Relentless Lyon March On

Olympique Lyonnais 5–1 ASJ Soyaux-Charente

by Ben Gilby     

Olympique Lyonnais won their eighth successive game in D1 Arkema this season with a relentless attacking performance that yielded a 5-1 victory over strugglers ASJ Soyaux-Charente at the Groupama Training Centre tonight.

Soyaux came into the game after a week of upheaval with both the club president and head coach leaving. A new temporary head coach, Laurent Mortel, was drafted in on Monday. Currently also the head coach of Haiti Women and previously coach of Montpellier Women, he will be looking to improve on the club’s opening run of only two wins from their opening eight league games.

Lyon’s first choice goalkeeper, Sarah Bouhaddi was absent for the game with Lola Gallardo taking her place between the sticks.

Olympique Lyonnais were in control from the start. The first shot in anger was fired after nine minutes when a trademark mazy run from Sakina Karchaoui up the left saw two defenders beaten and her ball found Nikita Parris. The England international’s ball was deflected back to Cascarino who found Sarah Bjork Gunnarsdottir, but the Icelander’s weak effort was pounced on by Romaine Munich in the Soyaux goal.

With the visitors, who had only scored four goals all season coming into the game, failing to get out of their own half, Lyon had to remain patient in attempting to find the right pass to break through the massed ranks of blue shirts. Cathy Couturier and Viviane Boudard were working particularly hard in trying to stem the flow of Ellie Carpenter and Delphine Cascarino down the right hand side.

In the end it took 21 minutes for OL to get on the scoresheet. Karchaoui combined with Amadine Henry on the left with the former receiving the ball back. Her cross into the six yard box beat the entire Soyaux defence leaving Dzsenifer Marozsan in acres of space to score with ease.

Four minutes later, Nikita Parris was brought down centrally on the edge of the area by Couturier. The resulting free-kick by Karchaoui curled round the wall and was pushed out for a corner by Munich. From the resulting set-piece, Karchaoui was tripped with her back to goal by Laura Bourgouin. Up stepped Wendie Renard to take the penalty, but her effort was saved by Munich, but unfortunately for the Soyaux keeper, it deflected straight into Renard’s path and she didn’t miss the second chance.

Just after the half hour mark, Eugenie Le Sommer won a free kick which Amadine Henry floated in. Soyaux’s Canadian defender Paige Culver’s attempted clearance turned into an air-shot, with the ball subsequently falling to Marozsan on the left, but the German international’s effort narrowly missed.

OL refused to take their foot off the pedal and a glorious move with ten minutes of the half left almost produced a third goal. Cascarino found Marozsan who in turn played in Carpenter. The Australian international’s pin point ball found Le Sommer, but Munich made a good save.

Two minutes before the break, the third goal arrived. Some outstanding pace and power allied with great footwork down the right by Cascarino saw her put in a perfect cross for Parris to head home.

Parris had another chance in first half stoppage time, but her header hit the side netting. It was one way traffic and the scary thing for Soyaux was that it was self-evident that if Lyon kept the pace and pressing at the same rate in the second period, the visitors could be on the receiving end of an absolute shellacking.

The second half started in a familiar fashion with the home side mounting continuous pressure. A free kick on fifty-two minutes by Dzsenifer Marozsan from the left found its way back to Saki Kumagai, on as sub, but the Japanese international blasted an effort over the bar.

A rare sortie forward by Soyaux saw Alice Benoit brought down by Wendie Renard on the right. Laura Bourgouin’s free-kick caused huge problems for Lola Gallardo in the Lyon goal as the ball curled in high. She couldn’t decide whether to catch it or palm the ball away. In the end she didn’t really do either and the ball bounced off of her fingers onto the bar and Rachel Avant headed it over the line for Soyaux’s first goal in four matches and only the second Lyon have conceded all season.

With sixty-two minutes on the clock, Dzenifer Marozsan played a perfect pass into the stride of Nikita Parris on the left hand side of the eighteen yard box. The England international took a touch and comfortably side-footed it into the net for her second and OL’s fourth.

With twenty minutes left, Dumont’s attempted rugby tackle on Sakina Karchaoui earned Lyon a free-kick on the left wing. Marozsan’s delivery was whipped in with pace towards the towering Wendie Renard, but her glancing header went just wide.

Three minutes later, substitute Cayman, on for Ellie Carpenter, found Eugenie Le Sommer. The cross found Parris, braced for the hat-trick, but her effort flew away from the target.

With just over ten minutes left, the home side’s dominance was rewarded with a fifth goal. Marozsan’s free kick was headed across goal by Renard for her fellow central defender Kadeisha Buchanan to nod home.

Romane Munich produced an outstanding save with four minutes left to deny Amadine Henry as OL pressed once more

ASJ Soyaux Charente’s efforts and sheer hard work was rewarded by Rachel Avant’s goal. Their season will come down to results in the games against the teams around them at the bottom rather than when they take on the big guns. For Olympique Lyonnais, this was, in the end a routine victory ahead of next Friday night’s mouth-watering showdown with Paris St.Germain.

Teams: OLYMPIQUE LYONNAIS: Gallardo, Carpenter, Buchanan, Renard, Karchaoui, Cascarino, Henry, Marozsan, Gunnarsdottir, Le Sommer, Parris. Substitutes: Talaslahti (GK), Cayman, Maoulida, Sombath, Kumagai, Malard, Taylor.

Scorers: Marozsan 21. Renard 27. Parris 43, 62. Buchanan 79.

ASJ SOYAUX-CHARENTE: Munich, Boudaud, Couturier, Culver, Dumont, Stapelfeldt, Benoit, Bourgouin, Tandia, Avant, Cazeau. Substitutes used: Roux, Austry, Surpris.

Scorers: Avant 55.

Tony Gustavsson – The Missing Piece in the Matildas Jigsaw?

In the second part of our occasional World Cup 2023 countdown feature on the state of the game in Australia, co-hosts of the tournament, Ben Gilby looks at the appointment of former USNWT assistant Tony Gustavsson as the head coach of the Australian national side.

Above: Tony Gustavsson following his unveiling as the Matildas’ new head coach. Photo: @TheMatildas

The Football Federation Australia recently announced Tony Gustavsson as the new head coach of the Matildas.

The appointment was a huge one in the context of Australia facing the Olympic Games, Asia Cup and hosting the Women’s World Cup between now and the end of 2023.

