Impetus’ Kieran Yap reflects on Australia’s dramatic victory over Great Britain, and how the Tony Gustavsson era is beginning to show new opportunities and new hope.
Above: The Australian squad come together after yesterday’s match with Great Britain. Photo: Getty Images.
In previous tournaments the biggest issue with The Matildas has been flexibility and depth.
In 2019 an injury to Clare Polkinghorne required a mass reshuffle. Steph Catley had to be moved to center back to cover and Elise Kellond-Knight shifted from midfield to left back.
Emily van Egmond dropped deeper but had to take on more defensive duties (this part was weird because Aivi Luik was right there) and although they survived the group there was a feeling left of what could have been.
The 2021 Matildas look to have solved these problems for the time being. The new defensive setup switches between a back three and a back four depending on the state of play, but crucially it allows for the use of one recognized central defender.
It allows Polkinghorne or Kennedy to be rested when the need it and the hectic Olympic schedule has definitely required it. The defensive security that having Carpenter shifting more central on occasion means that van Egmond, although playing deep, is not required to be a midfield destroyer.
She still breaks up play, but she is a contributor rather than being entirely relied upon.
Above: The Australian team post match huddle after victory against Great Britain. Photo: Football Australia.
Catley and Carpenter can still get forward and it is slightly sad that they are not as free-wheeling as they were against New Zealand but Carpenter’s role in snuffing out the threat of Megan Rapinoe and then Lauren Hemp went a long way to this run to the semi finals.
Hemp was still dangerous but not decisively so, Carpenter was again sensational in a mostly defensive role.
In midfield, the depth has also improved. Kyra Cooney-Cross has gone from U20 player, to starring with two W-League sides to become a genuine option in a Matildas midfield. She looks right at home and has allowed Chloe Logarzo to take her time in finding fitness.
The resurgence of the previously underused Tameka Yallop has given Australia another box to box midfielder. She can impact the game in both aspects of the sport and has reduced the impact of a Kellond-Knight sized absence.
Up front, Gustavsson has trusted Mary Fowler, not to train with the team, not to gain experience, but to impact the game.
She was impressive against Denmark in a friendly, dangerous against the U.S.A and delivered when it mattered most against Team GB.
Is Australia too reliant on Sam Kerr? Perhaps but it works for now and if Fowler keeps improving this will not be a question asked much longer.
Australia have improved in the last three months, they have made a semi final of a major tournament and unearthed new possibilities with player and tactics.
They have a chance at a medal but they have also built a chance at lasting success.
Pictured above: Sam Kerr after scoring Australia’s last gasp equaliser towards the end of normal time. Photo: Getty Images.
The Matildas ran out victors in one of the most dramatic games you could imagine in Kashima.
It was a game that swung this way and that, with incredible comebacks, a missed penalty and two teams giving it everything.
Going into the match, there was talk about the potential defensive difficulties that the sides have experienced and there is no doubt that several of the goals in this encounter fell under the category of less than impressive defending.
Australia started strongly and looked to pass and move at every opportunity. They were looking to target the Team GB back line who had both Steph Houghton and Leah Williamson pushing up together from the back.
The first shot on target came after five minutes when Lauren Hemp was held back by Hayley Raso. Caroline Weir took and found Keira Walsh, but Teagan Micah grabbed the shot.
Great Britain had another opportunity seven minutes later when Hemp broke through and found Rachel Daly, but her effort was over.
Shortly afterwards, Demi Stokes and Hemp combined to play in Walsh whose shot came back off the post. Great Britain hit the woodwork once more on 23 minutes when Daly’s shot hit bar and post with the ball rebounding back to Hemp whose volley was brilliantly saved by Micah.
Australia’s backline saw Aivi Luik return in place of Clare Polkinghorne. Alanna Kennedy retained her spot with Ellie Carpenter at right back once more. Yet one clear difference in the back three set up was the fact that Carpenter was no longer bombing forward to offer her speed in attack as she is wont to do – a tactical change from Tony Gustavsson.
The Matildas became seen more often from an attacking perspective as the game passed the half hour mark with Kerr winning a corner from Stokes.
It was from a corner that the first goal went in, and it was a result defensive frailties rearing their head.
Above: Alanna Kennedy gets above the Team GB defence to head Australia in front. Photo: Getty Images.
Great Britain struggled to defend a high ball in and, despite the close attention of Demi Stokes and Leah Williamson, who failed to get off the ground, Kennedy rose to head Australia in front after 36 minutes.
Also of concern for the British in the opening half was the fact that White was on the periphery. They would need that to change to get back into the match.
After the break, Australia fashioned another opportunity when Carpenter’s throw found Kerr who shot over.
Gradually though as the game neared the hour mark, Great Britain, largely due to the increased influence of Hemp, became far more threatening.
The Norfolk born striker forced Micah into a save on 56 minutes and shortly afterwards she played a dangerous ball in towards White who beat Kennedy in the air and won a corner from Carpenter.
Above: Ellen White celebrates after another vital goal for Great Britain. Photo: Getty Images.
Great Britain managed to equalise and took advantage of a dangerous ball in from Hemp which was met by White, who got between Kennedy and Carpenter to head brilliantly into the far corner of the net.
Australia came perilously close to levelling the scores on the hour mark when Kerr’s cross was met by the head of Catley and deflected off of Houghton and onto the bar before GB cleared.
Shortly afterwards, Great Britain went ahead when a ball in saw Carpenter beaten in the air. Luik and Kennedy got in each other’s way in trying to clear and the ball fell to White who gleefully smashed her country ahead with 24 minutes left.
