Caitlin Foord is enjoying her football and expressing herself, and she hopes the Matildas can reap the benefits in their do-or-die Women’s World Cup clash with Denmark.
Australia’s brilliant forward has played a selfless role across the opening three games, amid Sam Kerr’s injury-enforced absence.
But after switching to the left wing and starring in the 4-0 win over Canada that booked a ticket to the round of 16, the 28-year-old appears ready to kick things up a gear in Monday’s game at Stadium Australia.
Foord said she had enjoyed playing centrally against Ireland and Nigeria, but found another gear against the Olympic champions.
“When I’m just not thinking too much and just play the game and play it off instinct is when I’m at my best,” she said.
“I do feel like I’m in a good place and I feel prepared for the games. Maybe that Canada game, what seemed like a pressure moment, was nice to just be able to go out and to not put any pressure on myself, just do my role for the team.
“That’s what I just tried to go out and do and those things just come naturally.
“Obviously, I was out on the left with Steph (Catley) which I’m very comfortable with, playing club (at Arsenal) and country. We’ve played lots of games together and yeah, we just connected well and it just flowed.
“So I guess that’s why I maybe looked like I was having a bit more fun.”
Coach Tony Gustavsson wants his star mover to keep expressing herself.
“My job as a national team coach is not about over-coaching players and trying to keep them in a small frame,” he said.
“She should have a big frame and paint whatever pictures she wants.
“Because she’s so creative and when she plays on instinct and is in a good place mentally she’s just a world-class player.
“It’s about putting the right player in the right position in the right mindset and we got that right against Canada and doing the same against Denmark is going to be key.”
NSW’s Foord encouraged her local crowd to take a leaf out of Melbourne’s book and deliver the perfect audience.
“We love a big crowd. We love a loud crowd,” Foord said.
“It’s been incredible playing in front of big numbers, but I still think Sydney can be louder, and I hope it is tomorrow. I think, by far at the moment, Melbourne has definitely taken top notch.
“So I definitely want my home team to take that up being here in Sydney again.”
Sweden players celebrate. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
USA stunned by Swedes
Defending champions the United States have crashed out of the Women’s World Cup after losing to Sweden 5-4 on penalties in the round of 16.
Goalkeeper Zecira Musovic was the hero for Sweden, keeping scores deadlocked at 0-0 despite her side being totally outplayed by the tournament-favourite Americans for two hours.
Lina Hurtig scored the deciding spot kick in dramatic circumstances to settle a gripping shootout, which had misses from both sides.
Hurtig’s low shot floated upwards after being blocked by Alyssa Naeher, who then swatted the ball away, and was initially ruled not to have crossed the line.
But that decision was overruled on review, sparking wild scenes among the Swedish players and fans at a packed AAMI Park on Sunday night.
It is the first time the US have been beaten before the semi-final stage, while Sweden advance to face Japan in a quarter-final in Auckland on Friday.
Musovic did not make a save in the shootout but three American misses, including one by legend Megan Rapnioe and a crucial shot off the post by Kelley O’Hara before Hurtig’s winner, led to Sweden’s triumph.
In a clash of two genuine heavyweights, the top-ranked Americans created the bulk of the chances against world No.3 Sweden, who managed just one shot on target.
The energetic Trinity Rodman twice had fierce shots beaten away by Musovic and won the corner that led to Horan’s strong header crashing against the crossbar with Musovic beaten.
Dangerous at set pieces, Sweden created several nervous moments for the US with balls into the area but couldn’t manage a first-half shot on target.
Horan had American fans off their seats in the second half with a stinging right-foot shot that looked destined for the net.
It was pushed wide by a superb reflex save from Musovic, who was blindsided and only saw it late.
Lynn Williams replaced Rodman after 65 minutes and caused headaches for Sweden with her pace down the right flank.
Sweden didn’t manage a shot on target until the 85th minute when Sofia Jakobsson fired directly at Alyssa Naeher.
Musovic saved Alex Morgan’s close-range header from a Williams cross in the 89th minute.
Morgan was denied again in extra time before making way for Rapinoe and Williams had her low shot parried.
USA co-captain Lindsey Horan said: “First and foremost I am so proud of the team, a lot went into this performance. We went out and did it, I think we played beautiful football today. We created chances but didn’t score. Penalties suck, they are cruel. I am proud of every player who stepped up today, it is courage to take one. Being able to come out of group stage where we didn’t perform our best and coming out today [and performing well].”
