Euros Preview: Sweden

by Ellie Ramsauer (4/7/22)

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.

The Squad:

Goalkeepers: Hedvig Lindahl (Atlético Madrid), Jennifer Falk (BK Häcken), Zećira Mušović (Chelsea)

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)

Midfielders: Caroline Seger (Rosengård), Elin Rubensson (BK Häcken), Filippa Angeldahl (Manchester City), Hanna Bennison (Everton), Kosovare Asllani (Unattached)

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.

Prediction:

Semi-Final.

Group Fixtures:

9th July: Netherlands, 8pm, Bramall Lane, Sheffield.

13th July: Switzerland, 5pm, Bramall Lane, Sheffield.

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:

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/

  

Euros Preview: Belgium

by Jean-Pierre Thiesset (3/7/22).

Above: The Belgian team that started the match against England in Wolverhampton last week. Photo: Belgian Red Flames.

The Belgium women’s national football team is known or nicknamed as the ‘Red Flames’ and currently stand in 20th place in FIFA Women’s World Rankings.

The Squad:

Goalkeepers: Nicky Evrard, Diede Lemey, Lisa Litchfus.

Defenders: Laura Deloose, Laura De Neve, Sari Kees, Davina Philtjens, Charlotte Tison, Amber Tysiak, Jody Vangheluwe.

Midfielders: Julie Biesmans, Feli Delacauw, Marie Minnaert, Kassandra Missipo, Justine Vanhaevermaet.

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:

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/

Andreatta and Stajcic Speak Ahead Of AFF Opener

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 heard from Matildas U23 head coach Mel Andreatta and Philippines 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.

Euros Preview: Switzerland

By Ellie Ramsauer

Above: The Swiss national team. Photo: Frank Haug.

Switzerland go into the competition minus key player, Alisha Lehmann who has withdrawn from the squad for mental health reasons. This is a major blow for Nils Nielsen’s side. The Swiss squad has little experience of playing at a European Championship, which may harm them when coming up against other, more experienced nations.

The Squad:

Goalkeepers: Seraina Friedli (29/FC Aarau), Livia Peng (20/FC Zürich), Gaëlle Thalmann (36/Real Betis Sevilla).

Defenders: Eseosa Aigbogun (29/Paris FC), Luana Bühler (26/Hoffenheim), Viola Calligaris (26/Levante), Rahel Kiwic (31/FC Zürich), Noelle Maritz (26/Arsenal), Lara Marti (22/Bayer Leverkusen), Rachel Rinast (31/Grasshoppers), Julia Stierli (25/FC Zürich), Ella Touon (18/SGS Essen).

Midfielders: Sandy Maendly (34/Servette), Sandrine Mauron (25/Eintracht Frankfurt), Géraldine Reuteler (23/Eintracht Frankfurt), Coumba Sow (27/Paris FC), Lia Wälti (29/Arsenal), Riola Xhemaili (19/SC Freiburg).

Forwards: Ramona Bachmann (31/Paris Saint-Germain), Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic (31/FC Barcelona), Svenja Fölmli (19/SC Freiburg), Fabienne Humm (35/FC Zürich), Meriame Terchoun (26/FC Zürich).

The Head Coach:

Above: Nils Nielsen, Switzerland’s head coach, previously in charge of Denmark where he led them to the previous Euros Final. Photo: Wikipedia.

Nils Nielsen is a Dane who previously managed the Denmark Women’s National Team. He had an impressive tenure with the ‘Red and Whites’, most notably leading them to the final of the 2017 Women’s Euros in the Netherlands. Before he was appointed as manager of the Swiss National Team, he also worked as assistant manager of the Chinese Women U20s team, helping them to reach the U20 FIFA World Cup.

Euros History:

Switzerland have only appeared at one European Championship before. This was the 2017 Championship hosted by the Netherlands. This, unfortunately, was a rather unsuccessful campaign as they didn’t make it past the group stage, winning only one game at the tournament, which was a 2-1 win over Iceland, who finished bottom of the group.

Qualifying:

Switzerland finished runners-up in Group H behind a strong Belgium team. This outcome put them into the play-offs where they drew the Czech Republic. The first leg was hosted 500 miles east of Switzerland at the Letní stadion, where a late penalty converted by Ana-Maria Crnogorčević earned the Schweizer Nati a 1-1 draw.

The return leg, played out at the Stockhorn Arena in Thun, was another 1-1 draw. Czech Republic’s Svitková scored the opening goal early in the second half, but this was soon cancelled out as Sow scored just eight minutes later. The game then went into extra time, but neither team was able to get the winner. Switzerland then went on to qualify on penalties, defeating the Czechs 3-2.