Raso was recognising the danger posed by Hemp and put in several important challenges including a magnificent one in the penalty area.
It was all Great Britain now and with ten minutes left, Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson made three changes with Mary Fowler replacing Simon, Emily Gielnik on for Luik and Kyra Cooney-Cross for Foord. This saw Catley drop back to defence.
The Matildas rallied at the death with Carpenter combining well with Kerr who played a lovely ball in for Gielnik but the Swedish based striker blazed wide with four minutes left.
Two minutes later, Chloe Logarzo was introduced for Raso ahead of the first piece of many examples of real drama in this clash.
Catley bent a pass in, Bronze got her head on it, but the ball went to Kerr in the box who chested it down and got a shot away at the second attempt which flew in and scores were level with just over a minute left.
With the game going into extra-time, Britain looked to take advantage of Australia’s more conservative approach at the start of the additional half hour. Walsh wasn’t closed down by the Matildas defence allowing her to get a powerful shot away which Micah did well to hold.
Within sixty seconds, Micah was called into action once more as Fran Kirby dinked a ball over the top for White who was denied by the Australian keeper.
Then came the big moment of the game with five minutes of the first period of extra time played. Nikita Parris went down in the box after a collision with Carpenter and referee Salima Mukansanga pointed to the spot. Up stepped Weir, but Micah read her like a book and saved well.
Just three minutes after the penalty miss, Great Britain slipped behind. A ball forward found teenage striker Fowler. The Cairns born starlet controlled it, turned and smashed a sensational effort which deflected off of Bronze, giving Ellie Roebuck no chance.
Another three minutes passed and Great Britain had their heads in their hands as, despite being three inches smaller, Kerr leapt above Houghton to head past Roebuck to put the Matildas 4-2 up, equalling the all-time Australian women’s goal scoring record in the process with 47.
Above: Sam Kerr’s two goals for Australia see her equal Lisa De Vanna’s tally at the top of the Matildas all time scoring chart. Photo: Getty Images.
But, the drama had still not finished. Five minutes from the end, a typically pin point cross from Kirby found White who, once more got between Australian defenders with ease to score and the deficit was just a single goal once more.
Despite Team GB’s best efforts, they could not break through the massed ranks of green and gold as Australia advanced to the semi-finals, their best ever run in the Olympics.
Speaking after the game, Australia’s captain Sam Kerr said: “I can’t explain how proud I am to be a part of this team and to lead this team out. Every day they surprise me.
“We’ve got kids out there, we’ve got Mary (Fowler) who is 18 and I’m just so proud of everyone.
“I haven’t seen some of these girls for two years and then we come out here and we play against teams who have been playing together for so long.
“We feel the love from home and we’re doing everything we can to make you proud. I hope you all felt it today, so let’s go the mighty Aussies.”
The Matildas are improving with every match they play. They are following Tony Gustavsson’s “One Day Better” mantra and are more organised than they have been for a long time. This plus their traditional Never Say Die spirit marks them out as potentially a very good team.
Whether they are good enough to beat Sweden in the semi-finals is another matter, but for now they will enjoy the way they won this match.
Canada have started this tournament solidly, but haven’t demonstrated the danger that they could possess with the talent they have within the squad.
With players such as Allysha Chapman, Christine Sinclair and Ashley Lawrence they should be causing more problems then they are. Sinclair, the Canadian captain, has 187 goals within her 301 appearances for country. Therefore, we should expect more goals to come and for her to be a player for the Brazilian defence to have to keep a close eye on.
In theory, Canada should be defensively strong, but they have conceded late goals in two of their three games. These late goals have cost Canada the wins and resulted in draws against Great Britain and Japan. Brazil have been offensively dictating with nine goals to date. However, it could be said they have looked a bit porous at the back against the Netherlands but is it any wonder with the form that squad are on!
Great Britain v Australia
Above: Ellen White – in fine goal scoring form for Great Britain. Photo: The Guardian.
Team GB finished top of Group E after a late equaliser against Canada and now face Australia, led by Chelsea striker Sam Kerr.
The first thing that can be said for Great Britain and Australia is the defensive issues that both teams seem to have. The cause of GB’s draw against Canada came from the defence switching off which could be costly if it occurs against the Matildas. It would be great to put this down to a one off mistake but this is something the Lionesses have been prone to over the last 12 months.
The Matildas’ new head coach, Tony Gustavsson, has switched the formation from five at the back to three which could be an effective tactic but currently remains a work in progress.
Despite a goalless draw against the USA, the Australian side played a well organised and professional game which impressed. If GB switch off once again the threat will come from the likes of Ellie Carpenter, Emily Gielnik and Kyah Simon, with teenager Mary Fowler also looking impressive against the USA offensively.
Great Britain have scored four goals after the group stages, three of which came from Ellen White and the last goal from Caroline Weir against Canada. For Team GB to make the semi-finals and have the chance of placing a medal position, they must stay switched on at the back and be more attack minded. Personally, I hope Ellen White has plenty more goals to come in this Olympic Games.
Sweden v Japan
Above: Sweden’s Stina Blackstenius – carrying club goal scoring form with BK Häcken into the Olympics with her country. Photo: Getty Images.
It could be argued that Japan are lucky to have made the last eight and therefore Sweden have the easiest quarter final draw.
Sweden have been on form and finished their group top after three wins. Contrastingly, Japan narrowly made the cut after a one goal win against Chile placing them third in Group E.
