By Godwin Odiko
Nigeria saw out a 3-2 win against Australia in Brisbane and Godwin Odiko analyze the key points from the hard fought victory for the Super Falcons
1) Captain Chiamaka Nnadozie led by example
The Super Falcons captain for the match was really superb in between the sticks and was one of the reasons why Australia could not win in a game they vastly dominated.
While the Super Eagles are still struggling in that department, the Super Falcons look settled with Nnadozie between the sticks.
2) Coach Randy Waldrum was spot on with his tactics
The Super Falcons' coach who came under heavy criticism going into the tournament showed tactical shrewdness all through the game. His 4-2-3-1 formation was very effective in neutralizing the attacking prowess of Australia. His substitutions were also spot on and very timely.
It was his 64th minute substitution that brought in match winner Asisat Oshoala. The tactician is well proving all of his doubters wrong.
3) Katrina Gorry shines for Australia in the absence of Sam Kerr
The midfielder was exceptional for Australia and was only unlucky not to see her efforts yield victory or earn a point for her team. Her passes and movement with the ball caused the Super Falcons lots of problem. The 30-year-old midfielder will be looking to carry on her impressive performance into their last group game against Canada.
4) Women's football becoming attractive as it continues to pull mammoth crowd
Women's football gradually catching up with the male football as fans now buy into the women's game. The stadium in Brisbane was almost filled to capacity for the game. Given how the Women's Champions League final also attracted record crowd and the Women's El Clasico in Spain also. Just shows that fans are beginning to enjoy and appreciate women's football.
5) Toni Payne was very pivotal to the Falcons'victory with her impressive performance
Toni Payne was very impressive in midfield for Nigeria and is my Woman of the match. The 28-year-old attacking midfielder caused Australia lots of problem with her movement on and off the ball. Coach Randy Waldrum had to take her off in the 90th minute to save her energy for the next game because she is very important to anything the Super Falcons look to achieve at the tournament.
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Good Commentary. Truly the tactics of the game by the coach was correct and timely. Our goal keeper did well, but her long shots were hardly won by her team mates, it will make sense to pass the ball to some direct players than just shooting.
ReplyDeleteGood effort. Keep it up. Will follow you on social media. Cheers 🍻
ReplyDeleteGood analysis but if there's a slight criticism of the keeper that'll be she's got to be doing better from corner kicks as she seems to be often in no man's land which was what led to the Aussie's second goal, a really poor goal to concede indeed! I think she's got to be improving in that area going forwards otherwise she's doing okay.
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