Women’s Football

[Lighthouse]

Okay, I’ve moved a whole bunch of stuff to the lounge, so if you like talking about teenage boys in Texas or whatever…

Please can we keep this thread to discussing actual games of women’s football. If, like me, that doesn’t particularly interest you then I suggest you simply don’t click on this thread. It’s not compulsory, you wouldn’t register on the darts forum to post 12 times a day about how darts is crap and you don’t watch it.

Thank you.

[Turkish]

1 minute ago, Lighthouse said:

Okay, I’ve moved a whole bunch of stuff to the lounge, so if you like talking about teenage boys in Texas or whatever…

Please can we keep this thread to discussing actual games of women’s football. If, like me, that doesn’t particularly interest you then I suggest you simply don’t click on this thread. It’s not compulsory, you wouldn’t register on the darts forum to post 12 times a day about how darts is crap and you don’t watch it.

Thank you.

What about if you posted regularly on a darts forum and a a group of people starting saying womens Darts was brilliant and if you dont agree with them you're  a biggot? 

[Lighthouse]

22 minutes ago, Turkish said:

What about if you posted regularly on a darts forum and a a group of people starting saying womens Darts was brilliant and if you dont agree with them you're  a biggot? 

Then don’t click on the threads about women’s darts.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

I was looking forward to this one. But the first 35 minutes of French domination didn't result in the best of matches. The French were wasteful with their final deliveries, after getting an early lead. Out of nothing Belgium got a really good equaliser from a deep passing move.

That lasted all of 4 minutes, as a good aggressive header past a static defence restored the lead. Belgium troubled the French keeper once or twice, without any real chances in the second half. A late bit of controversy gave France a penalty. Depending on the view it was a natural movement of the arm, or a sneaky deliberate deflection. France missed the penalty, and Renard rushed the follow up, missing a sitter.

Belgium left out a couple of players on yellows. So,they already had an eye on their final game, and I think that showed.

[Dman]

23 minutes ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

I was looking forward to this one. But the first 35 minutes of French domination didn't result in the best of matches. The French were wasteful with their final deliveries, after getting an early lead. Out of nothing Belgium got a really good equaliser from a deep passing move.

That lasted all of 4 minutes, as a good aggressive header past a static defence restored the lead. Belgium troubled the French keeper once or twice, without any real chances in the second half. A late bit of controversy gave France a penalty. Depending on the view it was a natural movement of the arm, or a sneaky deliberate deflection. France missed the penalty, and Renard rushed the follow up, missing a sitter.

Belgium left out a couple of players on yellows. So,they already had an eye on their final game, and I think that showed.

Possibly one of the worst misses I’ve ever seen… 

 

[Holmes_and_Watson]

As a centre half, she didn't have the instinct to follow through with some composure. She'll be glad the game was won shortly after.

[Turkish]

40 minutes ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

I was looking forward to this one. But the first 35 minutes of French domination didn't result in the best of matches. The French were wasteful with their final deliveries, after getting an early lead. Out of nothing Belgium got a really good equaliser from a deep passing move.

That lasted all of 4 minutes, as a good aggressive header past a static defence restored the lead. Belgium troubled the French keeper once or twice, without any real chances in the second half. A late bit of controversy gave France a penalty. Depending on the view it was a natural movement of the arm, or a sneaky deliberate deflection. France missed the penalty, and Renard rushed the follow up, missing a sitter.

Belgium left out a couple of players on yellows. So,they already had an eye on their final game, and I think that showed.

I really enjoyed it. The game ebbed and flowed with France on the front foot and the tactically brilliant Belgians soaking it up and hitting on the break. Really good tactical chess match in the second half between two world class managers which is fascinating to watch. The penalty miss looked worse than it was, off balance and coming back to her at pace she was unlucky not to score but magnificent save from the keeper in the first place. One of the most intriguing games I’ve ever seen.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

20 minutes ago, Turkish said:

I really enjoyed it. The game ebbed and flowed with France on the front foot and the tactically brilliant Belgians soaking it up and hitting on the break. Really good tactical chess match in the second half between two world class managers which is fascinating to watch. The penalty miss looked worse than it was, off balance and coming back to her at pace she was unlucky not to score but magnificent save from the keeper in the first place. One of the most intriguing games I’ve ever seen.

And with so much of the tournament to go, there's every chance of similarly exciting games to come!

