Kieran Yap provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Victoria NPLWomen’s competition. As usual, there is a detailed report on one game and a wrap of all the other matches along with photos (6/7/22).
Above: Dramatic action between Calder United and Alamein at the weekend. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819.
Round 14 of Victoria’s NPLW was one of the biggest of the season. Every fixture was a must-win game. Bulleen Lions met Heidelberg United in the more star-studded clash from an A-League Women perspective, and Calder United played Alamein in the other battle of the top four.
Bayside United FC had an opportunity for their first win over the dangerous FV Emerging. However, it was in mid-table where there were the questions that would be answered.
MAIN REPORT OF THE WEEK:
South Melbourne 2-4 Box Hill United
South Melbourne and Box Hill United both have been inconsistent this season. Both sides have the quality to beat anybody on their day, but their days have not been consecutive enough.
When they met at Lakeside Stadium on Saturday afternoon, it was an entertaining clash between two sides that still could hold hopes of a top-four finish should they get a win.
South Melbourne welcomed back Claudia Mihocic. The star defender missed the previous week with a minor injury, and things were looking good for the hosts early on.
It took only minutes for the first goal. Francesca Iermano, burst through the middle of the Box Hill following a turnover, and was brought down as she readied to shoot.
Above: Akeisha Sandhu, who put South Melbourne ahead. Photo: South Melbourne FC.
Akeisha Sandhu stepped up to take the spot-kick and had no trouble. South Melbourne had the lead in the seventh minute.
The game immediately opened up for both sides. Box Hill looked to reply and a free-kick to Emily Kos crashed off the crossbar in a warning of what was to come.
With less than a minute left until half time, the game turned suddenly. Sofia Sakalis drove through midfield for Box Hill. She was held up and lost possession to Holly Murray, but won it back with strength and persistence. From there Sakalis broke into space and placed a through ball into the path of Anais Josefski on the right.
South Melbourne’s entire back four was taken out of the equation by the pass and Josefski’s finish was into the far bottom corner. Box Hill were level, but were not ready to rest.
Above: Anais Josefski, two goals and a great performance for Box Hill United. Photo: Box Hill United.
The same pair combined again. This time it was Sakalis on the end of Josefski’s cross. After South Melbourne attempted one last attack, Box Hill won it back and Josefski was in space on the wing. Sakalis met the ball with an athletic diving volley and the Box Hill had two goals in the last two minutes of the half. It was now 2-1.
South Melbourne had an excellent chance in the second half. Caitlin Picket played through Iermano with a clever through ball, but this time Iermano’s shot was well saved.
Box Hill extended their lead when a corner kick was not cleared by South Melbourne. Emily Mackie hit a hopeful but dangerous ball back into the area and it either deceived the defence or was deflected in for an own goal. It made no real difference, it was 3-1 and looking increasingly unlikely that South Melbourne would find a way back. Emily Kos was eventually credited with the final touch.
The final blow was struck after a good shot from the right flank bounced off the bar and was nodded in at close range by Josefski for her second of the game.
South Melbourne had some fight left in them. A late goal to Kat Goff made it 4-2 and the score more respectable. With goal difference a possible factor by the end of the season, it may yet prove more than consolation. But regardless, it was a day that South Melbourne would prefer to forget.
Artwork: South Melbourne FC.
They put this match behind them quickly with an incredible win midweek in the Nike FC Cup over Heidelberg. After trailing 2-0, South Melbourne fought back to win the semi-final 3-2 in normal time.
BOX HILL UNITED: Gidari, Alle, M. Barbieri, Capomolla, Ferreyra Bas, Giannakopoulos, Josefski, Keyt, Kos, Langley, Mackie, Mazzeo, Petkaris, Pickett, Rutherford, Sakalis, E. Hudson.
Scorers: Josefski 44’, 80’. Sakalis 45’, Kos 76’
Referee: Boyang Yu.
Round 14 Wrap:
Artwork: Bulleen Lions.
Elsewhere in the league, HeidelbergUnited continued to keep up the pressure onfirst placed Calder United with a 2-0 win over Bulleen Lions. Danielle Wise and Stephanie Galea scored in each half in anentertaining game that saw both sides receive cautions.
Above: Action from Calder United’s win over Alamein. Photo: Jack Dilks/171819.
Calder United retained their supremacy in first place with a 1-0 win over Alamein. Aleksandra Sinclair won the game in the 80th minute to ensure that Alamein’s position in fourth remains tenuous. Calder remains five points ahead of second-placed Heidelberg.
In the league’s best news. Bayside United finally got their first win of the season, and it came against FV Emerging. All of the goal-scoring action was in the first half. Coco Parker opened the scoring in the 24th minute with Julia Budiongo adding a second 10 minutes later. Bayside United FC have struggled for both form and results this season but have come close a few times and looked competitive in patches.
Their first win was worth the wait and came against a team of young but very strong players in FV Emerging who were without Young Matildas Caitlin Karic who was away with the Under 23 side in Manila.
Next round, South Melbourne will look to bounce back against Bulleen Lions, while Box Hill will try to continue their momentum against Calder United.
Bayside face a tough afternoon away to Heidelberg and Alamein can not afford to slip up against FV Emerging.
Above: The Lionesses team that started their recent friendly against Belgium in Wolverhampton. Photo: @Lionesses
England line up for Euro 2022 with a strong squad of 23. The headline makers being Steph Houghton from her absence and Fran Kirby for her inclusion.
From head coach Sarina Wiegman’s demeanour in her press conference announcing the squad, it was clear she wanted to include Houghton, but time was against them.
In my opinion, she has got this decision spot on, Kirby is a player who could win England the Euros. Houghton has had an incredible impact on the game in this country but Wiegman is right to go with her best available selection.
Above: Lionesses head coach Sarina Weigman. Photo: FA.
Sarina Wiegman took over England in September 2021 over a year after her appointment was officially confirmed due to seeing out her existing commitments with the Dutch national side. Wiegman, who is unbeaten in the England job, had a playing career that included a spell alongside superstars Mia Hamm, Kristie Lilly, and Carla Overbeck at North Carolina.
Wiegman won 104 caps for the Netherlands, scoring three goals between 1987 and 2001. She additionally won the Dutch Cup (KNVB Cup) with KFC ’71 in 1987 and 2001 with Ter Leede where she also won two Dutch championships in 2001 and 2003.
Her coaching career began at Ter Leede in 2006 before moving to Den Haag in 2007 to lead them in their first campaign in the new Dutch Women’s Eredivisie. She remained there for seven years, winning the league in 2012 and the KNVB Cup in both 2012 and 2013. Wiegman became only the third woman to take the full KNVB coaching licence in 2015.
After becoming interim head coach of the Netherlands national side in 2015, Wiegman was appointed as assistant to Arjan van der Laan who came in to take over the top job. van der Laan’s tenure lasted just over a year, before he was sacked and Wiegman took charge on a permanent basis.
Her first test was a home European Championships just over six months later, and the team went through the competition unbeaten, defeating Denmark 4-2 in the final. Wiegman would subsequently go on to lead the Dutch to the 2019 World Cup Final.
