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.”
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.”
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.
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.
@DandalBs updates us on the week’s goings on in the Swedish domestic club game with lots of transfer activity.
Above: Amanda Nildénunveiled by Juventus Women this week after joining from Eskilstuna United. Photo: Juventus.
NEWS ROUND-UP:
EskilstunaUnited 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 LeagueCorrespondent:
“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.”
The USA claimed the Bronze Medal with a stereotypical merciless punishment of Australian errors in a hugely entertaining game in Kashima.
This was the most USWNT like performance of the competition by Vlatko Andonovski’s team, but they were still seriously tested by a Matildas side who showed their trademark ‘Never Say Die’ spirit to come from 4-1 down to trail by a single goal going into stoppage time.
Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson named a starting line-up showing just one change from the semi-final loss to Sweden, reflecting Ellie Carpenter’s suspension after receiving a late red card. Clare Polkinghorne came in to start, with her own place on the bench from the semi-final taken by 19 year-old Western Sydney Wanderers defender Courtney Nevin.
For the US, Megan Rapinoe was recalled to the starting line-up against fellow American women’s football icon Carli Lloyd, and the consequences of that decision were clear for all to see as the game progressed.
The Matildas began on the front foot, and in the first minute, Kyah Simon found Emily Van Egmond who lifted a shot just over the bar.
Tameka Yallop continued from where she left off against Sweden with a hugely influential opening to the game.
America fashioned their opening opportunity when former Manchester United player Christen Press hit an effort which Teagan Micah did well to save.
Above: Megan Rapinoe pictured after putting the USA ahead straight from a corner kick. Photo: Getty Images
Just seconds later though, Micah was beaten. Megan Rapinoe stood over the ball for a corner on the left hand side and viciously curled it straight into the far right hand corner of the net. Australia were punished for not putting a defender on the back post.
There will be some who will claim that Lloyd may have slightly obstructed Micah as the ball came in, but regardless it was a phenomenal effort by a great player.
The USA consolidated their lead by continuing to press. The Matildas were missing the outlet provided by Carpenter’s pace on the right but also her presence defensively.
Yet, regardless, Australia were level within nine minutes of Rapinoe’s strike. Caitlin Foord came through the centre and played an intelligent ball outside to Sam Kerr who hit a first time shot across US keeper Adrianna Franch and into the far corner of the net.
In the process Kerr became The Matildas all-time leading goal scorer, overtaking Lisa De Vanna with 47 goals in 97 games. The Chelsea star is now only three goals from drawing level with Tim Cahill in the all-time Australian National Team goal scoring record chart.
Two minutes later the pair combined again with Kerr’s header saved by Franch.
The USWNT took advantage of this let off and went on to punish Australia for another defensive miscue. Alanna Kennedy could only slice her clearance of Press’ ball into the box into the path of Rapinoe who hit a spectacular first time volley into the net to restore America’s lead.
Above: Sam Kerr is denied by Adrianna Franch in the air. Photo: Getty Images
Australia rallied around the half-hour mark winning corners as a result of the hard work of Foord, Catley and Yallop, but they couldn’t quite manufacture an equaliser.
Ahead of the break, Micah was called into action once more as Yallop lost possession to Press. She in turn found Lloyd but the Australian keeper was equal to it.
There was an anxious moment three minutes before half-time when VAR was called in to check on a potential penalty for the USWNT. Kennedy swung at the ball and looked to make contact with Rapinoe marginally before the ball, but claims of a spot kick were swept away.
Yet, the USA still went into the break ahead after taking advantage of another miscue at the back by The Matildas. Simon lost possession and the ball came through to Lloyd who shot across Miach to put her country 3-1 ahead at the break.
Six minutes into the second period it was 4-1 and, again it was the result of disappointing defending. A long ball was played through and Kennedy, standing around 25 yards from goal headed back towards Micah, but failed to put enough power on the ball which allowed Lloyd to step in and pounce to score her second of the game.
Australian spirit was in evidence as they reduced the deficit to two goals just three minutes later as Simon’s ball over to Foord was nodded across Franch and in for 4-2.
Shortly afterwards things almost got even better for The Matildas when Simon found Raso on the right. The Everton star’s cross was met by the head of Kerr, but the ball agonisingly rebounded back off of the left hand post, rolled behind Franch and deflected off of the US keeper’s boot for a corner.
Above: Two goal Carli Lloyd celebratingafter putting the USA clear on the scoreboard. Photo: Getty Images
Press had two opportunities to end the game as a contest but on both occasions shot for goal when the better option was to lay off a pass to team mates who were in space.
