FIFA 2023 Women's World Cup

[Open End Numb Legs]

A cross that was celebrated like a genius chip and a goal keeping nightmare.

About fair so far, the commentators are cheesing me off though, talking up Colombia all the time.

The ref has missed some heavy challenges on England.

[ChippenhamRed]

Just now, Port Said Red said:

This World Cup has shown that physicality is a bigger advantage in the Women's game, much like the mens game a generation or two ago.

I think it’s more a case that there seems to be a bigger differential between the physicality of some of the women’s teams compared to others, whereas in the men’s game most teams broadly look about the same.

This Colombia team look noticeably bigger and more physical than England all across the pitch.

[Port Said Red]

Lauren Hemp, Kemp and Bright have all been excellent. We need to get Bronze in the game more. Toone looks well out of touch as you would expect as it's her first game in ages.

[Port Said Red]

1 minute ago, ChippenhamRed said:

I think it’s more a case that there seems to be a bigger differential between the physicality of some of the women’s teams compared to others, whereas in the men’s game most teams broadly look about the same.

This Colombia team look noticeably bigger and more physical than England all across the pitch.

That's what I meant, you could see it in the Nigeria game and today in the France V Aus game, it's almost a throwback to the "a good big 'un is better than a good little'un" days.

[shahanshahan]

Hemp getting goal just before half time. Game on!

[Erithacus]

Contrasting first half. Combative Columbia is not a surprise but we need to to be keener to get a foot in when out of possession. Still think we will be getting stronger as the game progresses and have a much better bench. If we score first this half we will see the Columbians start to fragment.

[shahanshahan]

Gave some fans more time at the Emirates to watch the game...

 

[Open End Numb Legs]

We have a problem with this ref I think..... 

Only looking one way so far, could bite us 2nd half, hope not.

[Open End Numb Legs]

And the Aussies can stick their boos up their Billabong. Come on England.

[Super]

Great finish

[Bristol Oil Services]

31 minutes ago, Super said:

Shocking goalkeeping!

No it's not, it's not her "positioning," it was what no-one wants to say: Earpsie is 5'8" (according to Wikipedia), she was never getting that. 

[downendcity]

2 Colombian defensive mistakes = 2 goals

[Super]

2 minutes ago, Bristol Oil Services said:

No it's not, it's not her "positioning," it was what no-one wants to say: Earpsie is 5'8" (according to Wikipedia), she was never getting that. 

I meant the Columbian keeper!

[Port Said Red]

Has this commentator got money on Columbia to win this or something?

[Super]

8 mins added

[redkev]

I’m still trying to work out transitions & double pivots wtf

[joe jordans teeth]

The Colombian keeper was like something out a 90s FIFA computer game then,decided not to go get the ball when pumped in the corner then did and passed it out for a throw in 

Edited August 12, 2023 by joe jordans teeth

[Super]

We have been nowhere near our best again but this team knows how to win.

[RedRock]

Better team lost imo.

[Open End Numb Legs]

Get in. All about the result. 

[Port Said Red]

4 minutes ago, RedRock said:

Better team lost imo.

No final ball, no finish. Running on pride and the excitement only.

[Bristol Oil Services]

1 hour ago, shahanshahan said:

Hemp getting goal just before half time. Game on!

Russo-o gets a goal after half time. Game over.

[maxjak]

Well i finally got round to watching a Women's world cup game?  I was bored and there had been a lot of hype, so i thought i would see what all the fuss was about?   It is so easy to criticise from one's armchair, and I really wanted to enjoy it and appreciate the skill...but i have to say that it was disappointing, i appreciate that taking one game in isolation is unfair, because it's a big occasion, and players are tense, and it is a long tournament with lots of ups and downs.

