Above: Australia celebrate Winonah Heatley’s early goal that put them ahead against Singapore today. Photo: Football Australia.
The Australian Under 23’s defeated Singapore’s senior side 4-1 in a dominant performance amid torrential rain in Manila.
Australia needed a big win to give them a realistic chance at second place. Thailand and the Philippines look like they will proceed to the semi-finals. However, Australia’s next generation of stars looked at home at international level and have been improving throughout the tournament.
After a 4-0 win over Indonesia, Mel Andreatta rotated the squad again. Chloe Lincoln started in goal, Naomi Chinnama came into defence with Winonah Heatley, Chelsea Blissett, and Alexia Apostolakis.
Katie Godden started up front in her first appearance of the tournament, and Paige Zois joined up with Hana Lowry and Sarah Hunter in midfield. Abbey Lemon and Caitlin Karic started in the wide areas.
It took only 10 minutes for Australia to open the scoring. Zois’s corner kick swung in from the left and Heatley nodded home from a few yards out. It was a dangerous ball in, with swerve and precision. Heatley rose highest and the captain got her side off to a perfect start.
A few minutes later, it was another corner kick and another goal. This time it was Hana Lowry on set-piece duty from the other side. Sarah Hunter was the target, and her header crossed the line by the barest of margins.
Australia had both goals from set-pieces, but they were also dominating in central midfield. Alexia Apostolakis was used in the unfamiliar left-back role and spent much of her time in the attacking third. She was unlucky not to score but tested the Singaporean keeper with a good first-time shot.
Mel Andreatta made some changes in the second half. Charli Grant, Sheridan Gallagher, Jyana Dos Santos, and Daniella Galic were introduced over the next 45 minutes. All would make an impact with Gallagher adding a shooting threat while Galic pulled the strings in attack.
Above: Perth Glory’s Hana Lowry celebrates her goal. Photo: AFC.
Hana Lowry added a third goal when she tapped home from another corner. It was a simple finish, but the Perth Glory playmaker had created the chance with a terrific through ball that nearly set Apostolakis through on goal.
Grant added an extra threat on the right, she combined with Karic to make for a frighteningly quick and direct wing. A long run from the senior Matildas right back beat multiple defenders but the move was blocked by a swarming Singaporean defence. It was a reminder of what she can do at her turbo-charged best.
Sheridan Gallagher made it 4-0 with a spectacular goal. Chinnama started the move with some good defensive work that led to an attack. After a rushed Singapore clearance and some aerial ping-pong, the ball was well controlled by Jyana Dos-Santos. She held it up well and created some space for herself before playing back to Zois who found Gallagher on the left flank.
The Western Sydney Wanderers striker cut inside and from about 25 yards out, she hit an unstoppable shot into the net. After coming close earlier in the half, and some other near misses against Thailand, Gallagher had her goal, and it was worth the wait.
Australia were in cruise control. But as the conditions became wetter, the chances dried up. Singapore scored a late consolation goal in bizarre circumstances.
Nur Umairah Hamdan took a free-kick from near the halfway line. The flight of the ball and the bounce deceived Lincoln who was off her line. Australia’s goalkeeper had been confident and untroubled until that 88th minute, but could only catch the ball over the line. It was a frustrating end to an otherwise strong performance.
Australia has one more game to play on Tuesday against Malaysia. They will want to end the tournament on a high note and most players will want to head to the Under 20 World Cup in strong form.
So far, they have spent the AFF Women’s championship in a state of steady improvement despite massive squad rotations, player unavailability, and senior opposition. A big win in what might be their final game in Manila is a deserving way to bow out.
Above: The Matildas team that started the match with Singapore today. Photo: Football Australia.
Impetus’ Jean-Pierre Thiesset was in Finland’s media conference today and spoke to goalkeeper Katriina Talaslahti (10/7/22).
Above: Katriina Talaslahti in action for Fleury in France’s D1 Arkema this season. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Finland’s young goalkeeper Katriina Talaslahti recognises the importance of Finland’s game against Scandinavian rivals Denmark in Milton Keynes on Tuesday with both sides having lost their opening Group B games.
“We are going through how Denmark play to be ready for this next game. We will have two training sessions before next game.”
Despite going down 4-1 to Spain in their opening game, Finland goalkeeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela put in a good performance, but Talaslahti is champing at the bit to get a chance to start for her country on Tuesday.