Strengths:

Switzerland has a number of players who play at some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Arsenal, PSG, and Barcelona. Equally, the squad contains several players who have played together for a number of years from youth teams until the present day, and have gained invaluable experience in this time. Likewise, their manager, too, has experience in previous major international women’s tournaments.

Development Points:

The loss of Lehmann will hit their creativity, along with a lack of top-level international tournament experience.

Key Players:

Above: Swiss superstar Ramona Bachmann. Photo: Swiss FA.

Ramona Bachmann, a striker who has made over 120 appearances and scored over 50 goals for the Swiss national team, will be key to Swiss success at this tournament. Previously playing at English side Chelsea, where she got the winning goal in the 2018 FA Cup Final, Bachmann sealed a move to PSG in July 2020 where she has stayed until now.

Ana-Maria Crnogorčević. An ever-present in the Switzerland team since her debut in 2009, contributing 61 goals during her international career. Crnogorčević is currently at Primera División side Barcelona. The 31 year old, who can play as a striker or right wing-back, has not always got the game time she deserves at Barcelona, however, this is a player who can shine for Switzerland on the international stage.

One To Watch:

Riola Xhemaili has made a name for herself in recent years, after making her debut for Basel in Switzerland’s top league, aged only 15. Performances in her home country earned her a move to SC Freiberg in Germany’s Frauen Bundesliga, in which she has established herself as a key player. This is the young star’s first major tournament and she is hoping to leave her stamp on it.

Prediction:

They have been drawn a particularly hard group, so getting out of the group stage will be difficult, but Switzerland have a talented squad and an experienced manager so my prediction is Quarter Final.

Group Games:

9th July: Portugal, 5pm, Leigh Sports Village, Leigh.

13th July: Sweden, 5pm, Bramall Lane, Sheffield.

17th July: Netherlands, 5pm, Bramall Lane, Sheffield.

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/- 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/

Andreatta Confirms Final U23s Squad For AFF Championships

Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from coach Mel Andreatta and defender Charli Grant as Australia’s squad for the AFF Championships was announced today.

Above: Mel Andreatta, who will lead the U23 Matildas side in the AFF Women’s Championships this month. Photo: Football Australia.

Head Coach Mel Andreatta has finalised Australia’s U-23 Representative Team to compete at the 2022 AFF Women’s Championships in Manila, Philippines.  

Australia will take 28 players to face the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia in Group A of the tournament commencing on 4th July 2022.  

The tournament is full of rapid fire matches, with group games coming every other day – and players will have little time to rest or prepare for the next game making it a real challenge.

Despite the obvious welfare issues, Andreatta sees nothing but positives for the squad, and expressed her anticipation of facing the best nations in the South-East Asian region and the opportunity ahead for the team.  

“It’s an exciting time and to be preparing for an international tournament is something I’ve been really looking forward to. I know this group of players are too,” Andreatta said.

“The 28 players that we’ve selected are some of our brightest young prospects in Australian football.  They have been selected as players that have performed strongly in the A-League Women’s season and then have moved into different environments and continued to perform consistently.  

“They have shown qualities that we’d like to see tested at the next level and potentially identify a player for the 2023 World Cup.”

Above: Mel Andreatta sees this tournament as a vital stepping stone towards potential World Cup squad selection. Photo: Football Australia.

All but two members of the squad are aged 23 and under with Larissa Crummer and Matilda McNamara selected. Six members of the squad have recorded full senior international appearances with eight players participating in the recent June FIFA Women’s International Window in Spain and Portugal with the CommBank Matildas.  

A further 15 players were featured in Leah Blayney’s Young Matildas squad that took part in the recent two-match international series between Australia and the Junior Football Ferns last month.  

“Tournaments like this I think are crucial in continued the development of footballers gaining invaluable knowledge of playing in tournament mode against top nations,” Andreatta added.

“Gaining vital match minutes, in the best possible environments, is something that we’ve known for a long time now is critical for the development of a player.  Through this tournament, in addition to the recent Matildas and Young Matildas camps, we are providing the next generation of footballers more chances to build their bank of competition experience.   

“There’s a lot that gets me excited about this group and their quality. These players have shown some unique qualities that we think could add to what we already have and create more depth and competition in the extended Matildas squad.  

“I’m eager to see these players take this opportunity with both hands and really test themselves against the best in South-East Asia.”  

