenia on Tuesday at Cardiff City Stadium in their final World Cup Qualifier needing just a draw to secure a place in the World Cup Play-offs and will have the backing of a record crowd set be over 10,000.
Gemma Grainger’s side stand on the brink of history and will be the first Welsh women’s side to make a major tournament play-off. A 1-0 win away to Greece on Friday night leaves a play-off place in Wales’s own hands thanks to Carrie Jones’ goal.
Slovenia could, with a win, overtake Wales in Group I and steal second place and a play-off place. Sara Makovec and Mateja Zver both scored as Slovenia kept their qualification hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Kazakhstan.
When the sides met back in October last year the match ended 1-1. Manja Rogan giving the hosts the lead with Kayleigh Green equalising two minutes after. Shortly after scoring Green was shown a red card for a second booking leaving Wales to hold on for what may turn out to be a vital away point.
Despite only needing a point Wales manager Gemma Grainger told BBC Sport,
“We have put ourselves in this position where we need only a point, but we’ll absolutely prepare to go and win that game because they are the standards that we have as a team. They are the standards whoever we play.
Above: There will be a record crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium tomorrow night. Photo: Cardiff City FC.
“We know what position we have put ourselves in and we know now that we will flip to Slovenia,” Grainger added.
With a record crowd at Cardiff for the game, Grainger emphasised the importance of the fans to the team,
“The fans are huge to us, we have broken the record by a long way, but we want to see more than 10,000 because they are huge.
“We have seen it with Rob [Page] and the men’s team and now it’s our turn. The fans will make the difference.”
Wales star Jess Fishlock was on the bench for the game against Greece after picking up an injury. There is no news as yet as to whether or not Fishlock will start against Slovenia, so it’s likely that Wales will remain unchanged from the team that started against Greece.
This game will be a tense affair with so much on the line for both teams but with the Red Wall in full force Wales at Cardiff is a tough task for any team.
The weekend saw the first two matches in the NPLW WA Top Four Cup. Perth RedStar took on Perth SC in the major semi-final with Fremantle City hosting Hyundai NTC in an eliminator. Impetus’ Ben Gilby reports on both games (5/9/22).
Above: Perth SC goalkeeper Rebecca Bennett looks back as Carla Bennett’s shot is to hit the bar before bouncing down and over the line to give Perth RedStar the lead. Photosupplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Perth RedStar 1-0 Perth SC
Perth RedStar’s march towards a clean sweep of all four trophies available to them continued as a Carla Bennett goal just before the hour mark saw them into the Top Four Cup Final.
Perth SC will have a second opportunity in midweek to make the season finale in the Preliminary Final, and had chances themselves, particularly in the closing stages, but the home side’s ability to lift their performance and do what is necessary at the right times deservedly saw them over the line.
RedStar were full of rapid energy from the start, looking to disrupt Perth’s passing game by getting in quickly and pressing the Azzurri players on the ball.
Above: Perth RedStar’s Carla Bennett (6) – had a major influence on the match. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Carla Bennett, who was a major player in the sharp press on the visitors, created a moment of attacking threat with eight minutes on the clock when her dangerously curled in free-kick from the left needed Perth SC keeper Rebecca Bennett to palm it away.
The visitors were getting more time out wide, and the influence of Jaime Duncanson to create along the left and pull teasing balls into the box developed. Just before the 20 minute mark, it was Faye Phillips on the opposite wing who was able to feed Caitlin Doeglas. The former Perth Glory player got a shot away that Maya Diederichsen did well to get her body behind and smother.
As the game hit the half-hour mark, clear-cut chances were becoming fewer and further between. Getting a firm foothold of the midfield would be the key area to decide the outcome. For the home side, that was about getting their rapid-fire passing that clinically dissects the opposition. For the visitors, it was about making the best possible use of their wide players to create.
Above: Eyes on the prize – Perth RedStar and the NPLW WA’s top scorer Larissa Walsh (red shirt). Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
One such rare opportunity presented itself as Carla Bennett profited from loose play from Jaymee Gibbons to advance and square to Sarah Carroll, but as the A-League Women star was about to pull the trigger, Gibbons brilliantly got back to deny RedStar with a perfectly timed tackle.
Three minutes before the break, there were a flurry of half chances. Jessica Byrne brought down RedStar hot-shot Larissa Walsh on the left-hand edge of the box and Kim Carroll’s free kick went into the arms of Rebecca Bennett. Within seconds, a delicate exchange of passing in midfield from the Azzurri led to Abbey Meakins feeding Liana Cook at the left edge of the opposite area, and her shot went just over the top.
