Rachel Corsie bows out as Andreatta era begins with impressive Netherlands draw

Netherlands 1 – 1 Scotland

By Gethin Thurlow (03/06/2025)

Above: Scotland huddle post-match. Photo: ScotlandNT on X.

Scotland legend Rachel Corsie bowed out of international football as an unused substitute and Melissa Andreatta gave fans a glimpse of what is to come in an end-to-end clash against the Dutch. 

After a dominant start from the Netherlands, a Lee Gibson save fell to Danielle van der Donk who calmy picked out Jill Roord in the area to put the Dutch ahead. They continued to push for another goal and some last ditch defending was required from centre back Jenna Clark to keep Romee Leuchter from adding to the scoreline, who was a constant thorn in the Scottish side during the first half.

Having fought through this spell of Dutch pressure, an injury to striker Kathleen McGovern allowed Andreatta to pull out the tactics board and give a full-on team talk in view of the TV cameras.

Above: Melissa Andreatta. Photo: ScotlandNT on X.

Whatever she said was clearly effective; as almost straight afterward right back Emma Lawton broke away from a Netherlands corner and launched a cross from at least 30 yards out, McGovern somehow latched on the end of it, guiding it into the corner for a Scottish leveller.

This seemed to give Scotland some renewed confidence and they started to have more control from then on, with Dutch chances coming fewer and farther between. It was so encouraging after what had been a total collapse against Germany from 1-0 up at half time to 6-1 at full time to see Scotland be able to sustain that competitive level.

The half time introduction of Rachel McLauchlan was inspired, and the Scots only got better as the second half went on, implementing the high pressing that Andreatta had discussed in her first ever press conference for the job. Kirsty Maclean and Erin Cuthbert were aggressive in midfield and found themselves in good areas many times, starting to show a bit of a ‘spine’ that the Australian manager could build around.

Above: Erin Cuthbert for Scotland. Photo: ScotlandNT on X.

Arguably, given the last 30 minutes it would be Scotland that are most disappointed to only come away with a draw, as they had a number of touches clean through in the Dutch box, but the stiff reflexes of van Domselaar and some indecisiveness from Scotland kept the score 1-1.

The grit, fight, strength and leadership shown by all 16 Scots out there today was a fitting tribute to the icon that is Rachel Corsie. Consistently throughout her international career, this is what Corsie displayed and finding someone worthy to replace her and lead this team into a new era will not be an easy task.

Above: Rachel Corsie. Photo: PA Media.

This point may not have been crucial to the Nations League table. But it represents far more than that. It was the performance that will be remembered not the score. It was the day Melissa Andreatta showed she was for real; and that Scotland could compete with anyone again.

TEAMS: NETHERLANDS (4-3-3): van Domselaar (GK), Casparij, Dijkstra, Spitse (Captain), Brugts, Kaptein, Groenen, Roord, van de Donk, Roord, Leuchter. Substitutes: Kop (GK), Baijings, Egurrola (85’), Grant (69’), R Jansen, D Janssen (68’), Snoeijs (85’), Wilms (74’), De Jong, van Dongen, S van der Sanden, I van der Sanden.

Scorer: Roord (10’)

SCOTLAND (4-2-3-1): Gibson (GK), Lawton, Howard, J Clark, Muir, Maclean, Cuthbert, McAulay, Weir (Captein), Gregory, McGovern Substitutes: Cumings (GK) Maciver (GK), Cornet, Corsie, Davidson, Hay, Howat (56’), Thomas (56’), McLauchlan (46’), Newsham, Smith (46’), Watson (94’)

Scorer: McGovern (27’)

Referee: Silvia Gasperotti

Attendance: 8,180 (ITA).

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“The Sweetest Way to Win”: Sarah Rowe’s Perfect Run with the Mariners

By Isabelle Campbell 3/6/25

Above: Sarah Rowe (left) after the A-League Women Grand Final win. Photo: A-League/Central Coast Mariners

When Sarah Rowe signed with the Central Coast Mariners midway through the A-League Women’s 2024/25 season, it was with excitement, ambition, and a willingness to be pushed outside her comfort zone. What followed was something she could never have predicted: a journey that ended with silverware.

“I got asked the question today ‘what did you enjoy most?’ And honestly, the answer was all of it,” Rowe shared in an interview. “Every moment of Mariners, I enjoyed. It was just such a special time filled with so many special people. I feel like it was exactly what I needed.”

Her arrival came at a critical point in the season but despite limited recent football experience, Rowe quickly earned a place in the starting eleven.

“I think Emily [Husband] knew that I probably didn’t have the experience in soccer over the last couple of years. But she knew that I was an experienced athlete and had probably been in pressure situations in different sports, she also knew I was willing to do any hard yards or any hard work behind the scenes to get myself to a place where I was good enough to be a starter.”

