Things Have To Change

Above: Team GB taking the knee at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Photo: Getty Images

Catherine Paquette observes that football still has a long way to go before it gets rid of its racist, ableist, xenophobic, sexist, and homophobic problems.  At the end of this week, a released PFA report on social media abuse was then followed by a controversial tweet that demonstrates that these are mainstays of football, and a reality in many women’s and men’s player’s existence (8/8/21).

The English Professional Footballers’ Association put out a report on Thursday, August 5th about the propensity of abusive targeted social media messages sent during the 2020/21 season to current players in the Premier League, the English Football League, the Women’s Super League, and to former players from the top divisions of English football. 

The numbers clearly show that racist, ableist, xenophobic, sexist, and homophobic social media messaging is commonplace for top-flight men and women footballers.  The last year saw an increasing trend in these types of abuses, with online discrimination worsening as the pandemic continued.  

In the Premier League, racist messages intensified in the second half of the season, with certain athletes being increasingly targeted with abuse.  However, homophobic messages remain the greatest type of abuse directed at Premier League players, with the December 2020 period being the worst as it coincided with anti-homophobia campaigns.  Racist messages were second followed by ableist and xenophobic comments.  When one dropped down to the English Football League the ratios changed, with racism being half of all discriminatory messages followed by ableism and then homophobia.

In comparison, the Women’s Super League faces different types of targeted abusive messaging.  As one would expect, sexist comments followed by sexual harassment make up for the majority of abuse WSL players have to contend with.  Homophobic messaging is as prevalent as sexual harassment.  In the past season, every club in the WSL except for one has had a player discriminated against online, with 15% of WSL players being the target of abuse. 

The lower the profile of the league, the less Twitter acted on and removed abusive messages directed at players.  While 27% of all abusive posts are removed for Premier League players, this number drops down to 17% in the EFL and only 12% for the WSL.  The majority of this abuse is homegrown.

This problem is not new.  The report clearly shows the well-known fact that social media companies do not do enough to stop discrimination and to shut down abusive accounts.  It was this lack of action that lead the PFA, in conjunction with Premier League, WSL, and EFL teams and players to take action earlier this season to highlight the growing issue.  Over the course of the weekend of 30th April 2021, English football boycotted social media companies in an attempt to demand change.

However, for change to occur, it must take place not just with social media companies but also within football itself. The PFA report came out an hour before Juventus Women put up a post of one of their players portraying themselves in a racist manner against Asians – a tweet which Impetus has made a conscious decision not to re-publish here on the grounds of it being offensive. Juventus have since apologized and put out the following message as a response:

However, as sincere as this explanation may be, it highlights a greater problem. At least two to three individuals were involved in the tweet: the player, the photographer and the social media manager (of which the latter two could have been the same person.)  How the picture and its posting could have passed through a number of individuals, without any of them realizing its severity is concerning.  

Even more disturbing is that the tweet stayed up for almost 30 minutes during which nearly every single reply was a request for deletion.  On a day where Lionel Messi became a free agent, it is revealing that this would be the topic to overtake the Twitter thread of women’s football. 

The tweet is not a huge shock though to those who follow football.  It was less than two years ago that Serie A chose to create an anti-racism campaign through the use of artwork with monkeys.  They did this without consultation of individual clubs, and like yesterday, received quick condemnation and cancelled the advertisements.

English football is not without its outrageous moments as well.  You only have to go back to 2015, when upon their return to England after a third-placed women’s World Cup campaign, the English FA put out the following tweet: 

Reducing a group of players to non-football-related titles without afterthought or knowledge of its blatant sexism follows the same lack of awareness and insensitivity to misogyny as the Juventus tweet and Serie A campaign did to racism.  It demonstrates a greater problem within institutions still blighted by the inability to identify and combat serious problems that propagate hate towards some of their players.

While some would say that the English FA has since improved, the recent numbers put out by the PFA show that not nearly enough is being done.  For football to change there must be a collective effort, with clubs and federations leading the way. 

In their conclusions to tackling systemic abuse problems in football, the PFA identifies clear solutions.  They highlight that abusive accounts can be identified and brought to justice, that clubs do have the power to sanction fans for hate crimes and that all involved in football must use their social platforms to deal with issues.  However, for any of these solutions to be effective though those working in social media at institutions of power in football must be properly vetted and properly trained to combat the problem of hate, not create it.

The actions of Juventus Women’s Twitter feed at the end of last week demonstrate that we are still, sadly, a long way from that occurring.

This is the final part of our series of articles we’re republishing between Christmas and New Year to share once more some of our material from 2021 that makes Impetus who we are.

The first part featured Jean-Pierre Thiesset‘s interview with Selma Bacha from February: https://impetusfootball.org/2021/02/22/selma-bacha-part-of-an-exciting-new-generation-in-french-womens-football/

Part Two was our look back at Kieran Yap‘s analysis of Australia’s performance in reaching the semi-finals of the Olympic Games in August: https://impetusfootball.org/2021/08/08/that-was-fun/

The third part saw us re-publish Abi Ticehurst‘s article looking back at the massive missed opportunity that this year’s Women’s Football Weekend turned out to be: https://impetusfootball.org/2021/11/19/womens-football-weekend-an-opportunity-missed/

Part Four was Ben Gilby‘s account of why a guy born and bred in South-West London has been a massive fan of The Matildas – Australia’s national team – since before 2010: https://impetusfootball.org/2021/07/16/we-are-matildas/

Yesterday, we re-shared Kris Goman‘s article on the social media abuse faced by the USWNT before and during the Olympic Games: https://impetusfootball.org/2021/08/04/uswnt-and-the-x-factor/

That Was Fun

Kieran Yap reviews Australia’s record run at the Olympics and sees huge positives in not only the team’s fortunes and future prospects, but in the way they brought fans together and connected with them (8/8/21).

Above: Sam Kerr celebrates her last gasp goal to take the Quarter-Final with Great Britain into Extra Time. Photo: Getty Images.

That was fun. The Matildas made it to a semi-final and were only denied a bronze medal by some suspect added time and the width of the post.

There are things to analyze about the tournament, the team, and the performances.

There are definitely areas that will need to be improved upon by the 2023 World Cup, but putting aside all of the “if-only’s” and “we should have’s” the Tokyo Olympics was a really good time to be a Matildas fan.

