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    Powell says Brighton will treat Birmingham with respect with rivals chasing first win in the WSL since January

    HOPE POWELL refused to write off Birmingham’s WSL survival hopes with the club in the final stages of their battle to avoid relegation.However, the Brighton chief warns relegated sides face a huge task returning to the top-flight due to fierce competition in the Championship.
    Brighton hope to finish in the WSL’s top five after finishing sixth last seasonCredit: Reuters
    Today Albion host their bottom of the table opponents who are in desperate need of a win having earned a point from their last seven games.
    The club, who have notched one win from the 18 matches played so far, are seven points behind league strugglers Leicester.
    Powell, 55, said: “Mathematically isn’t over, they’re still in the league and we still need to play the game and treat them with respect.
    “Being relegated is not position we want to be in and one we haven’t been in.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More Football Stories 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}TROY DEENEY .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}I can understand Azpilicueta’s fan argument, I was involved in similar incident
    “The Championship is getting harder and harder with the professional status of a lot of the teams in there.
    “Many are full time which has raised the standards, so for any team that gets relegated it’s a challenge to get promoted straightaway.
    “Liverpool have done it and they’ve got huge resources and an exceptional squad of players, but for any team that gets relegated it’s quite a challenge.”
    Birmingham, who were one of the founding team of the WSL, have never been relegated from the league since its creation in 2011.
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    The two-time FA Cup winners, who competed in the Champions League ten years, ago have struggled with their WSL form in recent years
    The club finished second from bottom in the WSL in the last two seasons.
    Interim boss Darren Carter wants his side to “put their foot on the gas” with four games left for them to maintain their to-flight status.
    Carter, 38, said: “There are a lot of things that need to change and will change at the football club.
    A win for Birmingham against Brighton would see them reduce Leicester’s lead to four pointsCredit: PA
    “I want to drive this team back to the height and some of the successes of previous years gone by.
    “I want the players to represent the club as they have done, giving their everything.
    “We’ve got to get points now and put them on the board and we’re more than capable.” More

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    Barcelona 5 Wolfsburg 1: Putellas nets a brace as LaLiga champs crush Wolfsburg in front of a record 91,648 crowd

    BARCELONA delivered an attacking masterclass Wolfsburg are unlikely to forget in hammering their rivals 5-1 in the Champions League.The LaLiga Queens trounced their opponents at the Nou Camp with the crowd attendance surpassing the record set during their duel with Real Madrid.
    Alexia Putellas scored in both halves for Barcelona with the team bagging a hefty win against WolfsburgCredit: AFP
    Aitana Bonmati (pictured after the game) netted Barcelona’s openerCredit: AFP
    And Barca’s victory – played in front of 91,648 fans – was their first in Europe against the two-time winners of the contest.
    Wolfsburg, who are currently leading the pack Germany’s top-flight, came into the game off the back of a 3-1 a defeat of Bayern Munich in the DFB Pokal Cup.
    But in this match, they were outclassed by their opponents’ quick passing and midfield dominance.
    The last duel between the sides ended in a 1-0 victory for Tommy Stroot’s side in August 2020.  
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    But this clash was an altogether different story. It took just two minutes for the hosts to get off the mark.
    They did so with Aitana Bonmati latching on to a free-kick launched forward to whip in the opener.
    And Fridolina Rolfo gave her old side a scare moments later firing wide of goal.
    But the game was only eight minutes in before the home side went two-nil up.
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    This time with Caroline Graham Hansen punishing her former club slotting home after a neat exchange with Ana Maria Crnogorcevic.
    Wolfsburg had their first shot on goal with Svenja Huth’s first effort blocked before the Germany ace forced a classy clearance off the line from Irene Paredes.
    This came moments before Wolfsburg keeper Almuth Schult took a ball to the face after a team-mate attempted to clear a cross.
    Barca went 3-0 up near the half hour point with Jenni Hermoso burying an effort after a neat cutback from Torrejon
    And the LaLiga champions made it four close to half-time with Alexia Putellas walloping the ball in at close range after her shot struck Schult and the post.
    The second half saw the visitors attempt to up their game with Sveindis Jonsdottir firing a shot from distance.
    Jill Roord was on target with a consolation goal for Wolfsburg in the second halfCredit: Getty
    More than 91,000 fans watched the game on Friday night at the Nou CampCredit: Getty
    And the hosts had a goal disallowed as offside around the 49th minute before Huth attempted to lob Sandra Panos several minutes later.
    The She-Wolves pulled one back towards the game’s closing stages with Jill Roord netting on her 25th birthday.
    But Barca soon restored their four-goal advantage.
    They did so with skipper Putellas netting from the spot after Dominique Janssen, who endured a tough night, conceded a penalty.
    And the result put the Catalan club in cruise control before their second leg clash on April 30th.   More