Above: Katriina Talaslahti speaking in today’s media conference. Image: Jean-Pierre Thiesset.
“I am one hundred percent ready. I already played a lot of important games with my club (Fleury in D1 Arkema, France’s premier league). The next game will be a tough game, but I will definitely be ready and I will be able to show my skills and help my team to win and this is all that matters.
“You feel more confident when you have some games under you. It will be a huge step to go on the pitch and help the team win.”
Talaslahti ended the media conference by addressing the fantastic travelling support that the Finns have.
“Yes, it is great to see that so many fans followed us. It brings us motivation and happiness, and obviously, when you are in the stadium it is nice to see these white and blue colours, and the people that are supporting us.”
Above: Lina Magull celebrates after putting Germany ahead against Denmark last night. Photo: Euro 2022.
Fans at the Brentford Community Stadium were given a show as it was a day for goals and Germany did not disappoint as they stamped their mark on UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s side put on an awe-inspiring display in West London as they got their bid for a ninth Women’s European Championship title underway and put their name in the hat for contention.
Throughout the game Germany was dominant and Voss-Tecklenburg got her tactics spot on, the relentless pressing game from Germany was immense, forcing Denmark into mistakes and loose passes.
It paid off exceptionally, early on with Germany hitting the woodwork three times in the opening 15 minutes, and the deadlock was broken in the 21st minute with the player of the match Lina Magull charging down an attempted Denmark pass from defence to latch on and smash the ball home to give the Germans a 1-0 lead.
The midfield three and front three for Germany were causing a lot problems in the final third, we have all heard the phrase ‘attack is the best form of defence’ and Germany showed us how it is done.
Above: Svenja Huth of Germany (9) battles with Denmark’s Rikke Madsen at Brentford last night. Photo: Euro 2022.
Schüller, Bühl, and Huth were all over the Denmark defence harassing them from the get-go, and that is what won Germany the game, being backed up by Oberdorf, Däbritz, and Magull – their determined attitude caused Denmark to finish the game with just 42% possession as well as 68% pass accuracy.
Germany did not let Denmark into the game at all, they put the pressure on time and time again regaining possession in a totally ferocious performance.
Germany came into this match off the back of thrashing Switzerland 7-0 in their only warm-up game to this tournament, there were slight doubts amongst the German media after the World Cup qualifier defeat to Serbia, but I think those doubts can be forgotten about because Germany just swept aside a Denmark team who have won four out of their last six matches.
Second-half goals from Lea Schüller, Lena Lattwein, and Alexandra Popp who got on the scoresheet in her 115th appearance for Germany with her first goal in a European Championship after missing the last two tournaments through injury.
Germany needed this opening win; it will certainly calm a few nerves for sure and bring a lot of confidence into the camp. But also, this victory will put the rest of the teams at this tournament on notice. Germany has arrived at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 and arrived in stunning style.
Germany is off to the start they would have hoped for and got what they wanted; they go top of Group B ahead of Spain on goal difference heading into matchday two where they will play Spain at the Brentford Community Stadium on Tuesday before finishing Group B in Milton Keynes against Finland next Saturday.
Above: Lucia Garcia Cordobawheels away in delight after scoring for Spain. Photo: Euro 2022.
Spain overcame a shock early goal concession to overcome Finland by the comfortable-looking scoreline of 4-1 at Stadium MK, Milton Keynes.
Having to overcome adversity is a theme of Spain’s Euros. As well as having to overcome that early Finnish strike, they were also having to balance the lost of leading players Jennifer Hermoso and 2021 Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.
Above: Wild celebrations for Finland after Linda Sällström’s early goal. Photo: Euro 2022.
This match, played in front of a crowd of just under 17,000 was historic as it was the biggest audience to watch a group stage match not involving the host nation in the tournament’s history, and the crowd were treated to a dramatic early goal which was the fastest scored in the Euros for 27 years as Linda Sällström put them ahead with just 52 seconds played.
The Spanish used two different strategies to impose themselves on the game – the usual tiki-taka of short passes amidst a quick game. It must be emphasised that Finland that were very well organised, keeping their 4-4-2 strictly in place.
Despite their adherence to the tactical set-up, Finland were not able to stem the flow of Spanish possession, as they gained 78% possession overall). Praise is due to keeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela. The Tottenham Hotspur player put in an outstanding performance to limit the number of goals that Spain scored.