Above: Charli Grant speaking about her selection for the U23 Matildas squad for the AFF Women’s Championship. Photo: Football Australia.

Charli Grant, who was one of the major plusses in last week’s international window senior games for the Matildas against Spain and Portugal is one of those who made the final squad and believes the opportunity has come at the right time for her.

“It’s really exciting to be part of another tournament and test myself against teams like the Philippines and Thailand.

Despite playing in the majority of her club side Rosengård’s pre-season Swedish Cup matches, Grant has been generally used as a substitute in the latter stages of Damallsvenskan matches, and the South Australian sees this month’s competition as a great chance to experience regular 90 minute action once more. Her selection therefore is a positive both for her personally, and for her club to be reminded of what she is capable of.

“It’s really important (for me) to get match minutes in my legs. It will be nice to have that experience.

“I’ve played with some of these girls before for Young Matildas, so it’s great to build those connections again – but it’s great to see the younger generation come through and see what they have got to offer.”

Despite being just 20 herself, Grant will be one of those players that that younger generation will be looking up to – it’s a sign of how far she has come in such a short period of time. Yet one can’t help but feel that the best is yet to come for Charli Grant.

Australia will kick off their tournament against hosts the Philippines on 4 July at Biñan Football Stadium in Biñan. 

NAMEPOSITIONCLUB / MEMBER FEDERATION
Alexia APOSTOLAKISDefenderFootball NSW Institute / Football NSW
Chelsea BLISSETTDefenderLions FC on loan from Melbourne City FC / Football Victoria
Naomi CHINNAMADefenderBlacktown Spartans on loan from Melbourne City FC / Football Victoria
Larissa CRUMMERForwardCapalaba FC / Football QLD 
Leah DAVIDSONMidfielderAPIA Leichhardt on loan from Melbourne City FC / Football Queensland
Chelsie DAWBERForwardChicago Red Stars / Football South Australia
Jynaya DOS SANTOSForwardFootball NSW Institute / Football NSW
Daniela GALICMidfielderFootball NSW Institute / Football NSW
Sheridan GALLAGHERForwardIllawarra Stingrays / Football NSW
Katie GODDEN Forward DePaul University / Windlesham United 
Charlotte GRANTDefenderFC Rosengard / Football South Australia
Mackenzie HAWKESBYMidfielderSydney FC / Football NSW
Winonah HEATLEYDefenderSydney Olympic / Football QLD 
Sarah HUNTERMidfielderAPIA Leichhardt on loan from Sydney FC / Football NSW
Princess IBINI-ISEIForwardAPIA Leichhardt / Football NSW
Sally JAMES Goalkeeper Blacktown Spartans / Capital Football 
Caitlin KARIC ForwardFV Emerging Matildas / Football Victoria 
Abbey LEMONForwardBlacktown Spartans / Football NSW
Chloe LINCOLNGoalkeeperCanberra United Academy / Capital Football
Hana LOWRYMidfielderBlacktown Spartans on loan from Perth Glory / Football West
Matilda McNAMARADefenderAdelaide City FC / Football South Australia
Jessika NASHDefenderBlacktown Spartans / Football NSW
Jamilla RANKINDefenderBlacktown Spartans / NNSW Football
Cushla RUEDefenderSydney University FC / Football NSW 
Amy SAYERMidfielderStanford University / Football NSW
Ella TONKINDefenderNorthern Tigers / Football SA
Jada WHYMANGoalkeeperSydney Olympic / Football NSW
Paige ZOISMidfielderBulleen Lions on loan from Melbourne Victory / Football Victoria

Euros Preview: Netherlands

by Kris Goman (1/7/22)

Above: Netherlands lift the trophy at the end of the 2017 European Championship Final. Photo: AFP.

The defending champions and World Cup runners-up go into the tournament with a coach facing his first major international tournament and on the back of a chastening 5-1 loss to hosts England. Yet, if any team can overcome this and threaten to go all the way, it is the Netherlands.

The Squad:

Goalkeepers: Sari Van Veenendaal, Barbara Lorgheyd, Daphne Van Domselaar.

Defenders: Aniek Nouwen, Stefanie Van der Gragt, Meral Van Dongen, Lynn Wilms, Caitlin Dijkstra, Dominique Janssen, Damaris Egurrola.

Midfielders: Jill Roord, Sherida Spitse, Danielle Van De Donk, Victoria Pelova, Jackie Groenen, Kerstin Casparij, Marisa Olislagers

Forwards: Lineth Beerensteyn, Vivianne Miedema, Lieke Martens, Renate Jansen, Romee Leuchter, Esmee Brugts.