Meakins was involved moments later as she lifted in a long-range free-kick and earned her team a corner which was comfortably claimed by Diederichsen. It remained goalless at the break.
Above: Ella Lincoln looks to get free for Perth SC in the semi-final yesterday. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Within moments of the second-half opening, RedStar had a golden opportunity. Kim Carroll floated in a free-kick from a central position around 35 yards out, whilst Carla Bennett missed her attempted header, the ball found Olivia Wood on the right and her low ball in was scooped over the bar by Sarah Carroll.
The home side continued their strong start in the second 45 by earning a corner. Carla Bennett floated it in from the left, Walsh flicked it on and a superb twisting half-volley from Sarah Carroll was met by an equally fine save by Rebecca Bennett.
The pressure continued and just before the hour mark, Duncanson was forced off possession which saw the ball played in for Walsh who fed Carla Bennett outside her. The RedStar’s legend advanced into the box and let fly with a shot that cannoned down off of the bar and over the line to put the hosts in front.
Above: Perth SC goalkeeper Rebecca Bennett looks on in agony as Carla Bennett’s shot bounces down off of the bar and over the line to secure Perth RedStar’s win. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
Perth SC worked hard to respond, but the home side were stubborn, strong, and resolute. RedStar could have doubled their tally two minutes before the end but Jayna Ridley was not quite able to direct her shot from close range in the way she would have hoped.
The best chances for the visitors came at the death. Two minutes into stoppage time, Doeglas was fouled just outside the box on the right. Phillips’ free-kick was met by a flick header from Alyssa van Heurck which went wide. Doeglas was involved seconds later as she hit a shot that deflected up and bounced high in front of RedStar keeper Diederichsen, only just clearing the bar at the cost of a corner.
The corner came in and wasn’t cleared by RedStar. The ball came rapidly – too rapidly -across to Meakins for a close-range header which failed to hit the target.
Above: Jaime Duncanson tries to create for Perth SC in yesterday’s semi-final. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Rob Lizzi.
The Azzurri now have to do it the hard way if they want to win their first piece of NPLW silverware. A midweek Preliminary Final needs to be won before another showdown with Perth RedStar in the Top Four Cup Final if they are successful, next Saturday. That is a physically demanding challenge, but one Pete Rakic will have his team up for.
Above: Fremantle City (black) and Hyundai NTC battle it out on Friday night. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch.
Hyundai NTC are one game from their first ever Top Four Cup Final after producing an impressively controlled performance to defeat Fremantle City at Wauhop Park on Friday night.
For Fremantle, this was a tough loss to take having been positioned inside the top four for virtually the entire season, but the NTC, who only confirmed their place in the Finals on the last week of the regular season, has consistently proved this season, that on their day, their combination of skill, firepower, and strength can be a test for anyone.
It was the visitors who started this encounter on the front foot, full of energy, and looking to push the home side back. However, Freo conjured up the first opportunities on goal. Jamie-Lee Gale, from the right, found Jess Darmago whose first shot was repelled by the midriff of onrushing NTC keeper Lilly Bailey before the custodian smothered the instant rebound.
NTC’s Sophie Meaden and Violet Longmore were influential along the right flank, combining to deliver dangerous balls into the box that kept Fremantle keeper Dayle Schroeder busy.
Above: Ischia Brooking in possession – her deflected shot led to Hyundai NTC taking the lead. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch.
With the encounter largely even at this stage, it was increasingly becoming a case of the team who took a chance when it arrived being the one who would come out on top. When the opening goal came after 24 minutes, it had a big slice of luck about it.
A long NTC throw on the left led to a dangerous cross-shot which was pushed out by a firm hand from Schroeder and fell to Ischia Brooking on the edge of the box. Brooking drove her shot which was deflected off of a defender and wrong-footed Schroeder as it flew into the net.
The teenage side remained on the ascendency after the goal. They were exceptionally well organised, mounting a high press and getting in Fremantle faces quickly to force the home side back and win back possession.
NTC saw out a combative period before the break as the hosts forced back-to-back corners, the second of which Bailey leapt high under pressure to claim the ball.
Freo created a half chance within five minutes of the re-start as Tash Rigby got away down the right and pulled the ball across for Mikayla Lyons whose shot went over. Rigby’s influence was growing on the game, and as it did so, Fremantle began to mount their most consistent spell of pressure in the game.
Rigby was driving down the right as well as looking to cut inside to deliver inch-perfect crossfield balls. Just after the hour mark, the hosts forced a corner, and Gale’s flag kick from the left curled viciously in just beyond the far post.