So, good start, for Spain, but given the events later yesterday in Brentford, they will need to improve if they want to win against Germany to grab the top spot in Group B.
Above: Mariona Caldentey scores Spain’s fourth from the penalty spot. Photo: Euro 2022.
Above: Four-goal Amy Sayerin possession for the Matildas U23s against the senior Indonesia side yesterday. Photo: Tiebreaker Times/Angelo Rosales.
Mel Andreatta made some changes in the third game for Australia’s Under 23 squad. With a game every two days and an Under 20 World Cup weeks away, rotation is important. Illness in the camp also may have forced some selection decisions. Happily, for the representative squad at the AFF Championships it was not all bad news and the night ended with the first Aussie win of the tournament.
Caitlin Karic, Hana Lowry, Paige Zois, and Daniella Galic were brought into midfield and attack. Jessika Nash, Alexia Apostolakis and Ella Tonkin joined goalkeeper, and captain Sally James in defence.
Up against Indonesia, and in need of a boost to their goal difference. Australia took only 10 minutes to open the scoring.
Above: Melbourne Victory prospect Paige Zois, seen here in action for the Junior Matildas, made her first appearance of the AFF Championships campaign. Photo: Football Australia.
Amy Sayer continued her fine form at the tournament. For the second game in a row, she made it one-nil. After Australia cruised through midfield, Sayer was played into space by Leah Davidson. With plenty of time and space, the Stanford University attacker made no mistake. She rifled a shot into the top corner from just inside the box.
The Sayer show continued. Just two minutes later she had her second. A ball wide to the right flank found Karic who accelerated and crossed low into the six-yard box. Any touch would have caused an issue for the Indonesian goalkeeper, but the ball found its way to Sayer at the far post who adjusted her body to hit it home on the half volley.
The same combination made it 3-0 in the 15th minute. This time, Karic stopped and made space for the cross with a shift of the feet and a slight change of pace. Her cross beat three defenders and Sayer had the easiest of finishes.
Above: Amy Sayer and Caitlin Karic celebrating for the Matildas against Indonesia. Photo: Football Australia.
Sayer’s fourth came just before halftime. She received the ball at the edge of the box and cut inside deftly. So far in this game, she had displayed power and timing. On this occasion, she showed some of the light touch that makes her one of Australia’s most promising prospects.
She created the space for herself and on her left foot, she struck from 18 yards to make it 4-0. It was an incredible individual performance by the former Sydney FC prodigy. But it would be the last of the goals for the day.
Australia could not add to the scoreboard in the second half. A justifiable penalty claim was denied in the 55th minute and Galic tried her luck from outside the box, but Indonesia did not concede again.
Above: Sally James, who captained the Matildas on her first appearance in goal at the AFF Championships against Indonesia. Photo: Football Australia.
The AFF is a tough, intense sprint of a competition. Australia have their first win but still lag behind the Philippines who currently have a perfect record with second place in the group far from certain.
Singapore are the next opponents tomorrow. The side lost 7-0 to the hosts in their second match and if Australia can field a strong side another big win is a possibility.
Above: Alexia Putellas’ loss is huge for Spain, but offers a golden opportunity to others. Photo: Jose Luis Contreras/DAX Images/NurPhoto.
As Jorge Vilda readied his Spanish side for the Women’s Euros, it all looked positive. La Roja’s first outing in preparation for the Championships quickly squashed the worries about goal scoring, after questions rose due to Jennifer Hermoso’s injury ruled her out of the Euros.
They thwacked seven goals past an inexperienced Australian side that struggled to deal with the European’s obstreperous midfield and they built on that impressive performance, with a draw against Italy.
Alexia Putellas burst in front of her defender to drag Spain level, 23 minutes from time, a scenario we have seen so often for club and country, but Vilda’s star has been snatched out of his summer plans.
The World Player of the Year had her Euro dream shattered by an ACL injury, on the eve of the tournament. On Wednesday Putellas vowed “to finish what she started” but Vilda and his side will need to conjure up a plan to replace one of the world’s best.
She is key. She personifies the way Spain wants to play, the way they should play. She can pick the ball up in the tightest of spaces and once she has escaped through the smallest gap, she can flex her array of passes. She has it all from deadly set pieces to intelligent movement to double up against a defender, she is irreplaceable.
But if anyone has the resources to replace her rare talents, it is Spain.
