Football Ferns vs Australia | Wednesday 21st July | 11.30pm | Chōfu, Japan

My pick a 3-1 win for the Matildas.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/olympics/125795811/football-ferns-tokyo-olympics-hopes-rest-on-them-finally-getting-a-win-over-australia

1-1

I think The Matildas will be under a huge amount of pressure. the weight of expectation from home that they should win this game easily and the fact that there recent results have been poor. And the must win nature of this game will only add to that pressure.
If we can score first I wouldn't be surprised if they fall apart to some extent.
But that being said, Pre comp preparation and world rankings taken into consideration. The Matildas should win it.

1-0 Matildas in a dire game I reckon. Australia really needs to buck their ideas up to have any chance of knockout football here, but they should still take it over us

Matildas (FIFA ranked 9th) haven't won in 5 games since April. 
Losses to Germany (ranked 2nd), Netherlands (4th), Denmark (16th) & Japan (10th). Draw with Sweden (5th). So they have had some tough opponents lately.

Yes whilst you can only read so much from warmup friendlies, they haven't been in great form. But their 2 most recent games draw with Sweden & 1-0 loss to Japan (pen), likely indicate a team on the improve after finally getting games together. The earlier thrashings from Germany & Holland (conceded 5 goals in both games) were after not playing together for 12 months, and I think was just players based in Europe, ie none from the W League.

And that's the huge problem that the Ferns (for what it means ranked 22nd) face. Virtually no buildup, 2 key players Erceg & Riley only joining the squad in last 10 days, against sides with far greater talent and much better preparation buildups. Unfortunately hard to see anything but 3 losses, though hope I'm wrong, and yes tonight is highly likely their best chance to get something.

https://www.facebook.com/footballferns/photos/pcb.10157974040582021/10157974040447021

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/olympics/125824426/football-ferns-to-take-a-knee-before-opening-game-of-tokyo-olympics

I'll be happy with a committed effort, a reasonable amount of attacking play and shots on goal so as not to be defending all the time, and not conceding too many goals.
A narrow loss or a draw would be a nice surprise.
Some good local interest for us here in Christchurch with several former or current Cantabs in the squad:

Longo, Rennie, Moore, van der Meer, Esson are all current or former Pride players.
Longo works for Mainland Football and I've chatted to her a few times at local matches - always approachable and pleasant to chat to.
I've sat next to Moore and van der Meer's families at Pride matches which was fun.

Whilst it's nice to have a strong local connection to some of the Ferns, that's also a large part of the current problem.

Pathway local club football-national league (eg Pride)-first Ferns selection-then overseas club.

Real improvement in depth of talent in the men's game, and now higher expectations for say the U20s and this U23 Olympic team, and coincided with a changing pathway. Talent spotted at 10 to 15 yrs-go to Ole or Weenix Academies-signed by NZ's only pro club Nix, or overseas club-first Oly Whites/AWs selection.

Only once the pathway in girls/womens game now resembles boys/mens, will the Ferns halt their slide in results. Obviously a W League Nix team will greatly help as a starting point. But you you also want the most talented girls in the country coming through the 2 best academies in the country (Ole/Weenix) from a young age, not staying in their local province playing club football, training only at nights 2-3 times a week.

coochiee

Unfortunately whilst it's nice to have a strong local connection to some of the Ferns, that's also the current problem.

Pathway local club football-national league (eg Pride)-first Ferns selection-then overseas club.

Real improvement in depth of talent in the men's game, and now higher expectations for say U20s and this Olympic team, and coincided with a changing pathway. Talent spotted at 10 to 15 yrs-go to Ole or Weenix Academies-signed by NZ's only pro club Nix, or overseas club-first Oly Whites/AWs selection.

Only once the pathway in girls/womens game now resembles boys/mens, will Ferns halt their slide in results. Obviously a W League Nix team will greatly help.

Not everyone can afford to send there kids to Scots College so they can attend a Wellington Football acadamy. There has to be regional options available also or you are closing the door on a lot of potential talent out there. 

Just highlighting that a large number of the mens 2019 U20s & this U24 Olympic team came through Weenix & Ole.

I guess partnerships like Ole setting up a base in Taranaki will help. But will unfortunately never be as good as being in Porrirua, where you will be just surrounded by more better class players every day at training, during those important development years. As opposed to be a big fish in a smaller, less talented pond like the Naki, ChCh or wherever. 

I'm sure NZF are only too aware of this, and they certainly seem keen to work with the Nix to get a W League team off the ground. That will naturally draw some young talented girls to Wellington. Maybe NZF can help with school scholarships etc to help reduce costs.  

coochiee

Just highlighting that a large number of the mens 2019 U20s & this U24 Olympic team came through Weenix & Ole.

I guess relationships like Ole setting up a base in Taranaki will help. But will unfortunately never be as good as being in Porrirua, where you will be just surrounded by more better class players every day at training, during those important development years. As opposed to be a big fish in a smaller, less talented pond like the Naki, ChCh or wherever. 

I'm sure NZF are only too aware of this, and they certainly seem keen to work with the Nix to get a W League team off the ground. That will naturally draw some young talented girls to Wellington. Maybe NZF can help with school scholarships etc to help reduce costs.  

I agree the Ole and Nix are the best academies as shown by age group representation. And it is good to see these academies spreading there wings to more regional areas. So hopefully the regional pathways continue to grow with the help of NZF.
Just don't want to see NZ representation become something only attainable by the wealthy. We only have a small pool. Need to identify and nurture as much talent as we possibly can by building those pathways.