Not only was it the best tournament position reached by an Australian women’s team, it was watched by record numbers of viewers. More than one in 12 Australians watched them overcome Great Britain in an epic goal-fest. Millions again tuned in to see Sam Kerr become the greatest goal scorer in Matildas history.

The family-friendly time zones meant that people could watch together, unburned by a 2am alarm or the need to calculate how many hours sleep are needed to survive the next day at work.

Online communities formed, through official and community-formed channels.

Football Australia organized Zoom watch parties and The Matildas Active support held a Twitter Space at half times and pre-game Facebook session.

The Far Post podcast doubled their output to provide information that in an IOC controlled world is nearly impossible to come across and millions of locked-down Australians were given something to look forward to.

The wider Australian public became suddenly familiar with players like Ellie Carpenter that the football fans have been raving about to blank faces for years.

Onto the scene burst Mary Fowler a young striker long proclaimed as the next big thing but due to her short W-League stay and playing in the hardly broadcast French league, she always seemed slightly overhyped despite little evidence to suggest either way.

Above: Mary Fowler was outstanding at the Olympics. Photo: Getty Images

How good could she possibly be to be worth all the discussion and urge to cap-tie her to Australia? The answer was provided with two touches against Team GB.

First, that touch to control a dropping ball. A mix of instinct, special awareness, and skill allowed her to control it and turn in one touch to face goal.

Then came the finish, it deflected off Lucy Bronze to fly into the net but, here was a young player given a chance to change the game and taking it in spectacular fashion on the big stage.

“How good could she possibly be?” that question is now asked with excitement, not skepticism.

Then there was Sam. After a season of unrelenting pressure with Chelsea, the captain came into the Olympics with no goals in five games.

She insisted she was only focused on the Olympics, that fans needn’t worry, it was all a process that would come together.

Six goals in six games including a last-minute equalizer in the quarter-final have put an end to any doubts about her form.

Are Australia too reliant on Kerr? Perhaps, but her job is to score goals, that is her role in the side, in the same way it is Catley’s to send in crosses or for Hayley Raso to literally roll up her sleeves and terrorize the left flank of the opposition.

Did Australia play well every game? Mostly, did they ever look overawed or nervous? Never.

The players laughed in the tunnels before games, joked after singing the anthem, and posted social media videos of them screaming support for other Olympians.

Above: Togetherness was the key for the Matildas at the Olympic Games. Photo: Football Australia.

Tony Gustavsson, a new coach who has yet to set foot in Australia is measured and detailed when he talks to the media.

On match days he celebrated with the emotion of a lifelong fan, running high-fives and screaming into the sky after goals were scored.

They were having the time of their lives and millions of us were along for the ride.

In the end, the team fell short of a medal, they looked devastated but had done themselves and their country proud.

It did hurt to see how happy the Americans were at their medal presentation but that was fleeting and will be soon forgotten.

What will not be forgotten was that in these last few weeks The Matildas gave us reason to believe, a reason to call your friends in lockdown and just scream down the phone, and reason to be excited for the future.

What a tournament, what a team, what a football community.

That was seriously fun.

Artwork: Football Australia

Perth Glory Re-Sign Anton

Above: Liz Anton’s return is another hugely important piece of business completed by Perth Glory. Photo via Perth Glory.

Perth Glory have confirmed that defender New Zealand international Liz Anton, who won the club’s player of the year award last season, is returning to the club for the new W-League campaign.

The 22-year-old made a huge impact in what was her maiden W-League campaign last year, playing every minute of Glory’s 12 games and being rewarded for her outstanding performance levels with the club’s Most Glorious Player Award.

Having recently returned from Tokyo where she was a part of New Zealand’s Football Ferns squad, Anton is thrilled at the prospect of building upon the impressive start she has made to her Glory career.

“I’m so excited to be back at Perth for a second season,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to meeting some new faces and to getting back training with the girls in what will be a competitive environment.”

Head Coach Alex Epakis, meanwhile, believes that the Auckland-born centre-back will be a cornerstone of Glory’s defence once again this term.

“We are really happy to have Liz back this season,” he said.

Above: Liz Anton won Perth Glory’s player of the year award last season. Artwork: Perth Glory.

“She returns on the back of her Olympics experience and spending the majority of the off-season involved in national team training camps in New Zealand.

“Liz was a player who really stood out and played an important role throughout some of the difficulties of last season.

“It is easy forget she is still very young, but she plays with experience and conducts herself in such a fantastic way on and off the field and is a real benchmark athlete and person!

“I am fully aware of how focused she is to return and help the team and club bring our vision to life and I am excited to work closely with her to further assist her personal development.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Glory CEO Tony Pignata.

“Liz was one of the best defenders across the entire competition last season and a very worthy winner of our coveted MGP Award,” he said.

“She’ll be a key figure in what we are confident will be a highly-competitive team in 2021/22 and I’m sure our Members and fans are looking forward to seeing her star in purple once again.”

Adelaide United Re-Sign Another Four Key Players

Above: Adelaide United star Chelsie Dawber is one of four players that the club have re-signed. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.

Adelaide United have announced the re-signings of Isabel Hodgson, Chelsie Dawber, Ella Tonkin and Meleri Mullan for the upcoming W-League 2021/22 season.

Hodgson started all 12 matches while scoring two goals predominantly as a full-back last campaign.

The 25-year-old is entering her seventh season with the Reds where she has registered a total of 45 appearances and four goals.

Hodgson had spent the offseason in Sydney with Bankstown City Lions before returning last month to Adelaide City in the Women’s National Premier League (WNPL).

Speaking on recommitting with the Club, Hodgson, said: “I’m excited to be back again for another season.

“Last year was a lot of fun and I felt like I adapted well to playing in a more defensive role. 

“I believe we improved so much as a team and I’m eagerly anticipating seeing our group progress further.”

Above: Back for another year at Adelaide United – Isabel Hodgson. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.

Meanwhile, Dawber returns for her fifth campaign with the Reds after debuting in 2017 and experienced her most prolific season to date last term.

The 21-year-old scored five goals in eight matches to claim the W-League Golden Boot for the Club.

The striker has continued her scintillating form with Adelaide City during the SA WNPL campaign, scoring 15 goals in 11 games in all competitions so far.

After putting pen-to-paper on a new deal, Dawber, said: “Last season was my best so far in the W-League.