“Two weeks in, she was like, ‘I’m going to start you.’ And I was kind of looking at her being like, are you sure? I don’t think I’m ready. But because she thought I was ready, I was like, well, I have to be ready.”

Rowe’s debut in the backline required quick adjustment, not just to a new team, but a new position entirely.

“I had never played right back. So I was going from having an attacking mindset to actually being dictated to by my player and having a defensive mindset.”

Behind the scenes, she and Husband committed to hours of tactical analysis.

“Emily was amazing. She did so much work with me behind the scenes. We looked at video tirelessly every week to just see where I could improve and how I could get myself to a position where I would start every week. I think she probably trusted the work that I was putting in to get there.”

But the physical side was no small hurdle, either.

“The girls had match sharpness way ahead of me. My body wasn’t even in the right shape to play soccer. I changed the way I train, there were elements of the game that I struggled with earlier

on, I was running past things versus being able to stop as effectively and quickly as you need for soccer.”

“AFLW had coached me to be a different way and I had to kind of unlearn those habits and relearn new ones that were essentially muscle memory in my head from having played soccer before.”

There’s no shortage of praise for Emily Husband in the media and the sentiment is just as strong among her players.

“I just think she’s incredible. I think she’s a tactical genius, which she would hate me saying because she’s so humble. Her values are exactly where they should be. She’s so sincere and she’s so loyal to her players and she makes us feel that all the time.”

“If there was ever a problem in my life, even my personal life, I could always lean on Emily no matter what. She was always there to listen, but she always expected the highest standards of us.”

“I probably haven’t met as well-rounded a coach before in my career. Just massive respect. Cannot speak highly enough about her.”

Never the team picked to win, the Mariners gained confidence with each match, heading into the final with quiet belief.

“Probably the last two weeks of the season, it was nothing but elation, from the Melbourne City game to the final. After that, it was just the highest of highs that you feel in sport.”

The grand final itself brought everything full circle. Against her former club, Melbourne Victory, Rowe played in front of a crowd filled with friends, family, and her Collingwood teammates.

“It was like the dream final set up for me, essentially across the road from Collingwood grounds, all my Collingwood teammates being there, my dad being there, playing my old club, Victory. It couldn’t have worked out better.”

“You wouldn’t ever want to win a game any other way than we did in penalties. It’s the sweetest way to win a game.”

Though just a short time at the club, the bond forged with the Mariners’ supporters was strong.

“I got to build relationships that will last forever. I got to know the fans, I got to know families in the crowd. I really felt a part of everything that was Mariners.”

“It reminded me of home back in Ireland. Sometimes you think in professional sport that sincerity can get lost, but it really has restored my faith in humanity and the way people are.”

Compared to her earlier stint in the A-League with Melbourne Victory, Rowe sees this chapter as one where she had the opportunity to settle in.

“I had more time at Mariners, which meant I got to build deeper relationships. At Victory, they put so much work into me when I hadn’t played soccer in eight years, I’ll never forget them for that. But this time I was a starting player, I played 21 games, and I really felt part of the club.”

Now, with the season complete and her AFLW preseason already well underway, Rowe isn’t ruling out what comes next.

“I would definitely be considering another season. What that looks like, I suppose, is kind of all up for debate at the moment. But it’s definitely not too far from my mind. I’m definitely going to be having conversations about it over the next couple of weeks.”

And when asked to sum up her entire experience as a Mariner?

“Honestly, just grateful. Grateful to have met the people that I did. Grateful to have been a part of the team that we were. And just grateful that we got what we deserved in the end.”

“So often in sport, you really don’t. You put in tireless days, day in, day out, for very little highs and a lot more lows. I think when you do achieve those highs, you appreciate them like no other.”

Medal in hand, Sarah Rowe capped off a season defined by hard work, growth, and a team that refused to be counted out.

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NPLW Vic Round 11: Karaparidis turns on style on Box Hill win

By Kieran Yap 4/6/25

Above: Georgina Karaparidis surfs the corner flag.

Box Hill United defeated Preston Lions 3-1 in a game of spectacular goals and relentless attacking football.

Box Hill entered round 11 struggling for wins, but goal scoring has not been a recent problem, especially with rising star Georgina Karaparidis in for form. The 18 year old had scored in the last two games and would prove a handful for even Preston’s experienced defence.

The visiting Lions dominated the early exchanges, putting Box Hill on the back foot. Miri Nishimura was pulling the strings in attacking midfield, while Ellie La Monte and the overlapping Georgia Henderson were ominous on the left of Preston’s attack.

When the opening goal came, it was no great surprise, but the manner still left anybody watching in shock. Nishimura unleashed a dipping 25 yard strike that left Box Hill’s defenders with no chance.

Box Hill had spent much of the game playing on the counter attack with Gabrielle Simpson the busiest creative for for the home side, and the goal to Preston only opened the match up even more. In the second half the goals began to flow and it was Karaparidis who drew things level in the 64th minute.