But i thought that all three goals were of a poor standard, that would be unlikely, IMHO to occur in a men's game?  Apparently the winner, according to the screeching commentator was "Deadly"..but.I put it down to appalling defending by the Colombian team, and  as for England's and Colombia's first goal's , the least said the better?    I had heard that the standard of goalkeeping had improved, something that i thought had let down womens football in the past?     Again, in isolation it is unfair to criticise, but i thought the standard of keeping was pretty poor?   For all it's technical ability and moments of skill, compared to the men's game.........it just leaves me cold  .....but that's my problem.  Good Luck, and I hope England win it, but quite honestly....... it was not  a patch on the Arsenal v Notts Forest game?

[Erithacus]

Perhaps not the greatest display of goalkeeping or defending today, agreed; but compare the performance of Sweden's Zecira Musovic against USA and I think you'll be more impressed.

 

So here we are again, somewhat scrappy but winners. It is the old adage of playing badly and still getting over the line and all that - mark of champions? Results stage of the competition and all that. The good news other than that was we have no (reported) injuries to worry about, the girls took just the ninety minutes to get the job done and the bookings tally is now discarded. Results stage of the competition and all that.

It will be sorrow for the Columbians: their players, their fans, the colour and atmosphere enrich a world event in their own style. However, their time is up. They are on the plane home. We are here all week now.

I think Weigman will be happier to take on the home crowd and the Matildas than the more technical French, as several will be familiar sights on English soil. Only four games left in the tournament, and with the 'big names' out already it might be our time. Again.

[Tom]

I had a fab time at the game and also have tickets for Wednesday, haters can tell the 75k+ in the stadium having a great time. Fab and friendly atmosphere, the 'quality' gang always miss the point. Bore on somewhere else.

[Eco]

19 hours ago, Wanderingred said:

And that just now, reminds me of something Adriano Basso did. Can’t remember the opposition, but circa 2006.

Wolves I believe

[RedRock]

This tournament has been an odd one quality wise. Think the top teams have plateaued out, if not declined in quality, with the previous ‘fodder’ teams improving and near catching them up. 

Personally, find it enjoyable, with some skills - close control, passing, trickery and shooting - on a par, if not better than the men’s game. The one aspect that has improved throughout is the keepers, with gaffs now a rarity. On the downside, the play acting that used to be absent is creeping in unfortunately.

Thought Columbia were a very solid, physical, technically proficient side. If they’d really given it a go and had taken the shackles off they could easily have won that match.

[Trueredsupporter]

When pressed England struggle. Australia really press.

[Barrs Court Red]

15 minutes ago, RedRock said:

This tournament has been an odd one quality wise. Think the top teams have plateaued out, if not declined in quality, with the previous ‘fodder’ teams improving and near catching them up. 

Personally, find it enjoyable, with some skills - close control, passing, trickery and shooting - on a par, if not better than the men’s game. The one aspect that has improved throughout is the keepers, with gaffs now a rarity. On the downside, the play acting that used to be absent is creeping in unfortunately.

Thought Columbia were a very solid, physical, technically proficient side. If they’d really given it a go and had taken the shackles off they could easily have won that match.

I said something along similar to my wife yesterday.  
 

Great as it is for England to be beating farmers teams like Belgium 6-1 with a clear technical superiority, it’s noticeable that Nigeria and Columbia had an edge in pace, power and physicality.
 

Watching the game evolve rapidly will see different approaches, and think these physical traits are traits that will be increasingly sought after. 

[RedRock]

36 minutes ago, Barrs Court Red said:

I said something along similar to my wife yesterday.  
 

Great as it is for England to be beating farmers teams like Belgium 6-1 with a clear technical superiority, it’s noticeable that Nigeria and Columbia had an edge in pace, power and physicality.
 

Watching the game evolve rapidly will see different approaches, and think these physical traits are traits that will be increasingly sought after. 

Yep, if we use a lightweight, high-skill midfield we need to play a high tempo game. Move the ball fast, quick feet, accurate passing and create spaces. We didn’t do that, so largely stifled. 

We were lucky to win that game. Bar China, a pretty spluttering show from the us so far in this competition. Need to get back to what we do best for the Aussies.