“I was able to regularly contribute to the team by scoring goals and I really want to build on that moving forward. 

“We came so close to reaching finals and, while it was disappointing to fall just short, I’m optimistic we can book a place this year if we play to our potential and build on our progress.”

Above: Meleri Mullan – back in Adelaide red. Photo supplied to Impetus By: Adelaide United.

After making her debut during the 2018/19 campaign, Meleri Mullan returned to the Reds last season and featured in 11 games.

The 21-year-old attacker spent the offseason with Bankstown City Lions in Sydney before returning last month to SA Women’s National Premier League (WNPL) outfit Salisbury Inter.

Speaking about re-signing with the Club, Mullan, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be re-signing with Adelaide United.

“While I was happy with my contributions in a record-breaking season for the Club last year, I want to push myself even further and do as much as I can for our group this upcoming season. 

“We have an amazing group of people who have contributed to the successful culture that has been established at the Club.

“After last season’s heart-breaking end, I know we have some unfinished business, which is something I know this group can achieve and is why I can’t wait for the season to begin”.

Above: A real potential star of the future in South Australia, Ella Tonkin returns to Adelaide United. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Adelaide United.

Meanwhile, Ella Tonkin is back with United for a third successive season and has previously made two substitute appearances for the Reds.

The 18-year-old defender has spent the offseason with Football SA NTC in the WNPL, scoring one goal in 10 appearances.

After signing her contract, Tonkin, said: “I’m really excited to be back and pushing for more first-team opportunities in what is a really competitive squad.

“Training every day at this level last year really helped improve my game, and if I continue to work hard, I’ll give myself the best chance of getting more minutes under my belt.

“I’m also hoping we can make the finals for the first time in our history too.”

Adelaide United’s W-League Head Coach, Adrian Stenta, said: “Isabel and Chelsie are two integral players in our squad.

“They both enjoyed really positive seasons last year and having them on board again is a huge boost for our Club.

“Chelsie was excellent and was able to carry her strong form in the WNPL into the W-League, while Isabel showed a lot of poise playing as a full-back.”

“Both Meleri and Ella have really progressed as players during their time with the Club.

“Both girls are still quite young and only at the beginning of their careers, but they’re on the right path to fulfilling their potentials and being successful. 

“Their additions certainly bolster the depth in the squad and I’m very happy to have them return.”

Impetus Announces Sponsorship of Leah Embley

To complete our nationwide group of eight sponsored players for 2021/22, Impetus is proud to announce we are sponsoring Brighouse Town winger Leah Embley. Impetus editor Ben Gilby spoke to Leah ahead of the new FA Women’s National League Northern Premier season.

Artwork supplied by Brighouse Town FC.

Leah began playing football from a young age, and has gone on to achieve big things in the game.

“I started when I was nine years old for a local team. I played locally from 9-16. I then played for Accross College and later signed for Burnley FC Women. Whilst at Burnley I won the Players’ Player of the Year Award, two league titles and National League Division One Player of the Year. I then went on to sign for Blackburn Rovers last season where I made my first appearance in the FA Women’s Championship and then signed for Brighouse Town in tier three for this coming season. I would describe myself as a quick winger who is hard working and committed and passionate about football.”

Above: Leah Embley with her FA Women’s National League Division One Player of the Year Award in 2019. Photo: Jon Buckle/The FA

Leah credits several people with helping her to become the player she is today: “I always used to play football with my brother when I was younger so I would say he has helped me a lot. I enjoyed my time at Burnley, the environment that was created there was amazing to be a part of and I learnt so much during my time there.”

Last season, Leah made the step up to the FA Women’s Championship with Blackburn Rovers, something she described as being: “A rollercoaster season. I enjoyed making my debut in the Championship and I learnt a lot about myself as a person and a player. I was very resilient whilst I was there and wouldn’t regret anything as I gave everything every week.”

Above: Leah in action for Blackburn Rovers against Sheffield United in the FA Women’s Championship last season. Photo supplied by: Leah Embley.

The coronavirus pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but Leah feels that the last sixteen months or so have included some positive developments in her footballing career.

“Personally, the pandemic has allowed me to improve my mind-set. I signed up to a footballer’s mind-set course during lockdown and completed it a few months ago.

This helped me massively and helped me become more confident as a person and also as a player. I also used it as a time to focus on setting some personal goals and used it as a time to work on myself fitness wise.”

Leah was recently unveiled by Brighouse Town as one of a raft of impressive signings ahead of their first campaign in Tier Three. She was very clear about how easy a decision it was to join them.

Above: Leah Embley pictured after signing for Brighouse Town ahead of their first season in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier. Photo supplied by: Brighouse Town FC.

“They’ve always seemed like a great club whenever I have played against them and once I’d spoken to manager Rob Mitchell and met the girls I knew it was a club that I wanted to commit to and be a part of. The girls and staff have been really welcoming and I am ready for the new season ahead. I think it will be a tough season as a new team in this league but there’s some quality players here and the coaches are brilliant too so it will be interesting to see how we can push on. I am very excited for this one.”

“I want to help the team in every way I can whether that’s with assists or goals. I always enjoy getting in amongst the goals but sometimes an assist can be just as crucial.”

We look forward to following Leah and Brighouse Town’s progress closely throughout the season.

Above: Leah Embley – Impetus‘ latest sponsored player. Photo supplied by: Leah Embley

For more information on all the other players that Impetus sponsor plus our Content Partnerships with grassroots clubs and our Charity Partner, Moriarty Foundation, click here.

The Swedish Scene

@DandalBs updates us on the week’s goings on in the Swedish domestic club game with lots of transfer activity.

Above: Amanda Nildén unveiled by Juventus Women this week after joining from Eskilstuna United. Photo: Juventus.

NEWS ROUND-UP:

Eskilstuna United midfielder Amanda Nildén will be joining fellow Swedes Linda Sembrandt and Lina Hurtig at Serie A champions Juventus. Eskilstuna have now lost three key players during the summer window. Eskilstuna scored 12 goals before the Damallsvenskan broke for the Olympics. The three players who have departed Eskilstuna have scored seven goals between them and provided a further seven assists. The transfer window is open until 11th August and the club needs to make signings urgently.

