Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Naomi Chinnama from inside the Young Matildas U20 World Cup training camp during a media event yesterday (26/7/22).
Above: A relaxed Naomi Chinnama speaking to the media yesterday. Photo: Football Australia.
After earning her first call-up to the Young Matildas earlier this year, Naomi Chinnama has gradually found her feet with the U20 Women’s National Team.
Playing her A-League Women’s football with Melbourne City, Chinnama is emerging as one of the next generation of defenders and believes her recent exposure to international football – and potentially the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup will be an important part of her education.
Above: Naomi Chinnama in training this week ahead of the U20 World Cup. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
“This is very new for me,” she said to the media. “My first camp was the first New Zealand series camp [in April] and definitely getting used to that environment had to happen pretty quick.”
“I would say I definitely had to learn how to manage myself, to listen to my body and make sure that I remained disciplined.”
Assisting with the transition from club to international youth football has been a familiar face in her City head coach, Rado Vidošić.
Above: Naomi Chinnama driving forward in training this week. Photosupplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
The A-League Women’s championship-winning coach is Leah Blayney’s assistant for this FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup campaign and his presence has helped the 18-year-old settle in over the past couple of months.
“It’s great to have a familiar face. It just makes the environment more comfortable. I do think he brings a wealth of knowledge. He has a ton of experience, and he’s definitely a valuable asset to the team.”
“It’s really great working under Leah Blayney. I think she makes us all feel like one big happy team. She knows what she’s doing, and I definitely trust her completely.”
“We go into training feeling like we are nice and prepared. I just really like working under her. Also the rest of the staff have been really good. I know they don’t get enough credit but behind the scenes they’re phenomenal.”
Above: Proud to be a Young Matilda – Naomi Chinnama heads out to training this week. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Chinnana highlighted the challenges that the squad are having to face in the build-up to the tournament. “We had 24 hours of travel and now we need to get used to both the time differences and altitude levels, so we haven’t completely settled in yet, but we’re getting there. The first day or so we were walking around like zombies – sleeping when we were supposed to be awake, awake when we had to be sleeping, yeh, not good!” she laughed.
One positive is that the Melbourne City A-League Women player knows her teammates very well. She has been playing NSW NPLW football over the last few months with eight of the Young Matildas squad at Blacktown Spartans. “That’s kinda funny!” Chinnama laughed, “The coach must be going spare, but we’re all getting on really well here, whether we are from Spartans or elsewhere.”
The Young Matildas will commence their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup campaign on Thursday 11th August 2022 at 12.00pm (AEST) against host nation Costa Rica.
All of Australia’s matches will be broadcast live, free, and in HD on SBS and SBS On Demand with a full studio broadcast.
Above: The Young Matildas training base ahead of next month’s U20 World Cup. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
Above: France show their delight at making the Euro 2022 Semi-Finals. Photo: Euro 2022.
It took until extra time for this end-to-end heavyweight clash between France and the Netherlands to reach its conclusion when Ève Périsset converted her penalty in the 102nd minute to put an end to the Dutch’s title defence.
With Les Blues now turning their attention to a semi-final match against Germany who so often conquer this Championship, winning eight of the 12 Euros. Here are five things we learned from yesterday’s game at the New York Stadium.
French History Makers
Above: Louisa Cadamuro whose agonising miss in a shoot-out against Denmark in the Euro 2013 Quarter-Final set the trend for French defeats in the last eight of major tournaments. Photo: The Athletic.
France have made a habit of spectacularly falling short at the quarter-final stages in international tournaments, in fact, they have headed home in the last five international competitions at this stage.
It started with a penalty shootout defeat to Denmark at Euro 2013. After drawing Les Blues level in the 90 minutes from the spot Louisa Cadamuro missed the opening penalty, allowing the Danes to progress. It was followed up two years later with another heartbreaking defeat on penalties to Wednesday’s opponents, Germany. Along with these quarterfinal losses, it has repeated itself in the Olympics in 2016, Euro 2017, and the 2019 World Cup.
But with two of those exits, being at the hands of a penalty shootout, Périsset’s coolly converted spot-kick was a sweet way to put an end to Les Blues’ quarterfinal curse.
French Profligacy
Above: Kadidiatou Diani – one of a number of French attackers who couldn’t quite turn dominance into goals. Photo: Sven Beyrich/Imago.
Despite both sides being evenly ranked, France dominated the fixture peppering the Dutch backline and creating 33 efforts on goal, and the only penetrative attempt was from 12 yards.
Blue wave after blue wave attacked the Oranje defence, who managed to keep them at bay for the majority of the match. Kadidiatou Diani was the first to be denied by Daphne van Domselaar after a rapid counterattack unleashed Diani through.
Even when they managed to work their way past the Dutch shotstopper, Stefanie van der Gragt’s knee came to rescue Melvine Malard’s shot from hitting the back of the net.
Corinne Diacre’s side were deserved winners and the fact that it went to an added 30 minutes, is a credit to the robust Netherland’s defence and shoddy, wastefulness from France’s attackers.
The Dutch Wall
Above: Sensational goalkeeping from Daphne van Domselaar for the Netherlands against France. Photo: Euro 2022.
One of the reasons France failed to convert their 33 chances into more than one goal was down to van Domselaar.
At the start of the tournament, the 22-year-old was the backup to Sari van Veenendaal, but the first-choice goalkeeper picked up a campaign-ending injury against Sweden, allowing van Domselaar to step in.