Sweden have a great mix of experienced players such as defender Magda Eriksson and promising young stars such as Hanna Bennison as well as a forward, Stina Blackstenius, in great form with three goals in the group stage.
Out of all of the teams that have reached the quarter finals, Japan have the lowest FIFA World Ranking. Ultimately, Japan could be described as a work in progress and their physicality is unlikely to match up to the Swedes.
The main player to watch from Japan is Mana Iwabuchi, recently signed by Arsenal, who scored in their opening game against Canada. Unfortunately for Japan, it is unlikely that Iwabuchi will be enough to carry the team to the semis against the on form Swedes.
Netherlands v USA
Above: Netherlands’ Vivianne Miedema – an incredible goal scoring return of eight in three matches at these Olympics. Photo: Getty Images.
The Netherlands have been goal scoring machines in their three group games processing to the quarter finals with 21 goals already under their belt.
Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema has carried through brilliant form to the Olympics and has scored eight goals in the group stages so she could be a player to watch alongside Lieke Martens.
However, they face 2012 Olympic gold medallists, current World champions and FIFA ranked number one side, USA. Despite coming to the tournament with an unbeaten 44 game run, so far the United States have not had their best Games and deservedly lost against Sweden in their opener.
The issues with the USA seem to sit with their defence. Rapinoe needs to find some more strength to hold off the Netherlands attack having been outmuscled off the ball one too many times.
Providing the Dutch play the way they have attacked the games so far, they should have no problem making the semi and facing the winner of Canada v Brazil to be in with a chance of taking home the gold medal.
Newcastle Jets‘ preparations for the next W-League season are underway with key names being secured for another campaign.
Pictured above: Gema Simon, centre, celebrates with her Newcastle Jets team-mates. Photo: Getty Images.
Newcastle Jets followed up the recent news of a new contract for highly respected head coach Ash Wilson by announcing yesterday that co-captains Gema Simon and Cassidy Davis have signed on for another season.
Simon has 138 W-League games to her name and scored 10 goals in her career making the left-back a stalwart of the Jets side and part of the club for 2008’s inaugural W-League season.
“I love playing for my hometown and representing the people of Newcastle,” Simon said.
“This will be my 13th season with the Jets and honestly there is nowhere else I’d rather play.
“I’m not sure how many more I’ll have left, so I’ll be savouring every moment and focusing on ensuring I am as prepared as possible to help the team succeed this upcoming season.”
With 11 Matildas caps under her belt, the 30-year-old was a key signing for W-League Coach Ash Wilson.
Above: Gema Simon and Cassidy Davis’ re-signing is hugely important for Newcastle Jets. Artwork: W-League
“To have Gem back on board for another season with the Jets is very pleasing,” Wilson said.
“She is our most capped W-League player and her leadership and experience has been invaluable to this team both on and off the pitch.
“The attributes she brings to both our attack and defence will also play a key role in the type of performances we want to produce.”
The retention of Cassidy Davis was also hugely important for the Jets. Debuting for the club in 2013, Davis has played 97 games across eight seasons and holds the record for consecutive W-League appearances.
The 26-year-old local product said it was important to her on a personal note, to remain a one-team player.
“I’m delighted to stay on with my hometown club,” Davis said.
Above: Cassidy Davis (6) with her Jets team mates in the W-League last season. Photo: Ashley Feder/Getty Images
“I’ve played the past eight seasons with the Jets and I don’t think there is a better place or team for me.
“I’m looking forward to the upcoming campaign and to seeing what our W-League team can achieve.
“It’s a really exciting time to be at the Newcastle Jets and I just can’t wait to get started.”
W-League Coach Ash Wilson said, securing the co-captain of the team was a key move for the club to make as they begin to assemble the squad for the upcoming season.
“I’m very happy to be able to re-sign Cass Davis. Not only is she a leader both on and off the field as one of our co-captains, she’s someone that can be relied upon to work hard and put the team first,” Wilson said.
“It is something we as a club value and her proven durability and mentality in this competition will be important for us moving forward.”
Abi Ticehurst updates us with all the action from Round Fifteen of action in the FAI WNL asShelbourne and Peamount United remain separated by the slenderest of margins at the top.
Pictured above: Cork City goalkeeper Abby McCarthy reaches for the ball. Photo supplied to Impetus by Salem Photos.
Wexford Youths 4-1 Cork City
Leading by example, Kylie Murphy netted two goals for Wexford to set the pace in this game. Ellen Molloy was also in on the action as she struck one and soon after a strike from Sinead Taylor confirmed the fourth goal. Cork City weren’t happy to see a goalless trip from themselves and the consistent Eva Mangan was there to pull one back for Cork. City keeper Abby McCarthy put in an good performance despite suffering the after effects of her second Covid jab. Wexford continue their push for the title as they sit just one point behind Shelbourne and Peamount.
Athlone Town 1-2 Peamount United
Emily Corbet opened the scoring in this game for Athlone, a shock in itself given how strong Peamount’s campaign so far this season has been. Naoisha McAloon rushed out to save but Corbet was quick to clock the error and lobbed the Peamount shot-stopper. Alannah McEvoy put the visitors to rights after a sweet strike at Abbiegayle Royanne put the Peas level. Athlone fought a hard game for the full 90 which included a sending off for the away squad in the 84th minute as Tiegan Ruddy faced a straight red for a pull back on Kellie Brennan. Despite being down to 10, Áine O’Gorman finished things off for Peamount and clinched the three points as she chipped Royanne. Peamount sit level at the top of the table with Shelbourne, just one goal behind making the difference.