Above: Mariona Caldentey, one of Spain’s options after the loss of Alexia Putellas. Photo: Joaquin Corchero/Shutterstock.
The Iberian country are fortunate enough to have one of the best squads in the tournament, which is flooded with Putellas’ Barcelona teammates and Vilda isn’t short of options when it comes to picking replacements.
Two of her colleagues are Patri Guijarro and Aitana Bonmati, who play alongside her in the midfield. The two stabilisers in the trio allowed Putellas to be at her creative best and whoever comes in will also have that security of two of the best to rely on.
One option for Vilda is Mariona Caldentey. The 26-year-old normally operates in the front three but has shown the ability to pick up Putellas’ position in midfield. In the Primera Division, she has 13 goal involvements in 15 appearances, showing that she is able to hold up Putellas’ immense output, and if Vilda does opt to move the forward further back, then he has a myriad of options to fill that newly vacant left-wing spot, such as Claudia Pina or Lucia Garcia.
That may be a risk and the ready-made replacement would be Irene Guerrero who made the most of her audition, scoring two late on against the Matildas. Despite the brace, she doesn’t have the threat in front of goal that Putellas or Caldentey possess, but she is an intelligent football who given the chance would add a different dimension to Spain’s style, offering more stability in their defensive structure.
Along with Putellas’ undoubted quality on the pitch, the 28-year-old was a leader and had experienced it all, which is invaluable for a Spain side that has struggled when the pressure starts to build. The lack of experience within this squad had already weakened by Hermoso’s absence, and they will now look to the likes of Irene Paredes, Guijarro and Esther Gonzalez to help guide this youthful Spanish side to La Roja history.
Spain were one of the favourites for the Euros, with their golden generation starting to shine, headed by Putellas but as Vilda celebrates his birthday on the eve of their opening game, the present on the top of his list is an injury-free win against Finland in Milton Keynes.
And after that, he will then be able to assess how he can keep the mood positive in his squad even without the mercurial Alexia Putellas.
Above: Amy Sayer (19) focuses on the ball during Australia’s game with Thailand on Wednesday. Photo: AFC Asian Cup.
If you are a Matildas fan, you know that Thailand are not to be taken lightly. In January, the two senior teams met at the Asian Cup. Australia fought out a 2-1 win, but it brought back flashbacks of the notorious 2018 meeting. That Asian Cup semi-final was determined by penalties, and only following a late Alanna Kennedy equalizer.
Thailand has sent their senior squad to the AFF Championships in Manilla. So it would be a point of interest to see if how the Under 23 Matildas would fare against an opponent that historically matches Australia.
Chelsie Dawber came into the line-up, replacing Princess Ibini who was rested after playing in both friendlies in Europe a fortnight ago.
Dawber’s impact at centre forward was obvious early. Her quick control and pass helped provide the opening chance. Amy Sayer was slipped through by the Chicago Red Star and finished with one-touch beyond the goalkeeper.
Australia had hit the scoreboard early against Thailand for the first time in years. Seven minutes of play had passed.
Mel Andreatta’s team soon had a second goal. Abby Lemon’s surging run up the left and after a few step-overs she cut into the box and was brought down to win a penalty.
Mackenzie Hawkesby, stepped up to convert and make it 2-0 in the 25th minute.
Before half time, Thailand pulled one back. With five minutes left, a hopeful ball forward was lofted out of defence. The Australian keeper was outside the box and positioned to come out to clear, but Kanyanat Chetthabutr skilfully lobbed Whyman as she scrambled back.
Above: Chelsie Dawber (27) in action for Australia against Thailand. Photo: AFC Asian Cup.
With the result in the balance, both teams went on the attack. Sheridan Gallagher had a good chance to extend Australia’s lead but her shot skipped agonizingly wide of the post.
Thailand’s eventual equaliser was spectacular. Ploychompoo Somnonk received the ball 30 yards from goal. There seemed to be no danger as Australian defenders got quickly behind the ball. She took a touch and sent a rocket of a shot into the top corner to beat Whyman again.
Both sides looked for an equaliser, but despite Australia going close with an end-to-end move that finished with an Ibini cross, the game ended level. Australia’s representative squad was held to a draw by the 2018 tournament winners.
It was a bright start for Australia’s Under 23’s that was foiled by a sensational goal, but they have their first point of the tournament. Captain Charli Grant was on the end of a bruising challenge in the second half, and with less than 48 hours before the next match, Australian fans will hope that there was no injury.