And not only did she step in, but she also stepped up in big moments through the quarterfinal match. She made ten saves throughout the 120 minutes, more than her opposite number, Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, had done during the whole competition.
The most impressive save came in the dying moments of normal time, denying Wendy Renard’s header with a finger-tip save. The FC Twente goalkeeper also made two stops in quick succession earlier on in the game, flying across the goal to cover Dominique Janssen’s potential own goal and Charlotte Bilbault’s long shot.
Vivianne Miedema Felt The Blues
Above: Vivianne Miedema who played 120 minutes after missing two games with COVID. Photo: Give Me Sport.
Mark Parsons headed into Saturday’s match with the added bonus of having the country’s top goalscorer available for selection. Miedema missed the last two group stage games after testing positive for COVID-19.
But it was apparent throughout her return that she wasn’t able to be her usual-menacing self. Her underwhelming cameo saw her play 120 minutes and fire one shot off target, as France’s backline had a much quieter evening compared to the Oranje’s four.
Playing 120 minutes without having to overcome the hangover of coronavirus is difficult enough; even for one of the world’s best players, it was a step too far.
Facing Familar Foes
Above: Germany and their in-form scorer Alexandra Popp await in Wednesday’s semi-final for France. Photo: Euro 2022.
And after all, France managed to tame Arsenal’s superstar, penetrate the Oranje defence and break the quarter-final hoodoo, they will now need to do it all over again against Germany.
The Germans beat a difficult Austria side 2-0 and having an extra two days rest compared to France, they head into it with the advantage.
But it will be down to France to become the first team in this competition to score past Germany and knock out the most successful nation in this competition, in what will be a tasty battle between two old rivals.
It was a big weekend for women’s football in Western Australia and Impetus’ Ben Gilby reviews both the Hyundai Women’s State Cup Final and a historic outcome for Subiaco, who handed a debut to Matildas legend Lisa De Vanna in the weekend’s only NPLW WA match (25/7/22).
Perth SC 1-2 Perth RedStar
Above: Perth RedStar celebrate with the trophy after the match. Photo: Fotoenzo.
Perth RedStar once again showed their ability to take opportunities when they arise to keep their incredible unbeaten run going this season by seeing off a dogged Perth SC in the Hyundai Women’s State Cup Final at Inglewood Stadium yesterday.
In what was a tightly contested game in front of an excellent crowd, it was goals from Larissa Walsh and Jay Coleman either side of Jaime Duncanson’s strike just before the break for The Azzurri, that sealed the victory.
RedStar’s path to the final was been typically ruthless, as State League opponents UWA Nedlands (4-0) and Armadale (12-0) were seen off in their first two rounds before Curtin University were dispatched 4-0 in the semi-final.
Perth SC defeated three fellow NPLW sides en route to their first-ever State Cup Final. They began with a 12-1 thrashing of Subiaco in the first round before Fremantle City were seen off to the tune of 4-0 in the last eight. This then set up what turned into a dramatic semi-final win against Balcatta Etna. That latter game saw a late penalty leveller from Abbey Meakins break Balcatta hearts before an incredible penalty shoot-out decider, which included an excellent spot kick from Azzurri goalkeeper Rebecca Bennett in her team’s eventual win.
It was a harum-scarum start to the final with Perth SC looking aggressive offensively from the off, but RedStar weathered the early storm successfully and began to assert themselves in a half where disciplined defending by both sides reduced the amount of space available in which to mount dangerous attacks.
Above: Shivani Battaglia, Perth RedStar goalkeeper, had a strong afternoon. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
On the occasions that they were called into action, both goalkeepers were in excellent form. Rebecca Bennett advanced quickly to gather the ball at the second attempt as Sarah Carroll advanced menacingly on goal. Her opposite number, Shivani Battaglia in the RedStar goal was constantly impressive amidst heavy traffic from high balls played into the mix from set-pieces.
One of the big successes for Perth SC this season has been their dangerous wide players using pace and quality footwork to run, cut inside and supply. However, for the vast majority of the opening 45, The Azzurri were forced to play most of their attacks through the highly congested central channel, robbing possession to the likes of top scorer Jaime Duncanson, one of the NPLW’s most eye-catching threats along the flanks.
Ruthless ability to turn territory into a scoreboard advantage has been one of Perth RedStar’s real qualities all campaign long, and as Carlos Vega Mena’s team remained on top of possession, they made it pay.
Winning a throw on the right-hand side from Nadia Harvey, the ball was recycled to Carla Bennett who played in a high cross towards Jay Coleman at the back post. The former Fulham player gathered possession, looked up, and saw leading scorer Larissa Walsh in space parallel to the penalty spot. Showing her skill, Walsh received the pass and swung a first-time shot which looped into the net. The most deadly player in the NPLW was on target yet again.
Yet, Perth SC responded brilliantly and fashioned an equaliser just four minutes later. RedStar’s Tessa De Leo played a pass back towards her goalkeeper which lacked the necessary pace and Battaglia’s attempted clearance was charged down with the ball falling to Duncanson to slot home the leveller with five minutes of the half remaining.
Above: Perth SC celebrate Jaime Duncanson’s equaliser. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
The Azzurri were energised and began imposing their pressing, passing game on RedStar with real intent and conjured up the half’s final opportunity when Duncanson fed Faye Phillips who shot just over the top.