Substitute Sara Petkaris threaded a clever pass into the path of Karaparidis’ clever ghosting run and the striker only needed one touch to finish low and into the net.

Preston tried to hit back and almost re-took the lead following a flowing move involving Nishimura, La Monte and Valentine Pursey. The chance ended up at the feet of Eliza Amendolia who’s effort brought a superb save out of Natasha Stathopoulos in goal.

Box Hill made it 2-1 in the 71st minute with an effort to match Nishimura’s opener. Fullback Josephine Aulicino received the ball near the touchline, tricked her way past one defender, and pushed beyond the next. after holding off the challenge she fired a rocket of a shot into the top corner to finish off an incredible induvial piece of play and put Box Hill ahead.

The sealer came almost immediately after. Karaparidis’ trickery and tenacity out wide created the chance, and she teed up Kaitie Cox for another brilliant curling finish.

Box Hill almost added a fourth after Emma Perone ran onto Karaparidis’ through ball, but could not beat Maggie Byrne in goal who made an unlikely one-on-one save.

Their fourth win of the season lifts Box Hill into eighth on the table, and into the traffic jam of quality sides looking to break into the finals positions. Next up they will host Bulleen Lions in what is shaping to be the game of round 12. Preston Lions will hope to respond against Spring Hills FC.

There were goals a plenty elsewhere across the league. Bulleen defeated Brunswick Juventus 3-1 despite going behind to a first half penalty by Lyela Butler.

A second half resurgence came in the form of a brace by Mary Brown. The youth team graduate scored in the 51st and 84th minutes to put Bulleen back in control and and own-goal settled matters on Saturday afternoon.

FV Academy beat Bentleigh Green 4-2 at The Home of The Matildas. Chelsea Briggs opened the scoring with a brilliant, bending effort from the corner of the box before Kaya Jugovic added a brace, including another spectacular long range strike, to put the home side well in control.

Two goals to Coco Parker brought hopes of a comeback for the visitors, but the ever deadly Fiorina Iaria settled things with a 79th minute finish to complete a Jasmine Millar’s square pass while in on goal.

Heidelberg United’s time at the top of the table continued with a 3-2 win against Essendon Royals. Last season’s Champions were made to earn it after coming from two goals down, but right now there is no stopping Sawa Matsuda, who’s hatrick was enough to see and raise Sasha Coorey’s brace for Essendon.

Heildeberg’s Japanese attacker now has 13 goals in 11 games and is the clubs most deadly forward since Danielle Wise roamed the Olympic Village stadium.

South Melbourne’s recent struggles continued. The 1-1 draw with Boroondara-Carey Eagles mean that the early pace setters are now five games without a win. They remain hard to beat, but match winning moments are frustratingly elusive for a side that was scoring for fun in the early rounds.

Raquel Derales’ 27th minute strike put South in the lead but that was surrendered in the 76th minute with a goal by Boroondara’s speedster Priya Savarirayan.

In the only other draw of the round, Alamein and Spring Hills FC played out a 0-0 result at Dorothy Laver Reserve.

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A bittersweet victory as Ireland beat Slovenia

Above: Saorise Noonan fights for the ball against Slovenia. Image: Ireland Football Twitter.

By Alyce Collett (3/6/25).

It was a bittersweet end to the UEFA Nations League campaign for the Republic of Ireland, who despite beating Slovenia 1-0 have failed to top their League B group after not winning by a big enough margin. 

The home side dominated possession all night, but just could not get many shots on target, which meant Saoirse Noonan’s first half goal was the only one they were able to record, falling three short of the desired margin to top the group. The result means that the Girls in Green now face a play off in October for a second chance to try and get back into League A. 

There was a high level of alertness to the Republic of Ireland’s play early on. It was clear the Girls in Green knew what was at stake today so they were not going to let any balls slip through or attention drop off at any stage. 

It was not resulting in a high number of threatening shots on goal, but after some at times concerning performances from the Girls in Green this Nations League season, there was hope for those in the home camp that things were going to be different today.

Eventually the first goal came almost 20 minutes in, after Noonan headed home a well placed Jessie Stapleton cross to get things going for the home side. 

Both sides were giving their all to the contest, with both sides having multiple players come up worse the wear from contests. One thing that the Republic of Ireland was doing really well was using the width of the pitch, maximising the pace of the likes of Emily Murphy and Abbie Larkin. 

Above: Ireland’s starting lineup. Image: Ireland Football Twitter.

However a crowded penalty box meant that goals were not plentiful in the first half, with Noonan’s the only one before the break. Lana Golob, Dominika Čonč and the rest of the Slovenian defenders definitely did not make things easy for the Irish despite the home side’s dominance in attacking play. 

The half time stats really told the story of Ireland’s dominance. The Irish had 24% more of the possession and 10 more shots on goal than the Slovenians, but unfortunately for the Irish they only had two more shots on target than their opponents recorded. 