[Davefevs]

3 hours ago, RedRock said:

Move the ball fast, quick feet, accurate passing and create spaces

Agree.  For all our supposed technical improvement I still see far too much dribbling (into trouble) in the centre of the pitch rather than pass and move per se.  Hemp did her dribbling out wide, and dragged several players with her, but we didn’t exploit the space she created with quick passing afterwards.

Dont get me wrong we are a decent side, but it feels a bit messy at the mo’.

[Erithacus]

Agree too. Our Euro 22 squad and style have been studied a lot and opponents know us well enough to have worked out the way to stifle us. Press hard, get the midfield pair of Walsh and Stanway to hurry and we are a lot less dangerous. I still think we haven't got that number 10 role sorted enough to link the midfield and attack. We are a good side (probably not as good as last year, nor as sharp up front) but we are still the most capable left. It will take more than the Aussie fans to beat us.

The real question is whether Weigman has enough nous to counter the opposition pressing and the players have it in them to implement. She will be the deciding factor.

[phantom]

Just seen FIFA have a new ball for the semi finals and final 

Anyone know the difference? 

Hopefully just the design 

[Port Said Red]

Wow this semi-final is monumentally dull, I hope tomorrow has more about it.

[Super]

That was a good finish.

Oh wow 1-1

[Super]

22 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

Wow this semi-final is monumentally dull, I hope tomorrow has more about it.

you were saying......

[CTIDhc]

22 minutes ago, Port Said Red said:

Wow this semi-final is monumentally dull, I hope tomorrow has more about it.

You were saying!

[Port Said Red]

2 minutes ago, Super said:

That was a good finish.

Oh wow 1-1

2-1 and I am taking all the credit for this game coming to life.

[Leveller]

81, 88, 89 minute goals!

[Cowshed]

11 hours ago, phantom said:

Just seen FIFA have a new ball for the semi finals and final 

Anyone know the difference? 

Hopefully just the design 

Steady here, its a different colour. That is the change. The design of these balls is not the best, which can be preference. The large panels make them unstable in the air, which is not necessarily a benefit for players. The fussy design also makes locating the valve more difficult - Players very very frequently favour valve up, valve down when taking free kicks. Its better than the Nike thing were the valve was in the centre of a mass of black colouring leading to players honestly finding it difficult to locate the valve.

[Robbored]

6 minutes ago, Cowshed said:

Steady here, its a different colour. That is the change. The design of these balls is not the best, which can be preference. The large panels make them unstable in the air, which is not necessarily a benefit for players. The fussy design also makes locating the valve more difficult - Players very very frequently favour valve up, valve down when taking free kicks. Its better than the Nike thing were the valve was in the centre of a mass of black colouring leading to players honestly finding it difficult to locate the valve.

That seems a little OTT to me. It’s straightforward enough locating the valve regardless of which colour the valve is in. 

[Cowshed]

1 minute ago, Robbored said:

That seems a little OTT to me. It’s straightforward enough locating the valve regardless of which colour the valve is in. 

No. In the heat of the game when the adrenalin is flowing the good designers have made locating the valve more difficult this does not aid players meticulous pre free kick routines that are designed to settle nerves, visualise and focus etc.

The good designers always get the all important logo in. The most prominent thing on a Nike ball is its all importation swoosh. Players of course have to position balls swoosh up .. Perhaps some are now paid a little sweetener to do it and mention this when the opportunity arises in their free kick tutorials etc .. 

[Erithacus]

A late flurry of goals to finish the semi-final after some pretty cagey sparring. Sweden are more comfortable on the backfoot and were solid enough for so long that they almost lulled themselves into staying that way. Spain have a host of experienced club players with Champions League appearances so were not the rookies some expected. However, these two teams cancelled each other out and did little going forward for long periods.

Salma Paralluelo's introduction was the catalyst to open the game up and her speed and width gave Sweden too much to deal with. You might argue that the goals were a touch fortunate but, as the saying goes, if you're not in the area you won't get on the end of anything. All this from a squad that almost mutinied in the run-up to the tournament.