The Head Coach:

Above: Netherlands head coach Mark Parsons. Photo: Rico Brouwer / Soccrates

Mark Parsons is a 35-year-old English coach who has spent his entire professional career coaching women. He spent six years at the helm of Chelsea Women Reserves before moving to the United States where his career flourished.  He was with DC United Women U20s and Washington Spirit Reserves before taking the head job at Washington Spirit in 2013, leading them to the playoffs in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. At the end of 2015, he took the head coach role at Portland Thorns where he really made his mark.

In 2016 he won the NWSL Shield but lost in the final to Western New York Flash. He was awarded the NWSL Coach of the Year that year. In 2017 Thorns won the NWSL Championship, beating North Carolina Courage in the final 1-0. In 2021 they won the NWSL Community Shield and in 2021, the NWSL Challenge Cup.

He accepted the Netherlands National Team Head Coach role in May 2021 but continued to coach the Thorns until the end of the season, splitting his time between the two teams, before moving back to England. That’s clearly been a challenge and he’s quoted as saying that the coaching is easy, “the difference is the time, which now means you have to be unbelievably efficient. The detailed planning has to be immense, I am still learning how to be more efficient”.

Being on the right side of the pond now and being available full time should make that task a little easier but with the Netherlands being the current Euro title holders, the expectations are extremely high. The recent thrashing by England means there’s still a lot of work to do and he’s said, “We will not be ready at the beginning of this tournament to win it. But the idea is we don’t have to be ready to win it at the beginning, we just have to be good enough to beat Sweden and Portugal and Switzerland.” Meeting Sweden first means he’s really going to have his work cut out for him.

Euros History:

Above: Netherlands fans celebrate their nation’s victory at the 2017 Euros. Photo: John Thys/AFP.

The Oranje Leeuwinnen (Orange Lionesses) come into this tournament as the reigning title holders from the 2017 Euros under Sarina Wiegman. This tournament was last held in the Netherlands in front of a home crowd. They’ve made it to the finals twice, before bowing out to England in the semis in 2009 and not making it out of the group stages in 2013. They made the round of 16 in the 2015 World Cup, losing to Japan, and the finals of the 2019 World Cup, losing to the all-conquering USWNT. They lost again to the USWNT in the quarter-finals at the 2020 Olympic Games.

They are currently ranked fourth in the world and the 2017 Euros win is their only major tournament win, but it changed the way their country looked at women’s football. The team are genuine superstars now and recognised in the street in their home country. One of the enduring images of the 2017 Euros is the thousands of Oranje fans bouncing side to side down the street. The scenes in Utrecht as the squad travelled through the city on canal boats was something to behold. A sea of orange is an understatement.

Lieke Martens won Player of the Tournament and went on to win UEFA Best Women’s Player of the Year and FIFA Women’s Player of the Year. Sarina Wiegman also was named FIFA Coach of the Year. But the biggest honour was to be made Knights of the Order of the Orange Nassau presented by King Willem-Alexander for those who have “earned special merits for society”.

Qualifying

The Netherlands have qualified convincingly for this tournament, winning every match along the way with the following results: Turkey: 3-0 home, 8-0 away, Slovenia: 4-1 home, 4-2 away, Estonia: 7-0 home, 7-0 away, Russia: 2-0 home, 1-0 away, Kosovo: 6-0 home, 6-0 away.

Strengths

The Netherlands is a small country but has a rich footballing culture and history. That is now extended to the women’s team and they are now a powerhouse in the women’s game. The concept of total football, popularised by coach Rinus Michels with Johan Cruyff as the main exponent, is tailored to the women’s game.

There’s been a conscious decision to invest in the women’s game at all levels and it’s paying big dividends. Dutch culture is much more accepting of women’s football than most other countries and they’ve invested in the amateur leagues, raising the standard overall. Just this month the Dutch football governing body, KNVB, agreed to equal pay between the men’s and women’s national teams and it will go into effect from 1st July 2022 in time for the European Championship.

As for the team themselves, there is still a solid core from the last Euros and they have strengths in every area – goalkeeping, defence, midfield, and up front. They are quite a tall team so have an aerial advantage often. They are technical, fast, and know each other well. Combined with significant depth, they are a force to be reckoned with. The clubs they play for reads like a who’s who of the top Euro teams.

Development Areas

The one missing key is the time with the new coach and his systems. In the match against England they were exposed in defence. With Miedema not playing, although they scored first, they looked a little lost once they went behind and never recovered. Once Spitse missed the penalty, it was all over for the Dutch. Maybe they need to toughen up a little mentally but England was able to split the defence and deliver a good hiding. They’ll need to recover from that and change tactics to succeed at this Euros.

