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      Who is Women’s World Cup final referee Tori Penso?

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      WOMEN’S WORLD CUP referee Tori Penso is one of the leading officials in the game.And she has been charged with being the woman in the middle for England’s Women’s World Cup final clash against Spain.
      Tori Penso became the first woman to referee an MLS match in over 20 yearsCredit: Getty

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      From her career on the pitch to her family life – here’s everything you need to know.
      Who is Tori Penso?
      Tori Penso is American football referee from Florida.
      In 2020, she became the first woman to referee an MLS match in over 20 years.
      Penso began her refereeing career at the age of 14 – where she started reffing both boys’ and girls’ games.
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      Not only was this a way of income for the then teenager, it also opened the door to a great opportunity – earning her an invitation to a refereeing camp run by the Olympic Development Program in Texas.
      At the time, Penso was playing football while also studying for a university degree in marketing – and she did not yet view refereeing as a potential job.
      She told FIFA.com: ”There were no full-time female referees in the States, and so I didn’t really see it as a career.
      ”I did understand, though, that it was more than just a temporary job for me, and that maybe it would enable me to get to know my country a bit better, and maybe even the world.”
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      Penso later made the decision to give up her job at an advertising agency in favour for refereeing.
      In 2021, she made history once again – becoming the first woman to referee a FIFA World Cup qualifying match.
      A year later, in 2022, Penso took charge of five FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup matches in Costa Rica, including one of the semi-finals.
      How long has Tori Penso been a referee?
      As mentioned above Penso was introduced to world of refereeing during her youth.
      In 2021, Penso, a leading offical in the game, became a FIFA-rated referee.
      As of August 2023, the trailblazing referee has taken charge of four matches at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
      She was chosen to officiate the highly-anticipated England vs Australia semi-final on August 16, 2023.
      Is Tori Penso married and does she have any children?
      Tori Penso is married to fellow referee Chris Penso.
      The couple share three daughters. More

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      Who is footballer Jennifer Hermoso?

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      JENNIFER HERMOSO is one of the most respected and revered strikers in women’s football.The athlete, who is famous for her time playing for Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, is part of Spain’s squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
      Jennifer Hermoso is part of Spain’s squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World CupCredit: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
      Who is Jennifer Hermoso?
      Jennifer Hermoso is a Spanish professional footballer.
      She was born May 9, 1990 in Madrid, Spain.
      Hermoso is the granddaughter of former Atlético Madrid goalkeeper Antonio Hernández.
      She began her football career with Atlético Madrid’s youth squads and eventually joined the senior team.
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      Hermoso left the club in 2010 and signed with Madrid-based club Rayo Vallecano.
      In 2013 she joined a club outside of Spain for the first time, signing for Swedish side Tyreso FF.
      Hermoso moved to Barcelona at the end of the 2013–14 season, where she stayed until she transferred to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
      The star made a brief return to Atlético Madrid in 2018 and then made another return, this time to Barcelona, in 2019.
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      In June 2022, it was confirmed that Hermoso had signed a deal with Liga MX Femenil club CF Pachuca.
      As of August 2023, Hermoso is thought to be the all-time top scorer for both Barcelona and Spain.
      She scored 181 goals in 224 appearances for Barcelona and has scored 42 goals for her country,
      When did Jennifer Hermoso join the Spanish national team?
      Hermoso made her debut for the Spanish national team in 2011, after spending time in the under-19 squad.
      She has since represented her country at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2013, the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
      In September 2022 fifteen of Spain’s players threatened to quit if manager Jorge Vilda was not fired.
      The stars wrote letters to Spain’s football federation, complaining about the coach’s conduct.
      Hermoso was not one of the players named as sending a letter but she did address the incident on social media.
      In a statement posted on Twitter, Hermoso wrote: “I want to publicly express my support for all my colleagues who a few days ago decided to communicate their position.
      “Not only do I understand your reasons, but I have also experienced many of the feelings and concerns you have communicated.”
      She added: “These last few days, without a doubt, have been some of the most difficult that I have lived as a professional footballer and as a member of the Spanish national team.”
      What is Jennifer Hermoso’s salary?
      Hermoso is one of the highest-paid women’s footballers in the world, with a reported salary of around £390,000 per year.
      The star’s net worth is thought to be around £4million.
      Read More on The Sun
      As well her player’s salary, Hermoso earns money through a variety of sponsorships and brand deals.
      She has worked with brands like Coca-Cola in the past. More

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      Why are England wearing blue kits against Spain in the Women’s World Cup final?