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
That happens all the time. Doesn't mean there would have been a re-shoot. I certainly didn't see the ref indicate that. Moot point, though. USA is out, which is good for all else remaining.
Midfielder
Roar Guru
Anyone notice in the shoot out the keepers were no allowed to do the line dance across the goals .... seems AR caused a rule change
Midfielder
Roar Guru
Sheek Feel free to use it.... Posted elsewhere twas listening to ABC radio while on a long drive and it was just after Wally Lewis released the issues he had... The panel was Norman Swan [doctor] from the ABC, a lawyer I forget his name, the program host and an ABC sports journalist.... its was Norman Swan who used the term concussion codes..... the overall conclusion of the panel was huge rule changes will be needed as if nothing else getting insurance for the concussion codes could be difficult.... in the rugby codes it was suggested that no tackle above the hip could become the rule.... Also their is a case in VIC where a weekend long term park player is suing the AFL and if he wins it will open the AFL and NRL & ARU and Football for players with brain damage at all levels not just professional level.
Waz
Roar Rookie
Brainstrust There’s no doubt European football is leading the power rise in women’s football, usurping the USA in the process. That doesn’t detract from the progress other nations are making as you point out. Hats off to FIFA as well, another expansion in teams competing in a World Cup is proven to be justified. They don’t get everything wrong :thumbup:
Waz
Roar Rookie
Best on-line comment I’ve seen is “well, at least America now knows what a millimetre is!” :laughing:
bob
Roar Rookie
Foord wants a loud crowd in Sydney :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Coaching has a lot to do with the performance of these emerging teams. They've played a good tactical game to exploit their opponents weakness. I don't know anything about their coaches and I'm not into researching them right now, but these teams are playing smart football, like the high and hard press against the Matildas (it's a weakness). It's not their skills, I think most would agree with that.
sheek
Roar Guru
Midfielder, "The concussion codes its normally the biggest and fastest win"... That's as unique a phrase as I've heard!!! I might pinch it, 'concussion codes'...
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
The standard is rising so teams that had a walkover in the past and always made the group stages are getting knocked out which happens in the men. More countries are funding their womens teams, teams are now looking at foreign born players like the Phillipines,the US college system is giving scholarships to foreigners, and increased player wages particularly in Europe means more countries can have professional players. The USA while they have a massive college scene in womens football 900 teams their professional womens league is actually quite tiny 12 teams. The wages are not that good either, US players there because they get paid by their national team set up to play there. If you look at the Phillipines team even though they have mainly US players they have no players in the NWSL, they have players in Europe where a lot of US players have to go after college, Australia where you have the combination of A-league W, NPL W, plus getting a job in Australia is easy, or they are still at college teams or that was their actual club team. Columbia are a good team, but the schedule is bad for them, Nigeria and Jamaica they are difficult but England who are in their side of their draw have the physical players to counter them. I think France are the big winners getting Morocco the weakest team in round of 16 no chance.
Midfielder
Roar Guru
Sheek Tis one of the reasons Football is so popular, because very often the best team does not win, you can hang on for a draw, and score a lucky goal on the break... the concussion codes its normally the biggest and fastest win... Best example I have seen was a match in the pouring rain in the old NSL....Newcastle Breakers were playing Marconi....anyWho Newcastle totally dominated the game.... 10 minutes to go and its nil all.... everyone is gassed ..... its still pouring.... Marconi keeper takes a goal kick and belts it as far as he can... the ball sales over all the players no one from either side goes after the ball leaving it for the Newcastle keeper.... The Newcastle Keeper is standing roughly 5 to 8 meters outside his box... the ball lands on the edge of the centre circle on the Newcastle side... lands in a big puddle of water and skims off the top over the head of the keeper into goal.. Marconi won... But thats Football...
sheek
Roar Guru
Lionheart, ESPN mentioned the interesting observation from the Swedish coach that their goalkeeper Musovic pysched the US team out in the penalties. Even though she didn't get her hand on one penalty shot, her incredible saves during regulation time unnerved them. Some players decided to keep the ball as far away from her as possible, which may explain two shots sailing over the bar & another hitting a post. Musovic was the hero for Sweden. Without her heroics, they would have lost in regulation time.
chris1
Roar Rookie
I agree - her saves were extraordinary. To be honest I was disappointed in Sweden. I thought they would take the game to the US but choose to absorb the wave after wave. You have to give credit to the US. Even though they haven't been at their best they are incredibly difficult to beat and it will be interesting to see if Sweden can progress much further. On last night's performance you'd have to say not likely.