Key Player:

Above: Dutch superstar Vivianne Miedema. Photo: Instagram.

With a team full of superstars, it’s hard to pick just one but Vivianne Miedema has to be that person. The Arsenal striker has scored more goals for her country than any other person, men included. At only 25 years of age, she’s scored 92 goals in 109 caps. She holds a slew of goal-scoring records and is the top scorer in the FAWSL. Sam Kerr is arguably her only rival in the women’s game.

One to Watch

There’s a heap of players to watch but I’m going to say Danielle Van de Donk, mostly because I love watching her. She’s a feisty little nugget and won’t back down from any challenge. She’s guaranteed to get a few yellows but also create chances and may even sneak in a goal or two. Another reason to watch is that she’s just back from an ACL injury that kept her out of most of her first season with Olympique Lyonnais and she’s raring to go. 

Keep an eye on Lieke Martens too. Another playmaker who’s just left Barcelona to play with PSG. Anything can happen when she’s got the ball.

Prediction:

The Netherlands should go deep in this tournament and get through to the final. It should be the Netherlands and Sweden that make it out of Group C but of course anything can happen at these sorts of tournaments so expect some upsets.

Group Fixtures:

9th July: Sweden, 8pm, Bramall Lane, Sheffield.

13th July: Portugal, 5pm, Leigh Sports Village, Leigh.

17th July: Switzerland, 5pm, Bramall Lane, Sheffield.

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/- 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/

Captains Speak Ahead Of Highlands & Islands Cup Final

1/7/22

Artwork: Scottish Women’s Football.

Sunday’s Scottish Women’s Highlands and Islands League Cup final on Sunday at Nairn sees Sutherland, who lifted last year’s cup with a dramatic 3-2 win over Clachnacuddin, return to the venue to take on Buckie Ladies Development.

Buckie Ladies Development currently sit top of the Highlands and Islands League with a game in hand.

Above: Buckie Development captain Michelle Johnson. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Scottish Women’s Football.

However, Buckie captain Michelle Johnson is unavailable for the tie as she is away on leave. She spoke of her mixed emotions about the situation: “I’m absolutely devastated I can’t be on that pitch (to) be part of this amazing milestone for Buckie Ladies.  The progress we have made as a team this season is unbelievable, who would have thought we’d be in a cup final and undefeated in the league so far this season. 

“I know (the team) will all give 100% today and play as the team that we have become. Each and everyone…deserve(s) this moment. What a day to be a Buckie Lady.”

Above: Sutherland captain Bethany Sutherland. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Scottish Women’s Football.

Meanwhile, Sutherland captain Bethany Sutherland said her team were ready: “Getting through to a consecutive cup final is a massive achievement for us as a club and one that we are very proud of. A cup final is a very special occasion and I feel privileged to be the one leading the team out.

“There is a huge buzz within the team, and we are all up for the game. As a team, we are constantly striving to be better and cannot wait to step out onto the pitch on Sunday and put all our hard work into practice.”

In recognition of the rising cost of living and the travel costs faced by supporters of Sutherland WFC and Buckie Ladies Development, Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) have made the game free to enter at Station Park in Nairn on Sunday, with a 2pm kick-off.

The Players Needed A Rest

Impetus’ Kieran Yap reflects on a challenging week for Australia, and considers what can be taken from two tough encounters against Spain and Portugal (30/6/22).

Above: The Matildas team that started the game against Spain. It was a very tough game to watch. Photo: Football Australia.

I’ll be honest. From a Matildas perspective, it has been a flattening week. I am sad that they lost 7-0 to Spain, I am slightly disappointed that they could not defeat Portugal, and I am sad that the manager’s future is under question. But in the end, this might be a small price to pay to avoid calamity. The players needed a rest.

Finding opportunities to play European opposition is increasingly difficult. They play competitive internationals almost all year round. Between World Cup qualifying, and Euros there is little opportunity for exhibition games on the continent. Australia, like the USWNT can only meet them on their terms, which is rare.

It is unfortunate that this came at the end of the European season. Had the available window been in April. It would have been easy for our English-based guns to jump on a quick flight, battle it out with Spain and Portugal, then fly back to club land. But the Netherlands and Mexico had already organized to play the Spanish in that international window.

The result of this was players reaching the end of a tough couple of years, and needing a break.

