by Kelechi Osunwa at HBF Park for Impetus (8/7/25)
Above: Hayley Raso on the charge for the Matildas today. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.
The Matildas finished their four games in Western Australia with an entertaining 3–2 win in a five-goal thriller against Panama at Perth’s HBF Park.
Two spectacular goals, either side of half-time, by Erika Arauz and Lineth Cedeño looked to be enough for the visitors to cancel out a second-half Michelle Heyman double and claim a much-deserved draw.
But a late injury-time goal by Charli Grant, much to the delight of 10,657 spectators, broke Panamanian hearts and left Matildas coach Joe Montemurro with two wins, a draw, and a loss from the four-game series in Western Australia.
Prior to the match, Montemurro had emphasised the need for his players to adjust to the intensity of international football and better dictate the rhythm and tempo of the game.
His side were able to reach the desired intensity levels in the first half as they matched Panama’s physicality, but an opening exchange played with an edge and chippiness meant that Panama had greater success dictating the rhythm.
Sloppy passing and turnovers in the defensive third have been recurring issues for the Matildas throughout this series, and they were lucky not to concede early after Jessika Nash was dispossessed while bringing the ball out from the back. Quick passing from the visitors found Marta Cox in a terrific position, and it was only a last-ditch block from Clare Hunt that prevented Panama from taking the lead.
Above: Clare Hunt brings the ball away for The Matildas against Panama today in Perth. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.
Panama’s intense pressing gave the Matildas little time on the ball, with Sherline King, Cox, and Schiandra González relentless in midfield and often skirting the line between fair and foul.
Hayley Raso, starting just her second game after a long stint on the sidelines, was the creative fulcrum for Australia, who were otherwise reliant on set pieces. Raso was unlucky not to score or assist in one frantic phase of play when she struck the post with a low effort following a trademark mazy run. The shot hit the inside of the post and trickled back to Raso, who had the presence of mind to lay the ball off for Remy Siemsen, whose driven effort was dealt with by Farissa Córdoba.
The Matildas failed to heed their earlier warning about turnovers in the defensive third and were punished in spectacular fashion. A misplaced pass saw Arauz get the better of Emily van Egmond in a duel, and the winger silenced the home crowd by curling a dipping effort past the outstretched hands of Chloe Lincoln.
Raso created another opportunity after quick combination play with Grant down the right, but the full-back fired over the bar. The home side almost equalised on the stroke of half-time when Grant sent in a tantalising cross towards Siemsen, but Hilary Jaén did just enough to usher the forward away from the ball and ensure that the Central Americans held the lead at the break.
The Matildas started the second half as the better of the two sides, with quicker ball movement into wide areas marking a clear improvement. The increased tempo forced Panama to resort to a series of fouls to slow the game down. The persistent infringement saw González’s booking met with the loudest cheer of the match up to that point.
The home crowd didn’t have to wait long for a goal to celebrate, as the Matildas equalised moments later. Holly McNamara won the ball from an errant clearance by Wendy Natis and found Raso, whose low cross was turned home by Heyman. The striker had been largely kept quiet in the first half but stayed switched on and was ready when the chance came.
With the home crowd behind them, the Matildas were in the ascendancy, and Heyman didn’t have to wait long for her second. It came in much the same fashion as her first, with Raso again the provider, delivering a pinpoint cross that Heyman was all too happy to head home.
Above: Holly McNamara goes in with Panama goalkeeper Farissa Cordoba. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.
A combination of numerous substitutions from both teams and Panama pushing for an equaliser led to the game becoming stretched, with Australia unable to sustain the rhythm and control they had shown earlier.
In the chaos, Panama began to take control, with Cox and Riley Tanner growing in influence. The pair combined for Tanner to unleash a dipping, curling effort that required every inch of Lincoln’s outstretched hand to tip the shot to safety.
Panama nearly equalised again after another turnover on the edge of the box saw a cross trickle towards goal, only for Nash to put her body on the line between post and Tanner to clear the ball to safety.
Nash’s intervention proved crucial. While she was off the field receiving treatment, Panama equalised. A loose ball in transition found Cox, and the mercurial midfielder slipped in Cedeño on the right. The substitute struck cleanly and truly past Lincoln to stun the home crowd.
But the drama wasn’t over.
In the game’s dying minutes, Courtney Nevin found Grant at the far post to bundle the ball home and put the finishing touches on a performance that owed a lot to grit, desire, and determination.
In the post-match press conference, Montemurro and Heyman spoke about the importance of maintaining levels and standards.
It is still early days, but with the players learning and adjusting to tactical changes, the Matildas will hope the next two camps provide enough preparation to reach the level required for success at the Asian Cup.
Check out our Instagram page @ImpetusFootball to view a larger selection of Cat Bryant’s exclusive images from the HBF Park today.
Above: England v Netherlands in 2022. Photo: Sky Sports.
England’s Lionesses face the Dutch OranjeLeeuwinnen (“Orange Lionesses”) tomorrow evening in a must-win game for both sides.
It is hard to remember a match with as many narratives behind it as this one. When England face the Netherlands in Switzerland for their second group game of the 2025 Euros, the stories both on the pitch and in the dugout could fill an epic novel. The link between the two teams nicknamed the Lionesses has simultaneously never been as strong as it is now, nor as frought. In this feature for Impetus Football, Catherine MacKenzie breaks down the stories that form the background to the game.
What the result would mean
Firstly, there is the obvious – the importance of the three points on offer. England lost their opening game to France, meaning another loss would all but confirm an early exit from the tournament. For the Netherlands, the picture is only slightly rosier: they won their opening game against Wales but still have France to overcome.
Pick up the three points against England (or even a draw) and they firmly establish themselves in the lead for that second knockout place, before facing a France side in delirious form. Should England win, the Dutch will need to secure a strong win against France to have any hope of remaining in the tournament.
Personal conflicts
If Oranje succeed in knocking out England, it will be a tough pill to swallow for many members of England’s staff. Head coach Sarina Wiegman and Assistant Manager Arjan Veurink are both Dutch, and were working for the OranjeLeeuwinnen before they came to the UK in 2021. With the Dutch team, they won the 2017 Euros and reached the 2019 World Cup final.
Above: Sarina Wiegman with the OranjeLeeuwinnen. Photo: KNVB Media.
That their homeland stands in the way of England reaching the knockout rounds of this tournament is surely hard to handle, particularly as recent matches between the two sides have been relatively even in terms of results. In the run up to the 2022 Euros, the sides played a friendly; England’s Lionesses were victorius, dominating their Oranje counterparts 5-1.
Jump ahead two years, and England’s post-World Cup run of form was challenging as they lost to the Netherlands away in the Nations League.
In the return fixture, the English Lionesses conceded two in quick succession courtesy of Dutch striker Lineth Beerensteyn, who got her start under Wiegman at The Hague-based club ADO Den Haag. England eventually overturned that scoreline, winning 3-2.
There is also the fact that England forward Beth Mead has been in a relationship with Oranje striker Vivianne Miedema since 2022. On the prospect of facing each other in the tournament, Mead has said “it was inevitable.”.