The Swede, who previously worked alongside both Jill Ellis and Pia Sundhage with the US National Women’s team (USNWT) with great success in two World Cups was appointed after a long search with coaches of the calibre of Emma Hayes, Joe Montemurro and Caroline Morace all strongly linked with the post.

Forty-seven year-old Gustavsson was born in Sundsvall, where he started his playing career in 1989 a sixteen year playing career ended with him taking charge of Degerfors IF men’s side in the second tier of the Swedish game. He then took over at top tier side Hammarby IF and led the Stockholm side into the UEFA Cup.

The new Matildas coach took his first coaching position in women’s football with Tyreso FF and immediately led them to the top flight championship. Two years later, under Gustavsson, Tyreso FF made the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final where they went down 4-3 to mighty Wolfsburg. His success with Tyreso attracted the attention of the USNWT which saw him help to shape a team that won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019.

After his appointment, Gustavsson told matildas.com.au what immediately attracted him to the job: “The Federation are showing that they are willing to invest in women’s football. We have the 2023 World Cup and a wonderful player pool. It’s a group that can get to the next level. There’s also the next generation coming through.”

“I am really proud and extremely excited. I’ve seen how much the team means to the country. I’m proud to lead your much loved Matildas. We have a big four years ahead of us and I’m excited for a journey with the team and an amazing group of fans. I can’t wait to get started.”

Above: Gustafsson at the start of his coaching career where he had success in his native Sweden before heading to the USA. Photo: Wikipedia.

The Swede outlined how he wanted to shape the Australian side: “I’m a very passionate person and passionate coach. We want to create a legacy that is bigger than winning. Every team can win when they play good, but you have to find a way of winning when you do not play good. I want to put this game management into the Matildas.”

Having coached both men’s and women’s football, Gustavsson identified how he saw the differences: “It’s not about whether you are working with a boy or girl, it’s about how you reach that person or group’s full potential. The players in the women’s side are more appreciative and professional. I have a slogan – do you want to get one day better or one day older and I feel the women always want to be one day better.”

He then turned to what he feels his new squad need to do in order to reach the top level of the sport: “The Matildas have this never say die attitude. There is always a fighting spirit in the team. As a coach that’s always the most important thing to have in a team, and that’s already there with the Matildas. There’s two things I’d like to add – first, the players need to believe how good they are and how good they can become and that comes important in those biggest games. The second is game management and tactics. Whatever the circumstances, we always have to find a way to win.”

“I call football the green field of chess. I started being overambitious with players and tactics. The question is what do the Matildas have and how can we take advantage of that and the chemistry and relationships. Titles are won and loss inside eighteens. The improvement inside the attacking and defensive eighteen.”

Over the past six months or so virtually the whole national side have left their clubs in Australia to play in Europe. For Gustavsson this is only an advantage – both for the established stars and for those playing in state and W-League football within Australia: “There are two advantages to us having so many players in Europe now. A lot of players get to experience training in a quality environment with other quality players. They get to be challenged in training and in games that are tough and there are lots of games. They get to be exposed to the European style and hopefully lots get to play Champions League football. The other advantage is having players playing in Australia – the next generation in Australia that will now get to play games regularly here to move up and challenge.”

In terms of where Australia stand in the international pecking order of women’s football, the Swede was hugely positive: “Is there a gap between us and the USA or top European national sides? If you look at the rosters and the potential in this team maybe there is not.”

Gustavsson ended by highlighting his immediate plans in his new position: “The first thing for me is to watch as many players as possible and get to know the staff. I need a team behind the team otherwise I am nothing. I then need to scout the player pool. I need 23 players in 2023. Depth in the roster is the key moving forward. A football journey is about creating new memories together with people. I love to work closely with players, staff, fans, stakeholders to create a legacy of winning. The journey means a lot to me.”

Tony Gustavsson’s words at the press conference were hugely impressive and mark him out as a great motivator of players who “gets” the unique esteem that The Matildas are held in – they are hugely loved and respected in a sport mad country. His appointment is potentially an inspired choice by the FFA for the biggest four years in Australian women’s football history. The time for action has come, as has the time for The Matildas to reach their undoubted potential.

Above: Tony Gustavsson will be hoping there’ll be plenty more for Sam Kerr and her team mates to celebrate in the coming three years. Photo: @TheMatildas

Miss the first part of our occasional series on the game in Australia as part of the 2023 World Cup countdown? Click here: https://impetus885775742.wordpress.com/2020/10/15/waltzing-with-the-matildas/ and: https://impetus885775742.wordpress.com/2020/10/22/waltzing-with-the-matildas-part-two/

England’s Brace Makes It Harder For Everton

Chelsea 4-0 Everton

by Ben Gilby

Chelsea won the battle of two unbeaten sides in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League at Kingsmeadow this afternoon.

More ominously for the rest of the FAWSL sides, towards the end of the game, Emma Hayes’ side began to find the form that their star-studded squad has promised for so long – but as yet had not quite delivered consistently.

Chelsea named Beth England in the starting line-up with Sam Kerr dropping to the bench. Eighteen year-old Emily Orman stepped up as substitute goalkeeper in place of Carly Telford with seventeen year-old forward Emily Murphy also on the bench. For Everton their two top scorers Valerie Gauvin and Lucy Graham were missing after picking up injuries in last Sunday’s FA Cup Final. They were replaced by Simone Magill and Claire Emslie.

The Toffees pressed high from the start, getting into Chelsea’s faces and trying to impose themselves on the game. In one such move, Ingle was dispossessed by Christiansen but the danger was cleared.

It was a breathless opening. Jonna Andersson’s balls into the box caused no end of problems to the Everton defence in this period. Her free kick on seven minutes led to Melanie Leupolz playing in a secondary ball towards Beth England, but Rikke Sevecke marshalled the reigning FAWSL Player of the Year out.

Shortly afterwards, the Swede lofted another cross in which was just out of Pernille Harder’s reach.

Everton came close just before the quarter hour mark when Ann-Katrin Berger’s clearance fell at the feet of Damaris Egurrola who lofted an attempt towards the empty net as Berger scrambled back to her goal, with the ball falling wide.

It was another goalkeeping error that provided the first goal of the afternoon. Everton custodian Sandy MacIver, the Merseysiders’ hero at Wembley last week, drove an attempted clearance in to England’s back with the ball falling to Ji on the edge of the box. The South Korean star volleyed her effort first time into the net.