Above: There were plenty of goals for Shelbourne to celebrate against Treaty United. Photo: @shelsfc
Shelbourne 7-2 Treaty United
Treaty United were forced onto the backfoot by the title racers from the blow of the kick off whistle. Shels were two goals up inside four minutes with Emily Whelan and Saoirse Noonan netting. Noonan with a second long range effort and Jessie Stapleton converting from the free-kick (see video below). Keeva Keenan and Ciara Grant made it five and six before long. However, Treaty weren’t out of the fight, as Jenna Slattery caught Amanda Budden out to slot the ball past her just before half time. Mia Dodd made it seven for Shels and a consolatory second courtesy of Slattery again.
Shels extend their lead by just a single goal at the top of the table in the title race against Peamount.
The fixture between Bohemians and DLR Waves was called off.
In other news
Golden boot race
Eleanor Ryan-Doyle (Peamount United) sits comfortably at the top with 14 goals, whilst Áine O’Gorman (Peamount United) follows suit with 9 and Saoirse Noonan (Shelbourne) and Ellen Molloy (Wexford Youths) match up. Kyle Murphy (Wexford Youths) with eight.
Golden glove race
Above: Shelbourne’s Amanda Budden – leading the Golden Glove race so far. Photo: @amandabudd
In first place is Shelbourne’s keeper Amanda Budden, who leads the pack with eight clean sheets, whilst DLR Wave’s Eve Badana follows closely behind with six. Meanwhile Naoisha McAloon (Peamount United) and Ciamh Gray (Wexford Youths) are tied for third. Peamount are in the rather unique position of occupying the top five with a second keeper, Niamh Reid-Burke who has three clean sheets to her name.
Kieran Yap analyses Australia’s performance against the USA yesterday and sees signs of a positive future.
Pictured above: The Matildas team that took on the USA on Tuesday. Photo: Getty Images.
A lot gets said about playing football in keeping with The Matildas identity.
Fans are used to brave, attacking football. We have become accustomed to taking the game to the opposition and the team pushing until the last possible second to score or get a win.
Something else we have become accustomed to, honorable losses.
Playing the final 15 minutes in search of a draw against the U.S.A was hard to watch, but not for the same reasons the final minutes of a game can be.
There was little concern that Australia would concede a later goal from an error or stroke of ill timed misfortune. They played it safe, they played it slightly dull, they played it smart.
Winning friendlies is fun. The 5-3 loss last time these two teams met was brilliant viewing as Foord and Kerr staged a late comeback against a team on the verge of becoming World Champions.
But in the final group game of an Olympic tournament and with a quarter final spot on the line, excitement was the last thing that was needed.
Above: Momentum and professionalism is growing in the Matildas ranks as the Olympics tournament progresses. Photo: Football Australia.
Head coach Tony Gustavsson has spoken of the need for cool heads in “pressure cooker” situations. These high pressure scenarios are not exclusive to high octane rollercoasters like the Miracle of Montpellier.
A mature football team, a winning football team knows how to get the result needed in the easiest way possible.
Against Sweden, The Matildas showed that they could chase and re-take a lead. Against New Zealand they showed they can take the initiative and against the U.S.A they displayed a calm headed approach to progression.
It brought back memories of the 2018 Asian Cup, Japan was in a similar position with the ball after Australia had equalized and both teams had guaranteed World Cup qualification.
That experienced Japan side, did what Australia did. They knocked the ball about in the back half to run down the clock. With bigger fish to fry they risked no injury or unnecessary exertion.
Great Britain awaits Australia in the quarter-final. Who will win is impossible to predict as both sides look to be improving.
The Matildas have always done whatever they can to get a result. The U.S.A game showed that they know what to do.
Pictured above: Lushomo Mweemba(3) is sent off by referee Yoshimi Yamashita. Photo: Getty Images
This is a do-or-die match for Zambia who will go out of the tournament if they lose and Brazil are probably safe regardless of the result. It’s all on Zambia tonight.
As it turns out, Brazil won 1-0 in a rather unconvincing affair. It was a game marked more by injuries than any football brilliance. It was brutal with two players stretchered off and others being able to limp off under their own steam. This didn’t feel like the USA v Australia game where both teams were desperately trying not to score.
Rather, neither team could break the other’s defence despite the strong expectation of an easy Brazil victory. The only goal was from a free kick seconds after the replacement goalkeeper took the field with little warm up.
Zambia have been the surprise package of the tournament. They haven’t won a game but scored at least three goals in each of their previous two matches. Barbra Banda has emerged as the breakout star being a relative unknown playing professionally in China. In this match, although she made some good runs, she was unable to unleash the magic and score.
Zambia attacked early with Banda sending a cross through the box but it’s immediately cleared to the other end and Brazil get a free kick. The free kick is saved by the keeper, Hazel Nali, resplendent in a bright pink keeper’s kit with matching pink highlights on her hair.
Banda gets away down the centre of the field and although the defence catches her, she twists away to get a shot off that’s saved in a leap to the right. The Brazilian keeper, Barbara, has words for her defence. It feels like Banda can’t be stopped but that’s her only on-target shot of the night. Rachael Kundananji takes a shot from outside the box but the keeper picks it up with little effort.
It’s end to end and Brazil are straight back down into their box for another attack that amounts to nothing. Jucinara runs down the left and the cross to Marta is defended well.
Formiga sends ball over the top to Ludmilla but the keeper, Nali, is straight out and kicks it away taking out Ludmilla in the process. There’s a stop in play while they are both attended to by the trainers. VAR is examining the tackle by Lushomo Mweemba just outside the area immediately before Nali arrived so it won’t be a penalty but Mweemba gets a red card and is sent off in a pretty surprising move. She strolls off shrugging her shoulders in disbelief still.