Talking to BBC Sport, she continued: “When the draw was made, we both sat there and said ‘of course that’s happened!”
“We’re both very, very competitive and professional. We’re both excited for the tournament and to be able to play in it again. We keep in contact but when it gets closer to our games, we don’t talk football whatsoever. Obviously we want each other to do well but not against each other!“
Above: Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema. Photo: FIFA website.
Personnel merry-go-round
As mentioned, Wiegman and Veurink were once head coach and assistant for the Dutch team – and Veurink is heading back following this summer’s Euros to become the nation’s head coach. Two Netherlands assistants, Janneke Bijl and Arvid Smit, will head the opposite way to join Wiegman in England.
Above: Wiegman and Veurink for Oranje. Photo: PA Media.
In her pre-match press conference, the Lionesses head coach was asked if any of the group will find it difficult to focus on their current team in the face of such change. Her reply was emphatic: “I am now working with this staff and we are only working on one thing, and that is our game plan with our players for tomorrow“.
Current Dutch head coach Andries Jonker is also a familiar face. Once working with the Arsenal academy, he also had a short term as interim head coach of the OranjeLeeuwinnen when Wiegman was a player and captain; the two kept in touch, with Jonker offering an internship to Wiegman whilst she was in the earliest stages of her coaching career.
Following the group stage draw earlier this year, Jonker commented that “it is always special [facing Wiegman] because we’re friends. Normally with friends you wish the the best but as sports people we want to beat the other one. We both want to win. That means you have to hurt your friend. But we are both on the same page and the respect for each other won’t change.“
In addition, the English Lionesses also include a half-Dutch defender in Lotte Wubben-Moy. Speaking to the Independent, she shared that: “My dad comes from the Netherlands, my whole half of my family, so it’s a pretty special fixture.
“I made my debut for England at youth level against the Netherlands and we won that game. I think all through my career, that game against the Netherlands has always been a tough one.“
Above: Lotte Wubben-Moy alongside Ella Toone. Photo: Nick Potts / PA.
On what she expects from the Netherlands team, she commented: “It’s physical, it’s tactically varied and it’s a game that epitomises, for me, my heritage.
She does not forget which badge she wears, however: “I was just asked the Dutch media who they’ll be supporting and they’ll definitely be supporting me.And what that means is the England team.”
Perspective of an Oranje fan
Ahead of the game, Impetus spoke to a fan of the OranjeLeeuwinnen about what to expect from them, and what they think about England’s Dutch staff.
For Wiegman and Veurink, there is respect: “To me, Sarina’s one of the best coaches worldwide. Regardless of some recent results they’ve had this year. She’s taken two nations to writing history. If I’d come up against Sarina and her team, I’d genuinely be terrified but also honored to play against them.
I’m very happy for Arjan to get this chance after the tournament. Everyone always says about how hard he works, even though the outside world might not always see it. I think he’d be a great fit with the Netherlands. Especially given their history together.”
They also shared their perspective on the match ahead: “It’ll be a tough one. Both teams will want to win it.”
England v Netherlands kicks off at 5pm BST on BBC One in the UK and Stan Sport in Australia.
Above: Gladesville Ravens lining up before their game against NWS Spirit. Photo: Georgie Lewis
Lightning delays wreaked havoc across Round 18 of the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition, with three matches abandoned and one postponed. But in the games that did go ahead, there was plenty of quality, grit, and individual brilliance on show.
Northern Tigers 1–2 Manly United
North Turramurra Recreation Area
Manly United claimed an important away win on Saturday night, edging the Northern Tigers 2–1 in a tightly contested clash at North Turramurra.
Ruby Jackson opened the scoring for the visitors with a sharp finish in the first half, giving Manly the lead at the break. The Tigers responded after the hour mark with an equaliser, a penalty given after a handball in the box.
But it was Manly who had the final say. Just four minutes after conceding, Emily Minett netted the eventual winner, pouncing on a loose ball in the area to secure all three points for the visitors.
NWS Spirit 0–0 Gladesville Ravens
Christie Park
It was a frustrating afternoon for both NWS Spirit and Gladesville Ravens at Christie Park as the sides played out a goalless draw in a match that offered moments of promise but little end product.
Spirit controlled large spells of possession, while the Ravens looked to threaten in transition. The best chance of the match came in the 63rd minute when Poppy Channing tucked home from close range after a deflected Lexie Moreno free kick — only for the goal to be ruled out for offside in the build-up.
Despite attacking intent from both teams, neither managed a shot on target over the 90 minutes, and the deadlock remained unbroken.
Newcastle Jets 1–2 Macarthur Rams
Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility
In a bottom-of-the-table meeting, Macarthur Rams came from behind to defeat Newcastle Jets 2–1 in Lake Macquarie on Sunday afternoon.
The Jets started brightly and took the lead in the 38th minute. After Josie Allan was fouled but play was waved on, she quickly sprang to her feet and played a clever backheel into the path of Alexis Collins, who coolly slotted past the keeper.
The Rams equalised six minutes after the restart through Tea Mucenski, finishing into an open net after Sakura Nojima drew out the goalkeeper and laid the ball across goal. Gabriela Silva then netted the winner in the 82nd minute, meeting India Breier’s low cross at the back post with a composed finish.
Western Sydney Wanderers 1–1 APIA Leichhardt (Match Abandoned)
Wanderers Football Park
The Wanderers and APIA shared first-half goals in a lively encounter at Wanderers Football Park before a lightning delay brought the match to an early end.
Jordan Jasnos provided the assist for the opener, whipping in a cross from the left for Te Reremoana Walker, who made no mistake with her header in the seventh minute. The Wanderers equalised through Anika Stajcic, who struck powerfully from the edge of the area just after the half-hour mark.
Both sides headed into the sheds level at 1–1, but did not return, with the match abandoned due to severe weather.
Sydney University 2–1 Bulls FC Academy (Match Abandoned)
Sydney Uni Football Ground
Sydney University took a surprise first-half lead against Bulls FC Academy before the game was eventually abandoned following a lightning delay.
Ruby Egan-Brown created the opening goal in the 34th minute when her saved shot rebounded into her path and she sent in a cross that was inadvertently turned into the net by Bulls defender Tamires Souza.
The Bulls hit back immediately after the break with a moment of brilliance from Isabella Coco-Di Sipio, who cut in from the left and blasted a long-range strike into the top corner. Just minutes later, Alice Thompson restored Uni’s lead, arriving at the back post to tap home a cross from the left.
The match was called off shortly after, before either side could build further momentum.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers 1–1 UNSW (Match Abandoned)
Popondetta Park
Another match brought to an early end, Mt Druitt and UNSW played just 27 minutes at Popondetta Park before a lightning delay forced the match’s abandonment.
UNSW took the lead in the fifth minute when Angelique Hristodoulou’s cross was deflected into the net off Rangers defender Kaiya Buchanan. The hosts responded four minutes later through Erin Leah Tavares, who was teed up by Ena Harada after a smart turn in midfield.
The match remained level at 1–1 when the storm rolled in, with no further action possible.