The Irish started the second half much like they ended the first – on the front foot on the possession front, but not getting the shots on target they needed.

Slovenia defended really well, crowding the box and making it harder for the central attackers of Ireland to have much wiggle room. This forced the Republic of Ireland to go aerially, but they were not getting the accuracy on the headers they were needing. 

As the minutes ticked down and at times frustrations started to simmer, those extra goals the Republic of Ireland desperately needed were looking less and less likely to come. 

Teams: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (4-3-3): Brosnan, McCabe, Patten, Stapeleton, Hayes, Carusa, Noonan, Murphy, O’Sullivan, Sheva, Connolly, Larkin. Substitutes: Campbell, Louise Quinn, Mannion, Toland, Littlejohn, Barrett, Healy, Clancy, Moloney, Mustaki, Whitehouse. 

Scorers: Noonan 19’

SLOVENIA (4-4-2): Mersnik, Erzen, Golob, Čonč, Agrez, Kramzar, Korosec. Markovec, Prasnikar, Kolbl, Stemad. Substitutes: Vindisar, Testen, Kajzba, Zver, Kastelec, Kustrin, Krizaj, Ketis, Milovic, Janez, Pasar.

Referee: Miriama Bočková [SVK]

Attendance: 9,433

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Lionesses’ narrow loss to Spain exposes deep problems with fan culture

Spain 2 – 1 England

By Catherine MacKenzie (3/6/25)

Above: the Lionesses’ celebrate opening the scoring. Photo: Clare Wood for Impetus.

Football is England’s favourite sport – and with that distinction comes knowledge and passion. In every household you are likely to find at least one football fan, who follows their club with passion and spends their time reading about their favourite team. In pubs and bars all over the country, people sit and discuss games, teams, players, tactics; they shout with joy and sometimes anger.

The prevalence of social media means these conversations are now open to anyone with an internet connection, and millions of people all over the world take part in daily discussions based on football. The rise of social media has coincided with the rise in popularity of the women’s game, giving fans – varying in demographics – the opportunity to voice their opinions to the world.

This is often a good thing, however it has become increasingly tiresome – the same complaints, endless abuse towards players (and managers) – and the anonymity gives us the ability to speak without consequence. Particularly when so many are emotionally invested in the Lionesses, there is a tendency for online conversations to take on a level that is beyond what would happen in real life.

On Tuesday evening, the Lionesses fell 2-1 to Spain in Barcelona. There were endless narratives around this game: the world cup final of 2023, England’s win in February, Arsenal’s Champions League victory. Then there is the fact that the Euros are around the corner.

The stakes feel high for every England game, but for this game, they felt even higher.

England got the early goal courtesy of Alessia Russo (on her 50th Cap); if VAR had been in place, the goal would have been ruled out as there was a foul in the build-up. For the remainder of the first half, England fans were joyous as the team managed the game well – Alex Greenwood and Leah Williamson strong in defence, and a recently-returned Georgia Stanway holding down the midfield.

After half-time, substitutions were made. Young Missy Bo Kearns earned her debut, and Lucy Bronze’s minutes were managed as she was replaced by Jess Carter.

Spain’s substitutes made the difference, though: minutes after coming on, Claudia Pina got her first goal and soon found the net again.

This is where the narrative changed for England and their fans. Suddenly the excitement over Bo Kearns’ debut was replaced with anger, and many questioned Stanway’s removal (likely managing minutes due to her recent injury).

The game ended with Spain decidedly the better team on the day, deserving the win. The loss exposed a deep fracture in the nation’s relationship with the Lionesses: Chelsea fans blamed Leah Williamson for the loss, Arsenal fans blamed Keira Walsh.

In reality, the loss is not a major negative. Finishing second in the Nations League group still means England are in league A for World Cup qualifying, and they can choose their opponents in the fall instead of playing yet another European rival once again. A narrow loss against the world champions – with a number of players only just returning from injury – is not a bad return. However, the discourse amongst fans suggests otherwise.

In the women’s game in England, it feels like there is an inability to support country independently of club – which, combined with the mess that social media likes to hold – is dangerous. Add the fact that the Lionesses brought home the first major trophy for a senior English side in decades, and we do not accept the team losing.

Ahead of this summer’s Euros, England do have a deep problem to fix. It is not one, however, that is found on the pitch or in the dressing room. It is in the stands.

TEAMS: SPAIN (4-3-3): Coll, Batlle, Paredes, Aleixandri, Carmona, Guijarro, Paralluelo, Bonmati, Putellas, Caldentey, Gonzalez. Substitutes: Nancleres, Sullastres, Fernandez, Garcia, Mendez, Zubieta, Lopez, Garcia, Redondo, Pina, Martin-Prieto, del Castillo.