[Dman]

 

7 hours ago, Turkish said:

I really enjoyed it. The game ebbed and flowed with France on the front foot and the tactically brilliant Belgians soaking it up and hitting on the break. Really good tactical chess match in the second half between two world class managers which is fascinating to watch. The penalty miss looked worse than it was, off balance and coming back to her at pace she was unlucky not to score but magnificent save from the keeper in the first place. One of the most intriguing games I’ve ever seen.

I have to say, it was brilliant  athleticism by the keeper to get down low to save the penalty as it was really struck with venom. 

Im surprised the BBC haven’t made more of it, if I’m honest. A “Rooney esque” penalty saved by a “Gordon banks esque” save. 

Upon reflection I was pretty harsh on the girl last night. Everyone knows, those that bounce back to you in your stride, with the goal gaping and 3,000 people watching, are one of the hardest in the game. A tricky XG of 2.5 for that one I believe. 

After such a display; one can only assume France will be the team to beat. Brimming with confidence. Knocking the ball about like 1970’s Brazil, a joy to watch! 
 

The Belgians looked good, but I do find myself questioning if there is enough diversity in the squad to handle the pressure of The later rounds. 

[Holmes_and_Watson]

16 minutes ago, Dman said:

 

I have to say, it was brilliant  athleticism by the keeper to get down low to save the penalty as it was really struck with venom. 

Im surprised the BBC haven’t made more of it, if I’m honest. A “Rooney esque” penalty saved by a “Gordon banks esque” save. 

Upon reflection I was pretty harsh on the girl last night. Everyone knows, those that bounce back to you in your stride, with the goal gaping and 3,000 people watching, are one of the hardest in the game. A tricky XG of 2.5 for that one I believe. 

After such a display; one can only assume France will be the team to beat. Brimming with confidence. Knocking the ball about like 1970’s Brazil, a joy to watch! 
 

The Belgians looked good, but I do find myself questioning if there is enough diversity in the squad to handle the pressure of The later rounds. 

One of the commentators mentioned xG the other night. I thought that there was a topic that all of us could appreciate: xG at Euro 2022. Great to see you've anticipated that, and really looking forward to more of your thoughtful analysis.

[The Cat]

43 minutes ago, Dman said:

Upon reflection I was pretty harsh on the girl last night. Everyone knows, those that bounce back to you in your stride, with the goal gaping and 3,000 people watching, are one of the hardest in the game. A tricky XG of 2.5 for that one I believe. 

It's not like men ever miss easy chances is it?

 

[Dman]

27 minutes ago, The Cat said:

It's not like men ever miss easy chances is it?

 

We don’t compare the men’s and women’s game in this thread, no sir. Take your destabilising posts to the lounge. 
 

but in a serious note, that stinks of match fixing 

Edited 15 July, 2022 by Dman

[Turkish]

1 hour ago, The Cat said:

It's not like men ever miss easy chances is it?

 

What do you expect from Candians? They aren't sure if they're yanks or French, it's no wonder they cant work out what goal they're trying to score in.

[Turkish]

2 hours ago, Dman said:

 

I have to say, it was brilliant  athleticism by the keeper to get down low to save the penalty as it was really struck with venom. 

Im surprised the BBC haven’t made more of it, if I’m honest. A “Rooney esque” penalty saved by a “Gordon banks esque” save. 

Upon reflection I was pretty harsh on the girl last night. Everyone knows, those that bounce back to you in your stride, with the goal gaping and 3,000 people watching, are one of the hardest in the game. A tricky XG of 2.5 for that one I believe. 

After such a display; one can only assume France will be the team to beat. Brimming with confidence. Knocking the ball about like 1970’s Brazil, a joy to watch! 
 

The Belgians looked good, but I do find myself questioning if there is enough diversity in the squad to handle the pressure of The later rounds. 

Buzzing for tonight, Ellie White could break Rooneys record tonight and you've got to fancy a big England win, could we better then 8-0 against Norway?  Could be a double record night for the girls

Edited 15 July, 2022 by Turkish

[Dman]

2 minutes ago, Turkish said:

Buzzing for tonight, Ellie White could break Rooneys record tonight and you've got to fancy a big England win, could we better then 8-0 against Norway?  Could be a double record night for the girls

A real David vs Goliath clash. Anyone lucky enough to have managed to get a ticket is in for a real treat. 

I’ll be sniffing around outside hoping that I can get one from a tout…. Or bump into Sue with her spare! 

Failing that, I’ll be looking round town for a pub quiet enough to get a decent view of the TV. Expecting the watering holes around town to be packed to the rafters! 
 

Will be keeping an eye out for saints starlet Laura Rafferty.