Australia’s representative squad meets Indonesia on Friday evening at 6pm AEST.
Impetus’ Kris Goman and Darrell Allen focus in on different aspects of England’s opening night win over Austria at Euro 2022. Kris is our nationwide roving reporter at games the length and breadth of England and she highlights the fans-eye experience from Old Trafford, whilst Darrell reviews the on-pitch action (7/7/22).
Above: England celebrate Beth Mead’s opening goal. Photo: Lionesses.
The Fans-Eye View At Old Trafford
by Kris Goman
So, after a long, long trip from Sydney to Manchester, I found my way to Old Trafford. This ground is literally the stuff of legends and I’d been looking forward to this on so many levels.
It’s a decent walk from the tram station and you go past Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home of Lancashire CCC which is much closer to the tram stop. Along the way, there’s a heap of touts selling match scarves, hats, and flags and numerous food vans are set up selling burgers, fish and chips, pies, hot dogs, etc.
In the car park opposite is the fan event. I gotta say it’s a bit of a disappointment. It’s really just a lot of people queuing and set up mostly for kids, with the exception of the bars, which have the longest queues. It seems mostly face painting, kicking balls, entering competitions, and having your photo taken. There’s nothing for sale except the from the bar, so a quick walk around was more than enough.
I was on the hunt for souvenirs and the UEFA vans were around the ground along with more food vans. I’d seen from the map there were three vans and my entrance was further around in the Alex Ferguson stand. Despite being there quite early (three hours before kick-off) the queues for the first van were very long. I checked out the merch and then went to the next van which only had a couple of people lining up.
Now, to the merch. I can’t begin to describe how bad it is. The one half-decent t-shirt which had all the flags of the nations involved and is dark blue, was only available in kid’s sizes. The single black t-shirt is only available in women’s sizes. The only t-shirt in men’s sizes that might possibly fit a larger lady is white. I don’t do white t-shirts. And the design was terrible. In fact, all the designs are terrible. It’s a women’s comp so it’s important to have pink over everything, right?!
It seems the main colour for the comp is dark purple which is quite nice but the logo is a pale pink and light blue and it’s insipid. All the volunteers are in this dark purple and it looks really good but there’s nothing like this for sale. I bought a grey hoodie but again the logo is terrible in the pink and blue and you can barely see it on the hoodie. The match scarf was the dark purple colour and this was quite good but why don’t they have a t-shirt like this, for the love of God?
Above: Scenes outside Old Trafford ahead of kick-off. Photo: Kris Goman.
The guy at the stand told me they had a bigger range online. Well, that’s great but I’m travelling around the country for matches and can’t really get something delivered. And I’m certainly not the only one. Please, whoever is doing the marketing for the World Cup don’t make this mistake. How hard is it to have all designs in all sizes, have plenty of darker t-shirts, stop making everything pink, and have all stock available at all sale sites? I would have spent a lot more. Just saying.
Anyhoo, rant over and it’s time to queue to get inside. I get in a queue and I look over to the slightly shorter queue next to me and move to that. Two people in front there’s a familiar outline and it looks like Hayley Raso. As she turns, it’s definitely Hayley and she’s with Manchester City teammate Ruby Mace. It’s an opportunity too good to miss so I say g’day. They are both lovely, impressed I’ve come from Sydney, and Hayley notices the Aussie signatures on my Arsenal cap. They let me take photos with them and then I get to the end of the queue again. No one else seems to recognise them, which I find amazing, especially in Manchester although Ruby has her hair quite different from when she’s playing.
We squeeze through the skinniest turnstiles I’ve ever seen into the area under the stands. There are multiple kiosks selling pies, crisps, sweets, drinks including beer. I haven’t had a beer since I’d arrived and was looking forward to enjoying the match with a beer instead of being on the field and taking photos. So, one Heineken please. They pour the giant can into a giant cup and I ponder whether I should have got two so I don’t have to come back. I walk towards the stadium entrance and notice the sign that says no alcohol in the stadium. I back up, thinking, “That’s weird”.
Some people walk by me with beers so I wait to see what happens. They get turned around and told it’s an offence. They all got two beers each. So now everyone is standing around in the foyer area drinking their beers and I’m very thankful I only got one. More and more people buy beers and get turned around. It’s like a comedy, remembering England are playing Austria which is a big beer-drinking nation. And there’s a lot of people buying two and clearly no one is mentioning it at the bar.
