Chelsea FC’s English Ladies World Cup Dream
By Lee Fraser
In England a subtle yet massive change in the language is taking place, and as per usual it’s Chelsea FC’s fault.
The media are realising that women’s football is the same as men’s football, it’s 11 versus 11.
Instead of referring to England’s Women’s football team they are now saying “England’s football team”!
England are in the World Cup semi final for the first time since 1990, and at the forefront of this revolution are 3 Chelsea Ladies FC players, Claire Rafferty, Katie Chapman and Eniola Aluko.
RELATED: The Ladies Of Chelsea FC In The World Cup
The English “Women’s game” is suddenly mainstream and being talked about (a lot), the players are becoming household names and even though they have been used sparingly, thanks to Mark Sampson’s rotation policy throughout the tournament, this includes Chelsea FC’s “terrific trio”.
More from The Pride of London
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea player ratings: Abysmal, reckless, wasteful
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea: 3 Blues talking points
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
Unfortunately as I forecast last week in my
Chelsea Ladies FC’s 2 other representatives in the World Cup, Hedvig Lindahl and Ji So Yun were both eliminated at the last 16 stage with their respective countries, Sweden and The Korean republic.
Hedvig Lindahl and Sweden were totally outclassed by the tournament favourites, Germany in their match and ultimately lost 4-1 allowing 25 attempts on goal. Despite Hedvig conceding 4 goals she can be happy with her own individual performance.
Ji So Yun and The Korean Republic were eliminated by the tournaments 2nd favourites France by a score of 3-0. Ji So Yun picked up a knock in training according to their coach and unfortunately couldn’t take part in the match.
England lined up against Norway with 2 Chelsea Ladies FC players in the starting 11, Claire Rafferty and Katie Chapman with Eniola Aluko an unused substitute. Despite falling behind in the 54th minute England hit back with 2 goals inside 15 minutes to secure a 2-1 victory and a place in the quarter finals against the hosts Canada.
The quarter final was played out in Vancouver in front a capacity partisan crowd. Again Mark Sampson picked Claire Rafferty and Katie Chapman with Eniola Aluko an unused substitute.
England came flying out of the blocks and within 14 minutes had silenced the home crowd by scoring 2 quick fire goals. Although Katie Chapman also then rattled the crossbar with a header from a free kick, Canada managed to pull a goal back 3 minutes before the break. The second half was predictably mostly Canada pressing hard for an equaliser with England relying on solid defense and quick counter attacks, England held on for a 2-1 win which put them into the World Cup semi final for only the 3rd time in our history (mens and womens!).
And so 3 Chelsea Ladies FC players remain as England face the current World Cup holders, Japan on Wednesday 1st July at midnight (UK time) for a place in the final.
Can we do it?
Dare England dream of a place in the World Cup Final against the winners of the other semi final, Germany or USA?
Dare England dream of actually winning the World Cup ………….
Whatever the result of Wednesday’s game, everyone in England, Chelsea FC and The Pride Of London are proud of our ladies contribution to raising the awareness of women’s football in this country.
Or should that just read “football”.
Next: Chelsea FC's Petr Cech Officially Signs For Arsenal FC