New Women's football thread (inc World Cup) 2023-26

[bigfluffylemon]

Well, that Australia-France shootout was intense. Took BFL junior to watch it at one of the outdoor big screens and we could barely watch at the end. Great atmosphere, though. It really does feel as if the country is embracing the Matildas (Aussies sure do love a winner), and an Ashes semi will take the intensity up another notch. I'm going to be conflicted all evening watching that one.

If I'm honest, Australia probably didn't deserve that one. France were the better team overall in the 120 minutes. Australia certainly had periods of dominance, but after about 75 minutes seemed bereft of ideas - could barely string three passes together and were just defending and playing for penalties for the whole of extra time. France controlled much of the midfield, but then never really looked like scoring, and were not very incisive in the final third, apart from the disallowed effort (from a corner that never should have been - would have been a bitter way to lose). Then, Australia should have probably had a penalty, but were also lucky to get away without being carded in a few pretty questionable tackles...

The shootout was ridiculous. 10 penalties. Australia needed 3 or was it 4 attempts to put away the win.

I think England should win the semi, but either way, I have a team in the final...

[bigfluffylemon]

Apparently that match was the most watched TV event in Australia since Cathy Freeman's gold in the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Not sporting event, any TV program. Full stop. They're reckoning it reached over 8 million, out of a population of 25 million.

Given the video reactions, and the crowds I saw, I'll believe it.

[mikesiva]

Spain 2-1 Sweden

What a turnaround from that 4-0 thrashing by Japan.

[Durhamfootman]

First I was sure it would be a Japan/France final, then I was sure that Sweden would beat Spain. I'd make a pretty decent football pundit, because they always talk out of their hat as well

Up to the lionesses now. I wanted an Aussie semi, but that doesn't mean that I figured England would roll them over, just that I thought Australia might suit England's style of play more

[Gingerfinch]

Sweden had grounded out their way to the semis. Spain will be a much tougher test for England or Australia.

[Durhamfootman]

Japan showed how pace can upset Spain. They like football to be slow and ponderous, so they can control possession. Whoever prevails tomorrow...hit them hard with pace, and bags of it, in the final and they'll sh1t themselves

[bigfluffylemon]

I think it's reasonable to say that any of the last eight were capable of winning the tournament. Pretty much every game has been tight, and although Japan went out in disappointing fashion they showed themselves capable of beating Spain, who are now in the final. Colombia and Australia probably the least likely of the last eight to win, but Australia are still there. For now.

I guess that's the appeal (and sometimes the downside) of football - low scoring games mean that all it takes is a moment of brilliance (or fluke) from one team to pull off a win. But the downside is you get a lot of draws, and 0-0 is rarely compelling (but not never - tell anyone in Australia that the game v France wasn't compelling to the end...).

[alfie]

I still haven't got a clue who will win this. Can find reasons to pick any of the remaining three teams - or not.

England the only undefeated side left. Australia home fanatic support and has beaten two of the pre-tournament favourites already. Spain apparently raising their game through the rounds - and have an extra day's rest before the final - albeit with an international flight added in

In terms of ranking and players in major club teams you'd think England have an advantage. But they've not been quite at their best so far (except maybe the China game - but that may have been just weak opposition). If they produce their absolute best now I reckon they'll win : going to need it though because the Aussies are playing with a lot of belief.

From what I've been able to watch of these games , it seems fair to say a lot of chances have generally been created at both ends of the pitch. And you'd think this will be the same in this match as England love to attack and the Aussies are dynamite on the counter. But an awful lot of those chances seem to have gone begging in previous games. Might be the team that is more clinical (or lucky ?) tonight gets the prize...

[Gingerfinch]

Working today so will miss the match and it's our wedding anniversary on Sunday, so IF we get through, our table for lunch is going to have to be moved. This was the wife's idea btw!

[bigfluffylemon]

Here we go. This is huge in Australia.

[alfie]

As expected so far. Aussies happy to sit back and let England hold the ball while looking to make quick breaks of their own.

Was a decent chance for Stanway.

[bigfluffylemon]

That was an absolutely cracking strike. Shouldn't have been allowed that much space, but it was finished perfectly.

[alfie]

Lovely strike by Ella Toone

Had been building.

[bigfluffylemon]

Sam Kerr - what a moment of brilliance. Three defenders on one and she scored a blinder.

[alfie]

That's changed the game !

Kerr is some player.