After the goal, Chelsea tried to take the sting out of the game by going into a patient, passing game to maximise possession and wait for the optimal moment to launch an attack.

Above: Pernille Harder and Demaris Egurrola battle it out at Kingsmeadow this afternoon. Photo: @EvertonWomen

With 27 minutes on the clock, a foul on Leupolz outside to the box to the left of centre saw Mjelde drive a free kick into the wall, with the ball rebounding to Ji in a similar position to where she scored, but this time the power and accuracy was not quite there.

Ten minutes before the break, Everton created a great chance. Izzy Christiansen combined well with Claire Emslie. The Scot found Hayley Raso on the left and the Australian international played in a perfect cross for Christiansen who got between two defenders, but couldn’t get any power or direction in her attempt.

Chelsea’s response was instant and Cuthbert produced a beautiful ball in for England who headed over. Shortly afterwards, England had another chance when she was clean through with just MacIver to beat. The Lionesses star chose to take the ball on rather than shoot early and the Toffees keeper was able to force striker too wide to get an accurate shot in.

The home side’s promising build up play continued as Millie Bright combined with Ingle and Cuthbert. The Scot found Ji whose effort went over the bar.

In the final minutes of the half, Chelsea were comfortably in the ascendency. Mjelde forced Raso into conceding a corner. Andersson’s ball in once more caused huge problems as it found its way across to Harder who will be disappointed that her header went wide.

Everton created the first chance of the second half when Claire Emslie refused to give up by the bye-line and won a free kick from Magda Eriksson. Christiansen’s free kick found Raso but the home defence refused to allow the Toffees to get a shot away.

Pernille Harder gained a free-kick when referee Abigail Byrne adjudged somewhat harshly that Hayley Raso had fouled her. Christiansen cleared the danger for a throw.

Rikke Sevecke was forced off after an accidental collision of heads with Beth England just before the hour mark. It was England who came close again when she powered past two defenders on the left hand side and crashed in a shot that Sandy MacIver pushed out for a corner.

Jonna Andersson earned a corner after combining well with Erin Cuthbert. Millie Bright met the flag kick with an eye catching back heeled flick which went just wide.

Hayley Raso missed a great chance for the visitors when she was found by Ingrid Moe Wold’s cross but her effort was wide.

Cuthbert fired in a great early effort with eighteen minutes left which MacIver got down well to catch. Seconds later, the defending champions had better luck. Harder found Leupolz in the box who gloriously back heeled the ball into the path of England who finished beautifully.

Two minutes later, Cuthbert had another effort which MacIver dealt with brilliantly by pushing onto the bar. Beth England, back in razor sharp form, reacted the quickest to head home.

From the re-start it was nearly a hat-trick. Andersson played in yet another great cross but England’s diving header went just wide.

With nine minutes left, Berger gave the ball away again in an attempted clearance and the ball found its way to Molly Pike whose effort was cleared for a corner.

Above: Maren Mjelde and Hayley Raso in the race for the ball this afternoon. Photo: @EvertonWomen

Sam Kerr came on and created a chance for herself with a driving run along the left hand side before cutting in and getting a shot away which MacIver gathered.

Nicoline Sorensen earned a corner from Jess Carter. Izzy Christiansen’s flag kick was dealt with, but Moe Wold played the ball back in with the resulting header from Damaris Egurrola coming back off of the post.

There was one more moment of magic at the very end. Pernille Harder grabbed her first Chelsea strike with a sensational finish. The Dane received the ball in midfield, drove past two defenders and played a one-two with England before dispatching a glorious effort into the top corner.

After gaining an important victory against the most improved side in the FAWSL, Chelsea now face a fascinating clash with Arsenal at Boreham Wood next weekend.

Teams: CHELSEA: Berger, Mjelde, Bright, Eriksson, Ingle, Leupolz, Cuthbert, Ji, England, Harder. Substitutes: Orman (GK), Thorisdottir, Carter, J. Fleming, Kerr, Charles, Murphy.

Scorers: Ji 16. England 73, 75. Harder 90+7.

EVERTON: MacIver, Moe Wold, Sevecke, Finnigan, Turner, Christiansen, Egurrola, Emslie, Magill, Raso, Sorensen. Substitutes: Korpela (GK), Boye-Hlorkah, Stringer, Pike, Clemaron, Clinton, Pattinson.

Referee: Abigail Byrne.

Sky Blues Savage Brave Bristol City

Manchester City 8-1 Bristol City

by Ben Gilby

Manchester City gained a routine victory over a weakened Bristol City side in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League this afternoon.

Controversy reigned before kick-off with Bristol City releasing a statement revealing that they had requested a postponement after five of their first team players were following Covid-19 protocols and isolating as per Public Health England guidance. The statement revealed: “One player developed Covid like symptoms overnight and as a result of players living in a shared house, Charlie Wellings, Gemma Evans, Ella Mastrantonio, Abi Harrison and Meaghan Sargeant are now isolating. The FA has directed that the game should go ahead and Bristol City has accordingly drafted in players from the club’s academy.”

This news meant that a match that was already going to be a stern test for Tanya Oxtoby’s side, without a FAWSL win all season, with only one league goal scored and playing a Continental Cup tie at Crystal Palace less than forty-eight hours before this match, now appeared to take on insurmountable proportions.

However, for the vast majority of the half, not only were Bristol City well organised they were also full of effort and energy and it looked likely that the ‘Vixens’ would get their reward with a score line closer than many expected.

Manchester City dominated the early exchanges with fast tempo passing looking to find and then exploit gaps in the visitors defence. Crucially in this stage, the Vixens held firm.

It took six minutes for the ball to finally leave the Bristol City half of the pitch and their star striker Ebony Salmon’s hard work was rewarded with a throw-in near the 18 yard box. Jenna Purfield and Australian international Chloe Logarzo combined well to play a ball in, but the Sky Blues cleared the danger.

However the sustained pressure on the visitors finally told after nine minutes when Laura Coombes combined with Georgia Stanway on the left. Her cross led to a scrimmage in the six yard box which ended with the ball bouncing off Bristol City keeper Sophie Baggeley and into the net.

Above: Bristol City goalkeeper Sophie Baggeley makes one of her superb saves. Photo: @bristolcitywfc

To their eternal credit, Bristol City went straight up the field and were level within two minutes – although there was a large degree of fortune about it. Ebony Salmon stole the ball from City keeper Ellie Roebuck on the edge of the area and had all the time in the world to slot the ball into the empty net.