[Fabrice Fernandes no.1 fan]

Ignoring the weird patronising sarcasm above...

I do genuinely hope Rafferty gets some time for NI tonight, would be such a shame for her to not get to play at her home stadium in an international competition, truly once in a lifetime sort of opportunity that.

[tunit]

Would have been nice if I could have got a ticket for tonight but unfortunately they were all sold out  Like above I hope Rafferty gets some game time. For people who don't care about womens football, these guys above sure post a lot about it. Maybe they're in denial...

[Holmes_and_Watson]

5 minutes ago, Fabrice Fernandes no.1 fan said:

Ignoring the weird patronising sarcasm above...

I do genuinely hope Rafferty gets some time for NI tonight, would be such a shame for her to not get to play at her home stadium in an international competition, truly once in a lifetime sort of opportunity that.

I hope she gets some game time too. Good for our club too. NI have been the weakest of the team's I've seen. Which considering their development, is only to be expected.

England will probably have to be breaking them down. I'd not be expecting to see NI play out so much from the back, with England swarming over them. It might be a different challenge to England's last 2. Still expect a comfortable win.

No doubt the commentators would get carried away with goals going in or moany if it takes a little while. But it wouldn't hurt England to not get complacent ahead of a tougher game to come.

[Saint86]

2 hours ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

I hope she gets some game time too. Good for our club too. NI have been the weakest of the team's I've seen. Which considering their development, is only to be expected.

England will probably have to be breaking them down. I'd not be expecting to see NI play out so much from the back, with England swarming over them. It might be a different challenge to England's last 2. Still expect a comfortable win.

No doubt the commentators would get carried away with goals going in or moany if it takes a little while. But it wouldn't hurt England to not get complacent ahead of a tougher game to come.

Listening to talk sport earlier and they were saying Northern Ireland will be very concerned about this game. Is St Mary's about to witness another 9-0 loss... albeit with only one saint involved this time at least.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

4 hours ago, Saint86 said:

Listening to talk sport earlier and they were saying Northern Ireland will be very concerned about this game. Is St Mary's about to witness another 9-0 loss... albeit with only one saint involved this time at least.

Echo Headlines... Strange feelings of déjà vu sweep the Southampton area, baffling residents...Matt Jansen deal "close"... Saints sign promising glint in the milkman's eye from Chelsea academy...

[Tank]

On 20/06/2022 at 00:19, Ralph Fastenbüttl said:

I'm a leftie and I'm feminist - and I mean in that the truest sense in that I believe males and females should be treated equally. I'm all for women's football, and think the quality of the women's game has increased exponentially in recent years. I'm pleased about the growth of the women's game, and am all for female commentators and officials when said individuals are suitably qualified/talented to do the job (I could listen/watch Alex Scott all day long).

But at the same time, I do not follow the women's game so it's a right pain the arse that the women's football news is intermingled with men's.

It's not uncommon for me to click a link only to find that the news I'm reading is of no interest to me. Surely the clear differentiation and segregation of men's/women's football news is in the interest of absolutely everybody because everyone wants to be able to quickly identify what they are and are not interested in? 

yeh ... intermingling

[Holmes_and_Watson]

8 minutes ago, Tank said:

yeh ... intermingling

"The BBC has announced a new structure to its online reporting. In between the new distinct tabs for men's and women's football, will be a new chaperone tab. Interim sports minister Jacob Rees-Mogg said "it's the best way to prevent intermingling and restore wholesome, traditional values. " 🙂

Edited 15 July, 2022 by Holmes_and_Watson

[Jimmy_D]

Really cool to see Rafferty in the starting line up for tonight’s game. She gets to play at St Marys for her country in a major tournament, and against England as well.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

14 minutes ago, Jimmy_D said:

Really cool to see Rafferty in the starting line up for tonight’s game. She gets to play at St Marys for her country in a major tournament, and against England as well.

Good news. I've not tuned in yet, tragically missing pundits at work. 🙂

[Jimmy_D]

Oof, that seems harsh… think that’ll be overturned?

[Sheaf Saint]

5 minutes ago, Jimmy_D said:

Oof, that seems harsh… think that’ll be overturned?

Right decision in the end.

[Dman]

8 hours ago, tunit said:

Would have been nice if I could have got a ticket for tonight but unfortunately they were all sold out  Like above I hope Rafferty gets some game time. For people who don't care about womens football, these guys above sure post a lot about it. Maybe they're in denial...

Doesn’t look like a sell out to me.. plenty of empty seats scattered about from what I can see on the box. 