Euros History:
Above: The two captains, Anette Börjesson for Sweden and England’s Carol Thomas (right) shake hands before the second leg of the 1984 European Championship Final at Kenilworth Road, Luton. Photo: Peter Robinson/Empics Sport.
England have previously reached the final twice. The first appearance came in the Championships inaugural tournament in 1984 when, after defeating Denmark 3-1 on aggregate, they went down 4-3 on penalties to Sweden in the final after the two games ended 1-1 on aggregate.
Three years later, a fourth-place finish was achieved. A 3-2 loss in extra-time to Sweden was followed by a 2-1 defeat to Italy in the play-off. England were semi-finalists in 1995 before a barren spell.
The second final appearance came in 2009, when after seeing off Finland (3-2) in the quarter-finals and Netherlands (2-1) in the semis, Germany were too strong in the final, as England went down 6-2. In the last tournament in 2017, they reached the Semi-Final with France seen off 1-0 in the Quarter-Finals before current Lionesses head coach Sarina Weigman directed her Dutch side to a 3-0 win in the last four.
Qualifying:
England qualified automatically as host nation.
Strengths:
England boast a squad full on talent with multiple options from the bench. This was demonstrated most notably in the recent warm-up match against Belgium when Wiegman was able to bring on Chloe Kelly, Alex Greenwood, and Rachel Daly, and all three had a massive impact on the game.
Development Areas:
The team have a habit of missing chances to finish off opponents.
Key Player:
Above: Ellen White – penalty box predator extraordinaire. Photo: Lionesses.
Ellen White. The Manchester City forward is capable of scoring any type of goal from acrobatic volleys to the simplicity of a tap-in. When Ellen White is up top you always have a chance.
Player To Watch:
Lotte Wuben-Moy. The Arsenal defender is in fine form and heads to her first major international tournament keen to make a mark.
Prediction:
Winners. Talent in abundance and multiple options from the bench. Coping with home pressure might be their biggest hurdle, but if they get through the opening night unscathed and with three points, I’m confident they will win it.
Group Fixtures:
6th July: Austria, 8pm Old Trafford, Manchester.
11th July: Norway, 8pm Amex Stadium, Brighton.
15th July: Northern Ireland, 8pm St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton.
Impetus has previewed a different nation every day over the past 12 days. Click below to read the previously published articles:
Charli Grant was one of the real positives from a difficult two friendlies against Spain and Portugal for Australia. Impetus’ Jonathan Tay analyses her performances in both games from a tactical and positioning perspective (5/7/22).
Above: Charli Grant – who lived up to her potential in an Australian shirt over the past few weeks. Photo: Football Australia.
It was the most prominent period of Charli Grant’s fledgling Matildas career. Not just the recent Andalusian-friendly series, in which she completed both full games.
But more specifically, a 15-minute stretch in the second half of Australia’s match in Huelva, where she alone defensively stood up to the marauding Spain side.
Post-game, having received the Matildas’ Player of the Match award, the 20-year-old said, “The coaches told us to back ourselves out there, and I think there were lots of great moments we had which we’re going to take from the game, and of course a lot of learning opportunities as well.”
With the AFF Championships having commenced on 4th June, it provides Grant with another chance to really cement herself as a legitimate candidate for the Australian squad.
We look back at those moments from the past two friendlies where the young defender really impressed, and areas where she can continue to improve and hone her skills, heading towards a home World Cup in 2023.
Above: Charli Grant pictured in training with the Matildas in 2021 when she first came into the senior national side. Photo: Football Australia.
From the 58th to the 73rd minute in the opening friendly, Grant showcased a complete array of defensive qualities, as La Roja targeted the right side of the Matildas’ backline.
Down 4-0 at the time, the beleaguered Australians were wilting under the pressure of a Spain side ramping up for the European Championships.
Having just conceded a fourth goal, the Matildas’ lines were broken again, with Grant facing a developing two-on-one.
With Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas charging through midfield, Grant also has to keep track of forward Esther Gonzalez on her shoulder.
As the pass is played through to Gonzalez, the Australian does well to readjust, close down space quickly, and put in a foot to block the attempted cross.
A few minutes later, Clare Polkinghorne is drawn towards Gonzalez, dropping off the last line to initiate a wall pass.
As the Spanish number nine gets in behind the veteran to receive the return, Grant exhibits good instinct to cover for her centre back partner and snuff out the danger.
In the 72nd minute, Gonzalez looks to exploit a hole behind the young defender, timing a good run onto a ball over the top.
Grant though has smartly checked her blindspots, and flashes good pace to keep up with and fend off the Spanish forward, beating her to the through pass to clear.
From the ensuing throw-in, the silky Athenea del Castillo turnstiles Katrina Gorry, with open space ahead of her.
Grant once again is quick as a flash and gets out to front of the winger, preventing her entry into the 18-yard box.
In this short span, the youngster from Adelaide was able to display her quickness, tenacity, reactivity, and defensive nous off-the-ball against top European opposition. All in all, she racked up five defensive duel wins and 15 recoveries (most in the team in each category), along with five clearances.
Above: Matildas star Charli Grant speaking to the media during the mid-year international window against Spain and Portugal. Image: Football Australia.
Head coach Tony Gustavsson spoke before the game about wanting to see his players “bring the qualities they have in the local leagues to the international level”, and will have been pleased with Grant’s performance.
Though the Australians endured a heavy defeat (7-0 at the end of the night), the 20-year-old answered the Swede’s hopeful pre-match call of “losing a game, but winning a player” in the ongoing search for capable depth in the squad.
In the second friendly with Portugal, the Matildas were presented with a different type of challenge, afforded a much greater share of possession (27% vs Spain, 44% vs Portugal).
Seleção das Quinas though, are no slouches either – participating in the Euros themselves – and up against a youthful Australian side, were the better team on the balance of play (1.9 vs 1.1 Expected Goals).
Grant, for her part, also saw much more of the ball at her feet, with the Matildas able to play out from the back more frequently. With a greater emphasis on her skills in possession, results were a more mixed bag.
As a whole, the Australians were rusty, with a number of instances of poor ball control and misguided passing throughout the evening.
Here, in the 19th minute, Grant is unable to corral a straightforward backpass in the face of a quick press.
Her heavy touch allows Portugal to regain possession in a dangerous area, high upfield.
When allowed time on the ball though, Grant did at times show a good ability to find her teammates with passes from defence.
In the 29th minute, she fashions a great ball down the line to Emily Gielnik, beyond her marker.
Later in the play however, in a rare foray forward for this European trip, Grant telegraphs the cutback a little too openly. Dolores Silva is able to read it, step in and bring Portugal away on a counterattack.
Australia’s best chance of the first half probably encapsulated Grant’s night best. She initially gets lucky, escaping with the ball after a 50/50 challenge, following another miscontrol…
…before releasing Gielnik out wide 1-on-1 against her defender:
Emily 🤝 Emily
Our best chance of the game so far, with @EGielnik and @Em_surf linking up just before half time!
As the game went on and the Portuguese pressing intensity dropped off, the Matildas collectively grew into the contest. Grant’s own increased confidence was noticeable in the second half.