The visitors were, unsurprisingly, buoyed by this and kept their shape exceptionally well. Gareth Taylor’s side dominated possession, but were profligate in front of goal as Ellen White inexplicably missed the target after being played in brilliantly by Lucy Bronze. Two minutes later, USNWT star Sam Mewis badly miscued a header from Chloe Kelly’s cross.

Just as the side from the South-West looked to have done more than enough to take a 1-1 score line in to half-time, the hosts finally broke through. Laura Coombes strode into the box and rifled a confident finish past Baggeley with six minutes of the half left.

Two further goals in the following four minutes emphasised the gulf in the two sides’ team sheets. On forty-two minutes Keira Walsh fired past Baggeley’s despairing dive from the edge of the area.

Tanya Oxtoby’s charges immediately stormed up the pitch and earned a corner. The Sky Blues gained possession from the set-piece and mounted an instant counter attack. A great run from Lucy Bronze resulted in the former Olympique Lyonnais star hitting her side’s fourth off of the post.

The home side confirmed their dominance with a fifth goal within three minutes of the re-start. An inch perfect delivery from the right from Lucy Bronze was tapped home with easy by Georgia Stanway.

City kept pushing and continued to completely dominate all aspects of the game. Alex Greenwood combined with Jill Scott after fifty-nine minutes to play a ball in. Ellen White stuck out a foot and number six was the result.

A combination of Manchester City taking their foot off the gas and the visitors rallying superbly saw the floodgates momentarily close – with some outstanding goalkeeping from Sophie Baggeley who produced three wonderful saves also aiding her side.

First, Greenwood found substitute Janine Beckie who fired in a vicious effort which the Vixens’ custodian did well to repel. Just six minutes later, Greenwood was involved again and got away a great strike from the left hand side of the box and Baggeley got down brilliantly to save.

The Sky Blue’s patient, probing passing was resulting in total domination. It took until the thirty-first minute of the second half for Bristol City to get out of their own half and almost as soon as they did so, disaster struck as Chloe Logarzo lost possession to Ellen White. The Lionesses’ sharp shooter broke through and found Janine Beckie whose effort from the right made it seven.

With five minutes to go, White grabbed her second of the afternoon. A direct ball over the top saw her lose marker Jas Matthews and knock home City’s eighth at the near post.

The home side had two further opportunities to further increase their lead in stoppage time. First, Greenwood hit a screamer that came back off of the near post, and then Ellen White was denied her hat-trick after Baggeley made a top class save from the City star’s turn and instant shot.

This was a game that, realistically Manchester City were always going to win. The score line will not necessarily reflect a fantastic effort from Bristol City. The Vixens fans should be incredibly proud of their team – they quite literally gave it their all.

Teams: MANCHESTER CITY: Roebuck, Bronze, Houghton, Bonner, Greenwood, Walsh, Mewis, Coombs, Kelly, White, Stanway. Substitutes: Bardsley (GK), Scott, Beckie, Morgan, Park, Weir, Lavelle.

Scorers: Baggeley OG 9, Coombes 39, Walsh 42, Bronze 43, Stanway 48, White 59, 85, Beckie 81.

BRISTOL CITY: Baggeley, Matthews, Rafferty, Logarzo, Humphrey, Salmon, Daniels, Allen, Bissell, Purfield, Layzell. Substitutes: Haaland (GK), Collis, Cook, Wilson, Jones.

Scorer: Salmon 11.

Referee: Christiana Hattersley.

The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset provides us with a fascinating insight into what a typical matchday is like at Olympique Lyonnais – Europe’s top women’s club – and the incredible access that supporters of the team get to some of the world’s greatest players.

The last game played at Groupama OL Training Center before France’s covid restrictions were changed was on October 16, 2020 against EA Guingamp. At the moment all games will now be behind closed doors.

As usual, this involved the club’s supporters arriving about an hour in advance to meet our OL (Olympique Lyonnais) Ang’Elles friends around their stand of goodies – amongst them the OL Ang’Elles scarf to show our colours.

OL Ang’Elles fan group was been created in 2011 by Isabelle Bernard and was the first women’s football fan group in France. It counted almost 300 members last season. This group supports the OL players in Lyon and all over Europe in the UEFA Champions League with their uninterrupted songs during the game. They have OL Ang’Elles and Olympique Lyonnais flags and streamers but also all the flags from the country of the foreign OL team players.

Above: Matchday atmosphere at the Groupama Training Centre for a OL Feminin game. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset.

From time to time LYOU, the Olympique Lyonnais mascot join us to support our players. There is also another smaller fan club “Kop Fenottes” which supports OL Women team.

Most of home games take place at the Groupama OL Training Center. Only the big games, like the one against Paris St. Germain or UEFA Champions League semi-finals take place in the Groupama Stadium; the big stadium where more than 25 000 spectators gathered for the last OL Feminin – PSG game in 2019.

Let’s try to know a little bit more the team that these fans support, and which dominates French and European football. Olympique Lyonnais Women section was created in 2004 by the acquisition of the FC Lyon Women team (1970-2004). Their Nickname is “Les Fenottes”.

OL’s women’s team has a lot of records and their honours is very impressive:

7 UEFA Champion League (2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)

14 consecutive French Championship titles from 2007 to 2020

9 French Cups (2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020)

1 French Champions’ Trophy: 2019

4 other titles in different International Competitions

Elected 6 times Best Team in the World by International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS): 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

Above: Trophies won by OL Feminin during 2019/20 including French D1 and the UEFA Champions League. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset.

Main Current Staff consist of President: Jean-Michel Aulas, Manager: Olivier Blanc, Coach: Jean-Luc Vasseur, Assistant coach: Michel Sorin, Assistant coach: Camille Abily, Goalkeeper coach: Christophe Gardiè and Fitness Trainer: Romain Segui.

Before the game starts, teams are presented to the 1,500 spectators in the stands and everyone spells out loudly the name of the players when they appear on the big screen in one corner of the stadium.

Then the players arrive on the field for the team photo. During this Covid19 period it looks a little different. Here is the photo taken on October 16:

Above: OL Feminin line up for their last home game against EA Guingamp on 16th October. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset.