[Sheaf Saint]

NI not the pushover many suspected they would be, so far at least. They are defending valiantly.

[Jimmy_D]

6 minutes ago, Sheaf Saint said:

Right decision in the end.

Indeed, not sure the handball itself would have been overturned but the earlier handball made it easy.

[Jimmy_D]

Difficult to read too much into a dead rubber group game against a team making themselves difficult to break down, but we certainly don’t look anywhere near as ruthless so far.

[SNSUN]

Come on Ellen White! Gotta smash that Rooney England goal record out the history books! 

[The Kraken]

Just flicked on.

One thing I’d say is I like the kit. An England kit shouldn’t really have blue in it. Quite enjoying the white-white-red here. Although all white with bits of red trim throughout would be my primary choice.

[Jimmy_D]

Oooh, nice finish!

[SNSUN]

That was a good finish. Could've smashed it.

[Sheaf Saint]

Been coming. Great finish too.  

And there's another for Beth Mead. Looks like the floodgates might have opened.

[Jimmy_D]

But unlucky for NI there but can see the difference in confidence breaking the deadlock has made

[Holmes_and_Watson]

The goals were coming. NI were really hanging on for a bit before the first. Took a really good shot for that opener though. NI unfortunate, that Mead's shot deflected for the second.

NI had a couple of chances when they passed through England's defence, and will wonder what might have been.

England are stronger and have more stamina. NI are going to have to dig even deeper in the second half.

Rafferty did okay. A couple of good early first time passes. A couple of other first time efforts that came across as just trying to clear it. A good block before the first goal. And rightly shown not to have given away a penalty.

[Jimmy_D]

Cracking goal!

[AlexLaw76]

Turned it on for the 2nd half.  England are light years ahead of N.Ireland

[The Kraken]

Lovely touch and finish that.

[Sheaf Saint]

1 minute ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Turned it on for the 2nd half.  England are light years ahead of N.Ireland

First half was a lot closer but NI don't have a professional league so they were never going to be able to match England's intensity for 90 mins. They did well to keep England out for as long as they did.

Lovely goal from Russo.

[The Kraken]

Oh dear. Awful finish.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

Russo did well when she came on. But at the final whistle, you could see the later missed chances were on her mind.

The own goal for the 5th was avoidable. That, like the penalty in their first game, annoyed their manager. It will be interesting to see how their players progress from here. One we can see is Laura Rafferty, who had an okay game, before going off on 65mins.

England got a comfortable win, but will know they can play better. Hopefully that makes them focused even more on the next round.

 

[Jimmy_D]

Did what we needed to do to keep momentum going but bigger challenges ahead. We’re more than a match for any team in the tournament though.

[bpsaint]

Went to the game this evening, enjoyed it more than I thought I would, could feel the sense of occasion and the atmosphere whilst different was genuinely decent. Fair play to the Norn Iron fans for keeping singing throughout. The whole thing certainly put our piss poor match day atmosphere to shame.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

Praise for Laura Rafferty, and for Southampton, from the NI manager.

https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2022-07-15/northern-ireland-england-kenny-shiels-laura-rafferty-southampton

[Sheaf Saint]

The OG for England's 5th reminded me of the first goal in our 8-0 against Sunderland. A sliced attempted clearance that went the opposite direction from where it was intended and looped over the keeper's head.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

25 minutes ago, Sheaf Saint said:

The OG for England's 5th reminded me of the first goal in our 8-0 against Sunderland. A sliced attempted clearance that went the opposite direction from where it was intended and looped over the keeper's head.

Had a peek, and that one was less a hooked clearance, and more the defender trying to hit it behind his own goal, only to make it a striker's finish.

All the fun...

 

[teamsaint]

Well the people who were there , and it was definitely sold out ,  certainly went to enjoy themselves. A cracking atmosphere , from a long time  before kick off.  

Thought England over did the long ball out to the left in the first half, but once they got in front NI were always  going to do well to keep it respectable.

 

[ant]

Yeah, after reports from other matches I was anticipating a 'pre-season friendly' atmosphere. It was anything but.

Don't know whether the Friday night element helped. Either way, our group had a cracking time. Was nice to have the England Band working with the fans, rather than trying to overrule them.

Bizarrely ended up only two seats from my brother, despite buying separately in the random allocation.

Seemed to be about 1k to 2k empty seats, which was a shame. Was an empty set of 6 or so in front of us. I guess some speculatively bought tickets; it was only £15 pp in our section.