Australia midfielder Katrina Gorry spoke to the media from Townsville today ahead of The Matildas’ international with New Zealand. Impetus’ Ben Gilby watched on(4/4/22).
Above: Katrina Gorry, talking to the media earlier today. Photo: Football Australia.
Watching Katrina Gorry since she returned to the game at the start of the A-League Women season after giving birth to baby Harper campaign, has been a joy to behold. The presence and shooting ability remain the same, but the smile and sense of loving what she is doing are bigger than ever.
“Since I’ve returned I’ve fallen back in love with the game and I’m playing with pure enjoyment. It shows in my performances recently just how much happier I am on the field.”
An impressive run of games in a mixed season for Brisbane Roar has ended with a recall to the Australian national side ahead of two friendlies with New Zealand over the next ten days. Gorry revealed that she has been in contact with the Matildas coaching team for a while.
“I’ve been working closely with Tony (Gustavsson – head coach) and Mel (Andreatta – assistant coach) for some time and it’s about enjoying being back in camp, back around the girls, and testing myself along with some of the best players in the country and in the world and seeing where I am. There’s no pressure on me.”
Whilst being back in a Matildas camp is a big deal, to do it for a game in her home state is another big plus.
Above: Katrina Gorry is back in the Matildas camp, along with daughter Harper. Photo: Football Australia.
“It’s really exciting, I’m a Queenslander through and through and it’s great to be up here in Townsville, seeing all the fans come out for the game will be special. New Zealand will be a tough opponent. I’m sure that everyone will turn it up on game day to support us.”
The midfielder, who will be heading out to Sweden to play for Vittsjö after the international window, believes that she can bring something extra to the team after their poor early exit at the Asian Cup at the start of this year.
“A big part of my game is combination play and to be combining with the players in our squad is exciting and important for me. All the players were disappointed with the Asian Cup. I was shattered for them. You could see if after the Korea game.
“To be on home soil among family and friends is important for us now. The two games we have with New Zealand are in Townsville where we haven’t been before and Canberra, where we haven’t played for a long time, so it’s a big opportunity.
“Us against New Zealand is a big rivalry, like New South Wales against Queensland. Hosting the World Cup with them brings something extra to it too.”
Above: Deanne Rose (right)’s battles with Jess Carter was one of the highlights of the first half. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
Chelsea moved one point clear at the top of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League thanks to a dominant second-half performance against Reading at Kingsmeadow last night.
Goals either side of half-time from Jessie Fleming and a superb volley from Beth England turned the game after Kelly Chambers’ Berkshire side had frustrated the defending champions in the opening 45 minutes.
Reading were exceptionally well organized, resolute, and adopted a super high press which earned them turn over ball and forced Chelsea into occasional misplaced passes. Add into the mix the sensational Deanne Rose whose pace on the counter led to a hugely entertaining personal duel with Jess Carter. If the Royals only had a quality striker to finish, then Chelsea could have been in trouble.
Above: Jessie Fleming in action last night. The Canadian Olympic champion put Chelsea ahead with a great piece of skill. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
However, as they usually do against the massed ranks of defensive visitors at Kingsmeadow, Emma Hayes’ side found a way to breakthrough. Erin Cuthbert, a real Scottish terrier in midfield once more found Reiten on the left. The Norwegian, in sublime form all night, pulled over a cross on the left which Beth England nodded back to Fleming who chested down and struck home.
Just seven minutes into the second period, it was the game-breaking second. Once more it was Reiten the provider. England fed the ball out to her on the left for a cross which the Lionesses striker volleyed home into the left-hand corner of the net.
It was all Chelsea after that with Reading’s efforts of the first half just a fading memory. Two goals in 11 minutes from Sam Kerr added gloss to the Blues’ rampant showing. Her first goal on 66 minutes was supplied by Norwegian star Reiten once more as a low ball in from the left was swept home by Australia’s all-time leading goal scorer.
Kerr made it 4-0 when Cuthbert laid across a perfectly angled shot for the East Fremantle-born star to side foot comfortably into the net.
Above: Beth England sizes up the penalty in stoppage time at the end of the game which made it 5-0. Photo: Ben Gilby for Impetus.
There was time for a fifth in stoppage time when England was brought down. Kerr initially picked up the ball for what would have been a hat-trick goal, but to the applause of the crowd handed it to England to dispatch into the net.
Chelsea were comfortable winners in the end and now are a point clear of Arsenal with a superior goal difference. Reading had produced the best performance of any non-top three side at Kingsmeadow this season, but Emma Hayes’ side’s ability to score when it mattered did for the Royals in the end.