Sydney Olympic v Illawarra Stingrays – Postponed
The fixture between Sydney Olympic and the Illawarra Stingrays was postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date.
Above: Emily Gielnik against Panama Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus
Despite a 1-0 defeat to Panama in Bunbury, Matilda’s head coach Joe Montemurro remains composed and confident as his side prepares for the second match of the series at HBF Park in Perth.
With four debutantes introduced off the bench in the first game and a clear focus on experimentation, Montemurro says the results are secondary to the process at this stage of the team’s evolution.
“Rotating the squad was always prescribed at the start of this little adventure of these four games, and done on purpose, just to see a broad range of combinations and opportunities and it’s been great to be able to do it at this level because we can gauge exactly where we’re at,”
While the scoreline may have the general public questioning, Montemurro is adamant that the outcome served a broader purpose, to gather valuable data and build depth in the squad.
“To be honest I haven’t really looked at it as a loss. I’ve looked at it as more information for us to really go forward, I’ve said all along, we’re trying to obviously lift the way and lift the style and lift the football, and we want to do it without negative results, but it’s probably one that, we say, okay you know, some opportunities were given.”
With so many new faces on the pitch, he acknowledged that cohesion was always going to be a challenge.
“Obviously, when you make a lot of changes like that, there is going to be a little bit of instability, but I still have belief in the process and still have a belief in the way going forward and as I said, we’ve got a bank of information that will help us going forward.”
Montemurro was also quick to shut down the idea of judging players too quickly, especially those new to the international stage.
“You give a player one opportunity and you judge them on that, it’s the wrong thing to do. You have to look at the positives, the negatives, and where they can learn,”
Rather than dwell on the result, Montemurro emphasised the value of a game played under these conditions, a low-stakes opportunity to assess players and test combinations.
“You don’t lose, you learn from these situations. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn, because it’s not a do or die game, it’s not a game that we are going to lose points on or lose our status in a competition situation.”
“We’ve focussed on the takeouts of the game because there were some good passages, it just wasn’t continuous enough, and it wasn’t it probably wasn’t at times, football intelligent enough, if that’s the right word to use.”
Heading into the final match of this international window, Montemurro is hoping to see a more polished performance, with improvements in execution and decision-making under pressure.
“I think we go back to the improvement from game one and two, just making sure that we stick to our style, stick to what we believe in. That’s the most important thing, that always has to be the base.”
The squad will be without a few experienced players for the second match, with the departures of Alex Chidiac, Emily Gielnik and Kaitlyn Torpey reducing the group.
Beyond this match, Montemurro and his staff are already keeping an eye on the ongoing AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, as they prepare for future competitive campaigns.
“Hard to say, but there’s definitely some teams that are showing a lot of promise. I think it’s going to be a very difficult Asian Cup generally and a great tournament. So, we have been keeping an eye on it, and we’ll wait and see who we get drawn and who we’re going to face.”
Above: Spain celebrate their win. Photo: SEFutbolFem on X.
Spain 6 – 2 Belgium
Above: Belgium’s Red Flames celebrate scoring against Spain. Photo: Belgium FA Website.
Team news and context:
As Group B’s second matchday started, Spain were in a significantly better position than Belgium. They were sat at the top of the group after a convincing win over Italy, whereas Belgium needed to avoid defeat against the world champions to maintain some control over their fate in Group B.
Belgium and Spain have met twice already this year in the Nations League, where Spain won both games. They beat Belgium 3-2 at home, and then 5-1 away. They also met in the Euros qualifiers twice, with Spain winning on both occasions.
Cata Coll started on the bench again after being ill with tonsilitis, according to Spanish media. Aitana Bonmatí also started the game on the bench, after she was substituted on late in the Portugal game. Irene Paredes returned to the squad after being suspended for the first game, replacing Maria Mendez.
Belgium head coach Elisabet Gunnarsdóttir kept the same starting 11 as their first gameday defeat to Italy.
Putellas opened the scoring for Spain in the first half, however Vicky López demonstrated why she is being discussed as one of the tournament’s players to watch, creating the space for Putellas’ superb strike. There were many of Spain’s star players putting in top class displays, with Mariona Caldentey, Clàudia Pina and Irene Paredes standing out.
Whilst the scoreline reflects Spain’s dominance, there were lots of important positive takeaways for Belgium. Vanhaevermaet’s goal in the 50th minute was initially ruled out for offside but VAR overturned the decision, and in the first half, Belgium responded very quickly to Spain. Belgium’s performance also highlights that despite the quality that Spain have, they can still show vulnerabilities, particularly defensively.
Belgium were able to be clinical when Spain presented the opportunities, especially when it comes to set pieces. Even if this did not pay off for Gunnarsdóttir’s side today, other teams in the competition could use that to their advantage.
Player of the match: Clàudia Pina
Her goal was arguably one of the best that we have seen in the tournament so far, and she also consistently looked to be one of the players causing the Belgian defence trouble.
What next for the teams:
The result means that if Portugal fail to beat Italy later today, then Spain will progress to the knockout stages, before they even play their final group stage game. The result leaves Belgium in a very difficult position, as their future in the tournament is now out of their own control. Italy avoiding a defeat against Portugal would see Belgium eliminated.
Portugal 1-1 Italy
Above: Portugal anthem. Photo: selecaoportugal on X.
Team news and context:
As the second game of Group B kicked off, Portugal knew that they needed to avoid defeat to ensure they weren’t eliminated from the competition. Francisco Neto made five changes to the team who lost 5-0 to Spain, including replacing their goalkeeper Ines Pereira with Patricia Morias. Ana Borges, Kika Nazareth, Joana Marchao and Ana Capeta also started. Italy started with the same team who beat Belgium in their opening game.
The first half of the game saw Italy dominate, however neither side had many clear chances. Tensions started to grow towards the end of the first half with Portugal believing that they deserved a free kick. Emma Severini did put the goal in the back of the net for Italy in the 36th minute, however VAR overruled it because of an offside. Throughout the half, Italy looked the more threatening of the two sides but didn’t have a goal to show for it.
In the second half, Italy continued to dominate possession and look to be the team more likely to get the first goal. Their moment of magic came when Cristiana Girelli throughout the second half especially
Portugal later had their own moment of magic, when Diana Gomes sent the ball into the roof of the net, getting her country back into the game. Diana Silva had previously had a goal disallowed as she was offside, which was an emotional moment within the game, as she paid tribute to Diogo Jota in her celebrations.
The end of the game was frantic as both sides had moments where they tried to score the winner, especially with Portugal’s Ana Borges being sent off within just over a minute left to play in added time, after shoving Barbara Bonansea.
Player of the match: Christiana Girelli
Girelli was my player of the match, scoring a brilliant goal to put Italy ahead. She demonstrated how clinical she was, as well as being one of Italy’s standout players throughout the game.
What next for the teams:
A draw between the two sides means that neither team have secured their place in the knockout stages. Italy sit in second place on the table, with a win under their belt and the better goal difference. However, Italy’s disadvantage is that they have still got to face their strongest test, when they play Spain on Friday. Portugal will face Belgium, who have already been eliminated because of the result, and could still go through to the knockout stages if they beat Belgium.