Perth SC began the second period as they ended the first, and looked much more like their usual selves in terms of establishing both their passing and wide games. Within two minutes of the re-start, Leana Cook hit a cross-shot from the right which rebounded off of the angle of post and bar.
Peter Rakic looked to build on his team’s strong start to half by introducing Stella Zampogna. The youngster has been in superb form for Perth SC’s U21 side, scoring 18 goals in 15 games this season. She was joined shortly afterwards by another attacking young gun, Ella Lincoln.
Above: Ella Lincoln involved in the action after coming on as a second-half substitute. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
The Azzurri‘s inability to find a second goal during this period came back to haunt them as, once more RedStar saw out the danger and went on the front foot.
With 25 minutes remaining, Carla Bennett advanced through the midfield and threaded a delightful probing pass which dissected the Perth SC defence to find Sarah Carroll. The Perth Glory A-League Women player ran through unseen to shoot low into the left-hand corner of the net, but the assistant referee’s flag was raised for offside.
After a period of arm-wrestle football, RedStar came again with Sarah Carroll winning a corner as her cross came off of Alyssa van Heurck. Carla Bennett played it in high, Rebecca Bennett was unable to gather and Jay Coleman could not miss from close range to restore RedStar’s lead.
Above: Jay Coleman (centre) celebrates her winner with Larissa Walsh (left) and Carla Bennett (6). Photo: Fotoenzo.
Perth SC worked hard in the final stages and came exceptionally close with two minutes remaining. Zoee Spadano, shortly to be leaving WA to play Serie A Futsal in Italy, played in Lincoln who showed great footwork on the edge of the box before going down. Play continued and the ball rolled out to Meakins to hit an absolute rocket which Battaglia pushed over magnificently.
That was The Azzurri‘s final chance as Perth RedStar ran out winners to lift their second piece of silverware so far this season. They could clinch a third when the two sides meet again in the NPLW in midweek as they need just three points to win the title with seven games remaining.
For the second time this season, Perth SC have gone toe-to-toe with Perth RedStar and shown that the potential is there at the Dorrien Gardens club to lower RedStar colours. Yet to do that, you need to take a leaf out of Carlos Vega Mena’s team’s book – be ruthless and take chances when they come. If not, RedStar will always find a way to win. They are a superb team.
Above: Lisa De Vanna in action for Subiaco yesterday against Balcatta Etna. Photo: JASP Photography.
Sunday also saw the rescheduled game from Round Three played at Rosalie Park as Subiaco hosted Balcatta Etna.
Subiaco fielded Western Australian and Matildas legend Lisa De Vanna. It was another superb signing for the club who have also added another local-born international Ella Mastrantonio and Perth Glory hundred gamer Marianna Tabain in recent weeks.
It was a quite sensational match with goals galore, a hat-trick, three penalties, and a historic outcome. Subiaco took the lead just before the half-hour mark as Keziah Burgiss escaped along the right and played a ball in which was turned back to Tabain to fire home from the edge of the box.
However, within nine minutes, Balcatta hit back as Monique Godding comfortably rolled home a spot kick.
Above: Fremantle born Matilda Ella Mastrantonio (left) in possession for Subiaco against Balcatta Etna yesterday. Photo: JASP Photography.
With a quarter of an hour of the second period gone, Subi re-established their lead. Mastrantonio lifted it into the box for Tabain to play a pass back to Ingrid Gomez Basallo to take a touch and dispatch the ball into the net. However, it would be a lead that lasted just seven minutes.
Balcatta once more replied quickly with two goals in as many minutes from Monique Prinsloo. The first came when she fired high into the net from the edge of the box after the visitors dispossessed Subiaco in trying to play out from the back. Her second was reward for an intelligent run in front of Subi goalkeeper Marissa Pidgeon to turn home Godding’s low ball in from the right.
Above: Monique Prinsloo shows her delight at scoring two goals in as many minutes for Balcatta Etna. Photo: JASP Photography.
If that run of rapid goals was not dramatic enough, it was nothing compared to the final five minutes. Two goals from the penalty spot – the second as the clock ticked onto 90 minutes from Tabain sealed victory for Subiaco.
Yet this was not just any victory – it was one of historic proportions for the club. This 4-3 win ensured that, with six matches to go, Subiaco have won the most number of games (three) in their NPLW history and gained more points than ever before (12).
It’s a fantastic achievement for a club who have had it tough since coming into the top tier of Western Australian women’s football three years ago – but they are full of character and no little ability down Subi way. The addition of De Vanna, Tabain, and Mastrantonio brings top-level experience to a young side who are reaping the rewards of hard work.
P
W
D
L
F
A
Pts
GD
Perth RedStar
14
14
0
0
55
6
42
+49
Fremantle City
16
8
4
4
39
23
28
+ 16
Perth SC
14
7
2
5
20
8
23
+12
Hyundai NTC
16
6
5
5
26
30
23
-4
Balcatta Etna
16
7
1
8
20
20
22
=
Murdoch University Melville
15
5
3
7
15
18
18
-3
Subiaco
15
3
3
9
17
46
12
-29
Curtin University
14
0
2
12
14
55
2
-41
Round 17 Fixtures (Next Weekend): Murdoch University Melville v Hyundai NTC, Perth SC v Curtin University, Perth RedStar v Fremantle City, Subiaco v Balcatta Etna.