Hammarby winger Emilia Larsson, who has attracted interest from other clubs, has extended her contract for a further two years: “I chose to follow my heart”, she explained. Also extending her contract at the club is goalkeeper Britta Gynning signs for the rest of the season.

Caisa Collin, who has had limited playing time this season at Eskilstuna United, moves to AIK on a two and a half year contract. The 24 year-old forward has 21 caps for Finland.

Above: Matilda Nildén unveiled as an AIK player. Photo: Jesper Zerman/Bildbyrån 

AIK have also announced that talented 16 year-old forward Matilda Nildén has signed a two and a half year contract. Nildén joins from IF Brommapojkarna in the Elitettan and is the younger sister of Amanda Nildén who just signed for Juventus. The Nildén family have long standing links with AIK.

The last of the Solna based side’s three arrivals this week is 20 year-old midfielder Ebba Jahnfors from Kristianstad on a year and a half contract. Jahnfors hasn’t appeared in any competitive matches with Kristianstad this season.

Kristianstad, in a training camp outside Göteborg, played Norwegian UEFA Champions League competitors Vålerenga in a friendly. The match finished 2-2 after Kristianstad came from behind two twice. Amanda Edgren and Sveindis Jónsdóttir scored.

In slightly less positive news for the club, goalkeeper Melina Loeck has injured a hand in training and is expected to be out for “a few weeks”, which might include their UEFA Champions League qualification ties.

Linköping have announced that their 25 year-old Norwegian midfielder Synne Skinnes Hansen has left the club after a year and a half. As yet, her new destination is unknown.

Above: Amanda Rantanen, newly signed by KIF Örebro. Photo: Joope Erkkilä 

KIF Örebro have signed Finnish national team forward Amanda Rantanen from PK-35 in the Finnish league. The 23 year-old has signed a contracting lasting for a year and a half and comes in as a replacement for Karin Lundin.

DAMALLSVENSKAN:   

Table from: svenskfotboll.se

The Damallsvenskan is presently on a break for the Olympic Games and returns on 20th August with the set of fixtures below:

Round Thirteen Fixtures:

Växjö v Vittsjö

Hammarby v Eskilstuna United

AIK v Djurgården

Piteå v Linköping

Rosengård v KIF Örebro

Kristianstads v BK Häcken

ELITETTAN

The Elitettan returns from its short break this weekend. The fixtures are below.

Next matches: IF Brommapojkarna, IFK Norrköping, Bollstanäs SK v Jitex Mölndal, IFK Kalmar v Alingsås FC United, IK Uppsala v Älvsjö AIK FF, Mallbackens IF Sunne v Lidköpings FK, Sundsvalls DFF v Morön BK, Umeå IK v Borgeby FK.

Table from: svenskfotboll.se

Canada Get It Spot On

Sweden 1-1 Canada

Canada win 3-2 on Sudden Death Penalties.

Above: Canada’s players mob Julia Grosso after she scored the winning penalty in the sudden death shoot out. Photo: Reuters.

By Ben Gilby

Canada won their first ever major international women’s football competition with victory in an Olympic Gold medal match of quite staggering drama.

Sweden were the better team in the first half, but a half-time re-shuffle by the Canada’s head coach Bev Priestman changed the momentum until they finally clinched the win after an astonishing penalty shoot-out that went all the way to sudden death.

Both sides named unchanged starting line-ups from their semi-final wins and made just one change apiece on the bench. For Sweden, Anna Anvegård replaced Madelen Janogy with Jayde Riviere, who was suspended for the semi-final win over the USA, coming in for Gabrielle Carle.

Canada reached the final despite only registering nine shots on target in their five games leading into the Gold medal decider, but they did score five goals out of those nine efforts, which is a good return.

They also boasted, in Consett-born Bev Priestman, the first English person to coach an Olympic Games football finalist since George Raynor led Sweden’s men to Gold at the 1948 London Olympics with a 3-1 win against Yugoslavia at Wembley.

Canada fashioned the first opportunity with six minutes played as Nichelle Prince raced down the right to win a corner. Janine Beckie curled it in and Vanessa Gilles headed wide.

Sweden replied when the influential Sofia Jakobsson found Magda Eriksson who popped up on the left and fired a shot narrowly wide of the far post.

Fridolina Rolfö was well marshalled all night long by Allysha Chapman and it took her almost 20 minutes to show her dangerous ability when Stina Blackstenius played her in and she curled an effort which was held by Stephanie Labbé in the Canadian goal.

Labbé denied Sweden again just before the half hour mark when Rolfö’s cross was met by the head of Jakobsson but the Canadian keeper made a great one handed save.

Five minutes later, the Swedes went ahead when Quinn was caught in possession and the ball found its way to Kosovare Asllani who turned it across for Blackstenius to side foot home.

Above: Stina Blackstenius celebrates after putting Sweden ahead. Photo: Getty Images.

Once more at these Games, Sweden were able to score in the period in which they were in the ascendency. They were stretching the Canadian midfield and profiting wide, particularly on the right hand side. It remained 1-0 at the break.

At this point, Bev Priestman made two hugely important changes, with West Ham United’s Adriana Leon coming on for Manchester City’s Janine Beckie and Julia Grosso replacing Quinn.

Immediately Canada went on the offensive with Leon’s movement causing problems for the Scandinavians and linking up well with Prince. Grosso was solid and made Canada that bit tougher to break down.

Sweden weathered the initial storm, but just after the hour mark Canada were level. Rose’s cross was met by Christine Sinclair who got a touch before being fouled by Amanda Ilestedt just before the Swede made contact with the ball, and VAR ruled that it was a penalty.

Canada’s 23 year-old starlet Jessie Fleming stepped up, and just as she did in the semi-finals, smashed the ball home for 1-1.

Fleming came close to putting her country ahead when the Chelsea player hit an effort narrowly over the bar when she was found by Leon.

With fifteen minutes left, Peter Gerhardsson made a triple change which, once more changed the momentum of the game as the Swedes dominated the last ten minutes.

Rolfö hit an effort narrowly wide after a throw in was cut back to her and then Asllani combined with Lina Hurtig only to be denied by a sensational last ditch challenge from Desiree Scott.

Scott was working her magic at the back for Canada in this period, but it was Kadeisha Buchanan who made the most important block of all as she cleared Aslanni’s effort off of the line with just a minute of normal time remaining.