Tony Gustavsson shuffled his pack, bringing on four substitutes in two spells with 17 minutes to go. It was the usual introduction of Mary Fowler, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Emily Gielnik plus the additional Olympics debut for Nevin. Two nineteen year-olds and an eighteen year-old emphasising just how bright the future is for The Matildas.
The substitutions necessitated a reshuffled formation for Australia with Nevin going in a centre-back, Yallop at right back and Catley on the left as Fowler would go to partner Kerr up front.
Once more the changes spurred a recovery for the Matildas. With a quarter of an hour left, Catley found Kerr who was expertly held off by Tierna Davidson at the expense of a corner. Once more Catley curled the set piece in and Kerr’s header was well saved by Franch who was under pressure from Van Egmond.
Fowler showed her immense skill with a wonderful turn and then inch perfect ball down the right for Gielnik.
Into the last ten minutes, Australia continued to push for a goal. Tobin Heath fouled Cooney-Cross on the left, just inside the American half. Catley’s high free kick was flicked on by Kerr and Yallop followed up with an effort off of the outside of her boot which was saved.
With 87 minutes on the clock, USA’s Rose Lavelle pulled a low ball across the box which her fellow sub Alex Morgan couldn’t quite reach.
Above: It was another impressive game for Steph Catley. Photo: Getty Images
Laura Brock was then introduced for her final Matildas appearance in place of Yallop.
As the game moved into stoppage time, Australia’s inability to know when they were beaten showed once more. The Americans lost possession and Foord released Gielnik who galloped through the midfield and unleashed a power driver from outside of the box which flew into the far corner to reduce the deficit at 4-3.
Into the sixth minute of stoppage time, Kennedy won a throw. Cooney-Cross’ ball in was punched by Franch for Fowler who went in for a shot which deflected off of Emily Sonnett. Rather than award a corner or a free kick for what appeared to be a foul on Catley by Kelley O’Hara in the build-up, referee Laura Fortunato blew the final whistle.
Whilst the USWNT will go home with the bronze medal despite only winning two of their six games in the Olympics (the success over the Netherlands in the Quarter-Finals came via penalties after a 2-2 score line after extra time), conversely Australia will leave the Games medal less but with huge pride.
They are at the beginning of a very exciting journey ahead of next year’s AFC Asian Women’s Cup, 2023’s World Cup (on home soil) and the following year’s Paris Olympics. This Matildas team are only going to get better.
Above: Emily Gielnik celebrates her late goal for The Matildas with Laura Brock, who played her final international for Australia. Photo: Getty Images.
The United States’ showing at this Olympic Games has been one of the hot discussion points, but Kris Goman has picked up on something else. A fractured fanbase leading to online hate directed at the team due to misconceptions over the way the players faced during the National Anthem and over the Black Lives Matter Movement could well be having an impact too(4/8/21).
Above: The reaction to the loss to Canada in the Olympic Semi-Final. Photo: Getty Images.
USWNT. Number one team in the world. Performing dismally at the Olympics. No one has ever backed up from a World Cup to take Olympic Gold, but something else is going on here. Out of five games they’ve had one clear win. Two losses and two draws, one of which they went on to win on penalty kicks. And this is coming off a 43 match unbeaten streak.
It’s mostly the same players from the World Cup, certainly the ones that are starting anyway. Julie Foudy, in her daily instagram videos, says the team lacks joy, has no chemistry or cohesion. Fans are screaming for Vlatko’s head.
Fans. The twelfth man. Let’s look at that. This team thrives on the support from their fans. Anyone who went to the World Cup knows what a difference it made. They were there in their tens of thousands being very vocal and some would say obnoxious. But the support was tangible and electric and the team was idolised. This support was their X-Factor.
Above: Some of the social media messages. Photo: Kris Goman via Twitter
X-Factor is defined as a variable in a given situation that could have the most significant impact on the outcome. Times have changed.Covid-19 has meant no fans so all teams are playing to virtually empty stadiums. FAWSL players are used to this. NWSL players, a little less so with limited fans allowed to most matches this season. So that’s one factor.
But there’s something bigger at play here. The USWNT are no longer the darlings of the USA. There’s been a massive change in support since the BLM movement started. It’s arguable that the USWNT have taken the biggest hit here in terms of teams publicly supporting BLM.
Megan Rapinoe was kneeling during the anthem way back in 2016 in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick to protest racial injustice. It ruffled a few feathers but was nothing compared to the commotion caused by Rapinoe saying she wasn’t going to the White House, prior to the World Cup. This got Trump supporters offside and it got international coverage. However, the vitriol was only directed at Rapinoe, despite Ali Krieger and Alex Morgan also saying they wouldn’t go to the White House. They went on to win the World Cup and the team was a popular as ever. Possibly more so as the success garnered them a new large international fan base.