Wellington Phoenix’s impressive recruitment for the 2022/23 A-League Women continues with the arrival of 31-year-old132 cap Football Fern Betsy Hassett. Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears from Hassett and the Nix’s head coach Gemma Lewis(25/7/22).
Above: Betsy Hassett (12) in action for New Zealand against Australia in April. Photo: Ian Hitchcock.
New Zealand’s fourth most-capped international footballer is joining the Wellington Phoenix to realise a childhood dream.
Football Ferns midfielder Betsy Hassett has signed with the Phoenix for the 2022-23 Liberty A-League season, after 14 years playing abroad.
Hassett, 31, has played for Manchester City, Werder Bremen, and Ajax since graduating from the University of California, Berkeley in 2012 and currently plays for Stjarnan in Iceland.
“Ever since I was a little kid I’ve always wished there was a professional team in New Zealand,” Hassett said. “That was one of the things I’ve wanted to do since I was a little kid and now finally there is a team it’s perfect timing.
Above: Betsy Hassett pictured in her spell with Manchester City in 2014. Photo: Alchetron.
“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, and it may be my last opportunity as it might be the end of my career soon. It’s a dream come true.”
The 132-cap international also believes Aotearoa is the perfect place to be playing with the 2023 World Cup on the horizon.
“It’s going to be amazing to focus on football and be in New Zealand before the World Cup is there. It’s going to be awesome to play in New Zealand, be at home and be around for one of the biggest events of my life. It’s just a really great opportunity. We’ve got a lot of games in New Zealand with the national team as well so it’ll be nice to not travel so much to and from Iceland.”
The three-time Olympian works as a kindergarten teacher in Iceland but will be a full-time footballer when she moves home in October to push for a place at her fourth World Cup.
Above: Betsy Hassett has amassed the fourth most caps for the Football Ferns in history. Photo: World Football.
“It’ll be nice to be able to just have training and not have work as well so I can really focus on my football which will be awesome. It’ll be really cool to play in the first professional team that’s based in New Zealand.
“Now we have this professional team it’s so cool for the younger girls in New Zealand to look up to us and have something to aspire to. It’s going to be great getting the fans pumped and ready for the World Cup.”
Phoenix head coach Gemma Lewis says Hassett will bring what they lacked in their inaugural campaign.
“Having that extra experience is going to add a lot of value to the team, as it’s something we missed last season,” Lewis said. “She’s definitely going to help us a lot.
Above: Betsy Hassett (right) in action for Ajax, who she played for between 2016 and 2017. Photo: Gerhard van Hees/Ajax Images.
“We wanted to get a couple of key, experienced players that are going to help us move forward without completely changing what we did last year, because we feel like we just got started.
“We showed the potential those young players we were working with do have and if we get the right players to play alongside them to add that experience then we feel like we’re going to go up a gear and really compete even more within the league.”
Betsy Hassett is the Phoenix’s fifth signing for the 2022-23 Liberty A-League season, joining fellow Football Ferns squad members Paige Satchell, Lily Alfeld, and Mackenzie Barry, and rising star Alyssa Whinham in the Nix squad.
The club plan to announce further signings over the coming days.
Above: Ève Périsset dispatches the winning goal from the penalty spot. Photo: Equipe de France Feminine.
France finally ended their run of defeats at the quarter-final stage of major tournaments by seeing off the Netherlands after extra-time in Rotherham.
France were dominant from the opening whistle. They monopolised the ball at the beginning of the match. Delphine Cascarino, outstanding all night, forced Daphne van Domselaar, the Dutch goalkeeper, into making a superb save after 21 minutes.
Above: Just one of the many superb saves made by Daphne van Domselaar last night. Photo: Euro 2022.
Within seven minutes, Cascarino was at it again with a superb shot from 20 metres which came off of the right hand post at the 28th minute. The opportunities continued to rack up for the French. The next went the way of Melvine Malard but Stefanie van der Gragt saved on her goal line – the first of a series of sensational personal interventions by the Dutch defender.
Despite the strong domination from France, mustering 12 shots, six of which were on target, there remained a lack of efficiency in front of goal – something that has dogged the team for months.
France players restart the second half as they played the first with quick passes to go forward with rapidity. Just after the hour mark, Olympique Lyonnias youngster Selma Bacha replaced Malard and she absolutely bossed the remainder of the encounter on the left.
Above: Stefanie van der Gragt – sensational defending all night long. Photo: Euro 2022.
Within a minute of Bacha’s introduction, it took another goal line intervention from van der Gragt to deny France. Bacha was involved once more with a shot that was heading in until van Domselaar pushed it away brilliantly with her hand. The Dutch custodian was called into action twice more in stoppage time at the end of the match as she repelled a Cascarino shot and a typically towering Wendie Renard header.
No goals at the end of regular time where France was not efficient enough to score despite 22 shots with 11 on target, so the game headed into extra-time.
Above: Imposing in the air at set pieces as ever – Wendie Renard of France. Photo: Equipe de France Feminine
Finally France managed to get the ball into the net as despite being originally waved away by referee Ivana Martinčić, VAR intervened to correctly rule that Dominique Janssen fouled Kadidiatou Diani. New Chelsea signing Ève Périsset stepped up to dispatch the penalty into the net.
This was an outstanding performance at times from France. Cascarino, Diani, Perisset, Karchaoui, Mbock, and Bacha who made a great appearance from the bench bringing speed and spontaneity in the game. If France can join their sensational creativity with improved ability to finish, then Germany are in for a seriously tough battle at Milton Keynes in Wednesday’s semi-final.