The final chance of the 90 minutes fell to Fleming who hit another long range effort over the bar.

Above: Penalty box aerial battles in the first half of the final. Photo: Getty Images.

Extra-time was anything but cagey as both sides created opportunities. Ashley Lawrence’s high, deep ball into the box caused chaos in the Swedish defence which eventually led to Grosso creating space for herself to shoot from the edge of the box, but Hedvig Lindahl gathered.

Nine minutes into the first period, Riviere lost possession and Hurtig broke through and found Blackstenius who shot wide of the right hand post.

Just before half time in extra time, Jonna Andersson, on as a sub came agonisingly close for Sweden as she unleashed a vicious drive from 25 yards which went narrowly over the bar.

Sweden had the upper hand in the final period of extra-time, but Canada’s well organised defence kept the Scandinavians at bay.

Lina Hurtig missed two golden opportunities with headers that went wide and there was a ten second pin ball effect across the area with Canada blocking shot after shot before making the final clearance. Not long afterwards the final whistle signalled that the Gold Medal would be decided by a penalty shoot-out.

Shoot outs are always dramatic, but there are shoot outs and then there was the shoot out to decide this match.

It see-sawed from the very start. Kosovare Asllani stepped up for Sweden and smashed her shot against the right hand post, with Jessie Fleming giving Canada the advantage by coolly dispatching her spot kick into the bottom left hand corner.

Above: Christine Sinclair (12) with Julie Grosso. Photo: Getty Images

Nathalie Björn got Sweden off the mark when her mid height effort went into the left hand side of the net. Then, up stepped Ashley Lawrence whose shot was the perfect height for Lindahl to save. 1-1.

Sub Olivia Schough put the Swedes ahead when her penalty found the left hand corner and this success was increased further when Vanessa Gilles’ effort hit the bar.

Anna Anvegård then missed for Sweden to give Canada momentary hope with her shot being the right height for Labbé to save, but Sweden remained ahead as Adriana Leon’s less than powerful shot was saved by Lindahl.

Then, up stepped Caroline Seger, who knew if she scored Sweden would take the Gold Medal. It seemed fitting for her to take what was potentially the winning kick, 16 years on from her national debut and having the status as Europe’s most capped player. Yet Seger’s effort went high over the bar and Canada were off the hook.

Deanne Rose knew she had to score to keep her country in the game and she succeeded by smashing her penalty into the top right corner.

So, we were into sudden death. First up was Jonna Andersson. The Chelsea defender hit a weak effort which Labbé easily held. For the first time in the shoot-out, the advantage was with Canada. Julia Grosso stepped up to seal the Gold Medal for the North Americans. What a rollercoaster ride.

Photo: Julia Grosso strikes the winning penalty in the sudden death shoot out. Photo: Tiziana Fabi/AFP/Getty Images.

The outcome of this final may be scant reward for Sweden’s outstanding tournament in which they dismantled the USA and carved a path through every other team to this decider. Yet on the day, they met an exceptionally well coached Canadian side who got their tactics and changes absolutely on the money throughout.

Canada worked their socks off and showed great skill to take the Gold Medal. There are enough talented youngsters in this team to suggest that the USA are not going to be the only North American country competing at the sharp end of major international tournaments in the coming years.

Teams: SWEDEN: Lindahl, Glas, Ilestedt, Björn, Eriksson, Angeldahl, Aslanni, Seger, Jakobsson, Blackstenius, Rolfö. Subs: Andersson (for Eriksson 75), Kullberg (for Ilestedt 120), Bennison (for Angeldahl 75), Anvegård (for Rolfö 105), Hurtig (for Jakobsson 75), Falk, Schough (for Blackstenius 105).

Scorers: Blackstenius 34.

Penalty Shoot-Out: Asllani (missed), Björn (scored), Schough (scored), Anvegård (missed), Seger (missed), Andersson (missed).

CANADA: Labbé, Chapman, Buchanan, Lawrence, Gilles, Quinn, Scott, Sinclair, Fleming, Prince, Beckie. Substitutes: Zadorsky (for Scott 120+1), Rose (for Prince 63), Grosso (for Quinn 46), Leon (for Beckie 46), Sheridan, Huitema (for Sinclair 86), Riviere (for Chapman 93).

Scorers: Fleming (pen) 67.

Penalty Shoot-Out: Fleming (scored), Lawrence (missed), Gilles (missed), Leon (missed), Rose (scored), Grosso (scored).

Referee: Anastasia Pustovoitova (Russia)

Photo: Shelina Zadorsky (4) consoles heartbrokes Swedish players after the sudden death penalty shoot out. Photo: Edgar Su/Reuters.

Irish Women’s National League Round-Up

Abi Ticehurst updates us with all the action from Round Sixteen in the FAI WNL and the results from the midweek Round Seventeen.

Above: Nadine Seward put in an impressive performance for Cork City despite no goals to show for it. Photo: Salem Photos.

Galway 1-2 Shelbourne

Keeva Keenan has certainly made an entrance having signed from Celtic Women at the beginning of July as she put Shels 1-0 up with nothing short of a screamer from 35 yards in the 35th minute. Galway weren’t to shy away from a chance however, as Lynsey McKey put the Gals in the mix. Jess Zui was back on the scoresheet for the away side however to clinch the win. A fairly measured run out for the title contenders who didn’t look like they were at full capacity despite the convincing performance. Plenty left in the tank for the side.

Cork City 0-5 Peamount United

Peamount United are defending champions for a reason and this was just the performance to showcase this talent. Dearbháile Beirne, recent first team breaker was on the scoresheet, Stephanie Roche netted two and who else but Sabhbh Doyle to score a brace also. Despite hard fought attempts by Cork, they just weren’t able to penetrate the Peas defence and were left with nothing on the scoresheet at the full time whistle.

Bohemians 0-1 Wexford Youths

An initial attempt from the penalty spot for Kylie Murphy was denied and the rebound goal called offside, but she redeemed things for the Youths as a defensive error from the Bohs saw her nip in front of the last defender to slot one home. Not much to be said for Sean Byrne’s side offensively, however they kept a tight line in the second half to deny Wexford any more goals.

DLR Waves 1-1 Athlone Town

Athlone will no doubt be elated to have nabbed a point against 4th place DLR as a Kellie Brennan penalty secured the draw against a well drilled Waves. Jetta Berrill put the home side ahead with a short range shot catching out the keeper, but they were unable to hold on to the lead as they looked a little like they’d sat back for the rest of the game.