I finally finish my giant beer and go into the stadium proper. It’s magnificent. Proper rectangle stadium with grass-like carpet. Every seat is a good one but mine are particularly good. I’m in row QQ which I thought might be far back but it’s right near the entrance and only about ten rows from the pitch at the top of the box. Perfect and just where I like to sit. I’ve bought two tickets and couldn’t find anyone to take the other ticket after my partner couldn’t come so I’ve got plenty of room as I’m also at the end of a row. I don’t need to ask anyone to get up and can get to the loos and kiosk quickly and easily.
The crowds are pouring in and I’m pretty close to the Austrian supporters. Given the tickets were a ballot and I had no choice in seat selection, I’m very happy. People dressed in white come onto the pitch for the opening ceremony and they all get given flags or hold a big circle of material. Just before it’s about to start and after the team warmups they head onto the field. They start their routines as the players come onto the field and line up for the national anthems.
Above: A smoke-filled Old Trafford ahead of kick-off. Photo: Kris Goman.
On each seat in the Alex Ferguson stand is a bit of coloured plastic for us to hold up just before the national anthems to obviously form a graphic of some sort. Fireworks start going off as well as flame throwers. The fireworks cause a fair bit of smoke. In fact, they cause so much smoke, at one stage it’s hard to see the field. Not sure they did a dress rehearsal of this part. It’s actually hilarious as we now can’t see the other side of the pitch, the performers, or the teams. We hold up the plastic bits but I’m genuinely not sure if the cameras can even see the stand, let alone the image we are making. Being part of it means you have no idea what it looks like. I’m going to have to watch a replay to check it out. Eventually, the smoke clears, the anthems play and the starting whistle goes.
It starts out quite frantic and Austria get an early attack in before England settle in and take ownership of the game. The Beth Mead goal sees the stadium erupt and the euphoria is tangible. First goal of the Euros and turns out the match-winning, three-point scoring goal too. It’s up my end so I get to see all the celebrations. Lauren Hemp is also on my side in the first half so I get to witness her runs up close and personal. In fact, it’s the first time I’ve seen all these players, except Rachel Daly, play live and it’s thrilling after watching so many hours on TV and on my phone.
Above: Austria players thank their fans after the match. Photo: Kris Goman.
The match ends with jubilation for the English fans, which includes me. Players from both teams do a lap of the field but aren’t signing autographs, unfortunately. The Austrian players spend quite a bit of time in my corner with the Austrian supporters who’ve been vocal throughout the match despite being outnumbered significantly. But it’s been a great atmosphere and very friendly crowd with no ill will either way. And that’s what I love about women’s football. There’s a genuine comradery regardless of who you go for and you never feel unsafe or threatened.
The walk back to the tram station is a long slow one as nearly 69 thousand people disgorge. But it’s well organised and we all get to where we’re going eventually. It was a great start to this tournament and bodes well for the progress of the English team in front of their home supporters. 17 matches to go for me.
A Winning Start
by Darrell Allen
As far as tournament openers go that was a job very well done by England. Three points, a clean sheet, and success against a very hard-working Austria side who were set up to frustrate and spoil the opening night party.
They didn’t succeed and this was a vital win for Sarina Weigman and her team to shape their destiny with three points to start their home Euros the right way and live up to their Group A favourites tag.
With the opening night assignment dealt with successfully hope will be confidence and momentum now grows and England can go all the way in this tournament.
IT’S AN ARSENAL AFFAIR
Above: Beth Mead celebrates her goal. Photo: Lionesses.
Beth Mead the Arsenal forward who was the hero. She scored the opening night’s only goal to make it 15 in 15 for herself when she picked up Fran Kirby’s perfect ball, controlled beautifully, and finished well over club teammate Manuela Zinsberger. VAR subsequently confirmed the ball had crossed the line to the relief of Mead, the record crowd for a European Championship match of 68,871 and the 3.9 million watching on BBC One.
MAGIC MILLIE
The player of the match for me was magic Millie Bright of Chelsea. Last night she was on the finest of form.
After Leah Williamson got away with a sloppy pass early on in the game, Bright seemed to take ownership of the back line with her calm but authorative way to ensure there was no repeat.
England settled after the goal and Bright with Williamson alongside was an absolute rock in ensuring Austria only huffed and puffed but couldn’t blow the England House down.
