World Cup Qualifier
8.05pm, Thursday 31 August 2006
The Valley, Charlton Athletic FC
Live on Sky Sports

England

4-0

Holland

Smith 9, 25, 50, Yankey 67

 

 



Following England's impressive victory over Holland at the Valley, we bring you the thoughts and emotions that were felt by one of the younger players during the game.

Arsenal's Anita Asante came into the team in place of her injured club mate Faye White and performed brilliantly in a crucial match as Hope Powell's side seek qualification for the World Cup.

Here are her thoughts from the game:

"Thursday 31 August 2006 was one of the most important days of my life, as I anticipated our match against a very competent Dutch side. The day was filled with lots of activities to prepare us both, mentally and physically, for what lay ahead.

"There was a certain buzz around the camp as everyone felt confident, with body language reflecting a general consensus of how much everyone wanted the opportunity to compete for a place and put us one step closer to the World Cup in China 2007.

"Finally, the warm up arrives; I’m pumped up for the game and am excited and honoured to be playing in this team and at this brilliant stadium. The warm up felt great, I knew my roles and responsibilities, the game plan and I could not wait till kick off.

"Alas, kick off; my heart is beating to counts I did not think it was possible, this feeling much owed to the occasion, the superb crowd and the realisation of the importance of this match. By half time my heart beat settled as we went a deserving, two goalsl up.

"The half time team talk was positive, with the coaching staff divulging specific information to us about the game and our collective goal to continue to play in the same vain. We start the second half again at high tempo and scored within minutes, everyone plays fearlessly and wants more.

"We continue to control the tempo at times with momentum swinging with the opposition, but, overall, we still had control. Noise levels reach considerable decibels with all the communication taking place within the team, "shape, drive, shoot" and so on.

"We inevitably scored the fourth goal, as a result of persistence and excellence, to secure a win that maintains us at top of the table. This puts us in the best ever position for qualifying for China 2007. I wish to play every game in this atmosphere and believe we all want much more."

Anita