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      THE England women’s football team have showed off just how good they are in the Women’s World Cup.They have soared through to the final where they are taking on Spain, but why are they wearing their blue kit?
      The England team usually wear their white kitCredit: Getty

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      Why are England wearing blue in the World Cup final?
      Spain and England are going head to head in the World Cup final.
      Due to neither team ever reaching the final of the tournament, there is set to be a first time winner.
      Despite the match being on neutral ground, in Sydney, Spain have been name as Team A which means they have precedence when it comes to their kit.
      Spain are playing in their red home strip, with dark blue shorts and socks.
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      Even though England’s first kit is a white shirt, it also includes dark blue shorts so they can’t wear it because it is too similar to Spain’s kit.
      The kit used to feature white shorts but due to players coming forward with concerns of playing in white during their periods, it was changed.
      England are instead wearing their light blue kit with white socks against Spain.
      When the Lionesses were victorious in the 2022 Euros they were wearing their white kit.
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      What colour kit did England wear in the World Cup semi-final?
      In their semi-final game against Australia, England wore their blue kit.
      They managed to win 3-1, with Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo all scoring.
      When is the women’s World Cup final?
      The Women’s World Cup is set to take place on Sunday, August 20, 2023.
      The match will kick off at 11am BST in Sydney’s Stadium Australia.
      It will be available to watch live on the BBC.
      Manager Sarina Wiegman will be hoping to lead the side to victory to add to their four trophies they’ve won since she’s been in charge.
      She has said she has “no plans to leave” the team any time soon and intends to see out her contracts which lasts until 2025. More

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      Why is Prince William not attending the Women’s World Cup final?

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      THE country is ready to rally behind the England women’s football team as they take on Spain in the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses are set to compete for the FIFA trophy at 11am UK time, with the match taking place at Sydney’s Stadium Australia, but Prince William has confirmed he will not be attending.
      Prince William, Prince of Wales and President of the FA will not be attending the 2023 Women’s World Cup finalCredit: Marc Atkins/Getty Images
      Why isn’t Prince William attending the Women’s World Cup final?
      According to reports, the location of the Women’s World Cup is behind Prince William’s decision not to attend the tournament.
      Kensington Palace confirmed the Prince of Wales, who is president of the FA, will be supporting the Lionesses from home instead of in Australia.
      He is believed to have decided not to embark on the 9,400-mile flight in a bid to keep down his carbon footprint
      Daily Express Royal Correspondent Richard Palmer has also said that the Royal Family felt “it’s a long way to go for a couple of hours”.
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      To travel from London to Sydney it typically takes around 23 hours.
      Is a member of the Royal Family attending the Women’s World Cup final?
      No members of the UK’s Royal Family are expected to attend the World Cup final.
      Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is also missing the match.
      The UK’s rival team will have a member of royalty supporting them in the stands.
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      The Royal Spanish Football Federation confirmed ahead of the game that Queen Letizia, and her daughter Infanta Sofia, will be at the final.
      Their statement added that King Felipe is busy with other official duties meaning he is unfortunately unable to join them.
      What has Prince William said about England’s Lionesses?
      Prince William has voiced his support for the England women’s team and apologised for not being able to support them in person.
      Ahead of the final, he posted a video message on social media that also featured his daughter Princess Charlotte.
      In the clip, he said: “Lionesses, I want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow.
      “We’re sorry we can’t be there in person, but we are so proud of everything you have achieved and the millions you have inspired here and around the world.”
      He added: “So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.
      The night before the World Cup final, Prince William’s father King Charles also sent a message of support to the Lionesses.
      He said: “Good luck, Lionesses, and may you roar to victory.” More

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      Who are commentators on the Women’s World Cup final on BBC and ITV?

