On film: Japan vs. Australia in Texas

I always try to have a film camera with me. Doesn't matter which one. Pocket-size, or plastic. Metal, weighty, new or old. I always want to capture a scene on film.

Even though my work revolves around words, written or spoken, I have always wanted to incorporate more photography into covering football. Allowing it to help tell the stories that I want to tell and add more of myself to the coverage.

MORE PHOTO: Sydney & World Cup 2023, one year on

Whilst back home in London this past February, I discovered some unused 35mm Kodak rolls in a drawer in my old bedroom at my mother's house. They expired in 2014, but I thought I'd give them a whirl anyway.

On a beautiful chilly February day, with wide open Texas skies and seemingly limitless sun, I'll never forget the way Japan moved the ball so freely. Precise repetitions in harmony. A team in tune with one another.

Japan won 4-0, Mina Tanaka scored twice, with Maika Hamano and Moeka Minami adding the others. A small but appreciative crowd applauded.

Australia managed just one shot attempt in the entire match. When I informed Japan legend Saki Kumagai of this after the match, she let out a content but surprised: "Really? In total?"

It is hard to recall a more dominant yet relaxed performance. The ambiance matched the action on the pitch to some extent. The slowly-filling stadium, the quiet, the cold air; poised, calm sporting demolition playing out on the grass.