The keeper is still down and the substitute custodian, Ngambo Musole, is warming up. The stretcher is out now and Nali’s going on it. Musole, the replacement keeper, comes on as Nali is stretchered off. There’s a tactical change to replace a forward with a defender and Vast Phiri is on as well with Avell Chitundu coming off.
Brazil get a free kick as a result. Andressa takes it and puts it over the wall and straight into the back of the net. 1-0 Brazil in a bizarre start to the match.
Above: Brazil celebrate Andressa’s (21) goal. Photo: Getty Images.
Brazil attack again and Beatriz looks to be offside but the flag stays down until a similar tackle happens at the top of the box to what happened before and then the flag goes up. You’ve got to wonder about the reasoning when that could just be avoided by flagging offside when it happens.
Banda follows a long ball up to the right of the box and gets a corner. There’s a big clash of heads during the corner between Beatriz and Rachael Kundananji for Zambia. The injuries are mounting up. Beatriz needs to go off. Kundananji is up but looks a bit groggy. Beatriz is off and bleeding from her head. The game continues with a goal kick. Giovana is going to come on to replace Beatriz and is warming up. Kundananji has been bandaged up and come back on for Zambia with a big white bandage around her head.
Possession is with Brazil for 69% and Zambia for 31% at 30 minutes in but half that time has been waiting for injuries.
Banda gets a free kick in the centre of the field, but Brazil are back in possession pretty quickly. Zambia seems to have one tactic, have almost everyone back in defence and kick it long to Banda. It’s reasonably effective but a bit predicable. Another long ball sees Banda and Barbara running towards it but Barbara is closer and quicker and clears it with a big kick as she’s well outside the box.
Brazil makes another foray into the box with Ludmilla passing to Giovana but Martha Tembo tackles her and hurts her own ankle. The ball is cleared but we’ve got another injury delay. She’s OK but limping a bit. And now a VAR check. They play on and it’s fine.
Marta gets a great ball on the right wing and sends t straight across the goal face bit Giovana can’t connect to convert.
We’ve played 45 minutes now and there’s 14 minutes of stoppage time. Is that a record?
Margaret Belemu has copped a smack to the face and is down. Play continues. It’s mostly with the Brazilians with the occasional run by Banda. Jucinara gets a free kick on the left of the box. Andressa is taking it. It’s headed by Rafaelle but it skims the crossbar.
Phiri gets a yellow for a challenge.
A Santos cross is kicked out for a Brazil corner. Marta takes it and it’s nearly an Olympico goal but the keeper gets a hand to it and pushes it out. The next corner from the other side is not well controlled by Formiga despite a nearly open goal. It’s a missed opportunity.
Above: Formiga, who missed a great opportunity to extend Brazil’s lead. Photo: Getty Images
Andressa takes a shot from the top of the box that hits the crossbar and bounces back into play. Santos’ cross finds Giovana but her header is saved. First half finally ends at 1-0 despite a few chances but given Zambia are down to ten, it’s a pretty lacklustre effort on behalf of Brazil.
In the second half, Formiga and Marta go off to be replaced by Julia and Duda.
Giovana goes down as she tries to save a ball going out and needs some quick medical attention but is ok. It starts raining heavily. A ball up the right sideline to Banda is cleared in a perfect sliding tackle by Rafaelle who is now the captain. Banda takes a ball right from half way down to the right side of the box before being tackled and Brazil getting the resulting throw in.
Kundananji passes to Banda on the right who brings the play into the box. There’s a bit of trickery and faking but she can’t get past the last defender and it’s cleared.
Brazil go on the attack led by Duda and eventually Ludmilla gets a good cross in but there’s no one in the box and it sails past goal harmlessly.
Poliana and Banda clash heads in a contested header. Poliana is down and looks like Benites is going to come on as she’s stretchered off too. This game is carnage. Geyse also on for Ludmilla Banda appears to be OK. In the free kick, Grace Chanda goes for goal and narrowly misses the top bins.
A free kick on the right by Andressa goes to the far post in a probable direct attempt at goal but it’s just over the crossbar. Brazil keeps pressing but can’t get through the lines. Banda gets up the left but her cross goes out.
Angelina fouls Banda by going in feet first and Banda gets a shin full of studs and some medical treatment. She’s limping but is going to be OK. They get a free kick towards the top of the box. Chanda takes it but it goes high over the top post.
Above: Duda goes down under pressure from Zambia’s Lubandji Ochumba. Photo: Getty Images
Brazil gets a free kick through a manhandling. Debinha, on as a sub, takes it and goes for goal. It’s deflected off the wall for a corner. Only the third of the match. Debinha takes that too and it’s into the huddle then over the goal line.
Benites displays some fancy footwork before a cross that goes high.
Six minutes of extra time as Zambia goes on the attack. The game still seems open as Brazil haven’t been the dominant team as expected. A shot by Debinha goes over.
Evarine Katongo is on for Kundananji with the bandage for Zambia.
A Brazil free kick taken by Angelina comes into the box but Geyse’s header goes wide of goal.
Banda takes a very long shot to try to lob the keeper, Barbara, in a last minute attempt but it’s too high.
Debinha takes the ball down the left as the full time whistle goes and Brazil win unconvincingly. But three points are three points and Zambia have played their last match and end up in third place in the group. They can hold their head high though and it was a great tournament for them despite their results. A great experience and certainly showcased a couple of stars.