Here in the 79th minute, she collects the ball on the right and identifies space between the lines, beating her defender with a sure touch and burst of speed.
She again finds Gielnik out wide, and does well to continue her run and present herself as a viable option in the penalty box for a return pass.
The hope is that over the next year, Grant continues to gain exposure in a top level football environment, both domestically and internationally.
Speaking after the Spain friendly, she concluded, “We learned a lot from it. As a young defender, I just want to make the most of every opportunity.”
“It helped me massively being exposed to that sort of game. Going forward as a result, we’re only going to get better from here.”
The tournament in the Philippines provides another chance to earn minutes, and ideally she sees more playing time over her next club season in Europe (she played just 235 minutes for Rosengård in ‘21/22).
Gustavsson will want to see her continue to display a more consistent form, both with and without the ball, particularly with the increased level of competition and pace of play
“I have technically improved and my composure on the ball has improved as well,” Grant continued. “Being around the girls in the squad has taught me to be a better defender.”
“I know how much I have improved since I first came into the Matildas last year and my level will only go up going towards the World Cup.”
If she keeps on producing similar positive moments and impacts, she can assure herself that spot for Australia/New Zealand 2023.
Above: Northern Ireland celebrate qualifying for the Euros. Photo: CNN.
Northern Ireland are set to make their debut in the Euros this summer, they are ranked 47th and nicknamed The Green and White Army (#GAWA). Their squad was unveiled on 27th June on Twitter with the hashtag #ANewDream and an impressive reveal video to boot with ‘Now you can see us, you can be us’ and ‘Watch Us Rise’ scrawled across the screen in accents of green whilst Saoirse-Monica Jackson of Derry Girls voiced the narration alongside the incredibly catchy ‘Girl got Game’ by Jessica Hammond blasting in the background. The song has been released as the official song of Northern Ireland for the tournament.
🙌 The official Northern Ireland women’s Euros song is out now! Search for @Jessicamusicx’s ‘Girl Got Game’ to use the song on your videos, show us your skills and tag @NorthernIreland! We’ll pick our favourite to win a Euros shirt! Good luck!👇 #GAWA
Typically, the squad sets up in a 3-5-1-1 formation. Despite missing recent friendlies through injury, both Marissa Callaghan and Rebecca McKenna make the squad. Ashley Hutton makes the squad having proven her fitness after returning from a long-term knee injury. Shannon Turner of Wolverhampton Wanderers has put on an impressive display between the sticks for the third-tier FA National League Northern Premier side this season so takes the final keeper spot of the squad. The tournament will be one in which she looks to take her first senior cap for Northern Ireland.
Five of the squad come from English teams including top goalscorer Rachel Furness from Championship title-winning Liverpool. And we can’t announce the squad without a huge congratulations to Becky Flaherty of Impetus-sponsored Brighouse Town.
Thirteen of the selected squad currently play within the Women’s Premiership in Northern Ireland having taken up Euros preparation in January this year. Marissa Callaghan of Cliftonville has been named tournament captain.
Forwards: Simone Magill (no club), Lauren Wade (Glentoran), Kirsty McGuinness (Cliftonville), Caitlin McGuinness (Cliftonville), Emily Wilson (Crusaders Strikers).
The Head Coach:
Above: Northern Ireland head coach Kenny Shiels. Photo: Derry Now.
Kenny Shiels is Northern Ireland born and bred. His playing career was spent in the Irish Football League at a decuplet of teams including Tobermore United, Larne, and Ballymena United during the eighties and early nineties. He retired from playing in 1994 after a two-year term at Carrick Rangers.
Shiels has had a multifarious stint in management with this year his 20th anniversary in charge of a club. He managed many of the clubs he played for during the early 2000’s, where he won eight cup finals, before venturing across the Irish Sea to join Tranmere Rovers as Head of Youth Development having previously headed up the Northern Ireland U-17 squad.
He then moved to Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock initially as an assistant to Mixu Paatelainen before he took over from the Finnish manager. Shiels then took over Killie and won the Scottish League Cup before being sacked. He stayed in Scottish football however, and was appointed manager of Greenock Morton. He left Scottish football for pastures new and joined Thai club BEC Tero Sasana for half a season before returning home to Northern Ireland. He spent three years managing Derry City men’s side before being appointed the manager of the Northern Ireland women’s national team in May of 2019.
Euros History:
This is the first time the Northern Irish women’s national team has qualified for a major tournament. It was announced in September of 2021 that the squad would become full professional ahead of the Euros. Prior to this, the Northern Ireland team consistently flitted between ‘did not qualify’ and ‘did not enter’ before their successful bid for this year’s competition.
Northern Ireland found themselves in Group C alongside Norway, Wales, Belarus, and the Faroe Islands during qualification. They kicked off their campaign way back in August 2019 when they were on the wrong end of a 6-0 drubbing by Norway. They then played fellow home nations side Wales in a scintillating affair that saw Northern Ireland snatch an equaliser point in the 94th minute to make it 2-2. A case of deja vu when they visited Norway as the home side smashed yet another six goals past them once more and they then drew with Wales for a second time, the outing saw neither side able to net and the game ended 0-0.
Northern Ireland’s first big victory came when they took on the Faroe Islands in Tórsvollur with six goals by four-goal scorers including braces from Simone Magill and Lauren Wade. They faced their final group opponent, Belarus, for the first time in October of the same year and secured a narrow victory when stalwart Rachel Furness scored just before the halftime whistle, the final score perhaps a reflection on the fact Northern Ireland were down to ten players after Jacqueline Burns was sent off with less than half an hour played.
The reverse fixture was played a month later and goals galore as the sides played cat and mouse in front of goal and Northern Ireland eventual victors after a Belarus error saw an own goal to put them 3-2 up. The final game of the group saw Northern Ireland play host to the Faroe Islands in Belfast and yet another convincing victory. Their results meant they finished joint runners-up with Wales on 14 points, but two away goals ran in the Green & White Army’s favour and they made the play-offs.
They were drawn against Ukraine and played the first leg in April 2021 with none other than Furness opening the scoring for Northern Ireland just five minutes in, Ukraine equalised just after the 20th minute and it looked as though this was how the match might end after Furness was forced off through injury but Simone Magill was there to pull rank and struck at the 57th minute to win the game.
Northern Ireland had put themselves in a good position ahead of the second leg five days later. A tricky home tie for Northern Ireland and the game was quiet in the first half but Marissa Callaghan was intent on getting in on the mix and netted for the side early on in the second half. Northern Ireland held on to their 1-0 lead for the rest of the game before Natiya Pantsulaya was shown a straight red card for a foul on McFadden before Nadene Caldwell netted deep into injury time to all bit confirm Northern Ireland’s spot in the final 16 as they won their playoff place 4-1 on aggregate.
Above: Northern Ireland celebrate after qualifying for the Euros. Photo: UEFA.