Ben Gilby’s EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from Kingsmeadow:
Each week during the NPL Western Australia Women season, Ben Gilby will provide a detailed report on one game and round up all the action from the others as Impetus begins its coverage of the women’s game in Western Australia(3/4/22).
Above: Action from this weekend’s NPL WA Women game between Perth SC (sky blue) and Balcatta Etna. Photo provided by: Rob Lizzi.
MAIN REPORT OF THE WEEK
Above: Jamie-Lee fires Fremantle City ahead against Curtin University. Photo: NPL
Fremantle City 2-0 Curtin University
Fremantle opened their NPL WA Women’s campaign with a comfortable win against Curtin in a match they dominated at Hilton Park.
Playing in white shirts, Freo were comfortable throughout as they look to go better than their fourth-place finish last season. Whilst Curtin Uni produced a better showing after the break, they rarely troubled Kaylin Geelhoed in the City goal.
Fremantle City named three players with Perth Glory connections in their starting 11 with last season’s A-League Women captain Tash Rigby fielded along with former Glory players Kat Jukic and Jamie-Lee Gale.
Rigby had a hugely influential game on the right side of defence and got forward at every opportunity, linking well with Annabelle Leek and Kayla McCulloch.
Freo bossed from the start and carefully maintained possession. They earned their first corner with just five minutes on the clock, but Curtin dealt with it comfortably. The hosts continued to look to spread the play wide as well as penetrate through the centre of the visitors.
Above: Fremantle City celebrate after going ahead through Jamie-Lee Gale. Photo: NPL.
Despite the continued pressure, it took until the 22nd minute for Fremantle to make it pay. Rigby played a beautiful 1-2 with Siobhan Longmore outside her before playing a ball across from the right. Mikayla Lyons missed her shot, but it rolled further to Gale who sidefooted calmly into the right-hand corner of the net.
There were some positives for Curtin in the first half. Hannah Seerden having a busy afternoon for Curtin, trying to stem Rigby’s creativity along the right as well as looking to build rare counters for her team. Taylor Reid also broke clear but was denied further progress from the offside flag. Both would become increasingly influential after the break.
Freo had one further opportunity before half-time when Rigby had acres of space on the right to lay off for Leek whose effort sailed narrowly over. For the home side to only score one goal after racking up six shots to nil on target was frustrating.
Curtin started the second half showing more from an offensive perspective. Jacqueline McLernon combined well with Jennifer Hazledon before possession was lost. Fremantle had a chance of their own when Jessica Darmago got a shot away which Stacey Cavill in the Curtin goal pushed away into the path of Longmore who hit the rebound over.
The lively Reid became more of a threat for the visitors and she was played in by Hazledon and Geelhoed needed to show fancy footwork to clear the danger.
Above: Jamie-Lee Gale (white shirt) dispatches her and Fremantle’s second goal. Photo: NPL
Fremantle responded by doubling their lead with 54 minutes played. Geelhoed started the move in the Freo goal by playing out to McCulloch. She in turn found Jukic. The former Perth Glory W-League player played a glorious ball into the path of Gale who skipped through and calmly shot under Cavill to make it 2-0.
The home side had a great opportunity to add a third when Rigby released Lyons. Freo’s captain was clean through, but her shot hit the side netting.
Curtin continued to work hard with Reid at the heart of everything positive they did. Despite this, they couldn’t really create sufficient chances to alter the scoreboard. In the end, Fremantle saw out the remainder of the game comfortably to record the three points on opening weekend.
The 2022 NPL WA Women’s season kicked off on Friday night as Murdoch University Melville hosted last year’s bottom side Subiaco. The outcome was a 0-0 draw with Subi having the best chance when Kezia Burgess crossed for Murray who was denied by MUM keeper Mathers.
Above: Action from Perth SC’s win over Balcatta Etna. Photo supplied by: Rob Lizzi.
Perth SC hosted Night Series runners-up Balcatta Etna at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday and came away with a 2-0 win. Abbey Meakins’ penalty on the hour mark put them ahead before Taneesha Baker made the game safe in stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes.
Perth RedStar ended the first game under their new banner with a 5-0 success over Hyundai NTC. The Reds were 2-0 up with 18 minutes played thanks to goals from Jacinta Coleman and Larissa Walsh. The NTC were reduced to ten with just over 20 minutes to play and succumbed to three further goals in a 12-minute spell as Coleman, Jayna Ridley and Hannah Insch settled matters in RedStar’s favour.
Above: High-flying action between Perth RedStar and Hyundai NTC. Photo: FotoEnzo.
Round Two Fixtures: Hyundai NTC v Perth SC, Curtin University v Perth RedStar, Balcatta Etna v Murdoch University Melville, Subiaco v Fremantle City.