Jean-Luc Vasseur has a roster of 29 players to choose to make his team of the day. A list of players which includes stars such as Sarah Bouhaddi, Wendie Renard, Ellie Carpenter, Sakina Karchaoui, Amel Majri, Dzsenifer Marozsan, Eugenie Le Sommer, Ada Hegerberg, Nikita Parris and Delphine Cascarino.

OL fans know the players very well because, usually, OL Ang’Elles and other supporters can meet all the players during one open training session almost every week. I said usually because right now with the Covid19 restrictions, no training sessions are open to the public. The relationship between players and supporters are particularly good. During the training sessions, supporters are within one metre of the field and can admire their preferred players and take any photos they want. At the end of the training session, players come to meet the supporters, talk with them, sign photos and other items and take the usual selfies with the fans. OL Feminin players and fans are like a big family and it is great to live with them like that!

Above: OL Feminin players celebrate with their fans earlier this season. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset.

At the end of every game, players come to thank the supporters and especially the fan groups. The supporters then go home with a lot of memories of the game and our preferred players.

Latest news: OL Feminin won 5-0 away from home to third placed Montpellier last Saturday and are still unbeaten in D1 with seven consecutive wins.

Sutton United: Full of Talent and Ambition

Ben Gilby spoke to Sutton United Women founder Duncan Muller, who is also the club’s Head of Women’s and Girls Football and First Team manager about the London & South-East League Division One North side’s hugely successful history and their high hopes for the future.

Sutton United Women were formed in 2016 with links to the Epsom Eagles and Surrey Eagles teams as Duncan Muller explains: “My first involvement with women’s or girl’s football was in 2012 when a friend asked me to get involved with Epsom Eagles who were pretty much a park team. From here I got involved with the Sutton Little League and we then became Surrey Eagles – initially with one boys’ and one girls’ team and then two sides each. Playing on council pitches was tough; they were often in poor condition and was very expensive. It was also difficult competing with AFC Wimbledon for players.”

The breakthrough came when Muller approached some of the people involved with Sutton United FC’s men’s side, who play in the National League (tier five) and are famed for some glorious FA Cup wins over professional clubs such as Coventry City and Leeds United.

Above: Duncan Muller on the touchline at Gander Green Lane, home of Sutton United Women. Photo: Paul Loughlin.

“Sutton United didn’t have a women’s team at that stage. AFC Wimbledon Women played their home games there but they then moved out and we were able to start a Sutton side. We advertised for trials and had between sixty and seventy girls turn up. Sutton United did have an U11 girls’ team. Tony Henderson Smith is, for me the godfather of girl’s and women’s football at Sutton United. The assistance and enthusiasm he has is fantastic. There’s eleven girls’ and women’s sides at Sutton now from U9s to U16s and our two senior teams.”

Duncan explained how a professional looking set-up is at the heart of Sutton’s success, and the fully integrated relationship with Sutton United’s men is key. “We don’t have parents as managers or coaches in order to help our players develop at the right pace for them.”

“We have some funding from Sutton United and, as a result of that from the National League Trust (the fifth tier of the men’s game that Sutton play in). This allows our women’s first team to get the same stuff from the club that the men do. The only difference is wages.”

In addition the men’s club have, for the first time this season started selling replica shirts for the women’s team via their online store featuring their different sponsors and without the men’s team’s league branding (see: https://www.suttonunited.net/product-category/replica-kit/)

Above: Sutton United Women’s Tamara Graham gets in a shot. Photo: Paul Loughlin

Sutton United Women may only have been in existence since 2016, but it’s been a story of success ever since. The U’s have won their league every season from their first until the last campaign when the coronavirus pandemic caused a premature end to their London & South-East League Division One schedule.

“We’re now playing in the sixth tier of the women’s game,” Muller explains, “but our ultimate aim is the F.A. Women’s Super League. We have the facilities in terms of a 5,000 capacity stadium, we have a 3G surface which is allowed in women’s football. It is doable from an on-pitch perspective. Financially, it’s another matter with clubs having to pay £50,000 to buy in to that division. Local company Nordens (bathrooms, tiles, heating and plumbing, based in Epsom – https://www.nordenheating.co.uk/) back us financially, and we get funding from the men’s National League to fund the women’s team. Additionally, our disability team are one of the best in the country. Finances are the only thing that could stop us making the top level. The FA Women’s National League is a very realistic prospect for us in the near future – that’s our immediate aim. We have fantastic young talent due to our pathway from U9s to the first team which means we are approaching the stage when we don’t need trials for first team players.”

Like every other team in the country, Sutton United were caught unawares by the coronavirus outbreak. However, the club’s head of women’s and girl’s football believes it has not been without its positives: “Everything came to an end the day after we beat Crystal Palace in the Capital Cup Semi-Finals. We maintained contact with everyone through video calls. We raised money for the local hospital. Altogether we raised over £1,000 for local charities.”

He went on to describe how the club came together so strongly once a return to some form of activity was involved: “Our captain and vice-captain did so much to help boost morale. We carried out trials for younger players via video. When we were allowed to come back to training, it was especially hard for us because Gander Green Lane is a men’s National League stadium so we had to adhere to the restrictions that are on the stadium rather than for other teams at our level. It was the hardest time in my twenty-five years involved in the game. We could only have four players on the pitch training at any one time to start with. The players were brilliant in all that time and I have no doubt that we became tighter as a group because of it. We had over forty-five volunteers involved in this period. It was incredible.”

Above: Mika Keen gets in a cross for Sutton United against Victoire FC recently. Photo: Paul Loughlin.

I asked Duncan, Covid apart, what the biggest challenge that the club face at the moment is: “Finances really. Sutton United launched a ‘United We Stand 2020’ campaign with all funds raised going directly and solely towards the club’s playing and operating costs. Our players have all made donations. We talk to the board a lot. Things could be better, but we’re coping. Loss of revenue from the bar and function rooms have been a massive hit. We’ve also had to pay out for additional safety features around the ground during the period – such as an additional dugout in order to comply with social distancing for players etc.”

The relationship that the women’s team have with Sutton United men has also seen huge benefits via SUTV (Sutton United TV) which consists of media team volunteers, most of whom are students. “They have live streamed our matches and operate our electronic video scoreboard. Initially I was in two minds as to whether or not we should stream our matches, because it gives our opponents a chance to see how we are playing and what we are doing in a way that we won’t get a chance to do with them. However, promoting the team and spreading the word is more important,” Duncan explains.