Since 2020, the core group of familiar Matildas has moved across the world during a pandemic, adjusted to a new league, played in an Olympic Games, an Asian Cup (Both under strict quarantine rules), then completed very demanding European seasons.

Above: Sam Kerr – who was able to return to Western Australia for the first time in over two years after being given a much-needed rest after a relentless few years. Photo: Kris Goman for Impatus.

In between this, they have attended national team camps, and flown back to Australia to play the USA, Brazil, and New Zealand. A rest in the middle of all of that might have helped, but a rest at the end of all of that would still have been required.

This particularly applies to star striker Sam Kerr. It is true that her Chelsea teammates have continued to play internationals. But unlike them, she has been separated from her family in Perth for almost two years. In the time since she moved to Chelsea in early 2020, she has played 40 times for the club and 20 times for Australia, often for 90 minutes.

The facts are, she is not alone. This is the first real chance for an off-season in some of these players’ entire careers. Before they moved to Europe, players like Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord moved from W-League to NWSL and back.

The senior players that did make the squad for Spain were ones that had spent an entire 2020/21 A-League Women’s season at home. Emily Gielnik, Clare Polkinghorne, and Tameka Yallop all have spent slightly less time abroad than the others, with Katrina Gorry only relatively recently moving to Norway.

They still had something left in the tank for Portugal and Spain, but may need a breather before 2023.

Above: Princess Ibini, one of the top A-League Women players in recent seasons, scored the Matildas’ only goal of this international window. Photo: Football Australia.

It is true that some foresight may have prevented an inexperienced squad being called upon. But that might have taken planning around fatigue over a year in advance. If anybody was to be asked how they will be feeling physically and mentally next June, it would be a guess at best.

In essence, the scheduling of the Spain game was a gamble. If our top players had been available, it was a great opportunity to test themselves against the best. As it happens they were not, so others were called upon.

In stepped some of the best up-and-coming players on the verge of national team selection. It was always a big ask to throw them into a contest with the world’s greatest side, and the question being asked is, what was to gain?

Only time will tell on that, but some important players have their first caps, and Jamilla Rankin will probably now be even better prepared for the Under 20 World Cup in August.

None of this makes 7-0 easy to watch, but this was a line-up of eleven players that had never played together as a unit. The thrashing against Spain was poor, but both the manager and players were clear on the objective coming into the match, and it was not to win at all costs.

This was not Spain’s best side, and this was not Australia’s best side. The frightening thing about this game was not the score, or the performance. It was the gap between the very best domestic players and international football. Although we all knew it was possible, it was still difficult to watch in real-time.

Above: Charli Grant – her performances were a major plus in this international window. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

These games were not a write-off. Out of it, we have determined that Charli Grant really is ready for international level. She was exceptional across two 90-minute games for the first time in her Matildas career.

Emily Gielnik has struggled for form for club and country in the past year, and her performance against Portugal should give her a boost of confidence. If Gielnik can find her best form she adds a new dimension to Australia’s attack.

However, as frustrating as the two matches may have been, there was no point pushing players mentally and physically. It has been a tough two years for almost everybody on the planet. The senior Matildas have spent more time than most of us in quarantines, and in airports travelling anywhere and everywhere but home.

They have been doing press conferences in masks and spent Olympic games trapped in hotels, while the rest of us yell advice from our couches and go back to bed as soon as the game is over.

They needed a rest. if the price of longevity in this team is a bad loss in a meaningless friendly. That seems affordable.

Above: Australia’s Courtney Nevin in action against Portugal. Photo: Football Australia.

Euxton Girls: Constantly Growing And Achieving

Impetus partner club Euxton Girls in Lancashire have recently come to the end of their first full season of football in two years. Michael Taylor from the club spoke to Ben Gilby about how they have overcome the challenges of lockdown to add even more teams to their club with hopes for greater growth after the Euros (30/6/22).

Above: Euxton’s U14 West team celebrating County Cup success. Photo: Euxton Girls.

After losing two years due to the pandemic, it’s been a busy season of growth for Euxton Girls, based near Chorley in Lancashire, as Michael underlined.

“The growth of the club and teams and the retention within the teams has been very high, the club has doubled in size, there will soon be 21 teams. That’s all happened since lockdown over the last two years which is just amazing, and I think we’re pretty much the biggest girls club in the county which is testament to all the hard work that everyone’s put in and keeps putting in to keep all the girls playing football on a weekly basis.”

With the growth comes additional challenges, particularly as finances are a challenge for everyone at the present time. Michael highlighted how the situation is impacting Euxton in particular.