Now it's up to us to end the Aussies' dream. Whilst there will be many inter-club battles I believe we will show our talent and nous to meet the Spanish at the big party.

[REDOXO]

England have made the semi finals without really getting going!

It’s going to be hot in there tomorrow and an early onslaught is inevitable, but I’m confident. 
 

As an aside Alexi Lallas keeps saying anyone but England on Fox. I hope they are showing the players his comments on the insufferable English! 

[phantom]

4 minutes ago, REDOXO said:

It’s going to be hot in there tomorrow and an early onslaught is inevitable, but I’m confident. 

Interesting that you say that because the training yesterday was in heavy rain and very English conditions

[REDOXO]

8 minutes ago, phantom said:

Interesting that you say that because the training yesterday was in heavy rain and very English conditions

I was thinking more about atmosphere. It poured today, but the pitch held up well. 
 

Who knows about tomorrow mind you. 

Edited August 15, 2023 by REDOXO

[pillred]

56 minutes ago, CTIDhc said:

You were saying!

3 late goals don't change the facts it was overall pretty dreadful I really hope tomorrow's game is more watchable as it would be a shame at the finish to spoil what's been a pretty exiting tournament. 

[Sleepy1968]

7 minutes ago, pillred said:

3 late goals don't change the facts it was overall pretty dreadful I really hope tomorrow's game is more watchable as it would be a shame at the finish to spoil what's been a pretty exiting tournament. 

Agreed, but results trump entertainment, especially in a knockout tourney.

Should be a good atmosphere at least, snd I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully @shahanshahan has got his ticket.

Edited August 15, 2023 by Sleepy1968

[Robbored]

23 minutes ago, Cowshed said:

No. In the heat of the game when the adrenalin is flowing the good designers have made locating the valve more difficult this does not aid players meticulous pre free kick routines that are designed to settle nerves, visualise and focus etc.

The good designers always get the all important logo in. The most prominent thing on a Nike ball is its all importation swoosh. Players of course have to position balls swoosh up .. Perhaps some are now paid a little sweetener to do it and mention this when the opportunity arises in their free kick tutorials etc .. 

Obviously the manufacturers/designers want their logo noticed but I don’t buy that the placing of the valve makes it more difficult to locate.

Even in the heat of the game it’s simple enough at a set play for the taker scan the ball for the valve.

Personally I like to see the ball swoosh - it’s quite a skill to execute that particular skill - Christiano Ronaldo springs to mind.

[cidercity1987]

So the finalists got smashed 4-0 in the group, no chance that happens in the men's tournament. More open in the women's for better or worse

[phantom]

40 minutes ago, cidercity1987 said:

So the finalists got smashed 4-0 in the group, no chance that happens in the men's tournament. More open in the women's for better or worse

Just imagine if the mens current World Cup holders lost to the mighty Saudi Aradia in a group game 

Wouldn't get that in the ladies tournament.... 

[Super]

2 hours ago, pillred said:

3 late goals don't change the facts it was overall pretty dreadful I really hope tomorrow's game is more watchable as it would be a shame at the finish to spoil what's been a pretty exiting tournament. 

I'd take a boring 1-0 same again in the final!

[Cowshed]

2 hours ago, Robbored said:

Obviously the manufacturers/designers want their logo noticed but I don’t buy that the placing of the valve makes it more difficult to locate.

Even in the heat of the game it’s simple enough at a set play for the taker scan the ball for the valve.

Personally I like to see the ball swoosh - it’s quite a skill to execute that particular skill - Christiano Ronaldo springs to mind.

This is going off topic but the colours on a ball do make the valve harder to locate. This adds time to the player finding the valve. This adds complexity to practice and matchplay. Take a thousand free kicks and players do a month that is a thousand times complexity has been added to free kick routines. Players training with Nike balls have been known to marker pen the valve so they spend more time concentrating on technique. This complexity is not present with Mitre deltas etc which were formerly pro footballs match ball of choice. Mitre back the valve with colours that make the valve stand out. 