Above: Scenes of joy at the final whistle as France made the semi-finals. Photo: Euro 2022.
NETHERLANDS (4-3-3): van Domselaar, Casparij (Nouwen 106′), Janssen, van der Gragt, Wilms (Egurrola 115′), Spitse (Leuchter 106′), van de Donk (Brugts 72′), Groenen, Pelova, Miedema, Beerensteyn (Roord 46′).
Referee: Ivana Martinčić (Croatia).
Attendance: 9,764.
Above: The sensational Selma Bacha who was given the player of the match trophy after coming on as a sub just after the hour mark. Photo: Equipe de France Feminine.
Impetus‘ Jean-Pierre Thiesset and Ben Gilby reflect on last night’s Quarter-Final tie at Leigh. Jean-Pierre rounds up the match action, whilst Ben sounds a warning to England fans stating that the Swedes are a far better team than the one we saw last night(23/7/22).
Above: Linda Sembrant hits Sweden’s last gasp winner. Photo: Svensk Fotboll.
Riddled By Major Disruptions To Preparations, Winning Was All That Mattered For Sweden
by Ben Gilby
So many issues, so many challenges for Sweden around this game. Where to start? Essentially, for me, there are two things that need to be taken away from last night’s match.
First, the news all week coming out of the Swedish camp around a COVID outbreak that claimed Jonna Andersson, Jennifer Falk, Hanna Bennison, Hanna Glas, and Emma Kullberg. The disruptions and uncertainty around the availability of players at short notice and the impact on training preparations – several had to train separately away from the main group – was immense.
Sweden head coach Peter Gerhardsson’s quote to the media on Wednesday was particularly telling:
“I think it’s more important to look at what players are available because we want to have the best players out on the pitch.”
Peter Gerhardsson, Sweden head coach.
The Swedes have one of the greatest strengths in depth of any team in this competition, but the impact of the COVID outbreak was monumental. Only making one substitution during the 90 minutes – the introduction of Bennison with six minutes to go, highlights the aspect of Sweden’s head coach having to play this match with one hand tied behind his back.
Let’s go back to that Gerhardsson quote about “what players are available”. I think it’s possible to argue that this is actually a multi-layered answer if you drill a bit deeper. Whilst we know COVID took out five players, there were others missing who you would expect to be there – Lina Hurtig and Sofia Jakobson for example.
Then, of course the iconic 200 cap Caroline Seger was just a watcher on the sidelines. This was an incalculable loss for Sweden. Seger is an absolute legend of the women’s game who just needs to stand on a football pitch to command respect and inspire her team.
Above: Johanna Rytting Kaneryd – not a recognisable name for some, but a superb player, who got a full 90 minutes last night. Photo: Svensk Fotboll.
What this did do was allow the presence of a player who may still fly under the radar to get 90 minutes of a quarter-final – Johanna Rytting Kaneryd. The BK Häcken midfielder, who only made her international debut in February 2021, is a superbly talented attacking talent and at the age of 25, you can’t help but feel she is going to get even better.
Rytting Kaneryd was my ‘one to watch’ for Sweden at this tournament amidst a squad of big-name players, and she provided some excellent moments of pace and ball control.
The selection challenges also resulted in Amanda Nildén being handed a competitive debut at the age of 23 in defence. Despite her relative young age, Nildén has been recognised as a hugely promising player for many years. The Swedish defence is notoriously tough to break into due to the calibre of players to pick from, but Nildén is a player who you can expect to see in yellow and blue for the next decade.
Above: Amanda Nildén on her competitive debut for Sweden last night. Photo: Svensk Fotboll.
Yes, Sweden had 32 shots and only scored one at the death. But when you have a team shorn of such a number of players whose availability was clouded in doubt until the last moments, tactics, build-up play and creativity avenues will never be as clear as in a normal preparation.
Of those shots, 10 were on target, and with Belgium having Nicky Evrard in sensational form in goal, it made life even tougher for the Swedes.
At the start of this reflection from last night, I mentioned two things to take away from this match. The second is a message for Lionesses fans.
Above: Sweden’s path to the Olympic silver medal included a 3-0 win over World champions USA. Photo: Yoshikazu Tsuno/AFP.
Do not be lulled into a false sense of security about England’s semi-final opponents. They finished third (World Cup 2019) and second (Olympics 2021) at their last two international tournaments and are an outstanding team. That doesn’t change on the back of last night.
Sweden have massive experience, they have a head coach who knows his stuff, and with another three days of preparation to get players back on board, they will pose England an almighty threat that can potentially be far stronger than the one Spain offered.
There is a valid argument that England’s attacking style could play into Sweden’s hands. Gerhardsson’s team are masterful in defence, with adaptability throughout the midfield to not just boost their front players, but crucially to provide extra cover at the back.
Above: Hedvig Lindahl – whose quick thinking set in motion a dangerous attack last night. Photo: Svensk Fotboll.
That backline can also kickstart dangerous attacks in a flash. Last night, we saw one such example of that when Hedvig Lindahl showed quick thinking to place a rapid-fire drop kick into the midfield that ended in Stina Blackstenius putting the ball in the back of the net – a move which was eventually ruled offside.
England will have every right to be confident after seeing off Spain – but fans just beware, Sweden are going to be a very tough nut to crack.