Strengths:
Their defense is stacked with experience with the likes of Julie Nelson, Ashley Hutton, Demi Vance, and Sarah McFadden all plying their trade with the national side for a number of years. Adversity, in what is certain to be a challenging competition for the Green and White Army, is an absolute must and with three of the four defenders having all recovered from cruciate injuries in their careers, they’ll have bags of it. Whilst experience is a key component so too is youth amongst a squad and Northern Ireland certainly has that in Louise McDaniel, Caitlin McGuiness, Emily Wilson, and Abbie Magee.
Development Areas:
Their vulnerability lies in the fact so many of the squad play in the Women’s Premiership in Northern Ireland. The league remains an amateur division and as mentioned above, a number of them took up professional preparation from January this year. Many of the squad are well accustomed to domestic success but it’s very much dependent upon whether or not this can translate to international cohesion.
Key Player:
Rachel Furness, Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer with 38 goals in 84 appearances to her name is pivotal to the continued riches of the squad. She made her debut aged 17 in 2005. Her success is made considerably more incredible given she experienced an almost career-ending knee injury which meant she had to take a break from playing for almost two seasons.
One To Watch:
Emily Wilson, she’s just 19 but is no stranger to a European Championship having played in the U19’s Finals back in 2017. Wilson already has 30 caps to her name playing a crucial role in the qualifying stages. She’s notorious for chipping a keeper so keep your eyes peeled for her taking her chances. Northern Ireland will also likely look to use Wilson’s pace to their advantage as that player heavy midfield loops crosses into the box for her teammates to chase down.
Above: Emily Wilson celebrates scoring for Northern Ireland. Photo: Belfast Telegraph.
Prediction:
With this being their debut appearance in the tournament, there’s no pressure. They’ve got a tricky group with England and Norway to compete with and Austria are not to be sniffed at either. Therefore, making it out of the group will be an outstanding achievement.
Group Fixtures:
7th July: Norway, 8pm, St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton.
11th July: Austria, 5pm, St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton.
15th July: England, 8pm, St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton.
Bonus fact: Simone Magill holds the record for the fastest international goal in women’s football after scoring in the 11th second against Georgia during a 2016 European qualifier. It’s also the fastest ever international goal by any national Northern Ireland player – both male or female.
Impetus is previewing a different nation every day between now and the start of the European Championships. Click below to read the previously published articles:
Impetus’ Blaise Ogutu brings us his detailed weekly round-up of all the action from the NSWL (5/7/22).
Above: KC Current’s Adrianna Franch in spectacular goalkeeping action against Houston Dash. Photo: @thekccurrent.
From Goalkeeping MasterClasses to the Daytona Speedway: NWSL Round Nine:
The NWSL made a return this weekend following the conclusion of the international break. Teams however had to make do without a few international players who are on duty for the CONCACAF, Euros, and AFCON tournaments.
On Friday night, the Houston Dash succumbed to a 2-1 loss to KC Current at the PNC Stadium in Houston. It was the second meeting between the two clubs in the regular season with Dash winning in Kansas courtesy of goals from Rachel Daly and Bri Visalli.
Debutant Ebony Salmon, formerly of Bristol City who was acquired from Racing Louisville, had a couple of early chances for Houston but Adriana Franch in goal proved to be a brick wall. Shae Groom also had a chance to put the hosts ahead in the 33rd minute only to be denied by Franch. The opening goal did involve Groom on the opposite end as she was judged to have handled the ball in the box in the 41st minute. Up stepped Lo’eau LaBonta who rifled her attempt past Jane Campbell to make it 1-0 Kansas City. They could have doubled the lead through Cece Kizer in added time but her shot just went wide.
The Current did double their tally thirty-five seconds into the second half through Hailie Mace. Again Kizer was involved in the build-up taking on a couple of defenders before pulling it back for Mace on the edge of the area. It was proving to be Franch’s good day between the sticks as she pulled off a double save in the 59th minute to deny Salmon and Visalli. However, deep into stoppage time, she could keep Houston out after Elizabeth Ball diverted a low cross into her own net to make it 2-1. It was too little too late for Houston to get an equaliser as Kansas City Current stretched their unbeaten record to five games.
Later on Friday night, goals from Jess Fishlock and Bethany Balcer secured a comfortable 2-0 win for OL Reign against North Carolina Courage.
A slow start for the home side saw Carolina’s Kerolin missing the target after a brilliant run into the box before her shot was saved by an outstretched Tullis-Joyce in the 17th minute. Reign grew into the match and had chances of their own. The best came off a Kim Little pass to find Jess Fishlock on the edge of the area but her superb attempt was equally met by Katelyn Rowland in goal to keep the scores level.
Laura Harvey’s side looked re-energized in the second half and seven minutes in found their opener through Fishlock. The Welsh international ran onto a great pass by Balcer and with a great first touch evaded the keeper to coolly slot it in. They wrapped the game up with 16 minutes to go when Fishlock and Balcer linked up yet again when Fishlock found Balcer with another great pass to make it 2-0. Another brilliant display by the Cascadia giants despite having eight players out on international duty.
Above: Bethany Balcer and Jess Fishlock in celebration for OL Reign against North Carolina Courage. Photo: @OLReign.
The last game of the night saw the Portland Thorns pull out an equaliser deep into added time to deny Angel City FC all three points at the Banc of California Stadium.
Angel City opened the scoring a minute into the game when Savannah McCaskill put away her penalty after Miri Taylor was bundled over by Kelli Hubly in the box. It was a relatively slow start from the away side and they could not cope with the Angel City pressure. Fifteen minutes in and DiDi Haracic had to react quickly to save Yazmeen Ryan’s attempt at the near post.
The second half proved to be a Shelby Hogan show as the debuting Thorns goalkeeper pulled off fine saves to keep them in the game. Freya Coomb’s side seemed to be cruising to a 1-0 win but in the sixth minute of added time, Yazmeen Ryan rose highest at the back post to meet Madison Pogarch’s left-foot cross to snatch a point on the road. A point that felt like a win for Rhian Wilkinson’s charges.
Saturday saw only one game on the cards in Harrison, New Jersey as Chicago Red Stars ran out 3-0 winners against home side Gotham FC. The game happened to be defender Gina Lewandoski’s final professional match after 53 games in the NWSL. Chicago went ahead in the 16th minute through Sarah Luebbert. Her first NWSL goal of the season came after a great run by Tatumn Milazzo who beat her marker down the left flank and a quick cross followed by the slightest touch by Ella Stevens steering the ball into Luebbert’s path to open the scoring.
Consistent pressure and a long spell of possession from the visitors saw them double the advantage through Vanessa Dibernado. A brilliant first touch from the captain took her past Zerboni before firing a right-foot shot past Ashlyn Harris in goal. In the second half, equal chances fell for both sides with Stevens and Taylor Smith missing for their respective side. Ella Steven did get her goal with six minutes to go with an easy tap-in off a header by Nagasato which sent the Red Stars to the top of the table temporarily.
Sunday featured expansion side San Diego retaking the top spot with a 2-1 win over Washington Spirit.
Goals from Makenzy Doniak and Isabela Briede in the first half put the hosts ahead. Washington managed to pull one back in stoppage time but it wasn’t enough as they stretched their winless run to nine games this season.