It is this body of volunteers that are at the heart of Sutton United’s successes: “All our social media graphics are done by our captain Cindy Colliver who is a graphic designer. Our goalkeeper, Zoe McNulty is the club secretary. Fellow players Gabby Howell, along with Cindy are involved with our social media. Our U21 coach, Courtney Bartlett, who is also the Head of Women’s Development is very talented and is bringing some great players through. She never complains when I take them away into the first team. Even when they’re about to play an important cup tie for her! I am privileged to have a very good coaching team with the first team too – James Bradley, Dave Solly and Matt Weller. Matt beat off fifty applicants to become First Team Head Coach! Seb Brown and others also give up their own time to work with the team.”

Duncan alluded earlier to the player pathway from U9s to the first team. That is now bearing fruit in a really exciting way. Evie Nebbitt became the youngest player to captain Sutton United Women a few months ago.

“She first came to Sutton United at the age of eight or nine. She’s a local girl, living in Wallington and her sister was with us too,” Muller explains. “She then went off to Charlton Athletic to play and was offered a place in their U21 team. However, after a period of time travelling from Wallington to Charlton the journey time began to have a real impact. So, she came back to us and had a trial. It was like a light shining when I first saw her in that trial. She’s still raw and naïve, but you couldn’t meet a more hard working and polite person. She always thanks me at the end of every training session for what I do. Evie is one of the most determined youngsters that I’ve ever come up against. Long term, I dearly hope she stays with us. Sophie Barnes came to us from Tottenham Hotspur and she has so much promise. Darcy Wells is the jewel in our crown at the age of 21 and Olivia Watson has come through our U21 team to the first team squad this season. When these players are 22-23 years-old they will be incredible.”

With the new season in its early stages, I asked Duncan who he thought would be the teams to look out for in the London & South-East League Division One North this time round. “I think we have a great chance. We are renowned for being slow starters in the league though! I think New London Lionesses are also very strong. They have good players.” The two teams met in the final league game before lockdown last Sunday at the Lionesses’ home, with the outcome a 0-0 draw.

Sutton United may be relative new kids on the block still, but if organisation and professional approach is anything to do with it, they look well set to maintain their superb success.

Above: Darcy Wells celebrates a goal for Sutton United against Victoire recently. Photo: Paul Loughin.

City Save The Best Until Last

Everton 1–3 Manchester City

by Ben Gilby

Manchester City won the Women’s FA Cup for the third time in four years after two goals deep into extra-time finally ended Everton’s hopes.

City dominated the opening exchanges of the fiftieth Women’s FA Cup Final in terms of possession but in that time never really bothered Sandy MacIver in the Toffees goal.

With eleven minutes on the clock, Ellen White combined with Sam Mewis, who in turn played in Chloe Kelly down the right. Everton’s Australian international Hayley Raso closed the City attacker down. The ongoing battle between Kelly and Raso was a fascinating battle whilst it lasted with both giving it everything.

It was Everton’s ability to rapidly get tight to City and close them down which quickly which frustrated much of the Sky Blues’ attacking movements in the first half.

With a quarter of an hour played, Everton created their first opportunity when Raso intercepted a poor cross field pass by Demi Stokes and got away before being brought down outside of the box by Lucy Bronze. The resulting free-kick eventually found its way to Demaris Egurrola whose effort went wide.

Sam Mewis’ influence on the final grew as the half went on. She combined well on twenty minutes with Chloe Kelly who she found on the right hand side of the box. Kelly cut inside and forced a good save from Sandy MacIver.

Valerie Gauvin had a good chance with ten minutes of the half left for the Toffees when she powered a header wide from Ingrid Moe Wold’s cross from the right.

Above: Hayley Raso (left) and Lucy Bronze battle it out at Wembley. Photo: @EvertonWomen

However, five minutes later another header from a corner had a far better outcome. City won a corner and Alex Greenwood’s devilish in-swinger was met by Mewis who was worryingly unmarked from an Everton perspective.

Gauvin broke through in stoppage time at the end of the first half but Steph Houghton slid in to clear the danger with the French star caught painfully by the follow through and had to leave the pitch ahead of the half-time whistle.

A heavily strapped Valerie Gauvin reappeared after the interval for Everton and had a key part to play in the second period.

Manchester City could have doubled their advantage on fifty-five minutes. Steph Houghton put in a through ball to Rose Lavelle. She found Caroline Weir who played a ball in which came off the back post to Chloe Kelly. Her powerful effort which stopped by Sandy MacIver who got up off of the turf from the original shot to make an absolutely outstanding save.

Another injury concern struck Everton when Hayley Raso was on the receiving end from Rose Lavelle. The Matilda was not quite the same after that and would leave the field with a quarter of an hour remaining.

The Toffees were buoyed by MacIver’s stunning save and earned an equaliser on the hour mark. Initially, Damaris’ header was brilliantly saved by Ellie Roebuck at the cost of a corner. Izzy Christiansen fired the resulting set piece right into the mix and Valerie Gauvin headed the ball home to level the scores.

Above: Valerie Gauvin celebrates Everton’s equaliser. Photo: @EvertonWomen

City responded well, but were not able to penetrate the Merseysiders’ backline.

Everton went agonisingly close on seventy-three minutes when Danielle Turner combined with Nicoline Sorensen down the left. The Dane’s cross found the head of Gauvin but it went just the wrong side of the post.

With ten minutes left, Caroline Weir combined well with Chloe Kelly. The former Evertonian played a square ball to Georgia Stanway, who was located centrally outside the box, but the effort went wide of MacIver’s goal.

Sorensen created more problems for City with five minutes left when her attempted ball in from the right had to be tipped over for a corner by Roebuck.

It was City who had the best of the closing stages. Jess Park, nineteen years-old played an impressive cameo after coming on as a substitute and her ball to Mewis with two minutes left resulted in the American firing over. Chloe Kelly also side footed an effort over from Lucy Bronze’s cross.

Deep into stoppage time, Demi Stokes pulled it back for Weir who hit her effort over the bar. Moments later, Mewis found Kelly who laid a ball off to Weir in front of goal again, but this time the Scot’s shot hit the bar and went over, and so the game went into extra time.

City remained on the front foot in the opening period of extra-time. A glorious cross field pass from Alex Greenwood found Park who laid it back to Sam Mewis, but MacIver dived on the effort.