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    Iceland ace Gunnarsdottir ‘disappointed’ by Euros venue chosen for her national team’s group stage duels

    SARA BJORK GUNNARSDOTTIR slammed Euros organisers’ decision to hold two of Iceland’s group games at Manchester City’s Academy Stadium.The Lyon star described the choice to field her nation’s clashes with Belgium and Italy at the ground as “disrespectful”.
    Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir (right) believes Euros organisers were not prepared for Iceland’s matches selling more than 4,000 ticketsCredit: Getty
    The Academy Stadium, which is the home of City’s WSL side, is one of nine English venues set to host Euros fixtures this July.
    The ground, which also hosts matches for the Citizens’ senior academy sides, has a capacity of 7,000.
    And the Iceland international reckons contest coordinators “should 100 per cent reconsider” their decision given the fast rate of ticket sales for fixtures.
    This week it was revealed all the tickets for Iceland’s games against Belgium and Italy had been purchased.
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    And Uefa confirmed tickets for the Women’s Euros finals at Wembley have also sold out completely.
    Gunnardottir, 31, told Their Pitch Podcast: “It’s shocking.
    “Playing in England there are so many stadiums, and we have a training ground from City taking what, 4,000 spectators.
    “It’s embarrassing. It’s not the respect (we deserve). Watch women’s football today, they are filling out the stadiums.
    “You see Barcelona and Madrid, 95,000 watching the game (at the Nou Camp).
    “They (Euros organisers) are not prepared that we will sell more tickets than 4,000.
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    “It’s disrespectful towards women’s football because it’s so much bigger than people think.
    “You think women’s football is getting two steps ahead but then something comes up like that it’s just a step back.
    Other Euros venues include Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium and Manchester United’s Old Trafford home which have capacities of 73,200 and 31,600.
    Uefa says tickets for England’s group stage clashes with Austria, Norway and Northern Ireland have sold out entirely.
    The Lionesses’ opening fixture against Austria will take place at Old Trafford with their remaining group games to be held at Brighton’s Amex home and St Mary’s.
    With some some women’s matches seeing a growth in fan attendance this season, Gunnarsdottir believes the venue for her team’s Euros group games should be reviewed.
    Her comments come three weeks after Barcelona smashed the crowd attendance record for a women’s club game.
    A total of 91,553 turned up to watch their Champions League second leg 5-2 trouncing of Real Madrid.
    Iceland are set to play Italy and Belgium at the Academy Stadium in two of their Women’s Euros group gamesCredit: PA:Press Association
    Gunnarsdottir, who has 136 senior international caps, added: “They should 100% reconsider it because of the reaction and just see how fast tickets are going.”
    “I don’t know what’s going on in their heads or even if they follow women’s football.
    “If you did, it’s common sense, just follow women’s football today it’s exploding. It’s getting so much better.” More

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    Trolls say I’m picked for my looks rather than talent but I can play football AND like high heels, says female star

    FEMALE football star Gabriella Howell has inspirationally opened up on the vile sexist abuse she receives online from trolls. The 22-year-old hit back by saying she can “play football and likes wearing high heels”.
    Howell plays for Sutton United Women’s team, but has been targeted by vile trolls on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/_gabbyhowell/
    Howell opened up on the sexist comments directed at her on social mediaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/_gabbyhowell/

    Tottenham fan Howell has been playing football since she was eight-years-old and started her career at Crystal Palace, before moving on to Carshalton and then Sutton United – where she now plays.
    She trains twice a week on top of her day job.
    But despite helping Sutton top Division One in the London & South East Regional Women’s League this season, Howell is still subjected to horrible sexist abuse.
    One wrote to her on social media: “That’s the trouble with women’s football, I think players are picked on looks rather than talent.”

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    Bravely talking to the Mirror about her experiences, Howell suggested she is a target on her Instagram and TikTok accounts because she plays football, but also dresses up and goes out at the weekend.
    She said: “You can be both – you can play football and like wearing high heels.”
    Howell also revealed: “Men will say they’re horny underneath my photos of me playing football – and if I tag my club in the post it’s embarrassing.”
    The midfielder though chooses not to delete the messages to prove to her fans that a large social media following is not necessarily a good thing.
    Howell hopes to use her platform to inspire girls to play footballCredit: https://www.instagram.com/_gabbyhowell/
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    Howell also hopes to be a source of inspiration to young girls making their way in the game.
    She said: “I like to keep [the hateful comments] on my profiles and I don’t delete them.
    “Young girls think they want to be an influencer but they don’t see the downsides. I like to make people aware.
    “Not everyone’s going to like you. I repeat that to myself when I see these comments.”
    She added: “You’ve just got to develop a thick skin.”