Moment/player of the day
Matchday 6 involved two very different types of games for the viewer: Spain vs. Belgium was an exciting game with plenty of goals, and Spain displayed their brilliance but my moment of the day was Gomez scoring Portugal’s equaliser in the 89th minute. Portugal vs. Italy had been an exciting game and the tension had been building, with neither side having many clear chances until the 70th minute. Gomez’s goal was special after Portugal had already had a goal overruled because of offside, and hearing the roars and cheers from the Portuguese fans and the celebrations from Neto and the Portugal bench will be an unforgettable tournament moment.
Above:Perth SC’s Ella Lincoln (pink shirt) battles away in the NPLW WA game with Perth RedStar, which was watched by Kieran Yap. Perth SC were wearing pink in the match to support Breast Cancer Care WA. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Impetus’ Ben Gilbyand Kieran Yap have covered the NPLW for a number of years now. Whilst Ben brings weekly in-depth coverage from the Western Australian competition, Kieran does the same for the league in Victoria. One of the age-old questions is – how do different state NPLW competitions compare?
In order to have a go at answering this question, the pair swapped leagues for one weekend each. On 21st June, Ben Gilby watched Heidelberg United against Bentleigh Greens and Bulleen Lions take on Spring Hills in the NPLW Victoria, whilst on 28th June, Kieran Yap viewed Perth SC v Perth RedStar in the NPLW WA.
Whilst it’s virtually impossible to arrive at any concrete ideas from just viewing such a tiny number of games, there were some themes that were immediately apparent.
Before we look at Ben and Kieran’s observations in more detail, there are some important caveats to consider. Whilst this is the 10th season of Victoria’s NPLW, 2025 sees only the sixth year of the competition in Western Australia. The relative population sizes – Melbourne at 5,200,000 and Perth at 2,300,000 are a factor as well.
Victoria boasts three A-League Women clubs, and just across the state borders, a further three more in Canberra United, Sydney FC, and Western Sydney Wanderers. Western Australia has just one A-League Women club and huge travelling distances to the nation’s other states.
Victoria’s NPLW currently has 12 clubs with annual promotion and relegation. Western Australia has eight clubs, and in its six seasons, only one club has departed from the league – Curtin University, who were replaced in 2024 by UWA-Nedlands. Whilst the Victoria league has seen four different champions in its nine seasons prior to this one, Western Australia has seen two champions in its five years.
NPLW Victoria
by Ben Gilby
For my first ever look at the competition, I viewed two games on matchweek 13: Heidelberg United against Bentleigh Greens, and Bulleen Lions v Spring Hills.
Going into this round of action, Heidelberg, the league’s defending champions, were six points clear at the top of the ladder from South Melbourne and Alamein, having won nine games and suffered just one defeat (5-1 to South Melbourne). Bentleigh were third bottom with two wins and eight losses.
In my years covering the NPLW WA, games between two teams with such different league records can be one-sided. There is still a gap between the top four or five sides in the league and the rest. However, this game was anything but one-sided from the very start.
This was a battle between two sides who had excellent technical skill – the passing was at speed, with consistent accuracy and rapid movement in short passing movements between midfield and the flanks. Players had very little free time on the ball – control had to be instant, and rapid footwork was a necessity in order to turn markers and make the quick pass to advance play. It was evident that both sides had these abilities despite their very different positions on the ladder.
Above: The impressive attacker Sawa Matsuda, who scored one and set up another of Heidelberg United’s three goals against Bentleigh Greens. Photo: Heidelberg United.
It was a similar situation in the other game, where Bulleen came into the match fourth with six wins from 12 games, and Spring Hills were fourth bottom with three wins and five losses.
Spring Hills were able to cause problems all game long to their higher-placed opponents. Indeed, they would take the lead thanks to Emily Tanaka midway through the first half.
Nia Salleh levelled matters for the hosts with a snap volley at the near post before Dani Butrus hit a powerful low shot with 23 minutes remaining to put Bulleen ahead. Young star Ava Breidis hit a long-range rocket seven minutes from the end to seal the home side’s win.
In this encounter, the pace on show from both teams was standout, both in terms of athleticism and crisp use of the ball. There were regular searing breaks through the tightest of gaps between defenders, and the speed applied to the pass in order to ensure it was too quick for the opposition to cut out. Across both matches, the game was much less transitional than it tends to be in the NPLW WA, with the ball being held onto by the attacking team for significantly longer before moves broke down.
A key reason for this is the observation that, as often as possible, the player in possession always had more than one option for the pass, generally an on-the-floor pass in order to maintain possession, with teammates in close proximity both inside and out on the flanks.
The above is not meant as a slight on the competition in Western Australia – it just underlines the historic issue that the state’s NPLW has had to face. A number of its best players leave WA to play their football on the east coast. Indeed, two of our best young talents – Bella Wallhead and Tanika Lala were playing in the game between Heidelberg United and Bentleigh Greens on opposite sides. If you can’t find a way to keep young players long-term in your own competition, then it’s very difficult to consistently grow it.
Additionally, unlike some of the NPLW leagues elsewhere in Australia, no A-League Women players go interstate to play in the Western Australian comp. WA does not benefit in the way that Victoria does. So, not only does the NPLW Victoria have more pro clubs to attract players from, but it can also bring them in from other parts of the country.
Linked intrinsically with the above point is the sheer number of A-League Women players taking part in the two games. In the clash between Heidelberg and Bentleigh, Wallhead and Lala were joined by their Perth Glory teammate Sarah O’Donoghue on the pitch at Olympic Park. All together, there were at least seven players on the teamsheets who either played A-League Women in 2024/25 or had done so in recent seasons.
The other game at the David Barro Stadium, where Bulleen Lions hosted Spring Hills, involved a similar number of prominent A-League Women players, including two of the brightest young stars in Paige Zois and Ava Briedis.
Above: Young star Paige Zois. Image: Bulleen Lions.
Zois, who is still in the early days returning from long-term injury, was simply outstanding in this game. This wasn’t just the performance of a good A-League Women player; this is someone who has it in her locker to be a big-name Matilda. Vision, runs, set-piece accuracy, it was a joy to see her directing traffic for Bulleen.
Western Australia isn’t able to match that. Whilst some clubs can highlight current or former A-League Women players – the most prominent of which are Ella Lincoln, Georgia Cassidy, Tijan McKenna, Izzy Foletta, Jess Skinner, Sarah Carroll, Caitlin Doeglas, Gabby Dal Busco, and Marianna Tabain, that is a comparatively small number compared to the total number across the NPLW in Victoria. So it is no wonder that the overall standard is more technical and intricate in the eastern states.
The argument has always been from those tempting Western Australia’s best young talent to the East Coast that they will become better players by taking part in a higher standard league. But, conversely, how can WA’s female players ever get a consistently higher quality NPLW when so many of its stars go east? It’s frustrating beyond words.