Jean-Pierre Thiesset was pitchside for Impetus at the UEFA Women’s Champions League Quarter-Final matches between Olympique Lyonnais and Juventus. He reviews that match in words and EXCLUSIVE photos and rounds up the action between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich(3/4/22).
Above: Ada Hegerberg puts Lyon ahead with a header from Selma Bacha’s cross against Juventus. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais both made it through to the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals and will play against each other for a place in the final.
Olympique Lyonnais qualified with an aggregate score of 4-3 against Juventus. After losing 2-1 away from home in the first leg on March 23 despite dominating the possession (60%), Lyon came back stronger and efficiently in the second leg on March 31st and won 3-1 at home in front of a crowd of 20,017 people. Lyon started well and put a lot of pressure on Juventus players and without a great performance by Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, Juventus goalkeeper and ex Lyon player, Lyon could have scored several goals at the beginning of the game.
Above: Olympique Lyonnais and Juventus players line up pre-game wearing blue and yellow jackets in support of Ukraine. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
After a nervy moment at the 23rd minute where Selma Bacha was called upon to make a great block to prevent Juventus from opening the scoring, the home side pushed again and scored twice within two minutes just after the half hour.
Above: Melvine Malard’s header from Lindsey Horan’s cross puts Lyon 2-0 up on the night. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Lyon continued to push and delivered a very good performance, not giving Juventus the opportunity to come back. The second half was like the first one with Lyon in charge and more great saves from Peyraud-Magnin who kept her team in the game. Then, with 73 minutes played, Catarina Maccario scored the third goal for Lyon. After this third goal, Lyon continued to dominate even if Juventus still tried to come back and scored at the 84th minute. To be noted was the great performance of Lindsey Horan for her start for Lyon. She was everywhere on the field, giving a decisive passe and helping also her teammates to defend. Goals for Lyon from Ada Hegerberg (33), Melvine Malard (35), Catarina Maccario (73). Goal for Juventus from Andrea Staskova (84).
Above: Catarina Maccario’s great right-foot shot makes it 3-0 for Lyon after 73 minutes. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Paris Saint-Germain qualified for the semi-finals with a 4-3 aggregate win against Bayern Munich. After winning 2-1 away from home in the first leg on March 22 in an equal match, Paris SG thought that the most difficult part was done but Bayern Munich players came to Paris for the second leg on March 30 with more desire to qualify and almost did it in front of a crowd of 27,262 people.
Bayern Munich caused a lot of problems to PSG and dominated with 63% possession. The home side made a lot of errors, and, in my opinion, Bayern Munich would have deserved to progress to the last four. Matters were not decided until eight minutes from the end of extra-time when former Chelsea star Ramona Bachmann scored the decisive goal. Goals for Paris SG from Sandy Baltimore (17), Ramona Bachmann (112). Goals for Bayern Munich from Saki Kumagai (19), Lea Schüller (54).
Above: Lindsey Horan in action during the Lyon v Juventus Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg tie. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset for Impetus.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby hears all about the ParaMatildas’ first squad gathering in Canberra (1/4/22).
Above: The ParaMatildas players gather today for a historic training camp. Photo: Football Australia.
Head coach Kelly Stirton has selected an 11-player squad as the ParaMatildas today commence their first-ever national team training camp.
Held at the Australian Institute of Sport alongside their national team compatriots, the Commonwealth Bank Junior Matildas, and Commonwealth Bank Young Matildas, the three-day camp marks the official commencement of the ParaMatildas preparation for the historic 2022 IPCPF Women’s World Cup.
Stirton expressed her anticipation for the first assembly of the ParaMatildas players and staff.
“It’s an exciting time and it’s the first time we have been together as a team under the ParaMatildas name,” Stirton said.
“This camp is about connecting as a squad, developing the team culture, and building a solid platform to take to the World Cup. The coaching staff and team are on a high and can’t wait to get on the field.”
Above: Getting ready for the World Cup – The ParaMatildas. Photo: Football Australia.
Ranked number four in the world, earlier this week the ParaMatildas’ IFCPF Women’s World Cup pool opponents were revealed with Australia taking on Japan, the United States, Spain, and the Netherlands. The tournament will take place from 8th-18th May 2022.
Australia’s national team for footballers with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, and symptoms of stroke, CP football is a seven-a-side sport with smaller goals, 30-minute halves, and no offside.
Players are classed as FT1, FT2, and FT3 depending on how their disability affects a player, with at least one FT1 player and a maximum of one FT3 player required at all times.
With a clear goal in sight, Stirton and her coaching staff will enter the training camp with full focus.