    Howell chooses not to delete hateful comments directed at herCredit: https://www.instagram.com/_gabbyhowell/
    The Sutton star revealed she has developed a “thick skin” following the constant abuseCredit: https://www.instagram.com/_gabbyhowell/ More

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    Arsenal 0 Chelsea 2: Hayes not interested in revenge on Man City as WSL leaders defeat Gunners to reach FA Cup final

    EMMA HAYES insists payback will not be on the agenda when Chelsea face Manchester City after crushing Arsenal’s FA Cup final hopes.A Ji So-yun stunner – scored seven years after her Cup final winner against Notts County– helped the Blues seal a 2-0 victory.
    Ji So-yun struck to give Chelsea a 2-0 advantage in their FA Cup semis duel with ArsenalCredit: Getty
    Guro Reiten’s thumping second-half strike gave Chelsea the lead against ArsenalCredit: Getty
    The result paved the way for Chelsea’s May 8th Wembley date with City despite the Gunners’ spirited efforts.
    It also saw the Gunners’ trophy double chase ended with their rivals facing off in their second cup decider clash this term.
    Hayes said: “I’m never preoccupied with revenge type things. I don’t think about that.
    “I just know (in the Conti Cup final) we were our most vulnerable back then when we had a lot of players out.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}CHELSEA 2 PALACE 0 .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Blues book FA Cup final date with Liverpool through Loftus-Cheek & Mount
    “We’re in a really good space really in a good space, we’ve got players coming back into the group. This is a team in form, but so are City.”
    Chelsea came into the game without the mercurial skills of Fran Kirby with the forward ruled out for the rest of the season.
    But the Blues’ ace’s midfield colleagues ensured their side came out on top winning the battle in the centre of the park.
    Hayes added: “Midfield is where we won the game. In the game where we drew they beat us in this area.
    “But in this match, Erin (Cuthbert), Sophie (Ingle) and Ji So-yun were so dominant. That was also helped with our back three being superb.”
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    At a packed Borehamwood, Arsenal began the brighter of the sides with Mead looking to shoot around the fifth minute.
    And the Gunners forward took a hefty whack to the face from a ball with play stopped momentarily before she continued after treatment.
    Stina Blackstenius fluffed a cutback for Miedema after evading Aniek Nouwen on the left in the 13th minute.
    This was moments before Leah Williamson cleared Ji’s lofted cross into the cross.
    At the other end, Miedema fired narrowly over the bar from just outside the 18-yard box after a purposeful charge into the area around the 20th -minute.
    Later Cuthbert saw her shot from distance saved by Manuela Zinsberger.
    Vivianne Miedema sent a shot over the bar in the first halfCredit: Getty
    And Ingle’s long-range effort was cleared out of danger by Williamson shortly after the half-hour mark, before Niamh Charles prompted a stop from Zinsberger near halftime.
    The second spell saw Arsenal take things up a notch with Mead firing inches wide after deftly sitting Aniek Nouwen down with a pirouette.
    But Chelsea dealt a sucker punch seconds later with Guro Reiten walloping a classy left-footed opener past a full-stretched Zinsberger in the 48th minute.
    The hosts looked to hit back swiftly with Miedema releasing Caitlin Foord before the Australia ace was flagged offside near the 50th minute
    And England came close to scoring after receiving a long ball forcing Zinsberger to parry the ball wide of her post.
    Hayes’ aces doubled the lead with around half an hour remaining with Ji whipping in a top corner past the Gunners keeper.
    And the Austria number one was forced to intercept a pass intended for England with 16 minutes of normal time remaining
    Arsenal came close to nabbing a consolation at the death with Ann-Katrin Berger saving with her feet to keep a cleansheet.
    And Chelsea closed out the game to reach their fifth FA Cup final in eight years.
    Jonas Eidevall wants Arsenal to focus on a strong league finish this season with the WSL title still in contentionCredit: Getty
    The result leaves Jonas Eidevall’s aces’ chances of silverware resting with their chase for the title.
    The Gunners boss said: “I’m very disappointed in the match (result) but I’m very motivated in doing everything to finish off the season as strongly as possible.
    “That’s what we need to do and that’s most the important thing.” More

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    Hayes expects pain and gain in Chelsea’s FA Cup clash with title-chasing Gunners