Above: Orlando Pride take Racing Louisville at the Daytona International Speedway. Photo: ORLPride.
The last match of the weekend saw Orlando Pride come back from two goals down to earn a draw against Racing Louisville at the Daytona International Speedway.
The Pride had a decent start to the game but Racing Louisville had better chances as Emina Ekic had her 23rd-minute chance saved by McLeod before getting a second bite of the cherry which hit the crossbar. She did get her goal eleven minutes later finding the back of the net off a cross by Nealy Martin.
Louisville made it 2-0 in the 51st minute with a superbly taken free-kick by Savannah DeMelo and had their hands firmly on the wheel. Nine minutes later, Orlando pulled one back through Kylie Strom after Katie Lund failed to clear a shot. In the 69th minute, a provider turned into a goalscorer as Darian Jenkins levelled matters by latching on to an easy pass from Erika Tymrak. A goal that Louisville head coach Kim Bjorkegren strongly believes shouldn’t have stood.
Ben Gilby provides his weekly round-up of all the action from the Western Australia NPLWomen’s competition. As usual, there is a detailed report on one game and a wrap of all the other matches along with photos(4/7/22).
Above: Fremantle City get a shot in on goal in dramatic action at home to Hyundai NTC on Sunday. Photo: Denyse McCulloch.
MAIN REPORT OF THE WEEK:
Curtin University 1-2 Subiaco
Curtin’s winless start to the campaign continued as they lost the battle of the bottom two to ever-improving Subiaco at Edinburgh Oval on Friday night.
Subiaco’s growth since entering the NPLW has seen progress each season, and now in this, their third campaign, they went into this clash with a win and a draw to their name, and also won some plaudits for digging in well against unbeaten league leaders Perth RedStar at Rosalie Park recently.
Curtin came into the game on a run of 11 league defeats from their 12 games so far. Their single point came from the incredible 4-4 draw between the two sides earlier this season.
Therefore this match was huge in the context of both sides’ seasons. Curtin knew a first three points would be a massive boost in their aims to avoid the wooden spoon. For Subi, it would mean renewed hope of breaking into the top six this season in addition to pushing them towards breaking their club record for most NPLW wins across a season.
Above: Taylor Reid (orange shirt) races away for Curtin University. Photo: NPL.
The earliest of exchanges promised an open encounter. Curtin’s most consistently threatening players this campaign, Dakota Van-Vugt and Taylor Reid were at the heart of their side’s best opportunities. Van-Vugt remained alert to opportunities through the middle with Reid having the potential to use quick feet and skill to burst through tight gaps.
For Subiaco, Emma Ylias on the left, Ruby Walsh, and Phoenix Brownlie showed their worth in creating the visitors’ opening opportunities. With 11 minutes played, Walsh combined with Ylias who hit an effort just wide. Shortly afterwards, Brownlie found Lizzie Wallwork whose effort was parried by Gabrielle Maluga in the Curtin goal.
Just two minutes later though, it was heart in the mouth time for Subiaco as a back pass angled in from the left was pounced on by Van-Vugt, but her shot went well wide of the far post.
Despite Subiaco having the better of the possession and territory count, they couldn’t turn these stats into consistent shots on target. Curtin exacted the ultimate punishment for this with 20 minutes on the clock.
Above: Taylor Reid (in possession, orange shirt edge of box) beats another Subiaco defender in the build-up to Curtin University’s goal. Photo: NPL.
Reid showed her true qualities by dancing through three Subi defenders and getting out of a tight spot to get a shot away which was blocked, but in the wash-up, the ball fell to Samara Riches who hit a low shot that squirmed under the diving Zara Board and in.
Ylias showed great touch, vision, and, creative awareness, supported by Frankie Murray, but Subiaco were unable to take advantage of two chances that came and went. First, Toni Walden’s lofted free-kick was let go of by Maluga and caused momentary panic in the six-yard box, but the danger was cleared. Then Brownlie hit a low shot from the edge of the box that Maluga repelled well at the near post with her legs. It was Curtin who went in at the break a goal to the good.
Subiaco continued with the momentum in the early period of the second half as Walsh fed Murray on the right-wing to play in a dangerous ball into the near post which was dealt with. Murray was involved again almost immediately on the same flank where she advanced and hit a shot narrowly over the top.
Curtin then gathered their most consistent period of sustained pressure all night. Riches gained possession on the left and found Van-Vugt in the box who chested down, but Walsh was able to intervene and clear for the visitors. The hosts conjured up a series of half-chances, but their lack of a razor-sharp finisher meant that they were unable to get shots on target.
Above:Subiaco’s Toni Walden (5), dangerous from set-pieces throughout, stands over a free-kick at Curtin University on Friday night.Photo: NPL.
Buoyed by this, Subiaco upped the ante and forced Curtin into conceding two free-kicks in quick succession in central areas. From the second, Walden looped in a perfectly judged tempter which bounced near the six-yard box in a position that made it impossible for Maluga to judge whether or not to come and take the ball. Subi’s midfield runners were only just unable to reach the scene in time to pounce.
The visitors’ increasing domination of possession was aided by consistent outstanding distribution by goalkeeper Zara Board, a Junior Matildas squad member, who was able find teammates inside the Curtin half with perfectly weighted passes. As the domination continued, Subiaco won a series of corners.
The first from the right saw Walden’s flag-kick miss going in at the far post by the narrowest possible of margins. Following up within two minutes of the other side, a perfectly judged high ball came into the near post and caused chaos in the Curtin defence, who failed to deal with it, allowing Ashlee Byrne to get a touch to level matters with 20 minutes remaining.
It was all Subiaco and, with Curtin’s creative period a distant memory, there was only going to be one winner. The decisive moment came with four minutes left, and it was a goal of real creative quality.
Above: The move that led to Subiaco’s winner. Frankie Murray (12) looks up to see Ingrid Gomez Basallo in space between two Curtin defenders in front of her. Photo: NPL.
Murray gathered possession and cut into the centre to advance through. Substitute Ingrid Gomez Basallo found space between two Curtin defenders and took advantage of a beautifully weighted low through ball to smash home the winner.
Subiaco continued to maintain their work rate and threaten. Deep into stoppage time, Walden fired in a free-kick from just outside of the box to the left of centre that bounced in front of Maluga, who was unable to get a decisive touch to it, allowing Byrne to run in and smash home, only to be adjudged to have done so from an offside position. It ended 2-1 to the visitors.
Curtin’s second-half fade-out will be a concern, as are their U21 team’s similar pattern of results this season – but ultimately it will come down to how the group responds to the challenges and look to rebuild. However, ultimately the headlines need to go to the visitors.
This win means that Subiaco have equalled both their most wins for a season since joining the competition and their highest points tally for a season. Both landmarks have been achieved with nine matches still to play this campaign.
Above: Perth RedStar’s hat-trick hero Sarah Carroll (centre facing camera) celebrates her first goal of the afternoon. Photo: NPL.
Perth RedStar‘s seemingly unstoppable march continued on Saturday with a 4-0 win over a Balcatta Etna side who went into the game in good form over the past six weeks.