It was fantastic to see the duo of Wallhead and Lala mix it in the game between Heidelberg and Bentleigh. Wallhead, in particular, was superb in her link-up play with the outstanding Cam Barriero and Sawa Matsuda. The Western Australian played no-look passes at a rapid pace, she knew the channels to find her teammates, and had quick thinking in changing the point of attack as well as covering her defensive duties.
Above: Western Australian attacker Tanika Lala – now at Bentleigh Greens in the NPLW Victoria. Image: Bentleigh Greens.
The goals in that game encapsulated all I described above in terms of quality. Heidelberg had to soak up a lot of pressure in the opening stages, but they hit back on the counter with an exquisite move after seven minutes. A ball from the left was dispatched into the net first time with some aplomb by Sawa Matsuda.
Six minutes before the break, the hosts doubled their lead when Asuka Miyata turned her marker instantly and curled the ball home. With 20 minutes remaining, Bentleigh got back in the game when Lala turned her defender and calmly slotted the ball in. Three minutes from time, Heidelberg made sure of the three points when Matsuda squared a pass for O’Donoghue to sweep in for 3-1 at the final whistle.
Conclusions – A sense of what might be
Above: Bella Wallhead – another of the youngsters who has moved from Western Australia to play NPLW football on the east coast. Photo: Heidelberg United.
I’m passionate about the NPLW WA. The six months or so each year I cover it are the highlight of my football writing year. The characters, the stories, and the gradual growth of the competition are a joy to follow. Yet viewing the two games from the NPLW Victoria this weekend left me with a real sense of frustration. A sense of what might be in Western Australia.
We have great coaches and superb clubs who do outstanding work in supporting young girls and women develop as footballers. Yet we need more of them to stay in our league to enable it to gradually reach the level that I saw in those two games in Victoria’s comp during one weekend.
Can we achieve it? How can we achieve it? Without significant funding and a change of mindset from agents, as well as a tightly joined-up set of thinking between Perth Glory and the NPLW clubs to work in partnership to grow the women’s game in WA by encouraging our best players to stay in the state and not go east, it’s hard to see things changing. We need to throw a u-ey on decades of thinking.
NPLW WA
by Kieran Yap
My main knowledge of the NPLW WA comes from the players who have left it. The legends of the state that became icons of the game, such as Lisa De Vanna and Ella Mastrantonio. Or the ones who stayed and represented their home state while wearing the national team colours, like Kim Carroll. So it was interesting to watch a full league match for the first time between Perth SoccerClub and Perth RedStar.
I was familiar with players from either side, although because my coverage of Victoria’s NPLW I was probably most happy to see Tijan McKenna play again and after watching Georgia Cassidy make an impact for The Young Matildas at the last Asian Cup, I was keen to see how she played outside of Perth Glory and the Australian team.
A glance at both lineups also told me what the table confirmed. These were two of the state’s top teams. It feels common across all NPLW leagues that there are a handful of powerhouses with other teams trying to either catch them or fight for whatever is left, and with WA having a slightly smaller league, it felt particularly pronounced here.
Often, when two strong sides meet, it can be a defensive arm wrestle. Not this game– within 10 seconds, the first meaningful attack had occurred and RedStar had hit the woodwork. A few minutes later, they had the lead. Sarah Carroll hit a perfect half volley from a half-cleared corner, and it was 1-0 to Perth RedStar.
As a first-time viewer, these opening moments felt like I was seeing where the power lay in WA. RedStar looked aggressive, confident, and dangerous with the ball. I was not prepared for what happened next.
Perth SC had been surprised by the early blitz, but soon found their way back into the game. Tijan McKenna got a shot away from long range, and Jess Flannery was there to follow up and equalise.
From this point on, Perth SC seemed to take full control of the game. Daisy McAllister scored twice and Flannery added another to make it 4-1 by halftime. It could have been more.
While RedStar was able to use its pace in the early stages, the growing scoreline made it easier for Perth SC to sit deeper, take fewer risks, and use the mobility and passing of Georgia Cassidy to keep things ticking over.
Above: Georgia Cassidy (pink shirt) tussles with Sarah Carroll in Perth SC’s win over Perth RedStar. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
She may not have the highlights reel that Hana Lowry, Leticia McKenna, or Sam Kerr had at the same age, but Cassidy could be one of WA’s brightest prospects. She combines pace and composure in midfield. Cassidy is still a developing talent at the elite level, but this game provided a great insight as to what she looks like in an environment she can dominate rather than learn from.
Keeping hold of the best talent is a challenge for Western Australia’s NPLW. Tanika Lala has recently moved across to Victoria’s league, but the return of Tijan McKenna, her excellent form in the A-League Women, and international call-up have shown that it is still a league that can attract or retain talent.
Cassidy may still need to move states to test her limits as a player. Truth be told, her versatility and ability to cover the entire midfield make her a good candidate for the European League, but right now, it appears WA is the best league for her. Football fans should try and watch her while they can.
The second half saw McKenna leave the pitch after what looked like a knock to the face. RedStar began to work their way back into the game.
A goal from Caitlin Doeglas brought things back to 4-2, and they were then denied a goal from the offside flag, but the momentum had shifted, and the game was opening up.
Sam Mathers’ 68th-minute goal for Perth SC re-established the buffer and effectively ended the game as a contest, but not as a spectacle.
The match ended with Cassidy clearing a RedStar attack off the line with a desperate piece of defending, but the visitors earned a penalty from the scramble. Sarah Carroll stepped up to take it and end the game 5-3.
It spoke of the adrenaline that RedStar approached the entire match with.
Conclusion
Above: Tijan McKenna (pink shirt) battles away for Perth SC against Perth RedStar. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
I don’t know if every game is like this, but if it is, sign me up! This was an exciting, relentless game with quality on display from both sides. Defending at this level is often the hardest part, and the scoreline reflected that.
The attacking quality on display was top-class and ruthless. Mistakes were punished, and any lapse in concentration at the back was potentially damaging. Comparisons to Victoria feel hard, especially this season, where anybody can win on any day. It felt obvious that these were two of the top sides in WA, but based on this game and this game alone, they would both concede similar amounts on a weekly basis in the NPLW Vic.
What this game underlined more than anything is that outside of the most famous names in WA Football history, there is a lot of talent, and not just at the younger end. Like everywhere else, investment can help nurture these players into elite footballers. Where WA appears to have the bigger hurdle is that it is a smaller league, has limited room to grow, and that will always affect things like investment. The geographical distance makes it hard to sign A-League players or even top NPLW stars from other states.
The introduction of relegation in the Victorian NPLW and the expansion of the league from 10 to 12 sides have led to increased investment. Clubs are luring A-League Women talent like Rhianna Pollicina or Maja Markovski, even outside of the obvious title contenders. More importantly, even ‘smaller clubs’ like Alamein FC have heavily investment in academies to develop talent and compete with the big dogs.
Whether WA has the capacity to expand, or to grow and attract sponsors and investors, is something that remains to be seen, but for now, the state league is a great way to watch the best locally produced talent. They did not disappoint, and it looks obvious that this league will continue to produce Matildas.