In other news

Republic of Ireland WNT Manager Vera Pauw was in attendance at the Bohs and Wexford game and the DLR v Athlone match, no doubt keeping an eye on the Irish talent for international purposes.

Kylie Murphy was awarded the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League ‘Player of the Month’ Award for June and July 2021 after outstanding performances for Wexford Youths.

There will be a Dublin derby in the First Round of the 2021 FAI Women’s Senior Cup as Bohemians will host DLR Waves to be played on the week ending the 15th of August.

Midweek:

Above: Impetus sponsored Carla McManus competes against Peamount United in midweek. Photo: Facebook.

There was also a midweek round of action this time which saw the following results:

Shelbourne 3-2 Bohemians

Treaty United 1-2 Cork City

Peamount United 2-1 DLR Waves

Athlone Town 1-2 Galway


Table

PositionTeamPldPtsGD +/-GFW
1Peamount United1540+344513
2Shelbourne1540+314313
3Wexford Youths1536+294011
4DLR Waves1423+5197
5Galway1515-12224
6Cork City1610-19182
7Treaty United159-35212
8Bohemians148-14182
9Athlone Town158-19191

Sinclair Verses Seger: A Battle of Legends

Catherine Paquette previews tomorrow’s Olympic Games Gold Medal match between Sweden and Canada by examining it through the lens of each nation’s most experienced players before looking at each side’s biggest threats and summarising what they need to do in order to win.

Above: Canada celebrate their semi-final win over the USA. Will they be celebrating again tomorrow? Photo: Getty Images

The Olympics women’s football tournament has only ever had three different champions.  The US have won four golds in 1996, 2004, 2008 and 2012, Norway won one in 2000 and Germany won the latest one in 2016.  

This upcoming gold medal match will crown a new Olympic champion in either Canada or Sweden.  Both are previous medallists, albeit of another colour.  Canada are playing for their third consecutive medal, having won back-to-back bronzes in the previous two Olympics.  This is the second gold medal match in a row for the Swedes, having taken silver in Rio.  

Moreover, when the new Olympic champion is crowned on Friday in Tokyo, it will also mean that one of two football legends will finally have won a major tournament. 

Sweden’s captain Caroline Seger first played for her nation in 2005.  She has since made 220 appearances for her national team and become the most capped European player of all time, man or woman. The 36-year-old has participated in every World Cup and Olympics since first making her debut, and finished a high of third and second respectively in both competitions.  

Above: Canada’s Christine Sinclair (12) and Sweden’s Caroline Seger (15) battle against each other at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Photo: Graham Stuart/AFP/Getty Images.

Canada’s captain Christine Sinclair made her senior debut aged 16 in 2000.  The 38-year-old has been a mainstay of the Canadian squad for 21 years and has amassed 303 caps.  At 187 goals, she is the highest international goal scorer ever, man or woman.  The highest she has ever finished at the World Cup or Olympics is fourth and third respectively.  

Despite their ages, neither player has ended up on the fringes of their national team.  Seger was integral to the semi-final win against Australia. Sinclair scored the first goal of the tournament for Canada.  On top of their individual performances, it is their leadership skills that both nations will turn to this Friday when trying to finally obtain gold. 

Sweden will enter the match as favourites to win.  The team impressed in the group stage, winning every match in the “group of death”.  They did this through solid defending, good tactical play and brilliantly creative offence.   

Their smart tactical play is arguably what originally caught the attention of most viewers.  Sweden’s first game against the United States was won 3-0, in what was the Americans’ worst defeat in 14 years.   The Swedes were able to hit the US defence with numbers and speed and find a lot of space to finish attacks.  Their possessive play and pressure left the Americans looking disjointed and with few ideas of what to do with or without the ball.  On the other side of the pitch, the Swedish defence was good at cutting down attacks and minimizing American chances. 

Above: Sofia Jakobsson has been hugely influential for Sweden during the Olympics. Photo: Getty Images.

It is these three strengths that Sweden kept displaying throughout the tournament.  While they had no blow out games, they were consistent in their tactics, smart and lethal in their offence and solid in their defence.  They enter this gold medal match with 13 goals scored in the tournament, from seven different players, and only 3 goals conceded.

That is tied with Canada for the least amount of goals conceded for any of the semi-final teams. By far the Canadian strength this tournament has been their defence.  The ability of Canada to minimize chances on goal has been what has brought them to this final match.  

Offensively though, Canada has struggled.  They are able to clear the ball with smart clean defensive plays and then to progress forward in what can be very dangerous and effective transitions.  However when they get to the final third, especially the ability to penetrate the box, they have continuously struggled. In total they have nine accurate shots on goal this whole tournament. That is four shots less than the total amount of goals that Sweden have scored.  

The upcoming match can therefore be expected to be a competition between the Canadian defensive capabilities versus Sweden’s offensive powers.  Canada have lined up in a 4-3-1-2, with a diamond midfield, for nearly the entirety of the tournament.  One would expect that they keep this shape for the final game.  

Above: Vanessa Gilles – a big shift needed again. Photo: Daniela Porcelli.

The central pairing of Vanessa Gilles and Kadeisha Buchanan will have to continue to be as effective at working together and at providing smart clean defensive decisions alongside fullbacks Ashley Lawrence and Allysha Chapman.  The same goes for defensive midfielder Desiree Scott, who has been brilliant for Canada for years now in the number six position.  When the ball is cleared, it will be essential that the transition does not give it up, and properly builds into the Swedish half.  Alongside Scott, the two outside parts of the diamond midfield are Jessie Fleming and Quinn with Sinclair up top.  They are capable of quick transitions or slower build-ups to the forward pairing of Janine Beckie and Nichelle Prince.

Canada will most likely face a Swedish team that play in a 4-2-3-1 formation.  With their two double pivot sixes of Seger and Filippa Angeldal in front of centre-backs Nathalie Bjorn and Amanda Ilestedt, Sweden have proven dangerous in the transition and able to pass the ball through opposition lines to their attacking force. The midfield attacking trio of Fridolina Rolfö, Kosovare Asllani and Sofia Jakobsson have been deadly in their creative offensive play, capable of creating space to penetrate behind defences, and also in their individual ability to score.  Whether they are paired up with Stina Blackstenius or Lina Hurting as the lone striker position has not mattered much as both have been effective in converting chances to goals. 