I don't know what a ball swoosh skill is!! Your probably referring to the knuckleball. A free kick that pros are moving away from due to its inefficiency. Rondaldos knuckle ball has become notoriously inefficient. His knuckle ball success (6%) at far below 10% is not elite level, It is poor.  

Edited August 15, 2023 by Cowshed

[Erithacus]

'So the finalists got smashed 4-0 in the group'

 

That was their last group game against Japan - they had won the first two 3-0 and 5-0 and were already qualified. We would do well to study that one but won't rely on it - the Spanish are a rising team but have yet to get to the very top.

Edited August 15, 2023 by Erithacus
typo

[pillred]

6 hours ago, Super said:

I'd take a boring 1-0 same again in the final!

We might, not sure about anyone else though, let's hope for a win and a decent game tomorrow and in the final as it will really help inspire a new generation of girls not only here but the rest of the world as well.

[shahanshahan]

19 hours ago, Sleepy1968 said:

Should be a good atmosphere at least, snd I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully @shahanshahan has got his ticket.

Unfortunately not! Still back in Bristol

[phantom]

England unchanged and Sam Kerr starts for the Aussies, I had a funny feeling those photos of her walking around with that ice pack on her calf yesterday was a bit to convenient to be seen

Clearly not 100% match fit so will be interesting to see how she plays, though she may actually suit or defence as they are used to playing against her

[The Bard]

21 minutes ago, phantom said:

England unchanged and Sam Kerr starts for the Aussies, I had a funny feeling those photos of her walking around with that ice pack on her calf yesterday was a bit to convenient to be seen

Clearly not 100% match fit so will be interesting to see how she plays, though she may actually suit or defence as they are used to playing against her

If we've kept our cool about the spying nonsense and this then we'll have an edge over them. It is indicative of an inferiority complex on the Aussies' part

[Erithacus]

7 minutes ago, The Bard said:

an inferiority complex on the Aussies' part

Aussies don't do that. They are a side, indeed a nation, that gives everything and makes sure they won't have any regrets about the result - just the effort. Not disinclined to a bit of 'media housery' to be sure but they will be more than ready. It is a massive day for women's football in a sports-mad country and important that they do show pride and boost the beautiful game the way our Lionesse have over here. They will approach it as a game where they have nothing to lose.

Still think we have the strongest bench of any side, and a coach that can make the right call at the right time. Two teams that have a lot of familiarity especially at WSL level and this will be a tight game, but one that we have the qualities to win.

[Super]

Good luck ladies.

[Super]

Gotta score that.

[Open End Numb Legs]

Not a big fan of this blue kit.

A lot of talk about Kerr, if she isn't 100% then let's knock it about, she won't want to press.

[Super]

2 minutes ago, Open End Numb Legs said:

Not a big fan of this blue kit.

A lot of talk about Kerr, if she isn't 100% then let's knock it about, she won't want to press.

I actually quite like it.

[Midred]

Presumably the white kit would clash with the yellow of Australia? 

[phantom]

10 minutes ago, Midred said:

Presumably the white kit would clash with the yellow of Australia? 

May sound daft but I am sure it is to do with partially sighted people, in that we would have both been in light coloured shirts and darks shorts

 

14 minutes ago, Open End Numb Legs said:

A lot of talk about Kerr, if she isn't 100% then let's knock it about, she won't want to press.

I like the fact that we are going in hard and roughing up Kerr

 

Ref is a little bit too inconsistent on the petty fouls, giving nothing our way at the moment

[Midred]

Ref giving alot of decisions to Australia!

[downendcity]

5 minutes ago, Midred said:

Ref giving alot of decisions to Australia!

Not influenced by 75,000 screaming Aussies.

[luke_bristol]

What a goal that is

[pillred]

6 minutes ago, Midred said:

Ref giving alot of decisions to Australia!

What a surprise I think if they can the officials will try to give the Aussies any advantage they can, don't be surprised if it's still level after 70 mins we don't have a player "sent off"

[Super]

Wow