Indeed, this was arguably a clash of the competition’s two in-form sides, and the visitors forced two corners in the opening three minutes, but as always against RedStar, when even half-chances come your way, they have to be taken. Balcatta couldn’t turn these early territorial grabs into a goal.
Just four minutes later, RedStar went in front. A move involving some intricately constructed passing triangles looking for space was finally rewarded along the right and a cross came in for Sarah Carroll to loop the ball over Gabby Dal Busco in the Balcatta goal and in.
It was 2-0 just before the 20-minute mark. From a throw-in on the left, possession was worked to Larissa Walsh who squared a pass for Shawn Billam. Billam’s shot was spectacularly saved by Dal Busco, but Walsh was in the right place at the right time to slot home the rebound at the near post.
Balcatta responded well, forcing corners and shots on target in quick succession, but were unable to get onto the scoresheet as it remained 2-0 at the break.
Above: Sarah Carroll makes it 3-0 from the penalty spot. Photo: NPL.
Matters were ultimately settled six minutes into the second half when Sarah Carroll stepped up to confidently dispatch a penalty. The Perth Glory A-League Women player completed her hat-trick four minutes into stoppage time when she received possession from a free-kick deep inside the RedStar half. Carroll advanced towards the Balcatta box and dispatched the ball home to compete the scoring. Results elsewhere this weekend where the chasing pack all failed to win mean that Perth RedStar are now a staggering 15 points clear at the top of the table.
Above: Perth SC (sky blue) contest possession with Murdoch University Melville on Sunday. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Perth SC saw their hopes of taking a commanding grip on second place suffer a setback when they were beaten 1-0 by Murdoch University Melville at Dorrien Gardens on Sunday.
Whilst Murdoch have a very different squad to last season’s one, when they click, they are capable of pulling off impressive results. They went ahead after nine minutes when a backheel from Nikita Strickling found Sophia Neal who put in a high first-time cross into the box for Andrea Preiato to head goalwards, with the ball looking like coming off of Perth SC goalkeeper Rebecca Bennett before crossing the line.
Above: Murdoch University Melville celebrate their goal. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Perth SC tried to hit back, with five shots on target to MUM FC’s one before the break. The Azzurri applied more pressure in the second half. With just over 15 minutes to go, they thought they had finally made it pay as Maya Spatafore’s high ball in was forced home by Abbey Meakins, but the offside flag was raised.
The home side massed 17 shots on target all afternoon to Murdoch’s six, but it was the visitors who took all three points. It was one of those days for the Azzurri.
Above: Jessica Darmago captured in typical pose for Fremantle City against Hyundai NTC. Photo: Denyse McCulloch.
The final game of the round took place at Hilton Park as Fremantle City hosted the ever-dangerous Hyundai NTC side. Freo fielded new signing Ellie Dick from South Hobart, who is back in the game after several years of injury. Despite both sides making chances, it was goalless at the break.
However, the teenagers came out firing at the start of the second 45 and went ahead from the kick-off. Louise Tana won possession on the edge of the Fremantle box and hit a shot that Dayle Schroeder did well to push away in the home goal, only for the ball to fall for Olivia Trueman to volley home at the far post.
Freo levelled with just under 15 minutes remaining as Maja Archibald was released through the centre. Archibald advanced and calmly slotted under NTC keeper Lilly Bailey to secure a point.
Above: The midfield battle for possession between Fremantle City and Hyundai NTC (yellow) on Sunday. Photo: Denyse McCulloch.
P
W
D
L
F
A
Pts
GD
Perth RedStar
13
13
0
0
52
5
39
+47
Fremantle City
14
7
3
4
31
20
24
+11
Perth SC
12
6
2
4
19
7
20
+12
Balcatta Etna
12
6
1
6
15
15
19
=
Hyundai NTC
13
4
5
4
21
25
17
-4
Murdoch University Melville
13
4
3
6
13
16
15
-3
Subiaco
12
2
3
7
12
35
9
-23
Curtin University
12
0
1
11
10
50
1
-40
ROUND 15 FIXTURES: Murdoch University Melville v Subiaco, Perth SC v Balcatta Etna, Fremantle City v Curtin University, Perth RedStar v Hyundai NTC.
Above: The Matildas U23 side that started today’s game against the senior Philippines side. Photo: Football Australia.
Australia’s Under 23 side lost 1-0 to a determined and organized Philippines side amid torrential rain in Manila.
Sarina Bolden was credited with the goal in the 60th minute. But it may have been an own goal that lopped over Jada Whyman. It was a scrappy defensive moment in a game where both back lines were mostly untroubled.
Australia’s squad was made up from a combination of the Under-20’s Young Matildas side and members of the senior squad that faced Spain and Portugal, although only Charli Grant featured in those matches of the players on the field.
Mackenzie Hawkesby was named alongside her Sydney FC teammates Princess Ibini and Sarah Hunter. Sheridan Gallagher led the line, and Matilda McNamara reunited with ex-Adelaide United teammate and the night’s captain, Grant.
The Philippines started with their strongest available senior squad. Five of the players from the meeting at the Asian Cup in January were in the starting lineup. They may have improved with Oliva McDaniel in goal since then.
It was an open game, even if it looked hectic at times. Australia’s midfield was able to get on the ball and pass it with ease, but time on the ball became a struggle the closer they got to the Philippines’ goal.
Australia’s best effort of the first half came when Grant beat a defender on the right flank and fired a shot at goal that found the side netting.
Up the other end, Whyman was rarely troubled, but neither was McDaniel with the home side defending in numbers.
Above: Jada Whyman, back in goal for the national side against the Philippines. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
The second half saw changes to both sides. The Philippines being given a boost by theirs. Katrina Guillou eventually made way for Isabella Flanigan, but while she was on the pitch, her pace and direct style tested Jamilla Rankin and Winonah Heatley.
The goal came on the hour mark, and it felt unlucky. Whyman leapt back but could not prevent the ball looping over her head from a set-piece that was deflected off Bolden more than directed.
Chelsie Dawber and Daniella Galic were among those brought on by Mel Andreatta to strike back, but although McDaniel began to be tested slightly more, the breakthrough never arrived.
The Philippines goalkeeper was forced into an incredible double save from a Galic shot that was parried into Sheridan Gallagher’s path. Remarkably, she was able to push that second effort away.
It was not the start that Australia would have wanted. But it is an intense week ahead with another four games between now and July 12.
Sarina Bolden may have been credited with the goal, but the real hero of the evening was twitter user @Thai_real who discovered a way for Australian fans to watch.
Despite Football Australia’s best efforts to organize an online feed or local broadcaster, It could not be accomplished in time. The rights for the tournament are currently controlled by the PFF governing body. It is being broadcast on pay-TV networks in the host nation, and viewing arrangements will hopefully become easier.
The matches will not. Australia’s Under 23’s will next face Thailand’s senior squad on Wednesday evening. The familiar foes often give the full-strength Matildas a test and they will be likely to serve up another.
There is likely to be some improvement from the Aussies throughout the tournament. They looked at their most dangerous with overlapping fullbacks, particularly Grant who was busy all evening in her first outing in the armband.