Canada will have to properly track the Swedish attackers who can be fluid and interchangeable in their positions.  Both teams have shown they can mount attacks through the centre of midfield and off on their flanks.  The Canadian diamond midfield has made it difficult for teams to penetrate through the middle, especially due to Canada’s constant direct pressure on any player trying to progress centrally.  During Swedish attacks on the sides, the Canadian defence will have to ensure they do not allow themselves to be pulled too wide by the Swedish midfield trio, leaving space for the other opponents to penetrate the final line.  

Sweden will likewise have to watch out for this, especially on the Canadian right hand side with fullback Lawrence proving not only to be Canada’s best player this tournament, but a fullback that can venture deep into the opposition’s side and provide accurate service.  Canada’s attack tends to be direct.  However, if Lawrence can better create with Fleming and Beckie, as has been seen at times in this tournament but not consistently, this could be the best and most creative avenue of attack for Canada’s offence. 

Above: Fridolina Rolfö, who has had an outstanding Olympics. Photo: Getty Images.

Compressing the Canadian transition, as other teams have done, will restrict their ability in the final third and make it easier for Sweden to defend.  Being bolder in the box and completing the chances they get will be imperative for the Canadians in order to get gold, especially when facing a Swedish back line which has proved especially competent at aerial battles.

Whatever defensive shape, offensive capabilities, or final score on Friday though, it should be an exciting match.  While finals do tend to be more conservative, the Swedes will have the memory of the 2016 loss at the back of their mind while the Canadians will be fighting in their first gold medal match.  It should turn out to be an exciting game.

For fans of Christine Sinclair and Caroline Seger, there will be tears at the end.  Whether those are tears of joy or tears of pain will be dependent on whom you support.

Olympic Games Women’s Football Gold Medal Match: Kick-Off moved to 1:00pm BST/2:00pm CET/8am ET/9pm Local Time. In the UK, the game will be shown live on Eurosport Player. Check local listings for overseas viewers.

The #ImpetusFamily Previews The Olympic Final

Impetus presently sponsor seven players and have a further four content partner clubs at grassroots level. Here, for the first time, each of the players, clubs and our editorial team come together to each predict who will win the Gold medal and who they thought was the best player in Tokyo.

Above: Olympic Medals are up for grabs tomorrow. Photo: Olympic Games

Ashley Cheatley, Ashford Town, Middx (London & SE Regional Premier, Tier 5) – Sponsored by Impetus:

“I think Canada will win Gold because they’ve looked really good defensively. Despite them not being overly impressive from an attacking perspective, Jessie Fleming the Chelsea player, at the age of 23 has looked really strong and has 89 caps already which is incredible.”

Above: Jessie Fleming, Canada’s young starlet has impressed Impetus sponsored Ashley Cheatley. Photo: Getty Images.

Danny Clarke, International Surrey Women’s Football – Sponsored by Impetus:

“I think Canada will win gold because as back to back bronze medalists, they are consistent Olympic performers. They have already come through a number of hard-fought games, coming back against Team GB, beating Brazil on penalties and that all-important win against the USA as revenge for their 2012 loss.

“Without a doubt, a true veteran of women’s football, Christine Sinclar deserves that gold medal before she retires. The highest-scoring footballer ever and reaching 300 caps this Olympics is deserving of that medal she may never win otherwise and will carry a lot of the experience that Canada will need on Friday in one of the biggest games they’ve ever played.

“Sweden have been here before and lost, Canada have never reached the final before and will not want to waste their chance.”

Ted McCarter, Bure Valley Youth (Norfolk) – Impetus Partner Club:

“I think Sweden is going to win Olympic Gold. A long unbeaten run, huge tournament experience, an in form squad including the influential Fridolina Rolfö will make them hard to beat.Never write off the underdog but this is Sweden’s time to shine.”

Carla McManus, DLR Waves (FAI WNL – top flight) & Republic of Ireland U19 – Sponsored by Impetus:

“I think that Sweden are going to win because their attacking prowess is undeniably more of a threat than that of Canada – goals win games! Fridolina Rolfö who scored in their win over Australia in the semi-finals has had a great Olympics.”

Harriet Meers, Wroxham (Eastern Region Women’s Football League Premier, Tier 5) – Sponsored by Impetus:

“I think Sweden will take home gold because they have continued to impress throughout the Olympics so far. In particular, Magda Eriksson has been a solid player controlling the defence and I think she will look to maintain this against the Canadian attack.

“In the tournament overall, the player to impress me has to be Ellen White. Despite GB crashing out at the quarter finals it could be argued that Ellen carried GB through with a total of six goals. She is dynamic and executes her strikes excellently. The header she scored against Australia shows she always knows where the goal is. I firmly believe that if the rest of GB and their defence were stronger, we wouldn’t need to rely on Ellen White for the goals. Sweden for gold.”

Above: Fridolina Rolfö jumps for joy after scoring against Australia. She has impressed many of the Impetus team. Photo: Getty Images.

Hannah Roberts, Pride Park FC (Derbyshire Ladies League, Tier 7) – Impetus Partner Club:

“I think Sweden will win the gold because they’ve been so defensively sound in every game, and in Fridolina Rolfö and Stina Blackstenius they’ve got two strikers in top form! The Canadians won’t go down easy though, so I reckon it will be a close match.”

Smara Sparkes-Bond, Helston Athletic (South-West Regional Women’s Football League Division One West, Tier 6) – Sponsored by Impetus:

“I think Sweden will take the Gold because they have been consistent throughout the tournament and shocked everyone by beating the USA so early on. Sweden are solid across the park and look threatening going forward.”

“I think the player of the tournament has been Ellen White as she was a contributor to all of Team GB’s goals and always looked a threat when the ball was at her feet. Ellen, at times, has multiple defenders marking her due to her ability to score, but she still succeeded.”

Michael Taylor, Euxton Girls FC (Lancashire) – Impetus Partner Club:

“I think Sweden are going to win because they have just been consistently solid. Fridolina Rolfö has had a great Olympics, causing all sorts of problems for opposing defenders as she’s so quick playing down the wing. Additionally, when she drifts into the middle you just can’t get the ball off her as well. To that you can add the screamers she’s scored plus as a couple of assists thrown in. Definitely a shout for player of the tournament and one to keep an eye on.”