“Our goal is to build a strong world-class team. It’s a tight turnaround but I believe we can certainly push for that top spot. Our goal in the World Cup is to play our best football and for the players to finish the tournament proud of their accomplishments.”
ParaMatildas Squad Selection:
NO.
NAME
AGE
CITY/ STATE
CLASSIFICATION
1
Holly SAUNDERS
19
Sydney, NSW
FT1
2
Georgia BEIKOFF
29
Newcastle, NSW
FT2
3
Nicole CHRISODOULOU
30
Sydney, NSW
FT2
4
Taylor DOYLE
30
Sydney, NSW
FT2
5
Lainee HARRISON
18
Newcastle, NSW
TBC
6
Matilda MASON
30
Canberra, ACT
FT2
7
Emily O’SULLIVAN
28
Adelaide, SA
FT2
8
Katelyn SMITH
26
Perth, WA
TBC
9
Rachel TOLSON
22
Shearwater, TAS
TBC
10
Eloise NORTHAM
19
Sydney, NSW
TBC
11
Rae ANDERSON
25
Wamberal, NSW
TBC
Supporters can follow the journey of the ParaMatildas to the IFCPF Women’s World Cup through their website and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
You can also donate to support the ParaMatildas team with all donations of $2 or more tax deductible. The funds go directly to supporting ParaMatildas national team training camps, coaching, sports science, and tournament costs to ensure that the ParaMatildas have the best possible chance to represent Australia on the world stage. In return, sponsors will get a “Virtual seat” to show their support of the team. Click here for more details: https://asf.org.au/projects/football-federation-australia-limited/paramatildas-virtual-seats?Token=a1H5j0000011oqJ&Status=preview
Above: Young Matildas players Hana Lowry of Perth Glory (left) and Western Sydney Wanderers’ Bryleeh Henry (right) line up with head coach Leah Blayney. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Football Australia.
The Young Matildas will commence their preparations for the 2022 U-20 Women’s World Cup with a two-match international series against the New Zealand Junior Football Ferns in Canberra.
Australia will host New Zealand in the nation’s capital on 6th April and 10th April 2022 with the internationals the first competitive match action for Leah Blayney’s team since the conclusion of the 2019 AFC U-19 Women’s Championship.
Head Coach Leah Blayney emphasised the importance of having competitive fixtures for the youth national team with the U-20 Women’s World Cup a little over five months away.
“This two-match international series against New Zealand is the first phase in ensuring the Young Matildas are best prepared for the exciting moment ahead of them in August,” Blayney said.
“We have been building together as a group for almost two years without the opportunity to test ourselves in international standard match conditions. It makes this series crucial in bringing together the players and fostering familiarity with our coaching staff and each other.”
Blayney has named a 28-player roster for the training camp and international series comprising of a combination of A-League Women’s players and players from Member Federation underpinning development programs. A majority of the squad named have been previously involved at U-17s level and in the Future Matildas program.
“The 28 players selected have been recognized for their excellent season in the A-League Women’s, as well as providing several others with a chance to display their capabilities in a high-performance environment,” Blayney said.
Above: Sofia Sakalis (centre) is called up for the Young Matildas after a great season with Perth Glory. Photo: Mark Evans/Getty Images via Perth Glory.
“I am pleased we can have an assembly that has international fixtures attached and provides the players with a clear goal over the next two weeks. We have an array of talent in our country and these home matches are an excellent platform to showcase the next generation of Australian footballers.”
Football Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson, spoke of his enthusiasm about the return of the Young Matildas to the pitch.
“It is exciting for Football Australia to continue to re-launch our youth national team programs and we are pleased to secure two international matches for the Commonwealth Young Matildas following a period of inactivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These youth representative matches build on the strong partnership we have with our Trans-Tasman neighbours, New Zealand Football, with the senior Matildas hosting New Zealand in Canberra on Friday, 12 April 2022.
“Providing our youth national teams with high-quality match minutes consistently is vital to ensure their continued development. We are committed to supporting Leah and her team over the coming months as they return to the international stage and demonstrate the quality we can look forward to in the coming years.”
Ahead of the international fixtures the Commonwealth Bank Young Matildas entered a pre-camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) today which will last until 12th April 2022.
The Commonwealth Bank Young Matildas camp and internationals in Canberra is part of the continued return of all the women’s national teams with the Junior Matildas currently undertaking a training camp and the ParaMatildas also due to commence national team activity.
Supporters can watch the Commonwealth Bank Young Matildas take on New Zealand for FREE on 6 April and 10 April 2022.
