Pressure from the stands, meeting rooms, the players themselves…
Once the Lions got rid of the nerves of the premiere at Old Trafford, there was only one thing to note.
Football can come home. once and for all.
Admittedly, it was strange to hear the roar of “You Never Walk Alone” from the speakers at Old Trafford on a July night.
On the other hand, a woman named Jane Hardwick claims that she – along with other Man United fans – actually sang as early as 1958, five years before her association with Liverpool began.
Assuming Uefa was responsible for DJing this cloudy Wednesday, they managed to start the tournament by having a bug and a right at the same time (laughter).
Otherwise, the Opening Ceremony didn’t need help stacking up on classic football jingles or electronic music. The stands, which housed an expected 68,871 spectators, sprang up on their own as 25-year-old Leah Williamson of Milton Keynes led the white-clad players out of the tunnel.
This wasn’t just an astronomical moment for her personally (she held the captain’s armband until fall 2021). The ladies of England had to fight for a long time to create the right conditions. To this day, only 44 percent of English high school girls have the opportunity to play soccer in sports lessons because it is described in the school curriculum as a boys’ sport.
Huge pressure on his shoulders
Now, 2022, the massive weights are suddenly resting on the shoulders of the women’s national team. The federation expects to take the gold in two years, and another semi-final (I’ve reached three in the last seven years) isn’t good enough.
Was there a sigh when Beth Mead threw the goal behind his teammate Manuela Zinsberger? It is very likely that Austria came out with a high level of strength and a noticeable team spirit that became even more evident when the substitutes tunneled to the eleven before kick-off. Laura Fersinger and Sarah Zadrazil aren’t a pivotal duo to laugh at.
Of course, the VAR tried (unsuccessfully) to spoil England’s celebration in the 17th minute. The graphics showed that Meade’s end had come a little closer to the finish line – the beginning of the dream of the host nation surviving the opponents’ initial onslaught. We must add that Fran Kirby’s performance, fast corner on the right, was as genius as ever with her health intact.
Incredible Attack Combo
Sarina Wiegman’s team did not know itself by scoring during the first half. With a strike in the harbor, Austria had to throw off its defensive principles, which inevitably provided the surfaces that the lionesses happily devoured when they had the opportunity.
With half an hour left, Wigmann (European Championship title holder) cost a triple change. Ella Toone, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo are under 25 years old and three of the most promising players in the Women’s Premier League. The latter is a completely different type of attacker compared to veteran Eileen White, much more dynamic. I wouldn’t be surprised if Russo had the opportunity from the start against Norway.
The transition from amateur football to semi-professional to full-time professional in recent years has resulted in a no-nonsense English attacking group. Then, for example, not even the wonderful Lauren Hemp was mentioned.
There have been questions about England, particularly regarding injuries to key players and whether the relatively short time will be enough for Weigmann. Now they all maintained their focus for 90 minutes, thus creating breathing space for the sequel.
Austria has never been trampled but 16-8 in the number of goals scored in favor of England (5-2 on shots on target) is stable in a difficult opening match.
The high expectations of Three Lionesses don’t seem to have diminished after such a strong start. They win but they know they can do a lot better. Is football back home? So far, there’s a lot talking against it (the evening ended with “Sweet Caroline”).
