England rise to challenge
England have shown that they can rise to a challenge, proof
of that came with an 11-6 victory against Canada.
But even with four wins under their belts from six outings,
the national side are still blowing hot-and-cold.
No one can quote put their finger on why, including head
coach Lois Richardson.
However, there is no doubting, even after a nerve-racking
6-5 over-time victory against Wales in the quarter-finals
today (Thursday), England are still brimming with confidence
- although slightly bruised after such a close call in their
bid to progress.
Lizzie McCosh, for one, is confident that England will bounce
back from such a close call against the Welsh.
The defender/midfielder believes England have "nothing
to lose" in their pursuit of a place in this year's final.
"We've just got to put the Wales match behind us now
and look forward to playing the United States," said
McCosh.
"It was close and Wales were really up for winning,
but it's job done and we're into the semi-finals."
Indeed, and in the knockout stages, as most head coaches
will admit, anything can happen under the spotlight of a big
crowd and the pressure associated with such 'big' games.
"We've got nothing to lose against America," added
McCosh. "We were nervous in our first game of the tournament,
but we showed we could match them in the second-half.
"They're favourites, they always will be, but I think
we are good enough to beat them, so long as we play."
England will have to raise their game considerably, but against
opponents they don't play oftenk, that doesn't seem to be
a problem.
Victories over Canada and Germany proved that, but it is
against Wales, a country England play - and beat - every year
in the Home Internationals, where they have nearly come unstuck.
"I don't why it is we don't play as well as we know
we can against someone like Wales," said McCosh.
"No disrespect to Wales, they played well against us,
but we only seem to raise our game against the top teams and
teams who we don't play that oftern. We seem to play with
a lot more freedom and don't run scared."
A fair comment, one which was echoed by fellow defender/midfielder
Garvey, who is enjoying playing in her first World Cup alongside
a team full of young players for the future.
"It was a close call (against Wales), but we only have
ourselves to blame. We were a little bit complacent at times,"
admitted Garvey.
"We've got to lift ourselves and start to play like
we know we can. We showed we can play well. We proved that
against Canada - and we are going to have to if we want to
beat America."
Garvey, like McCosh, has been workmanlike at the back and
middle of the field, winning ground balls and battling to
give England posession every match.
Both players admit they have grown in confidence since the
World Cup started last Thursday night - a week ago - at the
Glenn Warner Soccer Facility.
"We've had a bit of a slow start, but we have been improving,"
added Garvey.
"We're releaved to be through to the semis, but we are
through and it's in our hands now what medal we win.
"There's no reasong why we can't win gold, but everyone
knows that we have got to play much better."
WOMEN, Lacrosse World Championship (Annapolis, Maryland)
- Quarter-finals: England 6 Wales 5 (half scores 3-2, 2-3,
1-0 after over-time); Japan 11 Canada 13 (7-7, 4-6); United
States 23 Scotland 0 (18-0, 5-0); Czech Republic 2 Australia
26 (1-16, 1-10).
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