The Chelsea star didn’t do anything wrong all evening with vital blocks and headers made on the limited occasions when Austria did get the ball in the box.
The Bright and Williamson partnership being on song will be critical if the trophy is to be won on 31st July.
A SAFE PAIR OF HANDS
Above: Mary Earps – a safe pair of hands for England. Photo: Alamy.
Mary Earps loved the opening night in the city where she plays her domestic football for Manchester United. The beaming smile in the build-up and as the teams took to the field just emphasised this.
The defence kept her relatively well protected but Earps was required late on to superbly deny Barbara Dunst an equaliser.
HOME PRESSURE HANDLED WELL
An expectant crowd but a supportive crowd was in attendance on the night as a strong 68,871 was in attendance to get the tournament underway.
Austria started as the better side and there were nerves early on but the crowd roared them through the difficult moments. Once Mead opened the scoring, there looked little to worry about as despite not finding a second goal the night was dealt with in a calm and mature way.
The crowd would have liked a second goal and that will inevitably be required in greater tests to come but this is tournament football and it’s about winning games and this was the perfect way to start.
I said in my previously published preview that If England got through the opening night unscathed they would go on to win it and that’s part one done.
England won’t play in front of a crowd of that size again until the final at the earliest so they have proved already pressure can be dealt with ahead of matches in smaller stadia to come.
NEXT UP NORWAY
Focus now switches to the second group game on Monday night when England face Norway at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton.
The task against Norway promises to be the greatest assignment of the group stage on paper as they boast an array of talent including former Ballon D’or winner and Olympique Lyonnais striker Ada Hegerberg.
However, with Weigman’s philosophy and the extra day recovery between the opening night and Norway only playing 24 hours later against Northern Ireland, the odds will once again be in England’s favour, and there is no reason why they can’t get another three points on the board.
PLAYER IN FOCUS – FRAN KIRBY
After the recent few months that Fran Kirby has had, it was wonderful to see her start this opening night assignment against Austria and she well and truly justified Sarina Wiegman’s decision to take her to the tournament.
The Chelsea hero lit up this game for the 64 minutes she was on the pitch to the joy of the Old Trafford crowd.
Kirby’s highlight was when she displayed technical genius to pick out Beth Mead with a superb diagonal pass which found Mead who finished to get the game’s opening goal.
The hope will be for the nation that this form continues up to and including that 31st July date at Wembley Stadium.
Above: The England team that started the game against Austria last night. Photo: Lionesses.
Impetus’ man in Mexico is Jorge Ceron, and he brings us all the details from the initial group stage action in Monterrey (7/7/22).
The CONCACAF women’s championship has begun, and by the end of last night, all the participating teams had already played their first game of the tournament.
There is a lot at stake in this tournament. There are eight participating teams, divided into two groups. Group A consists of Mexico, United States, Jamaica, and Haiti, while in Group B are Canada, Trinidan and Tobago, Costa Rica, and Panama. The venue for the tournament is Monterrey, Mexico and there are two host stadiums, the BBVA Stadium, and the Universitario Stadium.
This tournament provides four direct tickets to the 2023 World Cup, the tickets will be obtained by the nations who finish first and second in each group, in the same way the third-placed nations in each group will have access to the World Cup repechage, which will take place in February 2023 in New Zealand and they will have another chance to qualify for the World Cup.
This tournament serves as a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the champions will have their ticket secured, and will be accompanied by the winner of a match between the second and third place nation in the CONCACAF Women’s Championship.
Above: Alex Morgan, scorer of two goals for the USA against Haiti. Photo: Jam Media.
The tournament began at the Universitario Stadium, and was opened by one of the favorites, the United States team, a team that without putting their foot on the accelerator, beat Haiti 3-0, with two goals from Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave) and one more from Margaret Purce (NJ/NY Gotham FC).
After that match came the arrival of host nation Mexico, a team that arrives with great hopes of returning to a World Cup. They took on Jamaica. An early goal after eight minutes froze the local team, and the fans as Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw scored. The coach of Mexico had surprised before starting the game with a line-up that had not been common in previous games.
Above: Khadija Shaw pictured after scoring Jamaica’s goal against Mexico. Photo: Jaime Lopez/Jam Media.
