I had the pleasure of watching 2 women's games last night at the SFS which were very skillfull (albeit slower than NSL) and played in a mostly fair play manner. Even the tactical nature of the games were comparative to mens football. I am looking forward to my booked games at Bruce Stadium in the Olympics even more now.
The USA defeated Canada 9-1. Canada was a very competent outfit with a good keeper and sharp attack but a naive central defence. Diminuative midfielder Isabelle Harvey outshone most of the USA team but I have to admit that although the scoreline flattered USA they are a very, very powerfull unit who can punish any weakness. Some of their attacking moves out of midfield were sublime. Oz referee Tammy Ogston had a great game.
The Australia v China clash was one to make fans nervous but in general play the Matildas dominated the match. Their failures were in sloppy picking up and tracking back in the first 30 mins, a goalkeeping error by Tracy Wheeler, and some bad final passes, and woefull shooting by Sunni Hughes. ie, that had Socceroo disease. The goal by China should never have occurred with no free kick where referee Sheena Storrie saw one - and heaps more to the boos of the crowd. Best for Australia were veteran Annissa Tann-Darby, and the youth brigade of substitutes Heather Garriock (who scored the 2nd half goal) and Sacha Wainwright. The final score (as far as I'm concerned) was 1-1. The girls were magnificent all 2nd half and through extra time. There was a very strange American like extra time and penalty shootout which the Aussie lost 3-4. I reckon it was a great result and USA would not have been impressed as China had beaten them 1-0 on Wed. I think they can be beaten but the key will be the central defence. If Cheryl Salisbury is too cumbersome the youngsters may be called on to climb Everest.
To all readers - get out to the games - they are well worth a look.