Do not adjust your set – it’s true!This afternoon we went to see the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup match at the Stadium in Wellington and England won. 3-0! It was excellent! Full match stats show a fairly even game (although Brazil had more possession, England had more shots on goal).
England played well and, although they were slightly lacking in pace and strength, they showed good skills and superb positional play. The tackles and tactics were equally impressive and, once they warmed into the match they played a mature and professional game.
Brazil’s keeper was stretchered off after an unfortunate collision and her replacement was beaten seconds after coming onto the pitch. Brazil had some good strikers (particularly their no 7, Thais) and demonstrated some of those silky skills for which their nation is famed (in response to the traditional clog and hoof variety of English football) but their defence wasn’t as formidable as ours and we scored more goals than them – note to the Phoenix; that’s how you win games.
Despite it being a Thursday afternoon, there was a great crowd at the ground (official figure was 10,795).
There were school kids on outings (what a great way to get out of school!) cheering and squealing with nary a thunder stick in sight. There were Brazilians banging their drums and shaking their booty. There were men in suits and ties skiving off work, desperate to watch some football and support their country. I hasten to add I attended with my boss’s blessing.
The top chants of the afternoon were:
- We’re supposed to be at work
- There’s only one Dan Carter (Danielle Carter scored the first and third goal)
- Are you watching, Wellington?
- It’s just like watching Brazil
- Let’s all do the samba
- You’re not drumming anymore
Add to this result the fact that Liverpool beat Portsmouth (under new manager, Tony Adams) this morning to remain top of the table and my football happiness cup runneth over.
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