The action was fast and furious now and Tanika Lala broke through for the NTC, headed the ball down, but as she was about to pull the trigger, was denied by tackle inside the box. Lala showed her worth shortly afterwards by winning a corner after it took two Freo defenders to deny her a shot on goal.
Grace Johnston was working hard and largely succeeded in reducing the threat that Darmago poses week-in-week-out for Fremantle. Bailey was well protected in the NTC goal and had very little to do in the way of shot-stopping in the second half as the youngsters weathered the mini Fremantle storm.
Natalia Vega Mena and Anna Powell combined in the box with 20 minutes to go, with the later forcing Schroeder into a save. Substitute Nelli Johnson was also putting in a powerful cameo shift, tracking Freo attacks confidently and offering herself in offensive situations as well.
With five minutes remaining, Freo won a free-kick on the left, some 20 yards from goal. It was curled in, and Bailey claimed under heavy traffic with the additional gain of a free-kick herself. NTC responded themselves by winning a corner which almost brought about a match-clinching second goal from Ava Richards.
Freo’s final chance came in the last minute of regulation time as a powerful drive was blocked on the line by Georgia Cassidy.
Within two minutes the game was settled by a piece of trademark skill by Lala. Johnson’s throw-in for the NTC on the left inside their own half found the young gun up the same wing. Lala showed strength and pace to beat her marker, cut inside, and hit a perfectly angled low shot between two would-be defenders on its way to rolling home at the far post.
Above: Tanika Lala (yellow shirt) – scorer of Hyundai NTC’s second goal. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Denyse McCulloch,
This was a deserved win for the NTC who have an impressive mix of skill, organisation, game management, and physical presence. They are always an enjoyable team to watch, and now head into a clash away to Perth SC in midweek for a place in the Top Four Cup Final.
Above: England’s Rachel Daley shows her delight after the match with World Cup qualification sealed. Photo: Lionesses.
England secured their place at next summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup with a 2-0 win away in Austria – a victory that maintained the Lionesses’ perfect record in World Cup Qualifying.
Goals in either half from Alessia Russo and Nikita Parris sealed the group for England who only needed one point coming into this game to be confirmed as Group D winners.
Russo was handed the number nine shirt relinquished by the retired Ellen White, in what was just her third start for England she repaid the faith in manager Sarina Wiegman’s decision to have Russo lead the line as she volleyed home from inside the area to give the Lionesses a seventh-minute lead.
Above: Lauren Hemp and Ella Toone congratulate Alessia Russo after the Manchester United star put the Lionesses ahead. Photo: Lionesses.
England were out there to show why they are the European champions and looked comfortable passing the ball about, at times a little too comfortable with a couple of stray passes turning into opportunities for Austria and a lapse in concentration from England shot-stopper Mary Earps from receiving a pass for captain Leah Williamson saw Austria forward Julia Hickelsberger-Fuller close Earps down and put her under pressure which saw her attempt at a clearance deflect just past the post and nearly saw Austria level.
Nevertheless, England looked in control in this game against an opponent they have only beaten 1-0 on the last two occasions. The Lionesses controlled the midfield and a great pass from Bayern Munich player Georgia Stanway saw Nikita Parris score her first goal for England since last September with a great finish.
England has been dominant in the qualifying campaign, with nine wins from nine group games, 70 goals scored, and none conceded with one game left to play on Tuesday against Luxembourg.
The pressure is now off of the Lionesses who will play in the Stoke City Stadium in front of a sell-out crowd in their first game on home soil since being crowned European Champions by winning UEFA Euro 2022, 35 days ago and the Lionesses sold out friendly against world champions the USA can go ahead as planned as England won’t have to take part in the World Cup play-offs.
Above: Lucy Bronze powers in a header in Austria. Photo: Lionesses.
Speaking after the game, England head coach Sarina Wiegman said, “I’m very proud, we have done so well. From September last year till now we keep on doing well. Today was a hard game, we had some hard moments in the game, but I think we were the better team”.
Alessia Russo, who put the Lionesses ahead, spoke of her pride in the team’s mission being accomplished: “That was our main target this camp, and to have done it today is really special it’s what we have been aiming for. Now the Euros are done, it is behind us and now Australia and New Zealand is the next stop of the journey. To tick qualifying off is exciting”.
The scorer of the goal that sealed England’s qualification, new Manchester United signing Nikita Parris said: “Austria gave us a tough game, they always defend well against us, and it was about us having the patience to break them down. First half Austria stayed in the game we got the early goal, but in the second half we were so much better”.
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