Young Matildas Squad:
Naomi CHINAMA (Melbourne City / Football Victoria), Kirsty FENTON (Newcastle Jets / NNSW Football), Gemma FERRIS (Football NSW), Daniela GALIC (Football NSW), Sheridan GALLAGHER (Western Sydney Wanderers / Football NSW), Abbey GREEN (Perth Glory / Football West), Bryleeh HENRY (Western Sydney Wanderers / Football NSW), Sarah HUNTER (Sydney FC / Football NSW), Emma ILIJOSKI (Canberra United / Capital Football), Sally JAMES (Melbourne City / Capital Football), Kahli JOHNSON (Sydney FC / Football NSW), Hannah JONES (Wellington Phoenix / Football NSW), Aideen KEANE (Perth Glory / Football NSW), Chloe LINCOLN (Canberra United / Capital Football), Hana LOWRY (Perth Glory / Football West), Darcey MALONE (Melbourne City / Football NSW), Leticia McKENNA (Melbourne City / Football West), Claudia MIHOCIC (Perth Glory / Football Victoria), Alana MURPHY (Melbourne Victory / Football Victoria), Emilia MURRAY (Adelaide United / Football SA), Jessika NASH (Sydney FC / Football NSW), Leia PUXTY (Adamstown Rosebud FC / NNSW Football), Jamilla RANKIN (Brisbane Roar / NNSW Football), Charlize RULE (Sydney FC / Football NSW), Sofia SAKALIS (Perth Glory / Football Victoria), Hayley TAYLOR-YOUNG (Canberra United / Capital Football), Miranda TEMPLEMAN (Adelaide United / Football West), Ella TONKIN (Adelaide United / Football SA).
Ben Gilby heard Wales head coach Gemma Grainger announce Wales’ squad for their World Cup qualifiers.
Above: Wales head coach Gemma Grainger. Photo: FAW.
Gemma Grainger has announced a 26-player squad for Wales’ key 2023 World Cup qualifiers against France and Kazakhstan.
Wales go into the international window with an almost full-strength squad to choose from. Josie Green returns to the side after missing the Pinatar Cup in February through injury, however Esther Morgan and Hannah Cain both miss out due to injury.
Wales will face France in Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli on Friday 8th April before heading to Nur-Sultan to face Kazakhstan on Tuesday 12th April.
Helen Ward and Tash Harding are in line to earn their 100th Welsh caps over the two matches, with the players sitting on 99 and 98 caps respectively.
Grainger will look to build on her side’s momentum in the World Cup qualifying campaign. Wales sit in second place, a play-off spot, in the group with four games remaining. So far in the campaign, the Welsh have won four matches, drawn one, and lost one, scoring 17 goals and only conceding three in the process.
For the match against group leaders France at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli on Friday 8 April, tickets start at only £2 (group bookings) and £4 (individual bookings) for kids, available at www.faw.cymru/tickets. Over 3,000 tickets have been sold so far, which puts Wales on target to beat their record home attendance in history.
Wales Squad: Laura O’SULLIVAN (Cardiff City Ladies), Olivia CLARK (Coventry United), Poppy SOPER (Plymouth Argyle – On loan from Chelsea), Rhiannon ROBERTS (Liverpool), Josie GREEN (Tottenham Hotspur), Hayley LADD (Manchester United), Gemma EVANS (Reading), Rachel ROWE (Reading), Lily WOODHAM (Reading), Sophie INGLE (Chelsea), Anna FILBEY (Charlton Athletic), Angharad JAMES (Orlando Pride), Chloe WILLIAMS (Manchester United), Charlie ESTCOURT (Coventry United), Jess FISHLOCK (OL Reign), Carrie JONES (Manchester United), Ffion MORGAN (Bristol City), Megan WYNNE (Charlton Athletic), Elise HUGHES (Charlton Athletic), Kayleigh GREEN (Brighton & Hove Albion), Helen WARD (Watford), Natasha HARDING (Reading), Ceri HOLLAND (Liverpool), Chloe BULL (Bristol City), Georgia WALTERS (Sheffield United), Morgan ROGERS (Watford- On loan from Tottenham Hotspur).
Above: Ashlee Hincks makes it 2-0 last night for AFC Wimbledon against Actonians. Photo: Glyn Roberts.
Ashlee Hincks marked her return from injury with a second-half double to help the Dons record an important victory in the FA Women’s National League Division One South-East.
The brace from Hincks made it a highly impressive 37 goals from 28 games this season, as Kevin Foster’s side secured a 2-0 win versus Actonians at Plough Lane.
The victory extended Dons’ unbeaten run to seven months and got them back to winning ways after two successive 0-0 draws.
In the first half, Wimbledon carried attacking intent through great link-up play from the front three of Ashlee Hincks, Chloe Sampson, and Katie Stanley, but the breakthrough proved elusive and the pair of Hannah Billingham and Faye Baker were required at the other end to stop Actonians.
