Last weekend I was at the England v Brazil Women’s International match, played at Notts County’s Meadow Lane ground – my first visit to this amazing ground, and big thanks to all the people their helping me find my way around and back again.
I’m still writing out for consent and permissions to sell some of the photos I took, and hopefully they’ll be on her soon. In the meantime I thought I’d share some of my snaps to give you a feel of the game.
So I’ll jump in and start with Fran Kirby’s goal, and game winner, which was scored after 2 minutes. A good cross from the right by Lucy Bronze and Kirby’s head did the rest. A powerful header which beat the diving Barbara – Brazil’s keeper.
I remember reading earlier this week how Phil Neville, England Manager, would take Kirby over Brazil’s Marta, and I have to agree so would I. I know it’s only a friendly but she didn’t offer Brazil much, although she did pick an injury up during the first half. A half which saw very few chances from Brazil, with Alves De Silva’s shot below amongst them.
Brazil’s Alves da Silva has a long range shot at England’s goal
England where just the opposite with lots of chances coming there way – with their inability to take them possibly a slight concern for Phil Neville. Then again sometimes you can just have an off day, and the next time they could all be taken and the victory more comfortable.
The whole England team impressed me on my first time covering them, but stand outs for me had to be Fran Kirby- for her goal of course but also for the way she dominated her portion of the pitch, doing very little wrong.
Toni Duggan was really lively down the left wing, and Nikita Parris, a player who I’ve seen on television but is so much better when you see her live. The knowledge and skill she has to keep the ball and keep the team moving is fascinating to watch. And finally, Rachel Daly who I’ve heard a lot about but never been able to see play – she worked tirelessly all match and while not getting on the scoresheet was a handful for the Brazil defence.
I’m not at any matches or events this weekend but do have a few things in the stocks for the following weekend. Don’t forget it’s Non-League football day, so go down and support your local club.
Which leaves me to say it was International Day of the Girl: Girls belong in football on 10 October, and to say thanks to all those girls and women playing football currently and blazing the trail for girls of the future. It surely can only continue to get bigger and bigger in my opinion.