Above: Zambia, and Barbra Banda (centre) will be remembered as one of the best things about the women’s football at the Olympics this year. Photo: Getty Images.
Brazil goes through in second place in the group with Netherlands at the top of the table on goal difference. Both China and Zambia from this group are out having both finished with a single point, Zambia ahead on goal difference. Brazil will play Canada and the Netherlands will play the USWNT as the knockout rounds start on Friday.
Pictured above: Japan, on the way to the Quarter-Finals. Photo: Getty Images.
Despite producing another pleasing performance, Chile were not able to step up to Japan level and lost 1-0.
Japan started the game with a lot of pressure and speed and had two shots on goal within the opening two minutes.
After this start, a little bit more equilibrium fell over the game as Chile had a freekick (5), a shot off target (7), and a corner kick.
However, Japan then re-set themselves and created opportunities. A shot from a corner by Honoka Hayashi was saved by Christiane Endler (12), who also denied Mana Iwabachi five minutes later with her left foot. There was now a flurry of chances for the host nation as Yuita Sagasawa and Hina Sagita (22) both had opportunities. Whilst the possession was almost even, 48% for Chile and 52% for Japan, after 25 minutes Japan had already 6 shots included 3 on goal while Chile had only 1 shot off target.
The remainder of the half was all Japan. Narumi Miura (33 and 34), Yui Hasegawa (36), Sagasawa (40) and Iwabachi (41) all had chances. During this period, we saw only one freekick for Chile at the 31st minute.
However, Chile resisted and preserved their goal to keep a draw at halftime. Overall, possession during first half was 59% for Japan.
Above: Chile’s Christiane Endler produced another good performance for the South Americans. Photo: Between the Sticks
The second half started as the first finished with a strong domination from Japan and Chile which continued to try to play but which was not able to bring the ball close enough to the Japan goal line to be dangerous. Japan continued to have a lot of shots and corner kicks without putting the ball in the Chile net. For the South Americans, Francisca Lara put a cross in, but Ayaka Yamashita claimed it at the sixty first minute.
From there, the ball went from one side to the other with a few opportunities for both teams until the sixty ninth minute where Chile almost scored on a counterattack when Yamara Aedo put a ball at the penalty kick spot with a spectacular returned bicycle over her head which was shot towards the goal by a header from Lara; the ball hit the crossbar and bounced back on goal line only an inch from with the Japan goalkeeper beaten. It was the first and the last true opportunity to score for Chile despite their willingness to play.
The rest of the game was totally dominated by Japan who increased the pressure further and was rewarded at the seventy seventh minutes after Lara lost the ball in her part of the field to the dangerous Iwabachi on the left. Her cross found Mina Tanaka near the penalty spot who shot on the right of Endler, who couldn’t do anything, to score the only goal of the game.
Endler kept the score to 1-0 by sending a shot from Emi Nakajima, which was on target, on to the crossbar at the 85th minute.
At the end of the game, Chile had four shots (none on goal), Japan 21 shots (8 on goal), and Japan 60% of possession.
Chile finished with 0 points but played some good football. We saw players that had very good skills and that could play in Europe.
Impetus’ North American Women’s Football expert Catherine Paquette brings us up to date with all the action from the latest two rounds of the NWSL.
It has been a busy two weeks in the National Women’s Soccer League, especially with regards to management.
Gotham FC manager Alyse LaHue was let go on July 9th by the organization. LaHue’s management was widely considered as a major reason for the team’s increase in standards and performance since her arrival in 2018. The team stated she was no longer employed after an investigation “into a complaint of violation of league policy.” LaHue’s attorney released a statement that she denied the allegations and had no further comment.
After the resignation of OL Reign head coach Farid Benstiti in early July, the OL Reign have appointed Laura Harvey as their new head coach. Harvey has extensive coaching experience in both England and the US, at both the domestic and national team level. This will be her second stint in charge of the Washington based club, having previously been head coach from 2013-2017. At present she is with the USWNT, as an assistant to Vlatko Antonovski, and will remain with the side until the end of their Olympic campaign. Sam Laity, who has been with the franchise since its inception, will continue to serve as interim manager until she returns.
Above: Marc Skinner who has departed Orlando Pride. Photo: Mane Land.
The Orlando Pride have also lost their head coach, after the abrupt resignation of Marc Skinner last week. Skinner is currently rumoured to be a contender for Manchester United’s vacant head coaching position. His assistant Carl Green managed the July 24 match against the Reign, with the Pride appointing Becky Burleigh as interim head coach on Sunday. Burleigh will remain in place until the search for a new head coach is completed.
Manchester United’s former head coach Casey Stoney has been named the head coach of new NWSL franchise San Diego. She, alongside newly appointed general manager Molly Downtain, will take the next few months to prepare San Diego’s team for their inaugural 2022 season.
Several players were traded and sent on loan. The OL Reign have announced the loans of Nicole Momiki to Linköpings FC until the end of the calendar year and Cosette Morché to GPSO 92 Issy FC until July 2022.
KC and the North Carolina Courage announced a huge trade involving four players last week. KC captain Amy Rodrigues was traded alongside $60,000 of allocation money to the Courage in exchange for Kristen Hamilton, Katelyn Rowland and Hailie Mace.
July 17-18
Four matches occurred over two weekends ago. Racing Louisville and KC were both given a bye week.
The first match of the weekend was between the North Carolina Courage and the Houston Dash. It ended 2-1 in the Dash’s favour, a huge win for them as they had never won at Carolina and had only one other recorded win against the Courage in their franchise history.