Sweden 1-0 Belgium
by Jean-Pierre Thiesset
Above: Sweden celebrate after their win over Belgium at the death last night. Photo: Svensk Fotboll.
There was one surprise in starters, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, was preferred to Lina Hurtig or Sofia Jakobson in the Sweden team in the right forward slot.
Sweden started by putting a strong pressure on Belgium making it difficult for the underdogs players to get forward. After 10 minutes, Belgium adapted their game and their rigor allowed them to better manage the pressure.
On a fast counterattack at the 25th minute, Stina Blackstenius put the ball in the net for Sweden, but the goal was ruled offside in a very marginal call. Whilst Belgium created the odd chance here and there, it was the Olympic silver medallists who ramped up the pressure once more.
Sweden restarted with the same strong pressure, and they quickly had opportunities to score by putting more intensity in their game. As the game reached the hour mark, this combination of pressure and intensity made its mark on Belgium who began to tire.
Above: Nicky Evrard’s outstanding display earned her the player of the match trophy, but it was little consolation for a heartbreaking loss. Photo: Euro 2022.
Belgium were though inspired by their goalkeeper, Nicky Evrard, who was on fire making some superb saves throughout the game. Finally though, and in the most heartbreaking way for the underdogs, a goal arrived two minutes into stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes when Linda Sembrant forced the ball home.
It was so cruel for Belgium which produced a great effort, fighting until the end but Sweden was stronger, and I still do not understand how Sweden players were not able to score sooner with 32 shots in 90 minutes. If a team is looking for a great goalkeeper, Evrard is one who can do the job.
Above: Lina Magull celebrates scoring Germany’s opening goal against Austria at Brentford last night. Photo: Euro 2022.
Germany kept their hopes of a ninth European title alive, but they had to do it the hard way in West London. A 2-0 win secured a spot in the semi-finals of UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.
Goals from Lina Magull and Germany’s player of the tournament thus far, captain Alexandra Popp, were enough to seal a place in the last four.
Popp has now scored in four games in a row during the tournament, equalling Heidi Mohr’s 29-year record of scoring in consecutive matches at a UEFA Women’s European Championship.
Ultimately, Austria were undone by Germany’s impressive pressing game. A long loose ball up field from Austria goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger was regained by Germany who quickly pounced onto the attack with Klara Bühl’s cross perfectly dummied by Popp in the penalty area for Lina Magull to send the ball into the back of the net.
Above: Alexandra Popp who got Germany’s second goal. She just can’t stop scoring this summer. Photo: Euro 2022.
Then a moment to forget in the 90th minute for the Arsenal goalkeeper Zinsberger as her error trying to play the ball out from the back gifted Popp her goal after being closed down.
The Germans were made to work for the quarter-final victory against a valiant Austria side who might count themselves extremely unlucky to lose a game, that they were in right till the very end.
Austria hit the woodwork three times and conjured up some good chances, in what was German shot-stopper Merle Frohms’ busiest games so far but she managed to keep a clean sheet yet again.
Above: Germany goalkeeper Merle Frohms had the woodwork to thank on three occasions last night. Photo: UEFA.com
Austria just lacked concentration when it mattered the most as for 90% of the game Irene Fuhrmann’s side went toe to toe with the Germans.
The German side showed championship potential in overcoming a very tricky Austria team with a ruthless ability to make chances pay.
Could nine be fine for Germany? As we get well into the busy end of the tournament, all roads lead to Wembley Stadium on 31st July.
Fixtures for the new leagues immediately below the top two divisions in Scottish Women’s Football have been released.
The new SWF Women’s Championship and Women’s League One will open with a full card of fixtures on Sunday 14 August.
Glasgow club Rossvale, who narrowly missed out on SWPL promotion last season, face a trip to Inverness on the opening day, while the Championship Cup holders Dryburgh Athletic host Livingston in Dundee.
Greenock Morton will host Ayr United and Edinburgh side Hutchison Vale travel to Renfrew.
Above: Rossvale (yellow and red) will be hoping to have more to celebrate this coming season and make up for missing out on promotion last time round. Photo: Rossvale Women & Girls.
The new League One will kick off on the same day, with an Edinburgh derby between Edinburgh Caledonia and recently renamed FC Edinburgh (formerly Edinburgh City).
The eight-team Scottish Women’s Championship will see clubs play each other twice home and twice away before a split which will see the top four teams joust for the title.
League One now contains 12 teams after the withdrawal of Buchan and Bishopton. This means the league will split after teams have played each other home and away into a top six and bottom six for one remaining round.
There will be no relegation from the Championship for its first season, allowing the league to grow to ten teams who meet eligibility criteria around youth pathways and player wellbeing.
Above: Falkirk Women – who will face a local derby with Stenhousemuir early in the League One season. Photo: Falkirk Women.
League One promises some more interesting local derbies. Falkirk women first face Stenhousemuir in round three on 28 August. The first Paisley derby of the season will see Gleniffer Thistle host St Mirren on 6 November, while Grampian Ladies face a North East derby against Westdyke on 26 February.
Above: Scottish Women Football CEO Aileen Campbell was full of anticipation today at the announcement of the competition’s fixtures for 2022/23. Photo: Colin Poultney/Scottish Womens Football.
Commenting on the new fixtures, SWF CEO Aileen Campbell said: “This season will be an exciting fresh start for our clubs, and both the new Championship and League One promise to be hard-fought competitive leagues between clubs from right across the country, culminating in prestigious trophies in their own right.