Scorers: Pina 60’, 70’

ENGLAND (4-3-3): Hampton, Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Charles, Stanway, Walsh, Mead, Park, Hemp, Russo. Substitutes: Moorhouse, Keating, Wubben-Moy, Morgan, Carter, Le Tissier, Toone, Bo Kearns, Agyemang, Parris, Beever-Jones, Kelly.

Scorer: Russo 22’

Referee: Katalin Kulscar (HUN)

Attendance: TBC

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The pros and cons of Joe Montemurro as Matildas coach

Above: Joe Montemurro while coaching the A-League All Stars in 2024

Impetus writers look at the reasons for optimism and concern following Joe Montemurro’s arrival as the Matildas coach.

Why we’re optimistic: By Ella Mcshane

In a widely anticipated move, Joe Montemurro has been announced as the next head coach of the CommBank Matildas. While the news itself sends minimal shock waves through the Australian football community, Montemurro’s impressive coaching record offers a much-needed glimpse of hope for the successful future for the CommBank Matildas.

Montemurro began his women’s football coaching career in the Australian domestic league in 2014 after successfully leading men’s youth teams for the years prior. And since joining at the genesis of the women’s professional game in Australia, only layman’s terms can describe Montemurro’s coaching career. Wherever he has gone, results have followed.  

Montemurro led Melbourne City’s inaugural side through an invincible 2015–16 season and secured the championship again the following year. He then joined English powerhouse Arsenal, delivering the Women’s Super League title in the 2018–19 season. Over three years at Juventus, he guided the team to one Scudetto, two Italian Cups, and two Italian Super Cups. Most recently, Montemurro capped his short tenure at Olympique Lyonnais by securing the French Première League title.  

Although telling, results and accolades are mere symbol of what characterises a successful manager. Montemurro has historically been praised for his personable and “project” style of coaching. Beth Mead honouring the Australian in her memoir Lioness “From day one, Joe has a warmth to him and is deeply personable. Every day, he walks around the training ground…and checks in on each of us” (Beth Mead, 2022).  

With the Matildas looking to take the next step toward major silverware, Montemurro’s arrival signals both ambition and renewal. His proven ability to build winning cultures and foster longitudinal cohesiveness, is arguably the cog that has understandably been missing in the mechanisms of the Matilda’s since the departure of Tony Gustavsson.  

Why we’re slightly worried: By Kieran Yap

Make no mistake, Joe Montemurro has the most impressive CV from any Australian coach and any potential Matildas coach, but that does not make this an appointment without risk.

For all his success, Montemurro has no experience in international football. He has had almost unequalled success at club level, but he will only have nine months and four international windows to implement his style and choose his best squad of players before the Asian  Cup.

The day to day opportunity to work with players will not be possible with The Matildas and the player pool is spread across Europe, North America and Australia. It is a huge task with very little time.

Montemurro’s titles have come with Arsenal, Juventus, Lyon and Melbourne City. All impressive clubs but also the fastest cars in the race, at least on paper.

The Matildas, for all their talent and potential are not that, and are possibly approaching a rebuilding phase.

Australia has stars, and Montemurro’s record shows that he knows how to work with the biggest names on the planet, but they will also need to integrate younger, less experienced players with almost no time. On this aspect of the job he is unproven and with the U20 and U17 coaches also new to their roles there will be no time to learn. All of this has to be gotten right in around 6-8 games at most.

The incoming Matildas coach has extensive experience in Europe, but defeating European opposition is no longer the hugely important task it was before the 2023 tournament. Our title rivals are in Asia and that is a vastly different challenge logistically, and tactically. It has been a challenge Australia has long struggled to meet and one that European style possession football has been ineffective so far.

They will go into the home Asian Cup as one of the favourites but will face  significant challenges from South Korea, North Korea, China, and Japan. These teams are not only formidable in form and have decent records against Australia but all play very differently and will likely require a variety of tactics to overcome.

The appointment is the best possible choice in this moment, but the 10 month delay in finding a coach has cost Montemurro and Australia vital preparation time, and although he has often brought instant success, international football is an entirely different beast to club world.

The timing  of this announcement means that it will only be seen as a success if Australia lift the trophy for the first time in over a decade, but it also means that it is much more difficult to do so.

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Lucy Bronze and Sarina Wiegman positive ahead of Spain duel

By Alyce Collett (02/06/2025)

Above: Sarina Wiegman and Lucy Bronze face the press in Barcelona. Photo: The FA.

After her side’s stellar performance against Portugal last week, England coach Sarina Wiegman was in a positive mood heading into her traditional match day minus one press conference ahead of tomorrow’s match against Spain.

The topics were wide ranging, including the importance of backing up a strong performance with another one, and how her side plans to go out and win their Nations League group.

Focusing more on the practicalities of tomorrow’s match, Wiegman also confirmed that everyone who is allowed to play tomorrow night is fit enough to be in contention to start. The only one who is not available for the match day squad is Grace Clinton, who will miss the game due to yellow card accumulation.