Above: One of Euxton’s U14 North team members in action. Photo: John Shirras.

“The biggest cost for us is facilities, they just aren’t getting any cheaper and with the squeeze on everyone financially at the moment, it’s a difficult balancing act. We have to be accessible to everyone regardless of status, and at the same time everything still needs to be paid, with us not charging any signing-on fees for two years is something we’ve had to look at again this year while not increasing our monthly subs.

“To put it in context, we’re actually cheaper than paying for Netflix a month, and we’re always applying for grants to help with the cost of pitch maintenance, kits, coaching courses, insurance, and ongoing equipment and costs. In terms of what we are looking to develop next, access to facilities is the main one through the winter especially and is something that’s under constant review.”

It’s not just the continuing growth of the club in terms of player and team numbers, but also in terms of finals and league success.

Above: Euxton’s U7s squad at their Cup Final played at League One men’s side Fleetwood Town’s stadium. Photo: Euxton Girls.

“I think all of the teams pretty much have been in contention for something at the end of the season as well as all the way through. Our U7s and 10s were standouts getting to their first and second finals respectively and playing at League One men’s side Fleetwood Town’s Highbury Stadium as well as the U14 West team winning a second consecutive county cup final at the LFA County Ground.

“In addition, my team, U14 North won their first-ever league title and there were several other close ones with the Development team narrowly losing out in a semi-final, and the U17s in a final on penalties. All in all, it has been a really good and long season.

“From a personal point of view, aside from my own team, I’m especially pleased for our women’s and Development teams, both have had really good seasons, with the Devs making the step up to open age football, with a squad of mostly 16 and 17 year-olds to start with and a tough learning curve but with a very respectable mid-table finish and the women’s team only four points from the top of their division in the county league in their first full season, definitely two teams to watch next season.”

Above: Euxton’s Development Squad. Photo: Euxton Girls.

Euxton’s ongoing links with FA Women’s National League Division One North side Chorley have continued to strengthen over the season in a number of positive ways.

“It has definitely created some excitement and momentum amongst all the teams, from the juniors upwards,” admitted Michael. “It was a proud moment to see Mollie from our U17s named in the Chorley first-team squad towards the end of the season and hopefully this will be the first of many going forward.

For the younger teams, from being mascots and seeing and meeting the likes of Lisa Topping and Laura Walker on the pitch as well as at training. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build on for both clubs, and for us to be involved with a National League club on our doorstep, who in my view should be getting a lot more recognition than they do, is something we can build on and drive forward with the management at Chorley who are a great team to work with and we’ll do all we can to make it thrive.”

Above: Euxton youngsters walk out as mascots with local FA Women’s National League Division One North side Chorley. Photo: Euxton Girls.

With a successful season behind them, Euxton are not resting on their laurels, as Michael wants to make sure that the club is well-positioned to cater for further interest in girls’ football as a result of this summer’s home European Championships.

“We’re fully expecting the Euros in the summer to have a huge impact and more girls wanting to play across all the age groups from Wildcats through to the womens. We’ve got a number initiatives and partnerships to look at over the next few weeks and the summer in time for next season and I think the main focus is going to be stability after two years of stop start.

“Then we can see where the land lies across the club after a period of consistency. There’s a lot to be positive about and build on and cement what we’ve built and retained over the last two years and we’re all raring to go again in September.”

Above: Euxton U14 players underline their relationship with local FA Women’s National League Division One North side Chorley. Photo: Chorley Women.

For more information on Euxton Girls and other Impetus sponsored players and partner clubs, click here: https://impetusfootball.org/partnerships/

If your women’s/girls’ football club would be interested in becoming a partner club, DM us via @ImpetusFootball on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.

Euros Preview: Finland

by Jean-Pierre Thiesset (30/6/22).

Above: Finland celebrate qualifying for the European Championships. Photo: Emmi Korhonen.

The Finland women’s national football team is known or nicknamed as the “Boreal Owls” (Helmarit in Finnish). They are currently 28th in FIFA’s Women’s World Ranking list.

The Squad:

Goalkeepers: Katriina Talaslahti, Anna Tamminen, Tinja-Riikka Korpela.

Defenders: Elli Pikkujämsä, Tuija Hyyrynen, Emma Koivisto, Anna Auvinen, Nora Heroum, Natalia Kuikka, Anna Westerlund.

Midfielders: Ria Öling, Olga Ahtinen, Juliette Kemppi, Emmi Alanen, Jenny Danielsson, Essi Sainio, Eveliina Summanen.