By Gethin Thurlow and Catherine MacKenzie (06/07/2025)
Above: Reuteler celebrates scoring for Switzerland. Photo: Nick Potts / PA.
Finland 1 – 2 Norway
Team news and context:
A matchup between the two winners of the first gameday, both sides came in knowing a win would guarantee knockout stage qualification. Finland could be extremely satisfied with their deserved underdog victory over Iceland and as such only made one change, with Oona Sevenius coming in for Sanni Franssi as a more direct striker partner to Linda Sällström. Norway however will know they got away with what was an under-par performance against Switzerland but a win nonetheless. Harviken for Mjelde at centre back was their only change as they looked to keep Kosola and Sallstrom in particular quiet.
Scorers: Nystrom own goal 0-1, Sevenius 1-1, Graham Hansen 1-2
Highlights:
After Norway took the lead through an early own goal, it was Finland who took the game by the scruff of the neck and put the pressure on. A good 20 minutes of this culminated in a fantastic jumping save by Anna Koivunen to deny Norway ace Ad Hegerberg. This provided the impetus Finland needed; they went down the other end of the pitch and Oona Siren expertly picked out Sevenius who fired the ball into the top corner from the edge of box.
Above: Oona Sevenius. Photo: WEURO2025 on X.
The half time introductions of Lisa Naalsund and Signe Gaupset initially gained Norway some control, but Finland were the ones pushing for a goal after this and Fiskerstrand had to be in top form to keep the score at 1-1. Norway’s quality eventually came through, as Chelsea’s Guro Reiten had an overhead kick brilliantly saved and Graham Hansen finally got the job done, launching the ball onto the inside post almost like she was crossing it to secure qualification for Norway.
Above: Caroline Graham Hansen seals a quarterfinal for Norway. Photo: nff_landslaget on X.
Player of the match: Cecilie Fiskerstrand
It was another win for Norway where they were outplayed by the opposition, making an outfield choice for player of the match impossible. During the second half, it was only goalkeeper Fiskerstrand that stopped the scoreline from being 3 or 4-1 to Finland, which would have been a fairer representation of this Norway performance.
What next for the teams:
Knowing the maximum points anyone else in the group can get is six, Norway will be well aware that a point in the final game will win them the group, although after what we have seen so far this will not be an easy task. Finland can take heart from a spirited performance, but they will know that better finishing could have won or at least drawn this game. They are still well within control of their destiny as they face hosts Switzerland in the final game looking to secure a knockout berth.
Switzerland 2-0 Iceland
Above: Hosts Switzerland thank the fans. Photo: Florencia Tan Jun / UEFA.
Team news and context:
The biggest news was that Iceland captain Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir was fit enough to start after being withdrawn at half-time in their opening day defeat to Finland due to illness. Switzerland made two changes from their unlucky loss to Norway, with Sydney Schertenleib and Svenja Folmli in for Riola Xhemaili and Noemi Ivelj.
Iceland also made two changes to their line-up. Hildur Antonsdottir was seeing out a suspension after seeing red, replaced by Agla Albertsdottir and Hlin Eiriksdottir was replaced by Dagny Brynjarsdottir for an unknown reason.
Norway’s win earlier in the day meant that no matter the result between Switzerland and Iceland, they would top the group. The battle was therefore for the second place and the group’s last quarter-final spot.
Scorers: Reuteler 76′ 1-0, Pilgrim 90′ 2-0.
Highlights:
The first half was fairly even, the primary highlight coming from a ruled-out Iceland own goal. Whilst Switzerland looked more dangerous, neither made significant chances, and Iceland had the half’s only shot on target. Neither side showed much clinicality in front of goal.
Towards the end of the half, the match ebbed and flowed in a relatively staccato tempo due to the frequent intervention of the referee – at times it felt like an Icelandic player was permanently down needing treatment. The crowd reacted with increasing intensity; boos rang out across the stadium time and time again, particularly towards Jonsdottir, who took her time with every throw-in.
The second half began much in the same vein, with multiple free kicks on either side. One such free kick extracted a sublime save from Icelandic goalkeeper Rúnarsdóttir – who was recently Serie A goalkeeper of the season and may have just caught the eye of a number of major clubs across Europe.
Iceland took control of the game in its latter stages, having the lions share of the possession and spending most of their time in the Swiss box. A goal did come – however against the run of play, it was for the hosts. They pressed high following some point-perfect distribution from goalkeeper Livia Peng, and courtesy of some clinical passing from Lia Wälti, Géraldine Reuteler shot through Rúnarsdóttir’s legs for the 1-0.
The goal gave Switzerland the momentum and the remaining minutes were spent chasing a second goal. It finally came in the 90th minute, a stunning strike from outside the box from Alayah Pilgrim.
Player of the match: Géraldine Reuteler
Aside from scoring the goal that gave tournament hosts Switzerland a lifeline in the competition, Reuteler also made two key passes, won all of her duels and made a number of interceptions and tackles.
What next for the teams:
For Iceland, it is game over. Their last game of the tournament will be their last group game – against group leaders Norway, however even a win would not be enough. A disappointing outing for the Icelanders – in the end, they did not manage to overcome the hostile Swiss crowd.
For Switzerland, it is all to play for as they face Finland in their final group match – a win would see them qualify for a first quarter-finals in their history; a draw would bring goal difference into play, and a loss would see them join Iceland in a group-stage exit.
Moment/player of the day
For England fans who were at Wembley to experience the magic of an extra-time winner against Germany in a tournament final, little will ever compare to the noise that erupted when Chloe Kelly scored the winning goal. Although not a tournament final, one gets the feeling that Reuteler’s goal may have a similar impact: if Switzerland do escape the group, it would be seen as the turning point and the goal that made history.
Above:Perth SC’s Ella Lincoln (right) seen here in a previous game, hit a hat-trick for her side in their 4-0 win at then league leaders Football West Academy today. Photo: Rob Lizzi.
Football West Academy 0-4 Perth SC
by Ben Gilby
The Azzurri ran out comfortable winners in the battle of the NPLW WA top two to leap frog the Football West Academy and hit the ladder summit.
The win came in difficult conditions with the usual strong breeze at the Sam Kerr Football Centre accompanied by driving heavy rain in the second half.
Whilst the opening 45 was largely transitional in nature, Perth were crucially able to have time to play their passes which assisted them in retaining more of the ball than their teenage opponents. Both Ella Lincoln and Sam Mathers put in arguably their most eye-catching displays of the league season to date enabled Perth to have the better of the exchanges.
The Azzurri hit the front just after the quarter of an hour mark when Jess Flannery escaped along the left to pull over a high cross, aided by the wind that Mathers was able to nod home from close range.
The league leaders had just the one major opportunity, which came with four minutes of the half remaining as Sakura Leong crossed in from the right and Klaudia Houlis volleyed the ball into the net, but the assistant referee’s flag was up instantly, judging that the ball had gone over the by-line before Sakura could deliver it.
