A New Women's Transfer Record, An Iconic Abby Wambach Moment and More.
So it’s been a while. Twentytwo first launched back in 2019, then the pandemic struck, and our plans were blown up, but now we’re back. I’m thinking of it like the return of the long-term injured player that you forgot you missed, and then she rocks up, bangs in three absolute screamers, and you wonder how you coped without her.
Anyway… to refresh everyone’s memory, we started Twentytwo because we wanted to see more women playing, watching, and working in football. A lot has happened since 2019; the growth of the women’s game has been faster than we anticipated, we’ve had an England Euros win, and the mainstream media have actually started investing in women’s football coverage! Our purpose hasn’t changed, though; we’re here to play our part in growing the game for women’s football fans and players.
We’re a small start-up team that wants to grow a women’s football community that has you right at the heart of things. So please spread the word, forward this to someone who’d like it, and drop us an email. Tell us what you like, what sucks, what we’re missing. It’s good to be back!
– Jo
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Racheal Kundananji: Who is the player behind the world record signing fee?
You might have heard that Racheal Kundananji became the world's most expensive transfer in women's football history last week, with Bay FC paying Madrid CFF a reported £625k for the Zambian.
We’re sure all the super fans out there know her well… but for the rest of you (no judgement!), we’ve pulled together a quick overview so you can act like you knew who she was all along.
LONG READ
Drafted and Shafted: Life in the NWSL
This one's from the archives. Sophie Lawson examines the US draft system, speaking to five players who share their NWSL experiences. She covers everything from the impact of living with uncertainty on mental health to the stark difference between playing in the US and Europe. Read it here - It's a long one but a good one!
FAVE FINDS
WATCHCopa 71 - Forget what you thought you knew about women's soccer history. Upcoming film Copa 71 reveals the wild, forgotten story of the 1971 tournament that rocked the world and the badass women who made it happen. Release date 8 March 2024
PODCASTCounter Pressed - The fine balance between in-depth analysis, opinion and utter silliness makes this one of the best women's football pods around. As well as the latest take on WSL action, and some serious topical debate, you'll get a few F-bombs and funny queer anecdotes. If you can't find Counter Pressed wherever you get your podcasts, they're most likely at Chigwell Construction Stadium, three pot noodles deep.
APPMomento - There was a time when you’d keep your ticket stubs and arrange them in some kind of arty collage to remember which matches you’ve been to. Now there’s Momento. The app lets you log the games you’ve attended, personalise them with notes and photos, and share them with friends. It’s a cool concept and isn’t limited to football so you can house all your sporting memories in one place.
KNOWLEDGE
Guide: How to choose the pitch-perfect football boot for every playing surface
Choosing the right kind of football boots can be confusing. Part 1 of our Beginners' Guide to Football Boots explains how boots differ depending on the surface you intend to play on and how to tell them apart.
ICONIC MOMENTS
Abby Wambach bleeds red (white and blue)
To say Abby Wambach was an all-or-nothing player would be an understatement. The highest goalscorer in international women’s football (scoring 184 times in 256 outings for the US Women’s national team) certainly left everything on the pitch.
On one occasion, against DPR Korea at the 2007 World Cup, Wambach collided with Ri Kum-Suk and left the pitch needing stitches with blood pouring from her head. Women’s football is often criticised for its lack of physicality compared to the men’s game, which is why the image of Wambach with blood staining her shirt is a defining one. The attacker refused to be substituted, opting to dash to the locker rooms to get patched up as the US conceded twice with her off of the pitch.
Three years later, the world would show yet more images of Wambach bleeding for the cause, this time in an Olympic qualifier with Mexico. On that occasion, with the US trailing in stoppage time, the striker stayed on the pitch as TV cameras focused on her while the physios put a line of staples in her forehead to stem the flow of blood.
NEWS
Women in Football | Nualphan Lamsam's historic election as the first female president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) marks a pivotal moment in the organization's 103-year history. Breaking significant gender barriers, her leadership is seen as a beacon of change and optimism for Thai football. With a rich background in football and business, Nualphan brings a vision of revitalization, grassroots development, and integrity to the role. Despite facing challenges such as reviving fan enthusiasm and improving international performance, her commitment to inclusivity and progress promises to usher in a new era for the sport in Thailand. Read more here
Sonia Bompastor has been revealed as Chelsea’s target successor to manager Emma Hayes. She’s a candidate that surprised many, but Lyon has allowed Bompastor to continue talks at Chelsea, with a large compensation package expected as part of any deal. Some think potential changes in management at the French club were planned for the summer anyway, following their recent take-over by Michele Kang.
Call all WSL Stickerers - this is big. At the time of publishing, Toys'R'Us still had WSL sticker packs in stock. You’re welcome.
FIXTURE LIST
Wed 21 Feb: International Friendlies14:00 Finland v Philippines
Fri 23 Feb: International Friendlies16:00 Poland v Switzerland17:15 Italy v Republic of Ireland19:45 England v Austria21:30 Chile v Jamaica
Also playing Friday, UEFA Women’s Nations League Semi-Finals and Third place play-offs
Sat 24 Feb: International Friendlies18:00 Czech Republic v South Korea
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