Things chugged along quietly with only Rapinoe getting the hate, driven by Trump supporters mostly but tinged with homophobia. But it was mostly background and Rapinoe seemed well equipped to deal with it. The pandemic started, sport stopped, people had time on their hands.
Then George Floyd was murdered in May and the police violence protests kicked off under the BLM banner. The NWSL 2020 Challenge Cup started in late June and players started kneeling during the national anthem to support the BLM movement and protest police violence. And then things got interesting.
Some players kneeled. Some didn’t. Some teams kneeled. Some players kneeled once or twice and then stopped. Some didn’t sing. Some didn’t put their hands on their hearts. Every anthem was scrutinised to see who was doing what. Fan reaction was immediate and very divided.
Above: A divided fanbase. Photo: Kris Goman via Twitter.
Some saw it as anti American. Some saw the ones standing as patriots. Some said it was disrespectful to the military and veterans. Some saw the ones kneeling as virtue signalling, others saw them as heroes and social justice warriors. Attention was very much on USWNT members. The fan base was splitting and people were saying they’d never support the team again and would no longer watch. They did however stick around on social media to mention this at every opportunity.
As the year ended and friendlies were arranged and the USWNT got back into camps, it was clearly a hot topic of conversation. Becky Sauerbrunn is quoted as saying, “I think, as a team, it was the first time we’ve talked about racial injustice and attempted to have some open conversation about it. And I think our team struggled, we really struggled with it.”
Rapinoe has said, “I mean, I don’t need to spell it out. I think you all know what the conflicts are. But then, it’s like, we have a job to do. And we have to be able to coexist and have hard conversations, and maybe those conversations don’t go great and then you’ve got to go practice and show up for that person.”
Clearly this wasn’t a united team. The team was still able to go out and win, however the tides were turning on social media. Fans were split and leaving in droves. One could argue they weren’t the core fans but they certainly were vocal.
What really tipped the balance was the send off match against Mexico in early July 21. 98 Year old veteran, Pete DuPré, a long time fan, played the national anthem on a harmonica. During this, half of the team turned to face the flag. Half remained facing forward.
Above: A Tweet showing the different directions players faced during the national anthem ahead of the friendly with Mexico. Photo: Kris Goman via Twiiter
The right wing social media ecosystem swung into gear claiming they turned their back on the veteran during the anthem. Both Trump and a former acting director of national intelligence jumped on the bandwagon adding weight to the fake news. What’s clear is that those spreading this fake news had no idea what they were talking about as the players supposedly disrespecting the veteran are the very ones that hadn’t kneeled. But the damage was done and the twitterverse exploded. So much so, US Soccer Comms actually stepped in to try to clear up the misunderstanding. Photos of the flags at the end of the field were tweeted as well as videos of the players signing a ball for DuPré after the match. Unfortunately, Trump followers aren’t known for getting their facts straight and the USWNT became public enemy number one, immediately before the Olympics.
Above: The real reason the players were facing different directions for the national anthem. Photo: Kris Goman via Twitter.
Social media can be a horrible place and any post on any platform by the USWNT social media was met with hate. Every match the “fans” wanted the opposition to win and “Hope they lose” was some of the kinder responses. At times, these sorts of posts were about 80% of the replies. From so called patriots. The hypocrisy was breathtaking.
This had to take a toll on the team. There’s absolutely no doubt that it has affected their mental health and the cohesion of the team but it hasn’t really been mentioned. It’s quite likely the team has tried to stay off social media but they all would have seen it prior to the tournament starting. It was impossible to ignore.
Above: The fall out over misconceptions caused by the direction the USWNT players faced during the national anthem begins. Photo: Kris Goman via Twitter.
Claire Watkins has written an article for Just Women’s Sports yesterday entitled, “What went wrong for the USWNT at the Tokyo Olympics”. She lists many reasons and it’s worth reading but only touches on “divisions within the team about issues of social justice” and she later tweets that three players said the final camp in Houston “kinda sucked” and was “Very tense, very hot, very tiring”.
I think they’ve lost their X-Factor. The Matildas have found theirs and the Bronze medal is theirs for the taking.
Above: Social media tonight showing backing for Australia by people claiming to previously having been supporters of the USWNT – simply because of how they perceive the American team to be conducting themselves. Photo: Kris Goman via Twitter.