Above: Sarah Hunter, who started Australia’s first game at the AFF Women’s Championships. Photo: Sydney FC.
Much of the focus since arriving in Manila has been on recovery, particularly for those who arrived from Portugal. With more time together in camp, they should be able to play with more fluidity.
Thailand vs Australia will kick off at 9pm AEST with a broadcaster still to be determined.
Above: After finishing third and second in their last two major tournaments, Sweden are going all out to win the Euros. Photo via: Chester Standard.
They are one of the strongest teams in the world. Peter Gerhardsson’s side has some outstanding defenders, superb creative attackers, and at least two goalkeepers in their squad that just about every other nation would love to have. Semi-finalists in the World Cup and beaten finalists in the Olympics in their last two major tournaments – Sweden are arguably well set to take a step up and win.
Defenders: Jonna Andersson (Hammarby), Nathalie Björn (Everton), Hanna Glas (Bayern Munich), Amanda Ilestedt (Paris St-Germain), Emma Kullberg (Brighton and Hove Albion), Magdalena Eriksson (Chelsea), Amanda Nilden (Juventus), Linda Sembrant (Juventus)
Forwards: Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (BK Häcken), Olivia Schough (Rosengård), Lina Hurtig (Juventus), Sofia Jakobsson (San Diego Wave), Stina Blackstenius (Arsenal), Fridolina Rolfö (Barcelona), Rebecka Blomqvist (Wolfsburg).
The Head Coach:
Above: Sweden Head Coach Peter Gerhardsson. Photo: PA Images.
Gerhardsson took over as Sweden Women’s manager in 2017 following the European Championships of that year. He already has experience with the Swedish national team in a major tournament as he led the squad to third place in 2019’s Women’s World Cup and the silver medal at the Olympic Games last summer. He brings the Swedish team a wealth of experience in football and coaching, having previously coached a number of Swedish teams in the first tier of the Men’s Swedish league, including taking BK Häcken to Swedish Cup success in 2016 as well as the Sweden U17 Men’s team.
Euros History:
The Swedes have only won the competition once before, in 1984, the first-ever Women’s European Championships when they defeated England over two legs. However, they do have a record to be proud of in this competition as they have previously finished runners-up an additional three times (1987, 1995, and 2001), as well as a number of other semi-final appearances (1989, 1997, 2005, 2013). Their last Euro appearance was not as successful as previous displays, having exited the competition in the Quarter-Finals.
Qualifying:
The Swedish team topped Group F in qualifying for the tournament. Out of the eight games they played in qualifying, they won seven and drew one. The only team they dropped points against was Iceland who finished runners-up in the group. Sweden scored an impressive 40 goals in their qualifying campaign, while only conceding two. This record proves that they are a force to be reckoned with this summer.
Strengths:
This Sweden side has a number of top players, playing at the highest level in a number of European leagues. They also come off the back of a very successful Olympic Games campaign where they won silver after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Canada in the Final. Considering the fact this is an extremely similar squad, the players will be filled with confidence as they look to avenge that defeat last year.
Development Areas:
There will be significant pressure on this side due to the expectations and reputation of the squad. They will also be ones to watch and opponents will set themselves up so they will be hard to break down. We will learn a lot from their fiendishly tough opening match against the Netherlands at Bramall Lane.
Key Players:
Above: Magdalena Eriksson – one of the world’s best. Photo: Chelsea FC.
Magdelena Eriksson: Currently regarded as one of the best defenders in Europe, Eriksson will be a vital asset to this Swedish side and their quest for a European trophy. Coming off the back of an extremely successful season with Chelsea, in which they were crowned champions of the highly-competitive FAWSL, Eriksson will be filled with confidence and ready to go for the Swedes. Her club boss Emma Hayes, who has heaped continuous praise on the 28-year-old throughout her time at Chelsea, highlighting her character and footballing intelligence.
Caroline Seger: A legend of Swedish football. Captaining them again is the highly experienced Caroline Seger. Having made her debut for Sweden in 2005 in the Algarve Cup, just before her 20th birthday, she has gone on to earn 299 caps for the national women’s side, making her the most-capped European international of all time. Having previously shared the captaincy with Lotta Schelin, she is now the sole captain, following Schelin’s retirement from international football. Seger will be keen to better Sweden’s results at their last two major trophies and be the player lifting the trophy at the end of the tournament.
Fridolina Rolfö: Injuries have plagued Rolfö throughout her career, perhaps inhibiting her early career progression and recognition. However, last year she shone at the Olympics and proved to everyone why she had earned such a prestigious move to Barcelona for the 2021/22 season. After playing consistently this season in the Primera Division, Rolfö will certainly be one to watch at this tournament as she hopes to help the Swedes lift the coveted European trophy for only the second time ever.
One To Watch:
Hanna Bennison is the youngest player in the Swedish squad heading to England. The young international from the small town of Lomma, Sweden, made her debut against the USA at the age of just 17. There has been significant hype around the teenage star, and the attention, and praise, earned her a big-money move to Everton last year. Bennison was a regular starter in the Everton team, making 22 appearances and earning young player of the season.
Above: Everton and Sweden’s young star Hanna Bennison. Photo: Svensk Fotboll.
17th July: Portugal, 5pm, Leigh Sports Village, Leigh.
Impetus is previewing a different nation every day between now and the start of the European Championships. Click below to read the previously published articles:
Forwards: Janice Cayman, Tine De Cainy, Elena Dhont, Hannah Eurlings, Davinia Vanmechelen, Ella Van Kerkhoven, Sarah Wijnants, Tessa Wullaert.
The Head Coach:
Above: A relaxed Ives Serneels in training. Photo: Royal Belgian FA.
Ives Serneels, a Belgian native is 49-years-old and has been in charge of the Red Flames since June 2011. Serneels was a defender throughout his playing career which was spent playing for Lierse SK (where he won the Belgian First Division, FA Cup and Super Cup), Westerlo (winning the Belgian FA Cup once more), Denderleeuw, and KFC Dessel Sport in Belgium. He began his coaching career at his final playing club in 2003 before also going on to lead Bercham Sport and both Lierse SK’s youth and women’s teams. Serneels led Belgium to their first European Championships in 2017.
Euros History:
It is only the second time that Belgium have qualified for the Euros. Their first time was the previous competition in 2017. They began with a 1-0 defeat to Denmark before gaining an excellent win over Norway. Defeat to big rivals the Netherlands in the final group game, 2-1, ensured that Belgium went out at the group stage after finishing third.
Qualifying:
Belgium qualified by winning Group H after recording a record of seven wins and one loss – a 2-1 defeat away to Switzerland, who finished second. The qualifying campaign included 9-0 and 6-0 wins over Lithuania and 6-1 wins over both Romania and Croatia.
Strengths:
With their key players having played domestic competitions outside of Belgium, they are a true group who are very well organized and will fight until the end.
Development Areas:
There is a lack of depth in terms of top-level international experience. Several players will play in the Euros for the first time: Lichtfus, Kees, Tison, Tysiak, Vangheluwe, Delacauw, Minnaert, Missipo, Vanhaevermaet, Dhont, Eurlings, Wijnants, and Van Kerkhoven. They need to gain in maturity against opponents who are used to playing at the highest level both domestically and internationally.