“As professionalism grows at the top of the game we are determined to ensure a route is there for every woman in the country to have the opportunity to participate and reach the top, and I’m confident the new structure will showcase the best our clubs have to offer, with some tasty local derbies in the mix.”
The fixture card for the opening weekend of the season 2022/2023 on August 14 is:
Kieran Yap reflects on what Australia and New Zealand have to look forward to when overseas fans come to the World Cup next year, with Kris Goman, Impetus’ Euros roving reporter getting the views of fans at the games across England about the tournament Down Under which starts in under a year(21/7/22).
Above: Coming to a state capital in Australia and New Zealand in less than a year – fans show their true colours at the Euros. Photo: Kris Goman.
Euro 2022 has given Australian and New Zealand football fans a taste of what the 2023 World Cup might bring to our shores. On the field, the tournament’s group stages have more than delivered, but the supporters and travelling fans have made just as big an impact from afar.
Australians have watched as streets packed with Orange-clad Dutch fans jump from left to right to strangely comforting pop music. We have hummed along to videos of Swedes singing ABBA songs at the pre-match pub.
Impetus spoke to the fans, some of whom are locals enjoying a tournament in their own backyard, and some who crossed the continent to get there. Many are planning on making the much longer trek to Australia and New Zealand next year. Surnames have been removed because most have not told their families or work just yet.
Patrick from The Netherlands looks like the prototypical Oranje supporter at first glance. But the Ajax Amsterdam member of over 25 years and Victoria Pelova fan has a strong affinity for Australia.
“I always say I was born in the wrong country,” he told us. “I have been to Australia 11 times. I love it there.”
He is underselling it. Patrick has multiple tattoos, a few signifying his passion for Dutch football, then some surprises. He has a kangaroo on his upper arm, an Australian flag on his wrist, and the emblem for AFL side the Hawthorn Football Club on his other arm.
Above: Dutch fan Patrick’s Aussie tattoo. Image by: Kris Goman
“They were champions three times in a row, but now they’re shit.” He says with a laugh.
Patrick is eager to get back to Australia for the World Cup, but is not booking tickets until The Netherlands have qualified. They may be the runners-up from 2019 and boast a star-studded squad but the superfan thinks it may come down to a group game against Iceland on 6th November.
“We will have to win that game,” Patrick continued, “Otherwise, we will be second and have to be in a playoff game.”
Callum and Emily are both English, they are soaking up the atmosphere of a tournament on home soil and attending as many games as they can. It is something that the pair hope to do in Australia and New Zealand.
The expense of travel might be an issue for them, but if they make it, they will want to enjoy as much of the tournament as possible.
“I’d probably do one England game to be honest,” says Callum. “We’re planning to go to more neutral games in the same sort of area.”
Above: A colourful scene at one of the Euros Fan Parties in Manchester. Photo: Kris Goman.
Emily is optimistic about England’s chances at the Euros and at the World Cup. “I’d like to hope we can go all the way,” she says. “We’ve got a good squad. We’ve got a lot of depth now, it’s the first time England have got such a good squad so there’s no reason why we can’t go and win this.”
Krista from Austria is nearing retirement from her job as a teacher. Her enthusiasm for the women’s game is evident on her face, figuratively and literally. She lights up when she talks about her nation’s side who have become famous for their exuberant celebrations, but Krista also has a temporary tattoo of an Austrian flag on her cheek.
Krista is more than just a fan, she feels a strong sense of personal pride in the Austrian side. “The coach (Irene Fuhrmann) was my student,” she says proudly. “I told her to join a football team.
“She’s very ambitious and also, she has the heart of a lion. She is a very important person for the players. Every match is progress for them. They get better in every match. They’re loved by the Austrian population.”
Krista is basking in the rise of the women’s game. She has long been a supporter of the men’s team and the women’s side, but loves the atmosphere and personality of the Austrian side in England.
“The young girls come to the football; every match is on television. The women come and greet (the fans), its more personal.”
Above: The future is bright, the future is orange. Dutch fans pack out Bramall Lane stadium in Sheffield. Photo: Kris Goman.
Like The Netherlands, Austria will likely need to survive a playoff the make the World Cup, but Krista is confident and already planning ahead for her first visit to the host nations.
“In this form, they will win the playoff. I’ve taken away some money already to finance my adventure. I will be retired next year so it will be possible. I’m looking forward to going to Australia. i have to ask some friends to join me because it’s a very long distance. There is a friend of mine in Australia so I can visit her.”
Krista has been a fan of the women’s game for decades, and actively encourages young girls at her school to take up the sport. “You have to promise them a good atmosphere, so they come. If you train them and give them self-confidence, they will play for 10 years and have fun.”
Callum is from a town near Manchester, he has coached in the women’s game for almost a decade. He is at the Euros as a fan, but as a youth coach he saw some of England’s current stars take their first steps in the game
“I’ve delighted in coaching Georgia Stanway, Kiera Walsh, and Ella Toone. Many were about 13 and 14, they were always brilliant. I remember the first session with Georgia, she was outstanding. I went up my dad and said I’ve just seen a female Thierry Henry.”
He hopes to continue the Euros momentum to the World Cup where he intends to take the scenic route to games. “I’ve got a lot of friends in Australia, so I’m looking to going out there and soaking up some sun and football. I might hire a camper van and get no sleep.”