The opening goal was certainly worth waiting for in the second half when Hincks fired home a superb 25-yard free-kick. There was more to come from Hincks as she scored from close range to seal victory.
Above: AFC Wimbledon boss Kevin Foster addresses his players in the post-game huddle. Photo: Glyn Roberts.
Manager Kevin Foster said: “Actonians are always a good side. They always make it difficult and that was the case again, so credit to them, but I thought it was a very good professional performance. We stayed with it, dug it out, and played some good football at times.”
El Sueno Tequila Player of the match Steph Mann said: “We always knew it was going to be a physical game, it always is against Actonians, but we came in with a game plan and we executed it perfectly.”
Next up for the Dons is a trip to Cambridge United on Sunday (2.00 pm kick-off at St Neots Town) and Wimbledon are back at Plough Lane on 10th April versus Harlow Town (2.00 pm kick-off).
Teams: AFC WIMBLEDON: Baker, Russell, Highman, Sargent (Donovan), Billingham, Mann, Taylor, Sampson (Siber), Hincks, Stanley (Carter), Stow.
Australian international Charli Grant spoke to Ben Gilby about her experiences at the Asia Cup at the start of the year and how she sees the new Damallsvenskan season with defending champions Rosengård(30/3/22).
Above: Charli Grant in action forRosengårdin the Svenska Cupena fortnightago. Photo: Rosengård.
20-year-old defender Charli Grant is one of Australia’s most talented young stars. Whilst 2021 was her break-out year with a sensational series of performances for Adelaide United in what was then the W-League earning a move to top Swedish side Rosengård. Add in her first call-ups for the national side and a trip to the Olympic Games with The Matildas and it was the stuff of dreams.
This year has the potential to be even better. Grant made her first start for Australia during the Asia Cup in January, and she has been a regular starter for Rosengård in their Swedish Cup matches and opening match in the Damallsvenskan which kicked off last weekend.
The Adelaide-born defender opened our conversation by describing what her off-season looked like after the previous Damallsvenskan campaign ended in November when her club lifted the title.
“Fortunately, I was able to come home for all of December and the beginning of January. I visited Townsville for a week with most of my family, where my cousin got married. We hadn’t seen my Aunty, Uncle, and cousins that live there for some time so it was a very special moment for the whole family.
“I’m thankful to have trained with Adelaide United women’s team for a short time before COVID heightened. For the remainder of the time, I continued to train hard on my own to be as best prepared for the Asian Cup. I’m so grateful to have managed to catch up with all my closest friends and family, especially during such an unprecedented time.”
Above: Charli (second from the right) at pre-Asian Cup training in the UAE with (left to right): Cortnee Vine, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Courtney Nevin, and Remy Siemsen. Photo: Football Australia,
Australia went into the Asia Cup as arguably the favourites for the competition this year. Prior to the tournament, the team gathered in the UAE for a training camp that was full of detailed preparation.
“Due to the different timings of everyone’s season and travel from all different parts of the world, training was focused on getting everyone at the same physical level,” Grant explained.
“Additionally, the teams we were facing in the Asian Cup had very different style of play compared to what we had faced recently, so we went through lots of tactics to be prepared for these styles.”
The tournament, held in India, was played behind closed doors due to COVID restrictions. The Matildas defender therefore had a different experience compared to her teammates from past Asia Cups, but she left with strong memories of the country nonetheless.
“Being in India was very eye-opening and a great cultural experience. The poverty was prevalent in the area we were staying in. It made me appreciate everything I have and the opportunities I have been given. I cherish every experience I have when representing my country and playing the sport I love.”
The tournament got underway for Australia in some style as they recorded an 18-0 win over Indonesia. It was a performance that Grant was proud of.
Above: Charli Grant battles against Thailand in the Asian Cup on her full Matildas debut. Photo: Football Australia via Charli Grant.
“It was very important to hit off with a big win and give us confidence going into future matches. To see what we had worked on during pre-camp into our game was really exciting and promising.”
In many ways that result was the high point of the competition for Australia as the remaining group matches saw the team find it hard to transfer large amounts of possession into scoreboard leads. The South Australian defender reflected on those matches.
“The Philippines was a tough contest but we remained patient and disciplined to the game plan to get a good result (4-0 win through second-half goals). Next up was Thailand. This was a great opportunity for us less experienced players to get time under the belt and experience playing in a tournament. At times we struggled to connect with each other but I think there were lots of promising moments and hopefully, we are able to fight for more game time in the future.”