Just before the end of the first half in extra-time, a fantastic tackle from Megan Finnigan denied Georgia Stanway. From the resulting corner, Steph Houghton was denied by another glorious save from MacIver.

Five minutes into the second period of extra time, the decisive moment occurred. Jess Park made a brilliant run down the right and was played in by Lucy Bronze. A fantastically weighted pass found Georgia Stanway perfectly and the 21 year-old slid the ball under MacIver.

Janine Beckie completed the scoring with the final kick of the match when Stanway laid the ball off to her and she hit the ball across MacIver to make the final score 3-1.

Manchester City’s ability to go up a gear in the closing stages and through extra-time was ultimately the difference. Everton’s efforts were magnificent and they confirmed their status as a team who can live with the best teams in the land.

Teams: EVERTON: MacIver, Moe Wold, Turner, Finnigan, Sevecke, Egurrola, Christiansen, Raso, Graham, Sorensen, Gauvin. Substitutes: Korpeka (GK), Boye-Hlorkah, Magill, Stringer, Pike, Clemaron, Clinton, Pattinson.

Goals: Gauvin 60.

MANCHESTER CITY: Roebuck, Bronze, Houghton, Greenwood, Stokes, Mewis, Walsh, Lavelle, Kelly, White, Weir. Substitutes: Bardsley (GK), Bonner, Coombs, Scott, Stanway, Beckie, Morgan, Park, Benameur (GK).

Scorers: Mewis 40, Stanway 111, Beckie 120.

Referee: Rebecca Welch

Lewes’ Hard Work Rewarded

Lewes 2–2 Liverpool

By Ben Gilby

An impressive display by a well-organised and determined Lewes side ensured that Liverpool lost further ground at the top of the FA Women’s Championship after a 2-2 draw at The Dripping Pan in breezy conditions.

A cagey first twenty minutes or so saw Lewes have the best of the play. The Sussex side were well organised and comfortable in defence and offered more of a threat offensively in this period.

They forced the opening corner after six minutes when Katie Rood caused problems down the left, but Leighanne Robe cleared comfortably at the near post. Three minutes later, Sophie O’Rourke was fouled on the left with Megan Mackey’s free-kick claimed by Rachael Laws. Shortly afterwards, a slip from Robe allowed Georgia Timms in for Lewes but she was forced wide by clever defending and the chance was gone.

It was just past the quarter hour mark before Liverpool created anything going forward. Rinsola Babajide, who became a growing influence on the game, was involved – first forcing Timms to concede a corner from a dangerous cross and then firing in a shot which was blocked by Sammy Quayle.

It was the 22 year-old Londoner that created the opening goal of the game after twenty-six minutes. Causing trouble again down the left, Babajide played a teasing ball into the danger zone of the six yard box and former AS Roma star Amalie Thestrup slid in along with Lewes defender Nicola Cousins with the ball rolling into the net. In the process, Tatiana Saunders required treatment with what appeared to be an injury to her ankle.

Lewes responded well to this adversity. First, Mackay played in another free kick towards her skipper Rhian Cleverley but the ball was cleared.

However, Simon Parker’s charges got the equaliser that their efforts deserved just two minutes before the break. New Zealand international Katie Rood broke through the middle and cut towards the right of the box before sliding an effort through ahead of Taylor Hinds that went under the diving Rachael Laws and into the net for her first goal in the Championship.

The visitors had an opportunity right on half-time, but Hinds’ fierce effort from the edge of the area was well saved by Tatiana Saunders in the Lewes goal.

The injury to Saunders in the process of Liverpool’s goal saw her replaced for the second half by Laura Hartley.

Above: Midfield action from Lewes v Liverpool in the FA Women’s Championship today. Photo: @LiverpoolFCW

Liverpool came out strongly and dominated much of the second half. After creating some early chances, Lewes held firm initially, but eventually the Merseysiders broke through.

Taylor Hinds had a shot blocked by Danielle Lane, but the ball found its way to Melissa Lawley. Her fine cross found Rinsola Babajide who controlled and then fired a volley superbly past the despairing dive of Laura Hartley.

Liverpool were now rampant and Lawley was denied by Hartley. Yet, to their huge credit, Lewes remained well organised and weathered the storm.

The Sussex side grew back into the game, and on seventy-two minutes, Megan Mackey forced a corner off of Taylor Hinds down the right. Her flag kick caused problems in the six yard box with both Danielle Lane and Ellie Hack in the mix with the substitute looking to be the one who forced the ball over the line for an equaliser than was just reward for hard work and a never-say-die spirit.

Two minutes later, Lewes were desperately unlucky not to take the lead when Emily Donovan found Georgia Timms, but the effort came crashing back off of the post with Rachael Laws beaten.

Liverpool turned the pressure on again in the final stages – and were certain they should have been awarded a penalty with thirteen minutes left as the ball looked to have come off of Sammy Quayle’s elbow in the box but after consulting with her assistant referee, Jane Simms turned the protests down.

The visitors had two further chances – a spectacular looking bicycle kick from Amalie Thestrup and a volley from Rachel Furness but both were over.

Lewes would be delighted for this point which was well earned. Durham and Leicester City would be equally delighted as both of them now have a real chance to pull away from the Reds at the top of the Championship.

Teams: LEWES: Saunders, Quayle, Cleverley, Cousins, O’Rourke, Lane, Noble, Mackey, Rood, Timms, Donovan. Substitutes: Hartley (GK), Hack, Jones, Jhamat, Boswell, Leek, Howells, Newman, Savva.

Scorers: Rood 43, Hack 72.

LIVERPOOL: Laws, Jane, Fahey, Robe, Hinds, Bailey, Roberts, Furness, Lawley, Babajide, Thestrup. Substitutes: Foster (GK), Hepps, Hodson, Moore, Hearns.

Scorers: Thestrup 26, Babajide 58

Referee: Jane Simms.

The View From France

In an exclusive piece, Jean-Pierre Thiesset brings us news of an interview given by goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi which lifts the lid on just how troubled the situation is within the French Women’s National side.

Sarah Bouhaddi, Olympique Lyonnais and French national team goalkeeper had some very blunt words to say about Corinne Diacre, national women’s coach during an interview on OL TV’s Barth Ruzza Talk Show.