Above: Dutch fans gather and march together to the match venue. Photo: Kris Goman.
The lifelong football fan has been a regular at stadiums for most of his life, but the matches at these Euros have felt different. “The atmosphere, like the one last night was just electric. I go a lot of men’s matches and this was ten times the atmosphere of that.”
For now, Australians and New Zealanders watch on in anticipation and slight envy at the celebration of football underway in England. But it will not be long before it is happening in the host nations.
Right now, if the Lionesses have their way, football is coming home. Soon it will be coming here. The fans across the world, old and young are already planning for it.
by Emmanuel Faith, Impetus Women’s Football Correspondent (21/7/22)
Above: Joy for Nesryne El Chad of Morocco as the host nation clinched a place in the final in front of a record crowd. Photo: CAF Women.
It is not just the European Championships that are seeing attendance records fall left, right, and centre. Crowds are at all time highs in the WAFCON, with a superb attendance of 45,562 who trooped to watch the semi-final between hosts, the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco, take on the holders, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, at the Rabat stadium, setting the record for the highest number of attendees for a female football match. We can safely say “this is our time” as far as female football is concerned.
Senegal vs Zambia The last eight opened with the She-polopolo of Zambia taking on the Teranga Lionesses of Senegal. The first half was compact and both teams had a cagey approach, doing their best to avoid conceding first, something that they both achieved in the first half.
However, Zambia’s defense was broken when they conceded a free-kick that was taken by Mbayang Sow. The Senegalese defender sent a looping ball into the box which was directed into the net with a towering header from Nguenar Ndiaye.
The Lionesses didn’t lead for long as a sloppy goal-keeping from the Senegalese goal-keeper gave Avel Chitundu a chance to equalise. The match went to penalties and two misses out of four meant Senegal were out, meaning that they were going to have to rely on the continental play-offs to have a sniff of playing at the World Cup next year.
Above: Celebrations for Zambia whose win over Senegal clinched a place at the 2023 World Cup. Photo: CAF Women.
Morocco vs Botswana
The hosts Morocco faced The Mares from Botswana in the second quarter-final. History was on the line as neither side had ever made the semi-finals before.
The game opened up quickly as Mssoudy Sanaa put Morocco ahead after converting a brilliant freekick played in by Fatima Tagnaout in the third minute. The lead was cancelled just four minutes later with Keitumetse Dithebe’s brilliant solo freekick. Yasmin Mrabet restored the hosts’ list after nodding in a looping cross from Fatima Tagnaout, a goal that was sufficient enough to take them to their first semi-finals and clinch their World Cup ticket.
South Africa vs Tunisia An early goal from the South African striker, Jermaine Seoposenwe gave her team an advantage and was later enough to send last year’s finalist to a consecutive semi-final as both teams couldn’t find the back of the net again despite creating an array of chances.
Above: Nigeria celebrate their victory over Cameroon. Photo: CAF Women.
Nigeria vs Cameroon This was undoubtedly the most anticipated quarter-finals. It was a battle of the heavyweights and with 48.4% of the action areas played in the midfield, the quality and intensity didn’t disappoint. It was Nigeria who progressed thanks to a brilliant header from Rasheedat Ajibade after skilful build-up play from Ngozu Okobi and Ifeoma Onumonu. The Super-Falcons keep their recent unbeaten streak against Cameroon.
SEMI-FINALS:
Dramatic. Frenetic. Athletic. These are words that describe the two semifinal matches. The first semi-final was a match-up between Zambia and South Africa. The Zambians played their hearts out despite having less possession. The majority of the action was in the middle third of the pitch – 51.2% – showing how cautious both teams were about conceding. It looked to be almost certain that the match was going to extra time until the Ethiopian referee Lidya Tafesse awarded a penalty kick to the South-Africans for a collision between Martha Thembo and Jermaine Seoposenwe at the edge of the box.
Above: The semi-final Morocco and Nigeria saw a record crowd for a women’s match in Africa. Photo: CAF Women,
More drama was to come in the second semi-final match between the title holders Nigeria and the host Morocco. The first half started on a smooth trajectory, and accelerated in pace and intensity, with both teams creating half-chances, however, neither was able to break the deadlock.
The second half opened with chaos when the Super-Falcon’s midfielder Halimatu Ayinde was shown a red card for stamping on Rosella Ayane of Morocco. Despite the reduction in number, the Falcons played with the same intensity as they had done before and took the lead from an own goal from Yasmin Mrabet after the ball was spilled from a curling cross made by Rasheedat Ajibade and redirected by Ifeoma Onumonu’s brilliant header. The lead was short-lived as Mssoudy Sanaa was at the right place at the right time to slot in a loose ball spilled by Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The match was balanced and despite the inequality in number strength, the Falcons maintained their intense tempo until Rasheedat Ajibade was shown a red card for a stomp on the Moroccan defender, Zineb Redouni. There were diverse opinions about this decision as there was a similar incidence in the first half where Ohale was stomped but nothing was done.
“Morocco won the match but the Super Falcons won our hearts” was the trending message after the match, as the Super Falcons played with nine players for more than 50 minutes, taking the match to extra time and penalties before losing out thanks to Ifeoma Onumonu’s missed spot-kick.
The final is set as the host will be playing last year’s finalist, while Super Falcons would hope to beat Zambia and get the bronze medal, a consolation for their outstanding efforts so far.
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