Above: Grace Clinton against Portugal. Photo: @Cozphotos for Impetus.

With the announcement of England’s Euros squad not far away, the Euros was also not far from the mind of those present at the press conference. Wiegman confirmed that the England squad for the Euros is almost set, but is not 100% set in stone just yet.

One of the biggest potential stories surrounding the Lionesses’ Euros squad is that of Chloe Kelly, who after a reinvigoration of her career in recent months is firmly back in contention to make the plane to Switzerland.

Wiegman said that of the changes in Kelly in the last few months, she has noticed “most of all that she’s very, very happy, very energetic. Of course going into Arsenal, having great performances, and I think she has improved again I think in possession, but also out of possession.

“She’s certainly showing signs of getting back to her best, and like you say, with a smile on her face as well.”

Star defender Lucy Bronze – who joined her coach at the press conference – confirmed that there is not much of an issue in the playing group about the balance between giving tomorrow’s match their all versus trying to avoid injury ahead of the Euros.

“ I think I play every game like it could be my last” Bronze said.

“So I don’t think that’s an issue, and I think anyone that plays, especially for England, you put on that England shirt and you don’t want to leave anything on the pitch. You’re playing against one of the best teams in the world in Spain, you’ve got an opportunity for England. You can’t ever think too far ahead, never take things for granted I think.”

When many people think of England vs Spain in women’s football, they have a habit of thinking back to the most consequential meeting between the two of recent times – the final of the 2023 World Cup.

But according to Bronze, England have grown and adapted a lot since that night.

“ I think we’re probably one of the most adaptive teams in the world,” Bronze said.

“I think we’ve got the style where we can possess the ball, we can counter attack, we can play in behind. We’ve got fast players, we’ve got technical players, I think it’s something that we’ve been working on for a number of years.

“We’ve faced Spain many times, more than just the World Cup final, the Euros previously, the Euros before that as well, before Sarina was even here.

“And the same with the likes of Germany, with the USA, I think that’s just the top teams nowadays, you have to turn up for every game and for every moment because so many teams are capable of so many different things. 

“I think it’s something that we speak about a lot as an England team, how we can adapt in games, how we can change against different teams. But ultimately you have to put on the performance on the day, and I think that’s maybe this nation’s league – if you maybe lose a little bit of yourself, the other team performs. That’s the level of this competition.”

England face Spain in Barcelona on Tuesday 3rd June 2025. Kick off is at 18:00 BST and will be broadcast in the UK on ITV1.

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Sayer completes fairytale return as Matildas defeat Argentina

Australia 4-1 Argentina

by Alyce Collett (2/6/25)

Above: Amy Sayer celebrates after scoring for Australia against Argentina in Canberra tonight. Photo: Football Australia.

Australia has recorded a clean sweep in its two-match series with Argentina after winning game two 4-1 in Canberra tonight.

Amy Sayer was the star for the Matildas, scoring a brace and showing incredible versatility, and was supported with goals from Emily van Egmond and Michelle Heyman. Argentina did score a goal through Kishi Nunez, but were totally outclassed by the Matildas in the second half as the home side stepped up a gear after the interval.

Despite plenty of changes to the starting 11, it was a fairly positive start from the Matildas, who were more on the front foot early than their visitors were.

Argentina had its chances, but the home side had more of the possession and, as a consequence, had more of the threatening chances in front of goal.

Australia did not take too long to make the most of that dominance to get on the board, with Sayer getting on the end of a well-positioned Kahli Johnson cross to pop a first-touch shot into the bottom corner of the Argentinian net and put the Matildas in front.

However, it was not even 10 minutes later before Argentina countered with a goal of their own, after Kishi Nunez pounced on a mistake in the Matildas’ defence to level up proceedings.

The Matildas were forced into an unplanned early change just on the half-hour mark when Johnson was forced off with a quad concern, and was ultimately replaced by Holly McNamara.

Above: Clare Wheeler in possession under the watchful eye of Argentina’s Sofia Dominguez tonight. Photo: Football Australia.

Despite the interruption to the line-up, this did not stop the Matildas’ momentum as they picked up their second goal with about 10 minutes left in the half. Sayer, who was now on the opposite wing to where she scored her first goal, got on the end of a very well-placed Caitlin Foord through ball to again strike the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

Argentina did have some moments of threat late in the first half, with the likes of Florencia Bonsegundo really starting to step up, but ultimately, the South Americans could not add to Nunez’s goal before half time.

The home side came out with a pep in their step in the second half, dominating possession and playing on the front foot.

The Australians kept racking up the shots on goal, but just could not quite find the right angle to get any of them in the back of the net to extend their lead. Argentina did have their moments of positivity in possession, but did not even come close to threatening to score.

Australia did eventually find itself a third goal, after Van Egmond pounced on a deflection to power a shot home.