Before the end of the first half, the hosts looked set to equalize on a couple of occasions, a shot that hit the post that was ultimately then misplaced, and a long-distance shot by Carolina Jaramillo that the Jamaican goalkeeper surprisingly caught. Jamaica missed a penalty and there is nothing more to say, Jamaica won 1-0, but the Caribbean could easily have won 3-0 or 4-0, the Mexican team had no ideas in the second half, and they were not even close to equalize the game, time passed, and Jamaica with some of its players who compete in the FAWSL, the Scottish league, and in the United States gained a victory that cannot be a surprise. They simply played their best football.
Mexico are on the ropes now, and it is necessary to win their second game against Haiti to have any hope of qualifying for the World Cup in Australia New Zealand 2023. In Group B, Costa Rica and Canada, as expected are dominant from the off. Costa Rica dispatched Panama 3-0 with Canada comfortable 6-0 winners against Trinidad and Tobago.
In the latest of our WA on Wednesday series of interviews with players from the NPL WA Women competition,Murdoch University Melville‘s Poppie Hooks (PH) spoke to Impetus’ Ben Gilby (BG) aboutlast season’s huge success in the competition and playing A-League Women football at the age of 16(6/7/22).
Above: Poppie Hooks (on ground) celebrates with her Murdoch University Melville teammates after scoring at Balcatta Etna. Photo: JASP Photography.
BG: Can you tell us about your footballing journey?
PH: I started playing for Echo White Caps in Southend, Essex in England when I was four-years-old. Once I moved to Perth, I joined Mandurah NPL starting at U12, and then joined Queen’s Park and played there for two years, before joining Murdoch University Melville. I also played last season for Perth Glory in the A-League Women as a 16-year-old.
BG: What’s the biggest challenge that you’ve faced in football?
PH: The biggest challenge I have faced is probably this season because a lot of our players at Murdoch left the team and went over to the eastern states for other opportunities, so I’ve had to step up and be a leader in the team with all the new players.
Above: Poppie Hooks driving forward for Perth Glory against Canberra United last season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
BG: Last season you were part of Perth Glory’s A-League Women squad. It was an incredible season for all sorts of reasons. How do you assess your time playing A-League Women football from a personal perspective?
PH: When I was playing with Perth Glory, I improved both physically and technically because of the high quality of opponents, but I mostly felt like I matured personally, with going away and the professional environment. I was lucky to be supported by all the girls like Morgan (Aquino) and Tash (Rigby) who helped to welcome me and helped give me the best experience and environment to grow in.
BG: With the Western Australia border being closed for all but the first week of the season, Perth Glory spent the campaign based in a hub in New South Wales. What was the reality of spending so long away from home like? How did you deal with the associated challenges?
PH: Like I said, I had a lot of support from my teammates. Being so young I was a bit out of my comfort zone, but with the environment created and my newfound professionalism it wasn’t much of a challenge, but still hard to be away from home for so long.
BG: Last season was also a successful one for Murdoch University Melville, winning the treble. What were the secrets behind those successes? What pleased you most about it from a personal and team perspective?
PH: Last year, our whole team had such good chemistry, and it also came to the high individual quality of each player, as well as some role models like Kat Jukic, and Tia Stonehill, just to name a few, that I really look up to. Despite all other aspects, winning the treble was a highlight and a massive achievement for myself and the team.
Above: Poppie Hooks in possession for Perth Glory when she played A-League Women football as a 16-year-old last season. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.
BG: Murdoch University Melville have a lot of new faces this season. How are things building at the club?
PH: It has been difficult losing players, but I think it’s a positive that all the younger girls from the 21s have been stepping up. Charli Wainwright and I have had to step up and become leaders and drive all the younger girls. But I believe that we have done a good job uniting the new team and we are really excited for the rest of the season.
BG: What are your aims for the NPL WA season personally and for the team?
PH: This season, my personal aims are to become more versatile as a player and improve my technical ability which will hopefully lead me further, but a big thing for me is to view the game more maturely and reserve myself in a professional manner on the pitch. In terms of team goals, we are all super enthusiastic about what we do and playing together, and we are striving to perform at high standards at each game. We aim to finish in the top four this season.
BG: More widely, how do you view the competition this season?
PH: The competition has definitely changed, and there are heaps of younger players and new faces as well as familiar players moving over to the eastern states to play football. I still find games to be competitive and fun for me to play in, even though most teams’ rosters have changed over the new season, it’s good to have a change and to play against new opposition.
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