Women's World Cup - Act I
And so it begins. We made our way to the compact and impressive Stade du Hainaut in the small town of Valenciennes in northern France. I had stayed overnight in Lille and it seemed that everyone on the train was from Australia. We had come in healthy numbers to support our loved Matildas.
The wait is over
Our World Cup started – straight out of the blocks, with two chances created for Sam Kerr in the opening few minutes, difficult headers not quite finding the target. The Italians had also done their homework, pressing hard in midfield to create turnovers and quick through balls behind Australia’s high defensive line, which at times looked cumbersome but to their credit our backline mostly responded well to the threat.
Lots of green and gold in Valenciennes
But hearts were in mouths in the 11th minute when the Italians finally broke the line, Bonansea squeezing the ball past Australian keeper, Lydia Williams into the net. Then up went the line referee’s flag and our first nervous wait for the VAR to confirm the decision ensued. It must have been close – the decision must have taken 3 minutes to come. But the “goal” had been disallowed.
21st minute, an Australian attacking foray found Sam Kerr on the ball in the box – foul and PENALTY! Sam then somewhat fluffed her lines, having her kick well saved by the Italian keeper. Thankfully she was first to the rebound and slotted home the ball for a 1-0 lead.
Defending an Italian corner
There followed what could be described as a game of chess. The Italians were pressing high, and the Australian backline laboured somewhat to play through it. It all looked very risky, especially for a team holding the advantage. But on the occasions they did find a way through, they were rewarded with acres of space in their attacking half. Most prominent was Ellie Carpenter who played her best match in a Matildas jersey, as she combined well with her peers down the right hand side to create openings. But for all the creativity there was little real pressure on the Italian goal. We were beginning to see a real Italian defensive master class. Through balls and shots alike were blocked, repelled and parried. On balance the 1st half was Australia’s but it was already becoming apparent that our best chance of victory would be to not concede.
The second half brought a change in strategy from the Italians. They closed up the space afforded the Matildas in the first half, pressed more strategically and with more intensity, and the balance of chances started to flow their way. Meanwhile the cumbersome playing out from the back continued, resulting in the almost inevitable defensive error, a bad controlling touch from Clare Polkinghorne gifting the ball to Bonansea who was through on the keeper. Her finish was skilful and assured and we were 1-1.
This woke up the crowd and it became apparent that there were Italians there, and it appeared that they had won over the locals with French support for their southern neighbours also starting to show. The Italians really dominated the next 15 minutes and it looked a matter of time before they scored another. We survived another disallowed Italian goal.
The phase of substitutions ensued but were largely uninspiring from our team. Lisa de Vanna had some impact (and almost a red card), but other changes were conservative like for like replacements of tired midfielders. Late in the game the Matildas rallied, forcing a few corners and free kicks out wide but that Italian membrane just could not be breached.
The final act was a coup de grace. Last minute, last chance, first keeper mistake, 2nd Italian goal (Bonansea again!). Scrappy but effective. No time to counter. They know how to win, we are perhaps too concerned with process. Our brave team now has a cup final in its second game. No matter – it’s only against Brazil. What can possibly go wrong?
Lessons learned (please)
We’re here to win. This is serious – throw away the textbook and instill some real belief again in this team.
Our blow-up kangaroos are not safe (c’mon FIFA – what do you think you’re doing!). A little leniency please or we’ll bring real ones next time.
We’re in France, remember Sartre: everything in football is complicated by the presence of the opposite team. SO….let’s play the opposition and adjust our strategy to what they are doing. Process is fine, beating the opposition is better!