First let’s recall who Sarah Bouhaddi is to understand why what she says is important:

Sarah was born on October 17, 1986 in Cannes, France. She has played in more than 400 club matches, including 280 games with Olympique Lyonnais since 2009. Additionally, she has played more than a hundred games with the French national side.

The list of honours won by Bouhaddi is very impressive: 11 French Championships (from 2010 to 2020), 7 UEFA Women’s Champion League titles, 8 French Cups (2012 to 2017 and 2019 & 2020), 1 Champions trophy – game between French Championship and Cup winners (2019). She was also elected Best World Goalkeeper by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and UEFA Best Goalkeeper in 2020.

Above: Sarah Bouhaddi, Olympique Lyonnais and France goalkeeper has had plenty to say about national coach Corinne Diacre. Photo: Jean-Pierre Thiesset.

Just a few days ago, Bouhaddi gave an interview to Barth Ruzza on Olympique Lyonnais’ own club television station. Here is an extract of the 30 minutes interview – this is a direct translation with nothing changed or added:

Barth Ruzza (BR): You decided to take a step back regarding France team, If you had a message to send, something to tell, or a question to ask to Corinne Diacre (the French women’s national head coach), what it would be?

Sarah Bouhaddi (SB): I have no message to send her, I think she is old enough and responsible enough today to know what she is doing, now the question is to know if she really wants to win a title with the France team; we are several Lyonnaise players and several players of high level, and included Paris players too, which want to do something great with the France team and I realize that we may not be all in the same project or the same speech and this is what saddens me today.

BR: Did you discuss with her in a frank manner?

SB: Yes, but our relations have never been very strong and very beautiful during the period before the World Cup. After the World Cup it is has been difficult for me and several of my team-mates, we have undergone several examinations very negative in the France team.

BR: What do you mean?

SB: There has been a bad result in the World Cup for us and they reproach us saying we wanted Corinne Diacre fired, although we never said that. After that, Corinne Diacre took against us – me and Amadine Henry, and after the World Cup we lived in a scenario very difficult during the training camps and it is for that reason that I took a step back from the national team at my age. I felt I was strong enough psychologically and ready to make a break with the France team because there is no relationship with the coach. I told her when I called her that as long as she has no confidence in me and that there was no relationship between her and me, there was no reason to continue to work together.

BR: Do, at times, you regret taking this decision?

SB: I do not regret because I lived very badly there (in the national camp)…I do not regret because today, winning a title with this coach seems impossible to me…a lot of other players think the same, but do not say it.

BR: So, for you it will not work, it is impossible?

SB: It will not work. I could say that the France team will not win the Euros with Corinne Diacre as a coach. Today, we are in a situation which is too negative. If Corinne Diacre evolves in the next two years, it is possible, but there is so much to change…
















 
















	


	





	

		
The View From France
	


	
	

		

We welcome new writer Jean-Pierre Thiesset who will provide us with regular news from all the goings on in French women’s football. He begins by giving us the lowdown on the French First Division and then tells us about the background to a frustrating game against Austria for the national side earlier this week.





The French Women’s Football First Division is called “D1 Arkema” (D1 for Division One and Arkema being the sponsor). There are twelve clubs in D1 – ASJ Soyaux Charente, Dijon FCO, EA Guingamp, FC Fleury, Girondins Bordeaux, GPSO ’92 Issy, Le Havre AC, Montpellier HSC, Olympique Lyonnais, Paris FC and Paris St. Germain.





Above: The location of France’s D1 sides.





The D1 is governed by the FFF (Fédération Française de Football – French Football Federation). The D1 is not a professional league but a few clubs are professional.





Olympique Lyonnais dominates the D1 and only Paris St. Germain can compete with them so far. In recent years, Bordeaux and Montpellier started to close on these two teams but are still a little bit behind.





Olympique Lyonnais and Paris St. Germain players make up the main backbone of the French national team even if more and more new players from the other teams are starting to be included in the French national team.





Foreign players are represented in the D1 Championships and among them several players from England with Olympique Lyonnais fielding stars like Nikita Parris and Jodie Taylor this year or Jessica Fishlock, Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood and Izzy Christiansen in previous years.





Meanwhile…





The French national team is still not qualified for the European Championship which will take place in England in 2022. Let’s go back a few days to try to understand why.





Group G Standings before Tuesday game against Austria were:





1st – France – 15 points in 5 games – Goal difference 28





2nd – Austria – 15 points in 5 games – Goal difference 21





Seeing this standing, we can easily understand that the Tuesday game was important for both teams. Normally, France (3rd team in the rankings) would be supposed to beat  Austria (22nd in the rankings) but with the tensions around French team right now between French coach Corinne Diare and a few Olympique Lyonnais players, surprises were possible.





Sarah Bouhaddi long time holder of the goalkeeping position without any doubt so far, decided not to go to join the team after problems between her and Diacre. Furthermore, Amandine Henry, the actual captain of the French team was not selected by Corinne Diacre. The explanation was that Henry needed to rest to retrieve all her potential.





However, without Bouhaddi, Henry and other main stars of the side such as Wendie Renard, Amel Majri and Marion Torrent, France still won 11-0 against the modest North Macedonia team with the following team: 










Four goals from Eugenie Le Sommer, two from Grace Geyoro, plus strikes from Valerie Gauvin, Elisa de Almeida, Kadidiatou Diani, Viviane Asseyi and Delphine Cascarino completed the rout.





Young players stepped up and shown that they could do the job. Eugénie Le Sommer’s four goals now sees her with a total of 86 goals with the French team.





For the big game against Austria, Wendie Renard and Marion Torrent were back in the team at the start of the game against Austria. Yet, strangely star players Delphine Cascarino, Amel Majri and Marie-Antoinette Katoto were not. The result was a 0–0 draw.





So, France have still not qualified for the European Championships and will have to win against Austria in France in November. Some people put the blame on Corinne Diacre the French Coach, arguing that her selection and the way she manages the team is the sole reason for the result against Austria this week.





Above: France’s Olympique Lyonnais star Delphine Cascarino in action against Austria earlier this week. Photo via: @delphsix





For me, I believe that nothing is black or white but grey, meaning that there is more than one reason for such problems, and based on what we saw during and since World Cup in France, I would say that our team and our players may not be as strong as some people say.





I hope that the future will prove me wrong and that we will win in 2022 in England.





Jean-Pierre’s biog details can be found on our page about all our writers here: https://impetus885775742.wordpress.com/about-our-contributors/