The opening goal was scored by Shea Groom, off a pass from a Veronica Latsko interception. It was also Groom’s hundredth NWSL regular season appearance. Carolina’s Kriston Hamilton equalized. However, the winning goal came from a Gabbie Seiler free kick, and it was one for the highlight reel.
Carolina's O'Sullivan fouled Shea Groom outside the box and received a card. The follow up fantastic free kick by @gabby_seiler goes into the net to give Houston the lead.
— Her Beautiful Game (@HerBeautifulGam) July 18, 2021
The first game on July 18th was between the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC. A controversial red card, which was later overturned on appeal, was given to Washington’s Sam Staab in the seventh minute. However, the 10-woman Spirit did not give up. Their rookie Trinity Rodman opened the scoring after receiving a great deep ball wide from captain Andi Sullivan. Gotham’s Naho Kawasumi and McCall Zerboni both then scored in the first half for Gotham to give NJNY the lead.
For the second week in a row Ashley Sanchez kept showing her skill, this time producing her own amazing free kick goal to give the Spirit the equalizer. However, Midge Purce would then score the winner for Gotham in the 76th minute. They won the match 3-2.
The Chicago Red Stars then faced the OL Reign. The match became one for the record books due to the most bizarre of situations. While Cecila Delgado Jimene opened the scoring for the OL Reign and Mal Pugh won the match for the Red Stars by supplying their third goal, the other two goals were own goals by the Reign for the Red Stars.
These two OG were the fourth and fifth consecutive OGs that the Red Stars have had this season, a record for any NWSL team ever. In fact, prior to Pugh’s winning goal the Red Stars had 10 goals for scored in the 2021 regular season, half of which were supplied by the opposition. The final score was 3-1 for the Red Stars.
The final match of the weekend was between the Portland Thorns and the Orlando Pride. This match was all Portland. While both teams are missing players to the Olympics, the gaps were much more heavily felt by the Pride. The Thorns outshot their opposition 20 to six. Were it not for the heroics of Pride keeper Ashlyn Harris, including another penalty save this match, the final score could have been worse.
The opening goal came courtesy of Sophia Smith, who is really getting a chance to shine during this Olympic period. After a fantastic run where she fended off four defenders, she took a cracker of a shot on goal from just outside the box to score.
Another great view of @sophsssmith's run and shot!
— Her Beautiful Game (@HerBeautifulGam) July 19, 2021
The second Portland goal was just as brilliant. Thorns taliswoman Meghan Klingenberg served the ball into the Orlando box in the 58th minute where it found the head of Marissa Everett. The Pride did get a conciliation goal in the fifth minute of added time, when a cross found Marisa Viggiano who smashed it in. The final score was 2-1 for the Thorns.
July 23-25
The first match of the weekend was between KC NWSL and the North Carolina Courage. It was an emotional match marred by a number of injuries as well as players missing due to the Olympics or COVID-19 protocols. Additionally, several recently traded players were making their debuts.
For KC it was a positive game, after having struggled this maiden year. They dominated possession and shots, this despite converting players in some positions and the addition of three players who had joined the squad the day prior. The Courage did not make the game easy for them, supplying a few shots on goal that nearly won the match. The game finished 0-0.
The first match on July 24th was between the Orlando Pride and the OL Reign. After a fantastic start to the season, the Pride lost their fourth match in their last five games. Both teams were being managed by interim coaches. While possession was nearly equal the more threatening team was the Reign with the Pride failing to produce a single shot on goal all night.
The Reign struck early in both halves. A steal in the final third by Tziarra King in the 10th minute of the match was cleanly passed to Jess Fishlock. She then turned and smoothly shot it home. King proved deadly again in the second half, being the one to cleanly finish a pass from Eugenie Le Sommer. The Reign won the match 2-0.
Above: Jess Fishlock – in fine form for OL Reign. Photo: Sounder At Heart.
The second match of the 24th was between the Houston Dash and the Portland Thorns. Smith proved deadly for the second week in a row, providing a goal in the first minute of the match to put the Thorns up 1-0. It turned out to be the only goal of the game and continued the Thorns’ unbeaten franchise run against the Houston Dash.
The first match of July 25th was between Gotham FC and the Chicago Red Stars. Gotham were the more dominant team, controlling possession. The first half saw opportunities on both sides. However, Gotham was able to capitalize on a short handed Red Stars, one player being off due to injury, with Allie Long getting their first goal in the added time of the opening half.
The second half saw an increase in pace and chances. A tackle by Bianca St George on Purce resulted in a penalty kick. Purce would convert it to put the NJNY team up by two. The Red Stars would score in the 95th minute, but it was too little too late. Sadly for the Red Stars it appears that Own Goal has departed them and joined the USWNT in Japan, having supplied two of the American’s goals in their match against the Football Ferns.
The last match of the weekend was between Racing Louisville FC and the Washington Spirit. Both teams had a relatively solid game, each producing a large number of shots on goal. However, costly mistakes lead to Louisville’s downfall.
Above: Racing Louisville’s Ebony Salmon – the Lioness and former Bristol City star continues to play well in the NWSL. Photo: Racing Louisville FC
A passing error by Racing led to Ashley Hatch, who scored a brace two weekends ago, opening the account with a goal in the fifth minute of play. Her teammate Sam Staab doubled Washington’s score in the 58th minute again off a Louisville mistake. The hosts had a number of chances themselves but were not able to convert. Washington won the match 2-0.