Then came the Quarter-Final with South Korea. It was a match that Australia dominated once more in terms of possession, territory, and chances. Yet they were knocked out after a stunning strike from Chelsea’s magician Ji So-Yun. Grant remains frustrated by the outcome of that match.
“I thought in the Korea match we were disciplined with the game plan, but unlucky in some moments. As much as we are all gutted about this result, it is a great learning opportunity and is only going to add to the fire leading into World Cup to prove that we are a top team. I do think we were unlucky. Sometimes that can be football.”
Whilst the outcome of the tournament was extremely disappointing from a team perspective, it enabled Grant to make her first start for the Matildas in their final group game with Indonesia.
Above: Charli Grant on her full debut for Australia at the Asian Cup against Thailand. Photo: Football Australia via Charli Grant.
“To earn my first start and 90 minutes for my country was a dream come true. It was a good chance to gain confidence and put into practice what I’ve been working on. I’m very grateful to have been given that opportunity and will continue to work hard to improve from this.”
With the Asia Cup behind her, the defender returned to Sweden for the new Damallsvenskan campaign. Grant’s Rosengård team goes in as defending champions and have a UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign to look forward to. The South Australian asserts that she expects it to be an even tougher campaign as the rest of the league will be all out to bring down last year’s champions.
“It’s so exciting to finally have the season come up. It’s been a long pre-season and we just can’t wait to put into practice what we’ve trained on. I think it’s definitely going to be a tough season. We are prepared to step up to the challenge like last year and will do whatever it takes to win.”
Grant goes into the new season, which kicked off last weekend having had several starts in their Svenska Cupen campaign. The Matilda sees this as a reward for her growth in certain areas of the game.
“I feel that both my decision-making and composure on the ball have improved. If I continue to develop in these areas of my game and keep working hard hopefully more game time will come.”
Above: Charli Grant during training with Rosengård. Photo: Urzula Striner via Charli Grant.
The young defender has already been a part of her team making the Svenska Cupen Final in May and she sees this as just the start of a big season of opportunity for her.
“At an individual level, the goals for the upcoming season are to start regular and contribute to as many scoring opportunities whilst also preventing the opposition’s attacks. As a team, we are aiming to win the Swedish Cup, win the league back to back, and progress to the group stage and beyond in the UEFA Champions League.”
The campaign ahead sees a growing number of Australians in the Damallsvenskan and with COVID restrictions easing, Grant is looking forward to being able to catch up with them in person during the season.
“It’s really exciting to have more Aussies join the league. It will be great to catch up with them all. Kyra (Cooney-Cross) and Nev (Courtney Nevin, who have just joined Hammarby) are two of my closest friends and I’m so happy and proud of them to see them make the move overseas. Hopefully they will take me around Stockholm at some stage!”
Impetus’ Ben Gilby heard from Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson as he announced his squad for the upcoming friendlies with New Zealand and Katrina Gorry who makes her long-awaited return to the Matildas squad (29/3/22).
Above: Tony Gustavsson announces his squad to the media today. Photo: Football Australia.
Australia Head Coach Tony Gustavsson has named a 23-player squad for April’s fixtures against Women’s World Cup co-host New Zealand in Townsville and Canberra.
Australia will take on the Football Ferns at QCB Stadium in Townsville on Friday, 8 April in a historic match in North Queensland. Four days later they will return to Canberra for the first time in nine years with a clash at GIO Stadium on Tuesday, 12 April.
The squad consists of 22 players who contested the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup with the addition of experienced midfielder Katrina Gorry. Gorry returns to the national team following the birth of her first child in 2021 with the 29-year-old putting in stellar performances in her comeback season.
Speaking about her return to the squad, Gorry said: “I can’t wait to be back with the girls, it’s been a long time. It’s a massive honour. I was disappointed that I couldn’t go to India with the team for the Asia Cup, but (baby) Harper’s safety was the most important thing here.
“When I took a step away to have Harper, I didn’t know if I would return. But I’ve fallen back in love with the game and I think that shows in my performances. I’m looking forward to Harper meeting all the team and for her to have the opportunity to look up to so many amazing women.”
Above: Katrina Gorry speaking to the media today about her return to the international set-up. Photo: Football Australia.
The 29-year-old midfielder emphasized how becoming a mother has helped to keep her to keep football in perspective. “It’s different now as when I come off a loss or win, I get to go home to her and be a mother, which makes things different and good. Tony has been amazing, he stayed in touch through my pregnancy. I’m grateful for him supporting me on my journey.”
Looking ahead to the gams against New Zealand, Gorry said: “Everyone knows they are competitive and a tough team. Most of their players are at professional clubs or big clubs.”