AGO74
Roar Rookie
My comment on Euro nations was more in context of who I expect to be there at the end to make the final or final 4. Of all the nations you mentioned in your comment, I can only see Japan (plus ourselves) being at that level to go that far and both are already established nations. Get more players from those other nations you mentioned in the big Euro leagues and they will continue to improve but I will be surprised if they make the final or final 4 at this tournament (happy to be proven wrong). Anyway, my main point which has been overlooked was about a changing of the guard from traditional powerhouses like USA, Canada, Brazil and Germany who have already been bundled out.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
How does what has happened so far in this world cup fit in with your euro worship angle. Japan thrashed Norway and Spain. Canada beat Ireland what does Europe have to do with their outing. The rising new powers are Columbia, Nigeria and Jamaica. What about Morocco, Philiipines, Haiti.
sheek
Roar Guru
So many emotions, where do you start? Zecira Musovic is a Goddess. Not only is she an outstanding goalkeeper, but she is one hot looking woman, & appears also to be a very decent person. Her post-match hug with opponent Alyssa Naeher was sportsmanship of the highest order. Make no mistake, Musovic won this game for Sweden with her extraordinary keeping in 120 minutes of regular time football. She made 2, probably 3 incredible saves. You have to feel sorry for USA (well, not really, they've had a dream run). If this had been the Matildas we would have been demanding a revolution, or maybe just a good old fashioned riot. Normally you expect the team that has made the play to prevail, but not this time. I guess the truth is that this USA team is nowhere near as good as any of its 8 previous incantations. They were lucky to get here following the last gasp post shot from Portugal in the last pool game. The fact that they created so many opportunities but couldn't find the back of the net told a story on them. Lots of movement, but no ruthless finishing. Sweden can enjoy this moment, but they're going to have to be so much better when they face Japan next.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
The US beat themselves really. Those poor pens just added to their inability to score earlier. Great effort by the Swede keeper but US created some good chances and should have scored. Sad to hear boos and yobbos on Twitter cheering a US loss. Someone wrote that the Melbourne crowd knows their football. They didn't show any knowledge when they booed the team that has contributed more than any other to women's football and women's sport more generally, by a long shot. Good luck with the rebuild.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
The real problem the US really had was Carli Lloyd, different players age differently and Carli Lloyd one of the exceptions was still a great player in her mid 30's and not that bad after that. So they looked at Carli Lloyd and applied that to Rapinoe and Alex Morgan. Rapinoe should have retired after the 2019 world cup. Alex Morgan she should now be the experienced older sub instead of Rapinoe. Rapinoe how she still got selected is beyond me and she doesn't have the kicking power to kick corners or set pieces from long range, they all fell short. The US have revitalized the rest of the team, the players missing excuse is delusional their experienced center back Sauerbraun near 40 being out injured that was helpful to them. They ended up with a team that has hardly conceeded a shot, if they had a younger and more physical player than Alex Morgan is now then thats at minimum going to tire out the opposition make them work harder and set up the game for the second half, where an old Alex Morgan could then take advantage. Also Alex Morgan is more an attacking mid, a proper striker like Hannah Keane who at Western United, lived off scant opportunities.
Munro Mike
Roar Rookie
Once again - - my most despised element in sports.....be it hockey/soccer......penalty shoot outs to decide a game that by that point has run for 120 minutes. Surely there's a better way.......oh wait - there is. As it is - after China failed to make it out of group stages and now the USA are gone - it's interesting now what's left. Europe - Spain, Netherlands, Sweden are through, remains to see for England, Denmark and France. Asia - Japan....and Australia. Sth America - Colombia Caribbean - Jamaica Africa - Morocco and Nigeria While attendances have been great - - is FIFA going to be lamenting that they've got no North American representation any longer - - had already lost Brazil, Germany and China. The US team were drawing excellent ratings (in relative terms). I guess the rights had already been sold.
AGO74
Roar Rookie
That 15 or so seconds between not knowing if it had gone over the line and waiting for the ref to clear the goal was extraordinary. One of the most surreal things I’ve ever seen in a major football match. Sweden got a bit lucky to win the shootout after being dominated by USA but on balance in tournament, USA got what they deserved. Interesting to see how traditional powerhouses from outside Europe like USA, Canada and Brazil have all been eliminated. Even a euro team which has traditionally been a powerhouse In Germany is out. It is now seemingly the tournament of new and emerging powers particularly from Europe and this is basically a flow on from what we have seen in euro women’s club football in recent years and the incredible development there.
AGO74
Roar Rookie
Good observation and I was sure that had happened myself.