Forwards: Adelina Engman, Heidi Kollanen, Sanni Franssi, Linda Sällström, Amanda Rantanen, Jutta Rantala.

The Head Coach:

Above: Anna Signuel, Finland’s head coach pictured during her time in charge of Scotland’s national team. Photo: Wikipedia.

Anna Signeul, 61, from Sweden has been Finland’s head coach since 2017. Her 20-year club career saw her make 240 appearances in the Damallsvenskan, but although called up for several Swedish national squads, never earned an international cap. Signuel began coaching in 1981 whilst playing at IK Brage. She additionally went on to coach Strömsbro IF (twice), IK Sätra, and Tyresö FF at club level. Between 1994 and 2006, Signuel took charge of Sweden’s U16 and U18 squads before being appointed as Scotland’s head coach in 2005 where she remained for 12 years.

She had great success with the Scots, taking them to the play-offs for Euro 2009 and qualification for Euro 2017. During her spell in charge, which also saw Signuel take responsibility for the development of the women’s game at all levels, Scotland were ranked 20th in the world, their highest ever standing. She left to take over as Finland’s head coach in 2017.

Euros History:

Above: The Finland team that made the semi-finals at the 2005 European Championships. Photo: Alamy/Action Images.

Three previous appearances in Euro: 2005, 2009, and 2013. Their best result was a semi-final place in 2005.

Qualifying:

Finland topped Group E with seven wins and a draw. The only game they failed to win was a 1-1 draw against qualifying rivals Portugal. They also earned two 1-0 victories over Scotland en route.

Strengths:

Finland’s players have nothing to lose and will fight as a team. They have always had an excellent team spirit. There are few star players, but Finland plays very uniformly and in an organized way, which is typical of all Finnish national teams in different sports. There are also a lot of experienced players who have almost all known each other for a long time.

Development Areas:

Most players have little international experience at the highest level. Only a few players played in one of the strongest championships in Europe. Most of the players play in Sweden, a few in England and only two players play in Finnish league.

Key Players:

Above: Finland’s former Chelsea player Adelina Engman. Photo: Suomen Palloiitto.

Adelina Engman, Forward, 27 years old, Hammarby IF, Sweden. Ten goals in 77 national team games, Engman spent two years in the FAWSL with Chelsea where she scored three goals in 13 games before departing for Montpellier.

Linda Sällström: Forward, 33 years old, Vittsjö GIK, Sweden, 12 goals. 115 games played in Finnish National team. She played 12 games in D1 Arkema in France’s top league with Paris FC in 2019/20 and scored 4 goals.

Ria Öling: Midfielder, 27 years old, FC Rosengård, Sweden, 57 games played in Finnish National team.

Anna Westerlund: Defender, 33 years old, Åland United, Finland, 141 games played in Finnish National team, this is more than any Finnish football player in history.

Natalia Kuikka: Defender, 26 years old, Portland Thorns FC, USA, 67 games played for the Finnish National team.

One To Watch:

Above: Katriina Talaslahti preventing Ada Hegerberg scoring for Olympique Lyonnais at Fleury. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.

Katriina Talaslahti, 21 years old, with one cap so far, is a hugely promising young goalkeeper. Talaslahti played with Bayern München from 2017-2019 before joining Olympique Lyonnais in 2019. She moved on to Fleury in 2021 where she established herself as their as number one goalkeeper. With Fleury this season, Talaslahti kept 11 clean sheets in France’s top flight D1 Arkema as the team finished fourth as well as making the semi-finals in France Cup against Paris Saint-Germain.

Speaking exclusively to me, just over a week ago, a very calm Talaslahti said: “I feel good and excited, and I think it will be a very interesting trip and tournament. You never know what is going to happen in a tournament and it is very nice to be in the group. I hope I will play in the Euros, and I will train hard to be a starter. We are in a hard group, and it will be difficult, but we will play our best and see what is comes.”

The young Finnish goalkeeper is ready to take the starting position during the Euros if head coach Anna Signuel gives it to her.

Prediction:

Finland are in a very difficult group with Germany (4th FIFA ranking), Spain (7th FIFA ranking), and Denmark (15th FIFA ranking). I do not think that they could do better than third and for that they will have to provide an outstanding performance against Denmark. It is difficult but it is possible as Katriina Talaslahti, Finland’s goalkeeper, used to say.

Group Fixtures:

8th July: Spain, 5pm, Stadium MK, Milton Keynes.

12th July: Denmark, 5pm, Stadium MK, Milton Keynes.

16th July: Germany, 8pm, Stadium MK, Milton Keynes.

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/- 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/