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      ENGLAND will take on Spain in the Women’s World Cup final later today in Sydney.The Lionesses are eyeing a historic win in Australia and have the support of the entire nation.
      Alessia Russo scored England’s third in the Lionesses’ 3-1 win against Australia in the semi-finalCredit: GETTY

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
      England booked their place in the final with a win over co-hosts Australia in their own backyard.
      Sarina Weigman’s side are hoping for a repeat of Euro 2022 with the Lionesses coming home with the biggest prize in football.
      But whose voices can you hear during the final?
      Who are the BBC and ITV commentators for the Women’s World Cup final?
      The BBC commentators for the Women’s World Cup will be the team of Robyn Cowen, Jonathan Pearce, Vicki Sparks, Conor McNamara and Steven Wyeth.
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      Gabby Logan will be on presenting duties with Alex Scott amongst the team of pundits.
      For ITV, commentary will come from Seb Hutchinson, Sam Matterface, Pien Meulensteen and Tom Gayle.
      Laura Woods will be the lead presenter alongside Seema Jaswal and Michelle Owen.
      Jill Scott, Ian Wright, Karen Carney, Eni Aluko and Emma Hayes are amongst the team of pundits for ITV.
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      How can I watch the Women’s World Cup final?
      The Women’s World Cup final will be broadcast LIVE on both ITV 1 and BBC One.
      ITV 1 will begin their coverage at 9:25am BST on Sunday morning (August 20) and BBC One’s show will start at 9:45am BST.
      The Women’s World Cup final will be available to watch for FREE via the ITVX app/website and the BBC iPlayer app/website, providing you have a valid TV license.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action from Sydney by following SunSport’s live blog. More

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      Who is footballer Alba Redondo?

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      ALBA REDONDO has enjoyed huge success at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and will now represent her country in the final.The Spanish football player will take on England as part of Jorge Vilda’s squad at the FIFA tournament.
      Alba Redondo is part of Spain’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squadCredit: Alex Grimm – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
      Who is Alba Redondo?
      Alba Redondo is a Spanish professional footballer.
      She was born on August 27, 1996 in Albacete, Spain.
      According to La Liga’s official website, the sports star is 169cm tall.
      Redondo is in a relationship with girlfriend Cristina Monleón.
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      Monleón was seen kissing her partner in the stand at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
      The pair also regularly share pictures of themselves together on social media.
      Redondo’s football career began in the youth system of her hometown club Fundación Albacete.

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
      She then worked her way up to play for the senior team.
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      In June 2019, after scoring 53 goals for Albacete, Redondo signed for Valencian club Levante.
      In 2023 it was reported that the club had renewed the striker’s contract until June 2024.
      Redondo has been linked to a number of other clubs, such as Real Madrid, but in an August 2023 interview she seemed to put the transfer rumours to rest.
      Speaking to The Athletic, Redondo said she feels “at home” at Levante, adding: “It’s been a magnificent season for me in every way”.
      The football star has a tattoo on her arm with the phrase: “Arriba los corazones,” which translates to “up with hearts”.
      The inking is a tribute to her late uncle, who died in 2003 while serving in the Spanish army. 
      Redondo can be seen kissing the tattoo every time she scores a goal.
      When did Alba Redondo join the Spanish national team?
      Redondo made her debut for Spain’s senior national team in November 2018.
      She joined the squad after being spotted by talent scouts.
      Redondo was chosen by Spain manager Vilda to be a part of his FIFA Women’s World Cup squad.
      The forward scored three goals in four matches at the competition, which was held in Australia and New Zealand.
      She scored twice against Zambia and once against Switzerland.
      What is Alba Redondo’s salary?
      Redondo’s salary has not been disclosed publicly but she is thought to be worth around £300,000.
      Read More on The Sun
      As well as her football salary, Redondo also earns money from her sponsorship deals.
      The star is an ambassador for Puma and can often be seen wearing the Puma Future Ultimate boots. More

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      Who is Barcelona and Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas?