Right on half time, the Azzurri doubled their lead after referee Jasmine Bremner awarded an in-direct free-kick in the penalty area to the left of centre following a scramble of epic proportions where the ball got caught up amidst a forest of legs. Mathers laid the set-piece off for Lincoln to fire home.
The home side looked to ring the changes at the break with three substitutions made, but it had little impact as within seven minutes of the re-start, Perth went three up.
Lincoln and McAllister combined to the left of centre and McAllister turned the ball across for Lincoln to sweep into the net.
Just after the hour mark there was a chance for both sides in quick succession. First, Flannery and McAllister worked an entry into the box, but Daisy McGreadie Cole made the save. Then, Leong’s pace beat Violet Longmore along the right, however, the eventual shot went wide of the left-hand post for the Academy.
With just over 20 minutes remaining, Lincoln completed her hat-trick after Flannery skipped past Sam Brady on the left hand edge of the box to supply the perfect low ball in for her partner in crime to sweep into the net.
Perth have now produced two statement making results in a row, scoring nine goals against teams who went into those games top of the ladder. With two of the Azzurri‘s final eight games against a red-hot Balcatta Etna side, and further encounters with Perth RedStar and the Football West Academy, it’s going to be a thrilling final third of the season.
Above: Abbey Meakins, seen here in action in a previous game, extended her incredible goal scoring run today to 13 in her last eight games. Photo: Denyse McCulloch.
Balcatta extended their winning run to eight league games as they entered the top two following a sensational five-goal victory at defending champions Perth RedStar today.
Ironically, it was RedStar who were the last side to defeat Balcatta on 4th May by five goals to nil. However, Pete Rakic’s side are a very different beast now.
A jam-packed ten minutes opened this encounter when mere metres separated Emily Dunn from the penalty area when she committed the foul against in form Balcatta midfielder Abbey Meakins.
A free kick was awarded and Meakins’ shot was pushed away by Gabby Dal Busco, with the resuting corner repelled again moments later.
Faye Phillips opened the scoring for the visitors after 11 minutes when taking possession on the left-hand side of the final third gave her enough space to strike a clean volley from just outside the box.
For the 20 minutes that followed, and recurring throughout the game, neither side managed to maintain enough possession to build sustained attacking momentum. The game heavily contested on the wings, marked by frequent interceptions, and set pieces from both teams.
Balcatta found a response through Ella Marwick, whose sharp strike from inside the box caught everyone off guard to double her side’s lead four minutes before the break. Despite close marking by the RedStar defence, her shot beat a well-positioned Dal Busco.
The opening ten minutes of the second half were characterised by a familiar stagnancy from both respective sides. Until that is, Jamie-Lee Gale reignited Balcatta’s momentum by tapping in from a crowded box after a well-delivered corner kick just after the hour mark.
The visitors made it 4-0 when a penalty was awarded as a result of a handball committed by RedStar’s Abbey Woolley following a charge into the box. Meakins stepped up and calmly converted from the spot for her 13th goal in the last eight games.
Gale capped off her dominant performance with a second goal when a charge starting from the halfway line, surpassing the RedStar defence and slotting the ball into an open net with ease.
RedStar showed infrequent signs of an obvious struggle, successfully intercepting passes and maintaining a tightly marking defence. Ultimately, it was the home sides inability to generate attacking momentum that cost them. It’s now a very un-RedStar like 10 goals conceded in their last two matches – both of which were against top four rivals.
Scorers: Phillips 11’, E. Marwick 41’, Gale 61’, 77’. Meakins (pen) 65’.
Around the grounds
by Ben Gilby
Murdoch University Melville 0-0 UWA-Nedlands
Above: Ellis Glanfield (centre), seen here in action in a previous match, was a key performer for Murdoch University Melville this afternoon. Photo: Denyse McCulloch.
Bottom side Murdoch University Melville (MUM FC) overcame the sending off of Monique Baiamonte to secure their first point of the season against fellow strugglers UWA-Nedlands.
However, it will be the visitors who leave Besteam Stadium as the happier of the two sides, as the draw ensures they continue to hold a six point cushion over MUM FC at the bottom of the table.
Baiamonte saw red with nine minutes of the first half remaining after an altacation in the lead up to a corner. However, the home side rallied strongly and continued to pose a threat into the final stages of this vital clash.
The final 10 minutes saw chances galore at either end. First, for UWA-Nedlands, Rhiannon Short let fly with a long range effort that was held by home keeper Jemma Skinner. Then, Taylor Reid, playing against her former MUM FC team mates embarked on a mazy run which ended with a shot that wasn’t quite powerful enough to trouble Skinner.
With two minutes remaining, Ellis Glanfield broke through for the home side and was only denied by an excellent diving save from Madison Large in the UWA-Nedlands goal.
The visitors responded instantly as Melina Franklin ran free up the right and into the area where Skinner pushed away her shot with a dramatic dive.
Murdoch University Melville had the two last chances. With a minute of regular time remaining, Glanfield was through one-on-one with Large, but put her shot wide. Then, in the dying embers, Sophie Patience saw her shot cannon back off the cross bar.
So near but yet so far for MUM FC. However, their endeavours and character to battle so strongly with 10 players will buoy hopes of picking up the necessary points over the final seven weeks of the season to make up the gap to UWA-Nedlands.
Fremantle City’s winning run now extends to four league and cup games after four goals in 24 second half minutes clinched this victory at Rosalie Park.
The port city side’s striker Leyna Wood claimed a hat-trick, with her first arriving just after the hour mark when she was played in by a beautifully weighted diagonal slide rule pass that found her unmarked in the box to turn the ball home.
A spell of three goals in eight minutes killed off Subi’s resistance, with Annabelle Leek making it 2-0 when she headed in Abbey Green’s corner kick that came in from the left.
Freo scored again when Erin Siah drew home goalkeeper Monique Todd in a one-on-one and squared to Wood to slot in.
Four minutes later, Subi lost possession allowing Wood to complete her hat-trick by turning her marker and roll a low shot that dribbled over the line almost in slow motion.
The home side had the final word deep into second half stoppage time with the goal of the game as Stella Zampogna lifted a glorious shot into the top right hand corner from outside the box on the right.
Ladder
Perth SC P 13 Pts 32 GD +31
Balcatta Etna P 13 Pts 31 GD +27
Football West Academy P 14 Pts 30 GD +23
Perth RedStar P 14 Pts 28 GD +29
Fremantle City P 14 Pts 21 GD +17
Subiaco P 14 Pts 10 GD -19
UWA-Nedlands P 14 Pts 7 GD -50
Murdoch University Melville P 14 Pts 1 GD -59
Fixtures
SATURDAY: Football West Academy v Balcatta Etna, UWA-Nedlands v Perth RedStar. SUNDAY: Fremantle City v Perth SC, Murdoch University Melville v Subiaco.
Above: Vivianne Miedema celebrates reaching 100 goals. Photo: Just Women’s Sports on X.
Wales 0 – 3 Netherlands
Team news and context:
Cymru are making their major tournament debut while the Netherlands are looking to add more silverware to their collection after winning the competition in 2017. Since the first meeting between the two sides, the Dutch have never conceded a goal to Cymru.
