Lionesses And The Tournament Start With A Bang

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.

Teams: ENGLAND (4-2-3-1): Earps, Bronze, Bright, Williamson, Daly, Stanway, Walsh, Mead, Kirby, Hemp. Subs used: Kelly, Toone, Russo.

Scorer: Mead 16′.

AUSTRIA (4-1-4-1): Zinsberger, Weinroither, Wenninger, Schnaderbeck, Hanshaw, Puntigam, Dunst, Zadrazil, Feiersinger, Naschenweng, Biller. Subs used: Georgieva, Höbinger, Hickelsberger-Füller.

Referee: Marta Huerta de Aza.

Attendance: 68,871.

CONCACAF Women’s Championships: First Group Stage Review

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. 


	


	







	

		
NPL Victoria Women Round 14 Wrap
	


	
	

		

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





Squads: SOUTH MELBOURNE: Farrow, Carman, Goff, A. Houndalas, Iermano, Kandilas, Keppens, Lawson, Mihocic. Murray, Picak, Pickett, Sandhu, Stringfellow, Taranto, Tolios.





Scorers: Sandhu 7′, Goff 84′.





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, Heidelberg United continued to keep up the pressure on first placed Calder United with a 2-0 win over Bulleen Lions. Danielle Wise and Stephanie Galea scored in each half in an entertaining 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.  






Table From: NPLW Victoria.


	


	





	

		
Euro’s Preview: England
	


	
			

				
			


		
	

		

By Darrell Allen (6/7/22).





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.





The Squad:





Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City)





Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Manchester City), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Rachel Daly (Houston Dash), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Demi Stokes (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).





Midfielders: Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Jill Scott (Aston Villa, loan from Manchester City), Georgia Stanway (Manchester City), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Manchester City), Leah Williamson (Arsenal).





Forwards: Bethany England (Chelsea),  Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City),  Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Manchester United), Ellen White (Manchester City).





The Head Coach:






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:





FRANCE – by Jean-Pierre Thiesset: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/06/25/euros-preview-france/





AUSTRIA – by Jorge Ceron: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/06/26/euros-preview-austria/





GERMANY – by Johnathan Stack: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/06/27/euros-preview-germany/





ICELAND – by Kris Goman: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/06/28/euros-preview-iceland/





SPAIN – by Nathan Edwards: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/06/29/euros-preview-spain/





FINLAND – by Jean-Pierre Thiesset: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/06/30/euros-preview-finland/





NETHERLANDS – by Kris Goman: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/07/01/euros-preview-netherlands/





SWITZERLAND – by Ellie Ramsauer: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/07/02/euros-preview-switzerland/





BELGIUM – by Jean-Pierre Thiesset: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/07/03/euros-preview-belgium/





SWEDEN – by Ellie Ramsauer: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/07/04/euros-preview-sweden/





NORTHERN IRELAND – by Abi Ticehurst: – https://impetusfootball.org/2022/07/05/euros-preview-northern-ireland/ 

	


	





	

		
Analysis: Charli Grant’s Array Of Defensive Qualities
	


	
			

				
			


		
	

		

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:














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.

	


	





	

		
Euros Preview: Northern Ireland
	


	
	

		

by Abi Ticehurst (5/7/22).





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 Squad: 





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.


















Goalkeepers: Jackie Burns (no club), Becky Flaherty (Brighouse Town), Shannon Turner (Wolverhampton Wanderers).





Defenders: Julie Nelson (Crusaders Strikers), Ashley Hutton (Linfield), Sarah McFadden (Durham), Demi Vance (Rangers), Kelsie Burrows (Cliftonville), Abbie Magee (Cliftonville), Rebecca McKenna (Lewes), Laura Rafferty (Southampton).





Midfielders: Marissa Callaghan (Cliftonville), Rachel Furness (Liverpool), Rebecca Holloway (Racing Louisville), Chloe McCarron (Glentoran), Nadene Caldwell (Glentoran), Joely Andrews (Glentoran) Louise McDaniel (Cliftonville).





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.






Above: Northern Ireland legend Rachel Furness. Photo: Belfast Telegraph.






Qualifying: 





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:





FRANCE – by Jean-Pierre Thiesset: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/06/25/euros-preview-france/





AUSTRIA – by Jorge Ceron: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/06/26/euros-preview-austria/





GERMANY – by Johnathan Stack: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/06/27/euros-preview-germany/





ICELAND – by Kris Goman: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/06/28/euros-preview-iceland/





SPAIN – by Nathan Edwards: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/06/29/euros-preview-spain/





FINLAND – by Jean-Pierre Thiesset: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/06/30/euros-preview-finland/





NETHERLANDS – by Kris Goman: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/07/01/euros-preview-netherlands/





SWITZERLAND – by Ellie Ramsauer: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/07/02/euros-preview-switzerland/





BELGIUM – by Jean-Pierre Thiesset: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/07/03/euros-preview-belgium/





SWEDEN – by Ellie Ramsauer: https://impetusfootball.org/2022/07/04/euros-preview-sweden/

	


	





	

		
NWSL Weekly Wrap: Round Nine
	


	
	

		

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.






Graphic From: NWSL.


	


	







	

		
Scrappy Loss For Matildas In Opening AFF Clash
	


	
			

				
			


		
	

		

Australia U23 0-1 Philippines





by Kieran Yap (4/7/22).





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.





Teams: AUSTRALIA U23: Whyman, McNamara, Rankin, Hunter, Heatley, Grant, Hawkesby, Gallagher, Sayer, Ibini, Blissett.





PHILIPPINES: McDaniel, Randle, Sawicki, Long, Bolden, Miclat, Frilles, Madarang, Quezada, Guillou, Cowart.





Attendance: 1,405.