GOOD NEWS!!!
AFC Wimbledon are coming home after Merton council approve the building of the new stadium. The Dons are coming home!!!
HAZZAH!!!
Swedish Women's National Team #2 (Vs England)
In their second game in the group stage of the world cup, Sweden lost 1-0 to England, manager John Green perhaps unadvisedly playing a weaker side to the one that started the first game against Australia. It was a tight game, but with Sweden struggling to create chances, it was always likely to be difficult.
As previously mentioned, there were a number of changes to the side that started time. Thunebro and Sembrant both came into the defence, with Diaz and Dahlkviststarting in midfield. There was all change up front as well, with Schough and Lund leading the line.
It was England who threatened to break the deadlock early on, coming close to scoring the first eight minutes. After the Swedish defence quelled an English attack, two Swedish defenders collided in comic fashion, giving the ball straight to an English attacker, who spared Swedish blushes by attempting a near post shot that was easily saved by the keeper. A let off for Sweden, who probably should have been 1-0 down at this point.
And soon after, they were 1-0 down, England scoring the opening goal. Good passing in the build up led to a thought ball exploiting a space left by the out of position left back. The England attacker then took her time, lined up the shot, placing it in the far corner, the keeper having no chance. It was a great goal from England, but an easily preventable one from a Swedish point of view.
Although Sweden did struggle to create chances, they came agonisingly close as the game entered its latter stages, a deflected effort being saved by the keeper. Some quick passing led to winger Diaz having space on the edge of the area to shoot, although the effort on goal was deflected by an English defender, the keeper making a terrific reaction save to keep the ball out.
And that was that. Sweden lose their second game in the group, with only one match remaining to qualify for the knockout stages. Although this is a tricky situation, Sweden can still go through if they win their final game, and/or hope results go their way, their tournament is not over by any means.
DFTBA.
Swedish Women's National Team #1 (Vs Australia)
In the first match of their World Cup run, Sweden kicked off their campaign with a last gasp win over Australia, putting them in a good position to qualify for the knockout rounds.
Manager John Green fielded what is widely considered Sweden’s strongest XI to start the tournament. This is definitely not a bad strategy, as a win in the first match relives pressure somewhat on the remaining matches, not having to win both to have a decent chance of qualifying.
It was Australia who created the most clear cut chances to score throughout, coming close to breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute. Too much time and space in the midfield allowed Australia to play a through ball into the Swedish box, the resulting shot hitting the post, and although the rebound was duly scored, the scorer was offside. Sweden were lucky that Australia didn’t score, seeing as the former had effective free reign in the midfield in the build up to the chance. Still the score remained 0-0, which is all that mattered to the Swedish defence.
Australia also came close to scoring early in the second half, this time denied by the sharp reflexes of the Swedish keeper, Lindahl instead of the offside flag. A defender out of position meant that an Australian attacker had far too much time and space to take a touch and ready her shot after a tidy pass inside the box, her shot being saved for a corner at the near post. Close, but although the defending was questionable, the save was simple enough for Lindhal.
But it was Sweden who scored the winner late on, securing all three points. From a throw in deep in the Australian half, the ball came to Rubensson, whose simple pass forward found central midfielder Seger in the box, who turned before curing a brilliant shot into the top corner, winning the game for her side. A goal worthy of winning any game, in this case winning three points in the process as well.
And with that, Sweden kicked off their world cup campaign with a win, giving them a good chance of qualifying, although they still have two matches left to play. This was by no means a brilliant performance, but a trait of any good side is to win matches, despite not playing as well as you could be.
DFTBA.
Highlights of AFC Wimbledon’s 2-0 win over Hartlepool United.
Source: youtube.com
Full Time: Wimbledon won 3 on the bounce with a 2-0 win over Hartlepool. Could have been more, with Taylor hitting the post from a penalty and Akinfenwa having a goal disallowed.
Half time: AFC Wimbledon 2-0 Hartlepool. A great half from the Dons sees them 2 goals to the good at the break.
TAYLOR, 2-0 WIMBLEDON!!!!!!!! A shot from distance hits the frame of the goal before going in, doubling the Dons’ advantage. What a goal!!!
GOAL, KENNEDY SCORES!!! The ball finds its way into the top corner from a free kick. Not sure he meant it but who cares! 1-0 Wimbledon!!!
Kick off, COYD!!!
Today AFC Wimbledon face Hartlepool at home in the league, with kick off an hour earlier than usual. The Dons will hope to make it three wins in a row with victory today. Kick off in a couple of minutes.
Highlights of AFC Wimbledon’s 3-1 win against York.
Source: youtube.com
FT: York 1-3 AFC Wimbledon. A solid win for the Dons as they claim all 3 points in a convincing manner.
3-1 WIMBLEDON!!! Game, set, match as Elliot heads hope to secure all 3 points for the Dons, COYD!!!
2-1, WIMBLEDON, TAYLOR SCORES. An almost instant reply from the Dons sees their 1 goal advantage restored. COYD!!!
York equalise against the run of play after a mistake from loan keeper Wilson. 1-1. Still time for Wimbledon to win this one, COYD!!!
Second half well underway, COYD!!!
HT: York 0-1 AFC Wimbledon. A solid first half performance means the Dons are ahead at the break.