The solidifying of the lead and dominance in possession meant that Matildas’ coach Tom Sermanni was able to try a couple of different things, including bringing on younger faces and capping a second debutant this window after bringing on Isabel Gomez midway through the half.

Even with all the changes, the Matildas could not stop scoring, with hometown hero Heyman also getting on the board in the final 10 minutes of the match after wrong-footing the Argentinian keeper and sneaking a shot into the bottom of the net.

Heyman’s goal capped off a really impressive performance for the Matildas, who sent off the departing Sermanni on a winning note.

Above: The Matildas team that started the match against Argentina in Canberra tonight. Photo: Football Australia.

Teams: AUSTRALIA (4-4-2): Micah, Grant, Prior, Catley, Nevin, Johnson, Wheeler, Cooney-Cross, Sayer, van Egmond, Foord. Substitutes: McNamara (for Johnson 32′), Heyman (for Sayer 62′), Kennedy (for Prior 62′), Rankin (for Nevin 76′), Gomez (for van Egmond 77′), Torpey (for Grant 77′).

Scorers: Sayer 14′, 36′. van Egmond 72′, Heyman 83′.

ARGENTINA (4-4-2): Pereya, R. Nunez, Braun, Cometti, Martin, Pereyra, Dominguez, Preininger, Bonsegundo, Rodriguez, K. Nunez. Substitutes: Roggerone (for R. Nunez 46′), Gramaglia (for Dominguez 71′), M. Vargas (for Rodriguez 71′), Stabile (for Martin 84′), A. Vargas (for K. Nunez 84′), Gimenez (for Preininger 89′).

Scorer: K. Nunez 23′.

Referee: Supiree Testhomya (THA).

Attendance: 25,125.

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“I’m here because of the love of the game”- Montemurro appointed as Matildas coach

By Alice de Koster-Kitto 2/6/25

Above: Joe Montemurro. Photo: Football Australia

Football Australia has announced Joe Montemurro’s appointment as head coach of the Matildas, with his tenure looking to extend to at least the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

“To be given the opportunity to lead, I think probably one of the best brands in the world, one of the most exciting teams in the world, and to do it at home and do it with a level of pride for me is something quite emotional,” Montemurro told the media.

The announcement comes a year on from the departure of Tony Gustavsson, who led the national team from 2020-2024. Since the departure of Gustavsson and the instatement of interim coach Tom Sermanni, rumours have been swirling over who the next head of the Matildas would be, with Montemurro’s name being in the mix from day one.

“It was always in the back of my mind, it was always here.”

Though there has been interest in Montemurros future with Football Australia looming over the past months, the news, was finally confirmed alongside the CEO of Football Australia, Heather Garriock, in Sydney this morning, and was confirmed that the decision wasn’t in official talks, until the past few days, with Montemurro assuring he, “signed the contract in the 31st of May and here I am.”

“I want to win. I want to win playing a great brand of football, I want to win because I know the nation will be behind the successes we’re gonna have.”

Montemurro has faith that  “a clear vision for the CommBank Matildas will create a situation here, that every young female player dreams of the opportunities that are gonna be given to them”, and Football Australia CEO reiterates his approach, assuring that his vision “aligns with our federations, ambitious to be world leaders in the world game – now is our time”

The CommBank Matildas have experienced incredible highs and lows over the past few years, from a home World Cup in 2023, exceeding expectations, to an early exit from the 2024 Paris Olympics, and now Montemurro’s wealth of experience, high success rate, is looking to get the national team to an ideal place ahead of one of the most crucial periods for the Matildas in recent history.

“We are  at an exciting moment for the Matildas, with the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 nine months away, we expect this team to be focused, driven, and ready to show the world what we believe they are capable of.”

Montemurro’s experience dates back to 2014, when he was appointed head coach of Melbourne Victory followed by Melbourne City. His career expanded to Europe, as he took on a new role at Arsenal in 2017, lifting the 2018/19 WSL trophy with the English giants, going on to coach the Matilda’s own Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord. He would later extend his European success with Italian side Juventus, and eventually carry Ellie Carpenter’s Olympique Lyonnais to their 18th Première Ligue title.

“We want to control, we want to have the ball, we want to control the game even when we don’t have the ball, its very very important that all phases of the game are in a way, controlled”

The style of football Montemurro has developed over his time in Europe will be invaluable to this current Matildas side. While finding great success overseas, Montemurro has not lost his dedication to Australian football, returning to Australia to coach the A-League All Stars squad, in a clash against Arsenal in May 2024.

“It’s going to be a process of working with the teams underneath and creating that sustainability, it’s what I love to do”

Among his dedication to developing the current Matildas squad, Montumurro also comes into the job, looking to the future, with a focus on bringing in younger players, to create a solid foundation, so the Australian side can shine for years ahead.

“Working with the 20s, working with the 17s, but putting in processes now that every player has an opportunity, everybody has a chance”

“Is the Asian Cup winnable? Of course it is.”