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      ALEXIA PUTELLAS is widely regarded as one of the best female footballers in the world.The sports star will represent Spain at the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup when her team take on Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses.
      Alexia Putellas of Spain will represent her country at the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World CupCredit: Maja Hitij – FIFA
      Who is Alexia Putellas?
      Alexia Putella is a Spanish and Catalan professional football player.
      She was born on February 4, 1994 in Mollet del Vallès, Barcelona.
      Putellas played basketball as a child but became interested in football when she started school and joined a club when she was seven years old.
      She played for Sabadell from 2001 until 2005, moving to Barcelona girls’ youth team for a year afterwards.
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      From 2006 until 2011 she was a part of the Espanyol girls’ team before moving to Valencian club Levante.
      In 2012 she joined Barcelona’s senior team and has remained with the squad ever since.
      Sadly, Putella’s father Jaume Putellas Rota passed away shortly before she joined Barcelona.
      With the La Liga side Putellas has won seven league titles, seven Copas de la Reina, and two UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies.
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      In 2021 the star won the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year Award, the Ballon d’Or Féminin, and The Best FIFA Women’s Player, becoming the first player to win all three in the same year.
      She achieved this feat once again in 2022.
      Nike-sponsored Putellas has gained the nickname “La Reina”, meaning the Queen, from fans.
      She has been awarded the Creu de Sant Jordi, one of the highest civilian orders in Catalonia, making her one of only three footballers to receive the honour.
      Lionel Messi and Johan Cruyff are the other players to achieve this.
      When did Alexia Putellas join the Spanish national team?
      Putellas has played for the Spanish national team since she was a teen.
      She began playing for Spain’s youth national team at 15 and earned her first cap for the senior team in 2003, when she was 19 years old.
      Putellas has represented her country at the 2013 European Championship finals, the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2017 UEFA Women’s Euros and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
      In 2022 she became the first player to reach 100 caps with Spain’s national women’s team.
      Putellas was one of fifteen Spanish players who wrote letters to Spain’s football federation in September 2022, threatening to quit if manager Jorge Vilda was not fired.
      Despite the revolt against Vilda, she was called up by the coach for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
      What is Alexia Putellas’ salary?
      Putellas reportedly earns around £300,000 annually.
      She has an estimated net worth of almost £1.2million.
      Read More on The Sun
      Putellas has amassed this fortune through her career as a player and as her sponsorship and brand deals.
      As well as her deal with Nike, the player has been a brand ambassador for big names like Oakley, Spotify and Mango. More

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      Is the Women’s World Cup trophy made of gold and how much is it worth?

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      THE 2023 Women’s World Cup is set to culminate in a face-off between Spain and England.The football squads will compete at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20, with the hopes of bringing home the coveted trophy for their team – and their country.
      Spain and England will compete for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup trophyCredit: Isabel Infantes/Shutterstock
      What is the Women’s World Cup trophy made of?
      According to FIFA, the Women’s World Cup trophy is made of sterling silver but is covered in 23 karat white and yellow gold.
      The trophy measures 47 centimetres and weighs 4.6 kilograms.
      The award’s design features a spiral with a football at the top.
      There is also a cone-shaped platform at the bottom of the trophy, where the names of past winners of the tournament are displayed.
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      FIFA states that the composition of the trophy symbolises “the athleticism, dynamism and elegance of women’s football”.
      The trophy was designed by William Sawaya for the 1999 Women’s World Cup, held in the USA.
      It was handcrafted in Milan, Italy.
      The current trophy is the second iteration of the Women’s World Cup prize.
      Most read in Football
      The first trophy was only awarded at the first two Women’s World Cups in 1991 and 1995.
      It had to be replaced after it was stolen in 1997 from the Ullevaal stadium in Oslo following Norway’s 1995 win.
      How much is the trophy worth?
      According to reports, in 2015 the Women’s World Cup trophy had an estimated value of around £23,000 in 2015.
      The Men’s World Cup trophy, meanwhile, was valued at £227,000 in 2022.
      That trophy is made up of 6.175 kilograms of 18 karat gold.
      Which teams have won the most Women’s World Cup trophies?
      The United States is the team that has won the most Women’s World Cup tournaments.
      They have lifted the trophy four times, in 1991, 1999, 2015, and 2019.
      The US squad has also had the most top four finishes at the tournament, having made it to the semi-finals eight times.
      They also have made five appearances in a Women’s World Cup final, making them the team with the most final appearances.
      Germany have won the Women’s World Cup the second-most times.
      They have two victories to their name, having been crowned champions in 2003 and 2007.
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      The Lionesses have never secured World Cup glory but have reached the semi-finals twice, in 2015 and 2019
      Their 2023 opponents, Spain, will also be winning for the first time if victorious at the World Cup final. More