Chelsea superstar Sophie Ingle started on the bench following a return from the ACL injury left her sidelined for over a year; she is yet to have any game time. Oranje’ captain and record goalscorer Vivianne Miedema started, having been on a reduced amount of minutes since her hamstring injury and missing the final games of the WSL season for Man City.
Scorer: Miedema 45+3′, Pelova 48′, Brugts 57′
Highlights:
A well established Dutch side saw them press Cymru right from the whistle. The Welsh dealt with this press well for much of the first half, making a few chances of their own. However, Wales lacked the quality in the final pass, and a number of strong crosses were met with Oranje heads instead.
It was a struggle to spend time in the opposition box for both teams: the Dutch had most of the possession but struggled to connect in the attack while Cymru struggled to make good turnovers in the midfield. A moment of spark from Miedema saw the Oranje leading just before halftime, as her strong effort beat Olivia Clark. She is now the 10th female player and 13th overall to score 100 goals for the Netherlands. They then came out firing just after half with Van De Donk linking up with Pelova to score the second goal of the game.
After conceding the second, the Welsh defence that had held so strong began to crumble. There was a sublime goalline clearance from Woodham and the Dutch ended the game strongly.
There was also heartbreak for Cymru as Ceri Holland was withdrawn from the field after what looked like a hamstring injury. This was the result that the oranje needed after receiving heavy criticism from the Dutch media following the announced departure of head coach Andries Jonker and subsequent rocky performances.
Player of the match: Josie Green
Although on the losing side, Welsh midfielder Josie Green established herself as one to watch as Wales continue to navigate a difficult group.
Danielle van de Donk also needs highlighting; the new London City Lionesses recruit notched two assists and was invaluable for Oranje all over the pitch.
What next for the teams:
Cymru will continue to build – their main focus on being able to constantly hold a defensive line as the games only become more challenging. They also need to see more of the ball after only having 33% possession. The Netherlands have played their “easiest” game in the group as they face an England side with plenty to prove on Wednesday.
France 2-1 England
Team news and context:
Les Bleues were without new captian Mbock following an injury picked up in training. England started with Jess Carter at left back having had an impressive game. Lauren James returned to the squad after injury and Beth Mead comes in on the right wing. Overall the two teams have meet 21 times in different competitions and friendlies with France winning a 11 of these games.
Scorers: Katoto 36′, Baltimore 39′, Walsh 86′
Highlights:
The aim for England would have been to maintain a solid attacking performance which they did with Lauren James having a shot in target in the first few minutes and then Russo finiding the back of net in the first 15 minutes. The game shifted once this goal was controversially ruled out for Beth Mead being ruled offside in the build-up.
France picked up the momentum following the disallowed goal and made it 1-0 as Katoto pouncing on Cascarino’s cross. A shaken England side quickly conceded another as Baltimore intercepted a loose pass from Bronze – again with controversy as there looked to have been a foul on England’s Alessia Russo in the build-up.
Following substitutions, England began to get back into the game in its later stages. A lapse of concentrating from the France defense meant that Walsh recieved the ball just outside the box and struck it home for her second international goal.
Player of the match: Selma Bacha
The were mutliple player who fit this category: Williamson, Baltimore, Russo. However, France’s Selma Bacha was all over the pitch, defending and attacking. She was doing what was needed for France to win the game and bring success to the side. She was showing why she deserved to be in the squad and what she is capable of.
What next for the teams:
England need to explore more midfield options, every time they receive the ball they are being shutdown. This was their downfall in this match, they were unable to constantly play the ball through the midfield. Both Stanway and Walsh had quiet games.They also need to look at their defensive options as Carter and Bronze were constantly being out paced and struggled to match their opponents. France will be on a high going into their game against the Cymru having just beaten the current champions. England need to win against the Netherlands to have any of retaining their title.
Moment/player of the day
Vivianne Miedema’s 100th goal for country was a classic, featuring a strong shot from outside the box.
Above: Some stars of the competition posing at the WAFCON unveiling. Image: CAF Online.
By Emmanuel Faith (7/5/25).
One could rename this month of July “Women’s Football Summer” thanks to the array of ongoing captivating competitions. The Euros kicked off days ago, and the matches so far have given us a glimpse of what to expect; with powerhouses, underdogs, and great football surely to come.
Outside Europe, there are a couple other eye-catching competitions, and the one that’s grabbing attention at the moment is the Women Africa Cup of Nations, known as WAFCON.
History:
Founded in 1991 and re-christened in 1998, beyond the continental glory, the competition had also been the vehicle of World Cup qualification for the teams on the continent.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria has been the dominant force, having won it nine times out of thirteen. In fact, only two countries have won it outside of the West African queens.
Despite the dominance, there has been a slight shift in the 20th century, with countries like South Africa ending their near-success jinx while new forces are rising in North Africa (Morocco) and South Africa (Zambia).
These four countries represented the continent at the FIFA world cup in 2023, and two of them made it to the Olympics in 2024, signaling a new era for the continent.
Image: Super Falcons have dominated WAFCON since the early nineties. Image: Fervora on Twitter.
The Women African Cup of Nations has always been filled with fanfare and thrill laced with glitz and glamour, and if you are online, you probably have seen a lot of players grace your screen in their eye-catching attire, depicting their culture, heritage and tradition.
But Africa is beyond the glitz, they are the quality, the resilience, the tenacity, the creativity and below are the reasons why you should follow WAFCON.
Global Spotlight:
While there is a lot of spotlight on Europeans, Africans have continued to make history and create new milestones. Until January, the most expensive women footballer in the world , Rachael Kundananji, was Zambian, as well as the second most expensive footballer, Barbra Banda .
The continent has continued to contribute to the wealth of the football world, directly and indirectly.
Above: Until January, these Zambian attackers were the first and second most expensive players in the world of women’s football. Image: NWSL.
Records:
The scorer of the fastest hat-trick in NWSL? A Zambian. Serie A top scorer in 2023? A Malawian. Fastest brace scored in the NWSL? A Nigerian. If you follow the UEFA Women Champions League, the National Women Soccer League and other leagues, then you will be familiar with the great exploits African superstars perform week-in, week-out.
Wouldn’t it be even more exciting to watch them in their country’s colors making their nations proud?
Early exposure to future youngsters:
The Junior FIFA competitions often give platforms to upcoming talent the world needs to embrace, and we have seen it in players like Deborah Abiodun who bloomed in 2023, and Christabel Okuchukwu who burgeoned in 2024 (and scored with her first NWSL goal in 2025). WAFCON gives you the opportunity to witness unearthed gems from the continent, while giving you the front-row seat to their potential journey.
Image: The Moroccans celebrating after a crucial goal scored at the WAFCON 2022. Image: CAF Online.
I could keep talking about the fandom, the excitement, the football culture, the array of colours, the music, the melody and a galore of other exciting spice, but I’d end with a simple advice;
Do not miss WAFCON for any reason. The opening match between the host, Morocco and powerhouse Zambia is already setting the tone for a great tournament. You should have your alarm set already.
impetusfootball.org 