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As the Harry Kewell saga continues, it’s easy to forget that our national women’s team, the Matildas, are on the brink of a quarter-final berth in the Women’s World Cup 2011. It’s time to get excited, Australia!
On Sunday night, the Matildas notched up a hard-fought, but entertaining 3-2 victory over Equatorial Guinea.
They proved to be the far more superior team on the pitch. With a solid midfield led by Sally Shipard, Heather Garriock, Emily Van Egmond and Collette McCallum, they spent much of the game in their opponent’s half, and had numerous opportunities, which well could have seen the score-line bolstered. Forward Lisa De Vanna to no-one’s surprise was once again a stand-out, as was Leena Khamis who did a great job setting up chances as well as converting them.
Their two conceded goals came of the same mistake by our central defender Servet Unzular who was indecisive at the back, and Equatorial Guinea’s best player Anonman made her pay the ultimate price.
Though there were some regrettable errors and lapses in concentration, which I’ve no doubt head coach Tom Sermanni will address before their next match, there was plenty to like about the football being played.
Undoubtedly the most talked about point in the match and the subject of much controversy, was the most horrifically blatant, mind-boggling hand ball of all time, that was somehow overlooked by referee, Gyoengyi Gaal.
It gave an all new meaning to “possession football”.
If you haven’t seen it already, here it is.
A cross floated into the square for the advancing Khamis to tap into the goal. But the ball hit the cross bar and deflected back into play, only for Equatorial Guinean player, Bruna, to pick it up, look at the referee, and then not so subtly drop it behind her for her goalkeeper to collect.
If you blinked you could have missed it (which I think most of us did initially). Too shocking to even consider it could happen on the field at a World Cup, women’s or otherwise. That might be okay for the happy punters at home, it might have even drawn a laugh or two, but for a FIFA referee to miss it, well, that’s another story.
It should have been a penalty, Bruna should have been red-carded, and the Matildas should have gone up 2-0.
Overall, it wasn’t exactly a good showing for the Hungarian referee. But I will give her credit for not succumbing to the borderline ridiculous diving and flailing of some Equatorial Guinean players.
For the Matildas, the win means they are now within reach of qualifying for the next round, sitting in second position in the group. Brazil’s 3-0 win over Norway, who they will play next in their final group match, means that the Matildas only require a draw to progress to the quarter finals.
And it’s certainly doable.
In 2007 at the World Cup, they drew Norway 1-1. At that World Cup they progressed to the quarter finals only to be bundled out by Brazil. But should they defeat or draw Norway, they will meet either USA or Sweden. No easy-beats certainly, particularly if matched up against the No.1 ranked USA, but with the exciting brand of football the Matildas are playing, I wouldn’t rule out an upset.
Remember the joy of the nation when Australian made it to the round of 16 in the 2006 World Cup? When we beat Croatia? Why can’t that same feeling be shared for our national women’s team?
On a Sunday night, at an appropriate hour, 9.30pm, on a free to air channel, nationally (across the five main metropolitan areas) SBS Two’s live broadcast of the Matildas match against Equatorial Guinea drew just 48,000 viewers. Pathetic. It was the 143rd most watched program for the multi channels on that Sunday.
Australia, that’s awful.
If you were watching, you would have seen a good game of football. The goals we scored were beautifully executed, and there were others that came close (McCallum’s curving free kicks were just one of the highlights).
Our team are Asian Cup champions. We are going into this World Cup with a greater chance than ever before. Here’s our chance, and this is how we get behind our team?
On Thursday morning, at 2am AEST, I urge every self-respecting football fan and patriotic Australian to awake from their slumber, just as we did for the Socceroos in 2010 and 2006, to put on your green and gold scarf, grab a mate, and cheer on our Matildas.
This is the level of football Australia has for so long been trying to reach. We’re here, it’s the world stage and we’re in with a shot. Now let’s make the most of it and help the further growth of football in Australia. Male or female, it’s the world game.
And it all starts with support.
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