Key Players:
Above: Janice Cayman in action for Olympique Lyonnais. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Janice Cayman: 33 years old, 124 caps, 47 goals, Belgium ‘Soulier d’Or’ winner in 2021. Playing her club football in France with Olympique Lyonaise, Cayman won D1 Arkema Championship, and UEFA Women Champion’s League in 2022. She mostly plays in attack for Belgium but can also play in defence as she did several times with Lyon.
Tessa Wullaert: 29 years old, 99 caps, 50 goals. Wulleart has experience playing as a forward for two of Europe’s top clubs – Wolfsburg (2015-2018), and Manchester City, England (2018-2020). She is now back in Belgium playing for Anderlecht.
Laura De Neve: 27 years old, 44 caps, two goals. De Neve has played for Anderlecht since 2012 and now has an important partnership with Tessa Wulleart for both club and country.
Tine De Caigny: The young star of Belgian football. De Caigny is 24 years old, with 62 caps and 26 goals. She plays for Hoffenheim in Germany. The Belgium ‘Soulier d’Or’ winner in 2020, she continues to progress year after year.
Above: Tine De Caigny – Belgium’s young star. Photo: Royal Belgian FA.
One to watch:
Hannah Eurlings. At just 19 years old, she holds 15 caps already, and has four international goals to her name. Eurlings has played her club football at Leuven since 2019. She is a young forward player with a lot of potential according to her teammates.
Prediction:
With Belgium in a group along with France (third FIFA ranking), Italy (14th FIFA ranking), and Iceland (18th FIFA ranking), Belgium will have hopes of finishing second and making the Quarter-Finals. Personally, I think they can do it and that their key players are good enough to produce an outstanding performance against Italy which will be the key to getting out of this group.
Group Fixtures:
10th July: Iceland, 5pm, Academy Stadium, Manchester.
14th July: France, 8pm, New York Stadium, Rotherham.
18th July: Italy, 8pm, Academy Stadium, Manchester.
Above: Hannah Eurlings, Belgium’s 19-year-old attacker seen here in action against Armenia. Photo: Nico Vereecken/Photo News.
Impetus is previewing a different nation every day between now and the start of the European Championships. Click below to read the previously published articles:
Impetus’ Kieran Yap was in the head coaches media conference for the AFF Women’s Championships today.Ahead of Australia’s opening game tomorrow against the Philippines, he heardfrom Matildas U23 head coach Mel Andreatta andPhilippines head coach, and former Matildas chief Alen Stajcic(3/7/22).
Above: Mel Andreatta, who is leading the Matildas U23 representative team at the competition. Photo: ABC.
Australian Under 23’s manager Mel Andreatta is excited to be leading the team into the AFF Cup in Manila.
Australia will face off against the Philippines on Monday night at 9pm (AEST) in the first game of an intense schedule of group games that will take in five games in eight days.
“We’re excited to be here and thank both AFF and the PFF for hosting this tournament,” Andreatta told Southeast Asia’s football media.
“We’re excited to be building on newfound opportunities for these players to gain important experiences in international football against the best Southeast Asian nations in football.”
With both a Senior World Cup and an Under 20’s tournament in the near future. This tournament is another important development step for Australia’s rising talent.
Above: Charli Grant – one of those players who have come directly from the senior Matildas camp in Spain and Portugal at the AFF Championships. Photo: Football Australia.
Australia has traditionally sent an Under 20’s squad to the AFF Championships. But in an effort to improve player pathways, for this event they have formed an Under 23 side. Senior Matildas assistant Andreatta will take the reigns as head coach, with Under 20’s manager Leah Blayney in support.
Of the squad, only Charli Grant was part of the Asian Cup campaign. But she will be joined by a group of players who were in the most recent senior camps in Spain and Portugal. Larissa Crummer, Matilda McNamara, Amy Sayer, Winonah Heatley, Mackenzie Hawkesby, Princess Ibini, and Jamilla Rankin have travelled directly from Portugal to Manila.
Andreatta says that the focus in early sessions has been on recovery for those players, and she is optimistic they will be available for the first match.
“That’s been a big priority for the travel and arrival in the Philippines,” she said of the recovery program. “They’re looking good, we had a start-up session yesterday, so on the ground they’re looking good. “We’ll train today and work with our SSSM team to ensure that they’re in the right physical condition to be available for selection in the first game
“As we spoke about in the FIFA window, for these players, it continues to be the same focus, to build that important international match experience against top opponents. That’s what we’re looking forward to seeing here at AFF and bring their qualities and performing against Southeast Asia’s best teams.”
Above: Philippines head coach Alen Stajcic, who knows the Australian squad very well. Photo: Adam Aidil/Asian Football Confederation.
Although The Philippines is sending their senior team to the tournament, manager Alen Stajcic is not taking Australia lightly.
“Australia’s probably got a lot more depth than most other countries in Southeast Asia,” Stajcic said about the rematch from the Asian Cup group stage. “They’ve been ranked in the top 10 for the last 10 years. They’re there for a reason that they’ve been one of the stronger nations in the region.
“No doubt they’re probably still one of the favourites for this tournament regardless of who they’ve brought. Age isn’t really the issue, its really the quality on the pitch,” he said to dismiss the idea that younger players would make easier opponents.
“I’ve seen a lot of those players grow up including some of the 16-year-old’s that they have in the squad now. I think some of the 16-year-old’s they have in the squad are as good as any of the kids that have come before them.
“Young Daniella Galic and Alexia Apostolakis are two of the best talents in south-east Asia at the moment. I’m not underestimating them. I think they’re a very good squad, and probably the favourites to win this tournament. It’s going to be a good experience for our team
Above: Alexia Apostolakis of Western Sydney Wanderers, one of the youngest members of the Australia U23 squad, but she is highly rated by Alen Stajcic. Photo: AAP/Mick Tsikas.
“There’s no such thing as ‘not full strength’, every game is full strength. It doesn’t matter who’s out there, it’s an international fixture… it’s two nations competing against each other, everyone wants to learn but everyone wants to win.”
Mel Andretta has a strong squad at her disposal. Along with the recently anointed senior Matildas, she has selected some of the best young players in the country.
Chelsie Dawber has joined the squad on the back of her best-ever season with Adelaide United and having flown in from her season with Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL.
Hana Lowry, Caitlin Karic, and Paige Zois are some of the most highly rated attackers in Victoria and Western Australia. This tournament represents an important step for the players and the overall strategy of the national team.
“Last time we were involved was in 2018,” said Andreatta. “For us its continuing to build a bank of tournament experience for these players and get those important match minutes in international football, and to help these players gain experience in world cups and future Olympics games and beyond.
“We’ve seen in the past that many players who’ve been involved in AFF have gone on to experience selection in such tournaments. We’re hoping for the same in this tournament and of course being an Australian team, we also want to perform and do well alongside that.”
Above: Perth Glory’s Hana Lowry, one of the young stars of the Western Australian game is part of the Matildas U23 squad. Photo: Hana Lowry Instagram.
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