Australia’s squad for the two fixtures features a host of senior Matildas led by captain Sam Kerr and vice-captain Steph Catley. Nine Queenslanders will have their first chance to play in their home state since 2019 and Canberra native Lydia Williams makes the return home.
Meanwhile, recently crowned 2022 A-League Women’s Champions, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Courtney Nevin, have also made the final roster following Melbourne Victory’s back-to-back championship win. A-League Women’s Premiers Sydney FC are represented by forwards Remy Siemsen and Cortnee Vine.
Above: Cortnee Vine addressing the media in Townsville today. Photo: Football Australia.
Gustavsson expressed the importance of the April FIFA Window as it signifies the start of the 16-month preparation for the World Cup.
“We are all really excited to come back together as a team and return to the pitch again on home soil,” Gustavsson said. “It’s been a long two months since the group was in assembly, but we have used that time effectively to undertake an in-depth technical review similar to the one conducted following the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
“With two major tournaments in the last 12 months, this April window gives us an opportunity to start the process of implementing the lessons learned over that timeframe. With only the World Cup on the horizon, the New Zealand series will be the first step towards the tournament.”
“Over the past year we have had a close look at over 75 players in high-performance environments but as we focus in on the World Cuo preparation, it is essential for us to start zeroing in on our best combinations and providing them time together.”
Players and staff will commence arrival into camp on Monday with Australian-based players entering first and European and American-based players following the completion of this weekend’s league fixtures.
Since meeting in Australia’s first women’s “A” international match in 1979, Australia and New Zealand have faced each other 48 times in their history with the Matildas leading the head to head 31-8-9.
Name
Position
Club
Caps (Goals)
Mackenzie ARNOLD
Goalkeeper
West Ham United
28 (0)
Ellie CARPENTER
Back
Olympique Lyon
57 (3)
Steph CATLEY
Back
Arsenal WFC
100 (3)
Kyra COONEY-CROSS
Midfielder
Melbourne Victory
16 (0)
Caitlin FOORD
Forward
Arsenal WFC
99 (22)
Mary FOWLER
Forward
Montpellier
24 (7)
Emily GIELNIK
Forward
Aston Villa
52 (11)
Katrina GORRY
Midfielder
Brisbane Roar / Vittsjö GIK
78 (15)
Charlotte GRANT
Back
FC Rosengård
4 (0)
Alanna KENNEDY
Back
Manchester City
105 (8)
Sam KERR
Forward
Chelsea WFC
108 (49)
Aivi LUIK
Back
Pomigliano
35 (1)
Teagan MICAH
Goalkeeper
FC Rosengård
9 (0)
Courtney NEVIN
Back
Melbourne Victory
10 (0)
Clare POLKINGHORNE
Back
Vittsjö GIK
141 (12)
Hayley RASO
Forward
Manchester City
60 (8)
Remy SIEMSEN
Forward
Sydney FC
4 (0)
Kyah SIMON
Forward
Tottenham Hotspur
109 (28)
Emily VAN EGMOND
Midfielder
San Diego Wave
116 (28)
Cortnee VINE
Forward
Sydney FC
3 (0)
Clare WHEELER
Midfielder
Fortuna Hjørring
8 (0)
Lydia WILLIAMS
Goalkeeper
Arsenal WFC
97 (0)
Tameka YALLOP
Midfielder
West Ham United
103 (12)
New Zealand’s Squad Announcement:
Lily Alfeld; Wellington Phoenix FC, NZ (0/0), Victoria Esson; SC Sand, Germany (5/0), Erin Nayler; Umeå IK, Sweden (76/0), Liz Anton; Perth Glory FC, Australia (7/0) Katie Bowen; North Carolina Courage, USA (80/3), Claudia Bunge; Melbourne Victory FC, Australia (7/0), Anna Green; Unattached (78/7), Meikayla Moore; Liverpool FC, England (51/3), Ali Riley; Angel City FC, USA (143/1), Rebekah Stott; Melbourne City FC, Australia (84/4), Ashleigh Ward; Actonians LFC, England (1/0), Olivia Chance; Celtic FC, Scotland (28/1), Daisy Cleverley; Unattached (19/2), Betsy Hassett; Stjarnan, Iceland (128/14), Grace Jale; Wellington Phoenix FC, NZ (4/2), Ria Percival; Tottenham Hotspur FC, England (160/15), Malia Steinmetz; Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Australia (5/0), Ava Collins; St John’s University, USA (4/0), Jacqui Hand; Unattached (6/1), Gabi Rennie; Arizona State University, USA (10/2), Emma Rolston; Avaldsnes IL, Norway (10/6), Paige Satchell; Sydney FC, Australia (26/2), Hannah Wilkinson; Melbourne City FC, Australia (103/26).
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