Lisa Topping, Chorley (FA Women’s National League Division One North, Tier 4) – Sponsored by Impetus:

“I think Canada will win the gold medal as they’ve put in some tough shifts and battled in physical games against tough opposition. In line with that, Christine Sinclair has had a great Olympics and been a fantastic leader to the team.”

Above: Great Britain’s Ellen White – deadly finishing at the highest level once more. Photo: Reuters.

Paige Walder, Saltdean United (London & SE Regional Premier, Tier 5) – Sponsored by Impetus:

“I think Sweden will win because they’ve had a great tournament. Beating the USA, who were arguably the favourites going into the competition, 3-0 in the opening game was a real statement! Ellen White really stood out for me as a player in the tournament purely because of her goal to game ratio.”

IMPETUS EDITORIAL TEAM:

Ben Gilby, Impetus Editor:

“I think it is going to be Sweden’s Gold medal. This is a team who are reaching the end of a journey together that has seen them achieve the silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics and third place in the World Cup in France three years later.

“They have been impressive from the start – solid defensively and able to covert territory and possession into goals when they most needed to throughout the competition.

“Canada’s achievement has been fantastic, but have found it hard to be clinical up front, and given the strength and organisation that the Swedes have at the back, it will be a major challenge for them to break through.

“In terms of great players this competition, the Barbra Banda story was wonderful, Vivianne Miedema’s ten goals in four games is staggering and massive credit to Jessie Fleming, but Fridolina Rolfö has caught the eye from start to finish.”

Above: Zambia’s Barbra Banda set the competition alight in the group stages. Photo: Getty Images

Kris Goman, Impetus Australian Correspondent:

I think Sweden will win the gold medal because they are the only team to have won every game so far. They are strong both attacking and in defence, have significant depth in the team and also haven’t had to play extra time so should be better rested.

Hedvig Lindahl has been outstanding. She’s only conceded three goals the whole tournament. She’s got solid defence in front of her but has come up big stopping shots all tournament. 

I backed Australia to win the Bronze medal match because of the belief they have. They haven’t been this deep in a major tournament before but have competed beyond expectations. Depth and fatigue are a worry but I expected adrenalin to get them through.

I think Hayley Raso has been outstanding – she never gives up. She had Lauren Hemp’s measure against Great Britain and I’ve never seen that before. She’s all over the field and personifies the never say die attitude. 

Above: Sweden’s goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl, who has impressed Impetus‘ Australian correspondent Kris Goman. Photo: Getty Images.

Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus French Editor:

I think Canada will win because they have a great defence and Kadeisha Buchanan has been so solid. Quite simply, she will not let any ball go in their goal.

Abi Ticehurst, Impetus Irish Women’s Football/FA Women’s National League Correspondent:

“Despite the fact they’ve made the final, Canada feels like the underdog in this final outing of the tournament and I love an underdog.

“In reality, they’ve got the legend that is Christine Sinclair leading the side and the decisive penalty from Jessie Fleming, against the USA, to secure them the spot is proof they’ve got the balance of experience and youth in the squad. As a Reading fan, I’m keeping a close eye on Deanne Rose’s performance for the Reds as she played smart in the semis, I’ll be keen to see more of that. One last thing, how can you not love Bev Priestman? She’s only been in the job nine months having previously been England assistant and now she’s lead the side to defeating the USA and a Gold medal chance.

“Overall, the squad has played some simple, no nonsense football and gone quietly and cohesively about their business. They showed just what’s wrong with the English defence so I’m hoping Sarina Wiegman has taken copious notes this tournament! And finally, if this isn’t reason enough for Canada to introduce a professional league, I don’t know what is!

“Despite Zambia being ranked 104th in the World and suffering an early exit to the proceedings, my ‘Player of the Tournament’ goes to Barbra Banda. The nation’s first ever Olympics and she opened proceedings for the side in fashion with a hat-trick against the Netherlands and if that wasn’t impressive enough, she can also lay claim to being the first woman to ever score two hat-tricks in one Olympics. She looked clinical in front of goal and whilst she currently plays in China, she’s still only 21 so I expect there’ll have been plenty of eyes on her from Europe and across the pond. A bright future ahead no doubt.” 

Kate Tigchelaar, Impetus Canadian Correspondent:

“I believe that Canada will win this gold medal match despite a majority of women’s football supporters and journalists believing it will be Sweden.

“While Sweden has had a terrific tournament, dispatching the likes of the US quite handily in a 3-0 win, there’s something about this Canadian team that feels special. They are more cohesive than they’ve ever been and when they play, you can really see that they are playing for each other.

“After beating the Americans, which was their first win against their neighbours to the south in over twenty years, belief will be at an all-time high for them that they can get Gold. 

Above: Vivianne Miedema celebrates after scoring one of her staggering tally of ten goals in four games. Photo: Getty Images.

“I also believe the possibility for penalty kicks will be high but have faith that keeper Stephanie Labbé is more than up for the task. She made some outstanding saves against Brazil when it went to a penalty shoot-out and is more than capable of doing it again.

“Labbé has been a standout player for the team this tournament, surprising then as not too long ago she was talking about retirement. The plan had initially been that once the Olympic Games were done she’d retire but then they were pushed back a year and those plans were put on hold. It would be hard to imagine where the team would be without her.

“Whatever happens, this Canada team can hold their heads high having accomplished their goal of changing the colour of the medal and medalling in back to back to back Olympics. A truly phenomenal feat for a country that has no professional women’s league or even a professional team. Hopefully with this team continuing to prove just how good they are, that is something that will change in the near future.”

Kieran Yap, Impetus Australian Correspondent:

“My head tells me that Sweden will win. They have been the best side for not only this tournament but are almost unmatched in the Euro 2022 qualifiers.

“They have too many weapons and can bring Hanna Bennison off the bench if their big guns are not firing.

“I think Fridolina Rolfö has been a standout player. She is incredibly skilled and creative with a deadly left foot.”

For Impetus‘ North American Correspondent Catherine Paquette’s in-depth preview of the Gold Medal match, click on this link: https://impetus885775742.wordpress.com/2021/08/05/sinclair-verses-seger-a-battle-of-legends/