Though he comes in just nine months ahead of the Asian Cup, he sings the praises of Tom Sermanni for setting up a system that has made this tournament, and the crucial period ahead of it, so accessible as a coach.

“Tom’s been able to do sort of a bit of a process of bringing in some players, giving opportunities to some players, stabilising the situation, and then from there we can bring it forward.”

Though he is sure he can make something special of an already treasured, and successful national team, Montemurro assures “It’s not going to happen overnight. You’re not gonna see the first game I take over, we’re getting 85% possession.”

“I’m here because of the love of the game.”

Above all Joe Montemurro looks to bring the care, and expertise to the CommBank Matildas, and to the game, that is deserved.

“The only promise I make is that we will play an exciting brand of football, and that the integrity and the level of respect of the Matildas will always be at the top of my thinking.”

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Chelsea’s invincible season: how Sonia Bompastor achieved it

By Emmanuel Faith (01/06/2025)

Above: Sonia Bompastor with her domestic treble. Photo: Chelsea Women website.

12 POINTS.

That was the difference between the first and second position in the WSL this season, the largest numerical point difference in the WSL era between the title winners and the runners-up.

This time last year, I wrote this detailed article analyzing Emma Hayes’ era, suggesting that Chelsea’s systems and structure would cope with the major transition to Sonia Bompastor.

12 months later they have won the league, their 6th consecutive WSL title – and this time they did it with points to spare.

What is the secret to their dominance?

Let’s dive in.

Effective Recruitment

As highlighted in the article last year, one thing Chelsea has gotten right, is timely and effective recruitment – and a new coach has not upset that.

Chelsea don’t just buy players, they buy player the coach and the team need to raise the bar. Case in point, Sandy Baltimore.

The French winger was signed at the beginning of the season, and slotted into Bompastor’s formation by playing more defensively, especially after starting left-back Niamh Charles got injured.

Another pivotal signing was the Lionesses legend, multiple Champions Leagues-winner Lucy Bronze. Bronze’s initial recruitment led to divided opinions, but ended up being a great addition.

A quick glance at Chelsea’s rivals and you see an obvious gap. For instance, Chloe Kelly would have made a lot more impact for Arsenal domestically if she was signed in August 2024 instead of January 2025, and Kerolin’s goals would have definitely come in handy for an injury-laden attack of Manchester City’s squad earlier in the season.

Simply put, Chelsea’s ability to make proactive recruitment decisions executed with the speed of light distinguishes them and means they are constantly building, never sitting still.

Above: Maelys Mpome and Sandy Baltimore. Photo: Chelsea WFC.

Resilience and Adaptability

60 points.  The total amount of points ever won in a single WSL season.

Fascinating, isn’t it?  But this doesn’t tell the whole story.

Chelsea’s first half of the season and the second half, were almost in contrast. 60% of their WSL total tally (34 out of 56) came in the first half of the season.

In fact, they only won two matches (out of eleven) with more than one goal-difference in the last 11 matches, a really low number compared to the first eleven matches, where they won six matches with at least two goal-difference.

This paucity of goals was caused by different reasons, from incessant injuries to key players like Lauren James, Guro Reiten, Erin Cuthbert and even Mayra Ramirez which led to the continuous iteration of formation based on available players.

Despite these odds, Chelsea kept showing up and grinding out results, picking up the three points by any means necessary – a 91st minute shot from Lauren James, a 93rd winning header from Aggie-Beever Jones or a 65th minute equalizer from Wieke Kaptein, this resilient adaptability kept the team going.

Heavy Rotation:

From giving youngsters the platform to shine, to rotating as many players as possible, a major trait the Lyon coach inherited from her predecessor is her ability to rotate players, without changing a lot to the spine of the game.

While there are players like Millie Bright and Hannah Hampton who started almost all the WSL games, there were a lot more fringe players who played crucial roles when asked.

For instance, you might not hear a lot about names like Maika Hamano, or Orian Jean Francoise, or Ashley Lawrence but they all played a part in picking up pivotal points at different timelines of the season.

The Canadian fullback Lawrence had two match-winning assists that got Chelsea a weighted six points.

Above: Ashley Lawrence celebrates with Chelsea. Photo: Chelsea Women on X.

Unlike Gareth Taylor who struggled with managing players like Chloe Kelly and Marc Skinner who struggled with managing Geyse, Bompastor has been able to manage her myriad of talents, keeping everyone averagely happy while giving them the room to show up and deliver for the team when required.

There are a lot more factors that contributed to Bompastor’s record-breaking season, like the versatility of team, beating their direct rivals twice to garner crucial points, but this season has only shown the rest of the park that a change in coach doesn’t automatically translate to a change in dominance.

It’s another season, and as the Blue army keeps marching, will they take it a notch higher and attain their European quest given their neighbor’s recent triumph?

Only time will tell.

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