Belgium Ladies 2-0 Austria Ladies
13 February 2013
KRC Gent (Zeehaven)
Valentines with the Ladies
Ok, so the rest of the world was tuned into the Real v Man Utd game, but you know by now that I am not like the rest of the world. It was the night before Valentines so why not spend it watching some ladies football.
I am the first to admit that, prior to my first experience of Ladies football 18 months ago, I would have laughed at the thought of watching a live game involving the fairer sex. But I am man enough to admit I was wrong, and again last night supported my view that, at this level at least, the quality of the play is of a high standard. Tactical awareness and reading of the game is improving all the time, and the historical achilles heel of ladies football, goal-keeping, has improved beyond all recognition, as the three goalies used in this match proved.
So much for my knowledge of football that I proclaimed to Miss NAC that Austria would be the likely winners of this game 20 mins into the contest. Miss NAC is, of course, far too much of a lady herself to have remined me of this later.
Belgium scored somewhat fortuitously just after half time, and doubled thier lead with a well taken penalty in the last quarter. Unfortunately the game, like so many international friendlies, ended with more substitutions than action in the last 15 mins.
The ground, home of KRC Gent (Zeehaven) is a modern one, brand new main stand, 3g pitch and an odd stand in one corner that I assume is for away supporters should the need arise. Next to this pitch is what I guess was the old main pitch (club house and small covered stand) where a training match had just finished. Unfortunately, before I had the chance to take any pictures, the lights were turned off!
I am the first to admit that, prior to my first experience of Ladies football 18 months ago, I would have laughed at the thought of watching a live game involving the fairer sex. But I am man enough to admit I was wrong, and again last night supported my view that, at this level at least, the quality of the play is of a high standard. Tactical awareness and reading of the game is improving all the time, and the historical achilles heel of ladies football, goal-keeping, has improved beyond all recognition, as the three goalies used in this match proved.
So much for my knowledge of football that I proclaimed to Miss NAC that Austria would be the likely winners of this game 20 mins into the contest. Miss NAC is, of course, far too much of a lady herself to have remined me of this later.
Belgium scored somewhat fortuitously just after half time, and doubled thier lead with a well taken penalty in the last quarter. Unfortunately the game, like so many international friendlies, ended with more substitutions than action in the last 15 mins.
The ground, home of KRC Gent (Zeehaven) is a modern one, brand new main stand, 3g pitch and an odd stand in one corner that I assume is for away supporters should the need arise. Next to this pitch is what I guess was the old main pitch (club house and small covered stand) where a training match had just finished. Unfortunately, before I had the chance to take any pictures, the lights were turned off!