Australian Women’s team shine
Posted on 02/12/2008
By Emily Day
THE Australian women’s team had a fantastic day today after an early loss to Colombia was followed by an astounding win tonight against Cameroon.
Federation Square stadium was packed with cheering fans as Australia and Cameroon kicked off the match. Australia dominated on the scoreboard from the start with superb strikes from team captain Toni Whelan, Sheree Daley and Miki Kobyashi, but the tension mounted as Cameroon put away three goals of their own to bring the score to 3-3 at the final whistle.
Bums were on the edge of seats during the penalty shootout as shot after shot failed to convert, with the Cameroon goalkeeper and Aussie keeper Tracy impenetrable in defence.
Then Sheree booted a powerful strike which hit the back of the net, raising cheers from the delighted crowd. Cameroon’s next penalty shot was unlucky and the victory celebrations began for Australia.
Only forming on Saturday as an official team after Ivory Coast dropped out unexpectedly, the Aussie women’s team has been winning over the crowds with their dogged determination and cheerful team spirit.
Aussie player Michelle was rapt about the win.
“I think it’s excellent that the men won and the women won today – brilliant effort on both parts… I’m happy that I got to watch my team win and was part of the team spirit and keeping the spirit alive.”
Given their level of skill and determination, it’s surprising that many of the team such as Tanya have only been to a few training sessions before competing in the tournament.
One of the players who challenged Cameroon’s defence was Sharon, whose brilliant green hair makes her stand out from the crowd. “It’s been really good,” she said after the match, describing her pride for her team who were playing so well seeing as they haven’t been together very long.
Aussie player Cheryl has been a part of the team for 15 months, and in this time has “learned a lot about team skills and communication.” Cheryl is stoked to be a part of the team, saying that it’s “the biggest opportunity I’ve been involved in… I wish it was going all year!”
First-time goalie Tracy was stunning in goals against Cameroon, but admits that the penalty shootout was “nerve-wracking.” After the game she couldn’t stop beaming, claiming that “I’ve had a ball - win or lose, I’m loving the team spirit and all the nations getting together.”
Aussie coach Emma is proud of her team, saying that “the morale in the team has been fantastic and everyone’s here for the right reasons - because they just love playing soccer and playing with each other. It’s been a great experience.”
Team manager Katie was hugely impressed with how the women have been playing in the tournament, and loves that they are “so supportive of each other and having so much fun out there.”
After defeating Cameroon, the Australian team are now ranked fourth out of eight on the ladder in the women’s competition.
The team face off against Uganda tomorrow at 1pm at Federation Square stadium.
Regardless of the score at the end of the game, it’s no doubt they will be showing the crowd a thing or two about the great Aussie spirit.