Sweden have completely dominated USA in the first 30 and should be at least 3 - 0 up.

All them. They are a very quick team and fast on transition.

I must admit my ignorance to the womens game. Can someone please provide a lowdown on areas of strenghth/weakness and players to watch etc?

Go NZ!

What is the reason the regions/clubs aren't doing this already??? ACFC what do they have running? 
Why aren't other clubs doing it already???

Even matchup so far.

Great build up and Aus score 1-0

Nothing but long balls.

Green looks afraid to pass and has done nothing but give it away. Should be subbed, 35 mins is too long as it is with the way she is playing.

The only player who looks like they want to play is Basset.

MetalLegNZ

Nothing but long balls.

Green looks afraid to pass and has done nothing but give it away. Should be subbed, 35 mins is too long as it is with the way she is playing.

The only player who looks like they want to play is Basset.

Who would you put on then? would you change formation if you were Sermanni?

Greens passing percentage would be less than 10 percent, and that is not an exaggeration. When she's not hitting it long, shes taking too long and getting caught on the ball.

A lack of options no doubt, but clearly very limited.

45 mins of footy and not a single shot on goal. 

Horribly bleak!!

I don't get the longballs? Why? They have a good midfield

Unused sub

MetalLegNZ

Nothing but long balls.

Green looks afraid to pass and has done nothing but give it away. Should be subbed, 35 mins is too long as it is with the way she is playing.

The only player who looks like they want to play is Basset.

Who would you put on then? would you change formation if you were Sermanni?

Anyone at this point. She seems ok in the air, but Green has been a complete liability. 

But the set up is piss poor, classic NZ, summed up with us having 11 players in the box for a corner... and still conceeding.

Impressed by Bassett - not much else to be happy with apart from some last minute tackles/ blocks stoping this from being ugly 

The games not over yet guys, Ferns could still pull the upset.

Royz

I don't get the longballs? Why? They have a good midfield

They have no midfield and the vastly experienced Sermanni knows it. You’d have to be Blind Freddie to not see this type of performance, and result coming. And yes Green has been woefully, cringeworthy poor.

It wouldn’t surprise to see the Ferns go goal less over their 3 games. The new incoming coach has a big job before WC 2023.

In the age of chimpanzees Ferns were monkeys

Getting more chances on goal in this 2nd half but just not clinical 

YUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!

Royz

YUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!

Goal on debut?

Ferns not clinical, and then a johnny on the spot consolation goal for a sub, worthy winners Matildas 60% possession, Matildas dominated!

Great little goal from the sub a few more minutes and maybe we could have got the draw. 

Great stuff Rennie. Improved after HT, but still decidedly 2nd best, and the final scoreline flattering.

Erceg played well. Nayler also. Considering going in with such a limited buildup, the Ferns should improve but doesn’t get any easier with an angry Team USA next.

The stage the Ferns were at looked like the first friendly a few weeks out from a big tournament.
Understandably hesitant and not really getting any combinations going until late in the game.
A team that hadn't played a single minute in a match of any kind together for 16 months versus a side that had played five friendlies the last six weeks against some of the best sides in the world.
The most we can hope for is some little improvement over the next two games in terms of effective play even if we concede a few goals.
A real buzz for me as a Cantabrian to see Gabi Rennie, the Rangiora Rocket, score.

The difference between the two sides is huge. The score line could have been a cricket score if it wasn’t for some great saves and last minute desperate defence. I guess they will improve over time, as they play more. But the lack of any clear game plan was evident. Relaying on long balls, then trying to switch it to open up space, then trying to defend with 5 defenders.. it was all a bit weird. 

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/olympics/125823079/football-ferns-outclassed-by-australia-in-opening-match-at-the-tokyo-olympics

https://www.facebook.com/footballferns/photos/pcb.10157979552017021/10157979551882021

alon222

The difference between the two sides is huge. The score line could have been a cricket score if it wasn’t for some great saves and last minute desperate defence. I guess they will improve over time, as they play more. But the lack of any clear game plan was evident. Relaying on long balls, then trying to switch it to open up space, then trying to defend with 5 defenders.. it was all a bit weird. 

does that beg the question 'what have the coaches been doing for the past year'? 

alon222

The difference between the two sides is huge. The score line could have been a cricket score if it wasn’t for some great saves and last minute desperate defence. I guess they will improve over time, as they play more. But the lack of any clear game plan was evident. Relaying on long balls, then trying to switch it to open up space, then trying to defend with 5 defenders.. it was all a bit weird. 

We definitely struggled playing the ball out from the back when Aus pressed us, alot of those long balls were clearances under pressure. They got in behind on our flanks far too easily. USA will certainly identify this, they have so much pace. We'll be in for a tough time.
Be good to see some of the younger girls get more game time, Eg Cleverly, Rennie, Bunge. But up against a hurting USA, it'll be a tough caldron to get thrown into and come out looking good.

Any reason coming out after the game as to why we only used 3 of the 5 available subs considering the heat and humidity 

AllWhites82

Any reason coming out after the game as to why we only used 3 of the 5 available subs considering the heat and humidity 

I might have missed this, but I thought the 5 subs rule was only extended to the end of the July, with these games going into August. Couldn't see it from a quick look at the rules, only the extra sub allowed if games go to extra time. https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/5397cc28411ff469/original/djwdytm3sxnc2do3l0gz-pdf.pdf

5 subs are allowed at this comp. Which I think is a good call considering humidity and quick turn around of games.