    EMMA HAYES expects Chelsea to “suffer” in their FA Cup semi-final at Arsenal — but insisted these are the fixtures she relishes.Sam Kerr’s brace after Fran Kirby’s opener helped Chelsea sweep aside the Gunners 3-0 at Wembley in last season’s delayed showpiece.
    Emma Hayes is chasing a fourth FA Cup win with ChelseaCredit: Reuters
    The Blues sit one point ahead of Arsenal at the top of the WSL in the race to defend their title.
    But Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners have taken four points from two matches against their rivals.
    So Chelsea boss Hayes expects a closer contest at Borehamwood today in the race for Wembley on May 15.
    She said: “Arsenal have had a tremendous season, they really have.
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    “We’ve been going neck and neck in every competition with them the whole way.
    “We’ve had a lot of battles over the years, I certainly enjoy those games.
    “We’re going to have to suffer at points in the game and I’m sure with the threats we’ve got, we will cause problems.
    “This is what you go to work for, these moments, these privileged positions and there’s nothing better than competing for a place to play in an FA Cup final.”
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     Midfielder Pernille Harder is likely to return but Chelsea said on Friday that England forward Kirby will be out for an indefinite period as she battles ongoing health struggles.
    Arsenal have yet to concede a goal in the competition this season and Eidevall is optimistic about their chances.
    The Swedish manager said: “If we believe together and do everything in our power together, we can achieve something special. More

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    Bampton hails ‘pure passion’ of Hayes and reflects on Croydon triumphs ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea duel

    THE FA Cup holds a special place in the heart of Debbie Bampton, whose old club Arsenal play Chelsea in the contest semis later.The retired Lioness is thought to be the first female player-manager to steer a team to a Women’s Premier League and FA Cup double.
    Debbie Bampton (on the right) scored for Arsenal when they won their first Women’s FA Cup in 1993Credit: Action Images
    Her successes highlighted in the book entitled ‘A History of the Women’s FA Cup Final’, include helping Arsenal to win the contest for the first time 29 years ago.
    Renowned for her rampaging midfield play Bampton, was on the scoresheet that day, in April 1993 in Oxford.
    The Gunners, managed by Vic Akers, dispatched the Doncaster (Rovers) Belles 3-0 in front of a 3,457 crowd.
    Bampton, who lives in Eastbourne, said: “Arsenal are the team I’ve supported all my life so (the win) was pretty special.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}DON’T MESS WITH VI .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Vieira grabbed senior Arsenal star by THROAT aged just 20, reveals Keown
    “It was the year after I had come back from (playing in) Italy
    “Vic was the major guy back then who led the team to success”
    While Bampton, who now works for Royal Mail, enjoyed that moment, it is her first FA Cup win with Croydon of which she has the fondest memories.
    In 1996 she played for and managed the side then skippered by Brighton boss Hope Powell, that beat Liverpool on penalties.
    And the club also won the Women’s Premier League before going on to retain the title the following season.
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    Bampton added: “I had two seasons Arsenal and as much as I love them as a club, the love I had for Croydon was different. It was like a family.
    “We had talents like Hope and Brenda Sempare – who was a brilliant player.
    “We used to have nans and grandfathers come with us on coaches to games and boyfriends and girlfriends too.
    “I used to include them all, but that never took away from our professionalism.
    Hope Powell led Croydon to a Women’s FA Cup win in 1996Credit: PA
    “What we created there as double league champions was really, really special and something I will treasure as just as much as I do my first England cap.”
    Today Bampton’s old side will attempt to reach this season’s FA Cup final with boss Jonas Eidevall targeting his first silverware win in England.
    They face the formidable task of attempting to end Chelsea’s run with Emma Hayes’ team looking to dispatch the Gunners as they did in last year’s cup final.
    In Hayes, Bampton sees a head coach who shares same passion she has for the game.
    Bampton admires the success Emma Hayes has bought to ChelseaCredit: PA
    Bampton said: “What I like about Emma (Hayes) is her pure passion for football. Her coaching abilities are second to none.
    “You can see it when you watch her on the touchline.
    “And I liked that went she was asked about the Wimbledon job she replied why would I (leave) when I’m managing Chelsea.
    “Things like this show how far women’s football has progressed.”
    The Women’s FA Cup and wider game has evolved since Bampton hung up her boots in 2000 after a career that her honoured in the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame.
    And the top-flight game becoming professional is something Bampton sees as one of the sport’s most important milestones  
    The former England captain added: “I can remember sitting at the airport 23 years ago when I stopped playing for England and I thought ‘we have got to be full-time to compete’.
    “At the time Germany were probably 15 years ahead of us and we used to beat American sides and they caught up with us.
    Arsenal hope to avenge their loss against Chelsea in last year’s delayed FA Cup finalCredit: Getty
    “As full-time players, our footballers can now compete with the very best.
    “We took too long to progress, but now we seem to have caught up quite quickly.
    “We’ve got to keep progressing. I believe we’re close to becoming European or world champions.” More