After two weeks, the table has changed significantly, however two things remain the same. KC NWSL remains at the bottom of the table and is still searching for their first franchise win. Meanwhile at the top of the table, with the Portland Thorns at the lead, only six points separate the first and the seventh position.
The National Women’s Soccer League is still wide open.
Pictured: Anna Anvagård celebrates her goal for Sweden. Photo: Getty Images.
The New Zealand team saw little change to their starting line-up from the last match against the United States.
The Kiwis had a very improbable chance of exiting the group stage, dependent on a winner in the Australia-USA match, other group results and needing a big win to make up goal difference.
With nothing to lose, coach Tom Sermanni kept his best players on the field. The back line and defensive midfields were the same. Olivia Chance dropped to the bench, replaced by Emma Rolston.
The Swedes for their part rested Stina Blackstenius, Hanna Glas, Hedvig Lindahl and Fridolina Rolfö. Lina Hurtig, Sofia Jacobsson, Caroline Seger and Kosovare Aslanni who were on the bench. This was to be expected. Knowing they were almost assured progression into the knock-out phase, rotation of players is arguably vital for long term performance in the Olympic tournament.
The formation for the Football Ferns remained 4-2-3-1. The Swedes for their part changed from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2.
Starting line-up forthe #Tokyo2020 women's football tournament between New Zealand and Sweden.
— Her Beautiful Game (@HerBeautifulGam) July 27, 2021
The first half started off with the Football Ferns attacking. However, this did not last long. While Sweden originally did not apply a lot of forward pressure on the Kiwis, their good defending prevented the Ferns from entering the final third in the first few minutes of the match.
Once Sweden got the ball though, the direction of attack changed. Building slowly out of the back, the Swedes focused on linking passes while keeping possession. Their first shot on goal came in the twelfth minute when Olivia Schough’s strike was blocked by the Kiwi defence. Schough struck again in the fifteenth minute only to have Fern goalkeeper Erin Nayler deny her this time.
The opening goal came a minute later. Schough kicked the ball into the box off a corner where Anna Anvagård headed it home. While the New Zealanders tried to continue attacking to equalize, it was the Swedes who struck again thirteen minutes later. This time it was Hanna Benninson who received the ball outside the eighteen yard box. She then crossed it in and found Madelen Janogy who headed it past Nayler. The Swedes were up 2-0 at the thirtieth minute.
This was going to be a difficult score line for the Football Ferns to come back from. They did try though. Five minutes after the second Swedish goal, a quick succession of three opportunities nearly resulted in a Kiwi goal. Rolston had shot on goal but it was stopped by Swedish goalkeeper Jennifer Falk. A rebound shot by Katie Bowen was also stopped. That rebound was picked up by Betsy Hassett who dribbled it and shot wide.
This was the Football Ferns’ best opportunity of the first half. The remainder of the time found the Kiwis largely trying to exit their own half. The Swedish goals motivated their squad who seemed to put more energy into pressing the Ferns and limiting their space and passing lanes.
Above: Olivia Schough celebrates with Emma Kulberg after a Swedish goal. Photo: Getty Images
The second half continued very much in that fashion. While the Swedish pressure was not persistent, their defence remained disciplined with only three other Kiwi shots making it through. The Swedes did try to push forwards and go for a third goal but without exerting too much energy needed in the next few days when the knock-out phase starts. The second half finished as it started, 2-0 for the Swedes.
The Swedish tactics for attacks in this match focused largely on possessing the ball, building up without mistakes, and being patient to create chances. They did not play with the same urgency and creativity in midfield as they had in previous matches, mainly because they did not have the same personnel, but also because they did not need to. They were almost assured to exit the group stage. Despite the rotation of players, ensuring that all on the roster remain fresh for what can be three more games was essential and therefore did not call for overexertion in this final group stage.
Overall the Swedish tactics against the Ferns were relatively straightforward. Like the other Kiwi opponents in the tournament, forward pressure was applied. When this occurred in Swedish attacks the pressure resulted in quick reactive clearances during defensive plays by the Kiwis, often to an opponent or to a space with no teammate present. This was quite similar to previous New Zealand matches.
Defense-wise the Kiwis also often had issues clearing the ball out as they committed a lot of players back. When the ball went forward there was no one to retrieve and keep it. The Ferns also often struggled under pressure to find passing lanes, something the Swedes also denied them through proper positioning. In this game it further reduced the ability of the Kiwis to exit their own half at times.
This is not to say that the Ferns could not build attacks. They were able to link passes well for some spells, but in the end were prone to making mistakes. This resulted in easy turnovers. They also often played too close to each other, making it easier to defend. Most frustrating, the Kiwis often were able to make it to the final third only to cross the ball into the box with no attacker being able to get it. Overall they often lacked the ability to do the simple things well.
Above: Anna Anvagård challenges New Zealand’s Katie Bowen. Photo: Getty Images.
They were arguably underprepared entering this tournament, having not played once since the pandemic bar a closed doors match a week before the Olympics started. That match occurred less than 48 hours after their full squad had finally reunited for the first time in 16 months. Compare this to their group stage opponents. The Australians had played five matches in 2021 and spent the last six weeks together. The Americans had played thirteen matches in the last six months and their final group stage opponents Sweden who had played eight matches in that time.
Hopefully, more preparation will occur in the upcoming years ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup which New Zealand will host alongside Australia. Despite having reached five World Cups and four Olympics, the Kiwis have only ever got beyond the group stage once. The Football Ferns have the players for greater success than they have reached, but going forward they need the time together to accomplish this.
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