Adam Sayer reports on Brighton vs Manchester City in the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium - Sunday, 3pm
Nadine Noordam admitted her stoppage-time winner that took Brighton and Hove Albion Women to their first ever FA Cup Final at Wembley hasn’t sunk in yet (writes, Adam Sayer).
Noordam came off the bench to score in the 95th minute of the semi-final to complete a memorable 3-2 comeback against Liverpool.
It marked the Dutch midfielder’s first goal for the club since her arrival from Ajax in January 2025, and a crucial one at that.
After writing herself into Albion history and setting up a clash with WSL champions Manchester City in the final this Sunday, Sussex World asked her if the moment was still sinking in.
Noordam: It was a big moment
“A bit to be honest,” Noordam said. “But I think if I'm on holiday in a few weeks, I will look back at this moment and then realise what actually happened - of course you do.
“You watch it back and you think, ‘oh this is actually not something that I dreamed of.’ But it was a big moment. I'm so happy and now I'm really looking forward to the final.”
She added: “I was just so happy. I was just celebrating on instinct. I don't know, in that moment, you realise, but you also don't.
“I've heard it was just 10 seconds [left] on the clock. That was crazy, actually.
“I was celebrating with the girls. I was so happy and proud at the same time.”
The strike was awarded Brighton Women’s ‘Goal of the Season’ last week – an accolade that made the moment all the more special for Noordam given her long wait for a goal.
I thought I was cursed
She said: “I just waited a year for my first goal, and I hit the inside post and the crossbar and everything, someone on the line. So, I was thinking, ‘oh maybe there's a curse on it.’
“But now, finally, my first goal. I don’t know, I just saved it a year and a bit for the right moment - the best possible time.
“And even the award - it's not just the goal. It's also you work hard every day and you put all of your energy in to get an award. It's not just the goal. It's more like everything that’s around.”
The 27-year-old made just shy of 200 appearances in the Netherlands for ADO Den Haag and Ajax.
After almost a decade playing in her native country, Noordam’s move to the Seagulls has coincided with the club’s most exciting era – a first ever FA Cup final and plans for a new 10,000-capacity purpose-built stadium.
Different cultures gel at Brighton
She said: “I think it's more what I like about Brighton - all those cultures together, in the dressing room and in the environment. And that works.
“And to get to know other cultures, to be interested in other people. I'm quite a people person. I want to have people around. I want to chat.
“I really like the people in the building and, as well, I think if you can create a good environment there, you also can perform on the pitch and the league. Besides that, the league - it's really good to compete with the best players of Europe and even the world.”
And on the club’s progression, she added: “They’re making huge steps forward. I think it's really good. I think it takes a few years to build.
“It feels a bit far away, if that makes sense. But at the same time, it's a big thing for the club. They're really investing in women's football.
“I think other clubs can also look at this and actually see what Brighton does and use that as an example. That's pretty good.”
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