Women’s football

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Canada and Sweden get new venue and kick-off time for Tokyo Olympics football final following USA bronze win

      by

      CANADA and Sweden’s gold medal clash in the Olympic women’s football final has been moved to the evening due to worries over Tokyo’s scorching midday heat. The duel which was due to commence on Friday in Japan’s capital at 11:00 local time will start at the later slot of 9:00 pm – which is 1:00 pm UK time. 
      Bev Priestman’s Canada side will play Sweden in the Tokyo Olympics women’s football finalCredit: Rex
      And the encounter will be held in Yokohama amid concerns about the quality of the pitch at Tokyo’s National Stadium where the match was expected to take place. 
      The Guardian reports that high temperatures expected around the early kick-off time had prompted worries from both teams regarding the health of their players. 
      It is claimed that the early kick-off slot was chosen as a result of broadcasters in the USA wanting to show the match on television if their women’s national side reached the finals. 
      The time change for the game, reportedly approved by the International Olympic Committee and Fifa has been welcomed by Sweden boss Peter Gerhardsson who described it as a “very good decision”. 
      And via her Twitter account, Sweden and Chelsea goalkeeper Zecira Musovic said: “To even consider playing a final at 11:00 local time in Japan is a direct danger to the players’ health due to extreme weather conditions.
      “Once again money talks way too much in a discussion that should not be a discussion.”
      At a press conference, Canada head coach Bev Priestman added: “I think the (kick-off time) change makes absolute sense in terms of the spectacle of the game and what it can be. 
      “For anyone tuning in around the world it will be a much better game because of it and I can’t wait to get going.”  
      The clash will see Sweden and Priestman’s Canadian side battle for their first Gold medal Olympic win a day after the USA’s 4-2 bronze triumph against Australia. 
      And it could potentially see Priestman, 35, who is a former Lionesses’ number two, claim her first major tournament win ten months after becoming head coach of the world’s eighth-best women’s football team. 
      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS
      Her side, which includes Chelsea’s Jessie Fleming, Tottenham’s Shelina Zadorksky and Man City’s and West Ham’s Janine Beckie and Adriana Leon,  claimed a major scalp in beating the USA in the contest’s semis. 
      The 1-0 victory under the Durham-born coach was Canada’s first win against their neighbours in 20 years. 
      Priestman added: “I feel really excited and very privileged.”
      Chelsea and Sweden star Magda Eriksson could end up going head-to-head with her Blues team-mate Jessie FlemingCredit: Rex

      “I knew going into our game against that if we just believed it would go our way and it did.   
      “There is a feeling that I get from this group, this hunger and desire. 
      “I have got no doubt that they see Gold and they want to get Gold.”
      Dream Team Selector – £25,000 at least to be won!IT’S a football survival game!
      Huge guaranteed prize pot of £25,000 to be won.
      Pick one winning team each week.
      But you can only pick them once!
      Survive the longest and you can win a huge jackpot.
      Guaranteed return if you make it to round five.
      Click HERE to play.

      Sampdoria’s Mikkel Damsgaard shows his skills on the training pitch More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Hope Powell’s Brighton kick-off WSL season with Amex clash against West Ham

      by

      BRIGHTON will begin their fourth term in the Women’s Super League with a clash against West Ham. The game will take place at the Amex Stadium with WSL fans set to return to watch the team this season. 
      Brighton will take on West Ham in their first WSL match at the Amex since November 2019Credit: Getty
      And the contest will start at 2:00 pm on Sunday 5 September with tickets going on sale on August 7. 
      Albion, who finished sixth last term, will be targeting a higher spot in the table in a season that will see WSL games aired on Sky Sports and the BBC as part of a landmark three-year TV deal. 
      The last time Hope Powell’s aces played at the Amex was back in November 2019 with 4,310 fans turning up to watch them trounce Birmingham 3-0. 
      COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH
      And Covid restrictions saw the club play the majority of last term’s games behind closed doors at the People’s Pension Stadium – home of League Two outfit Crawley. 
      Brighton boss Powell, 54, said: “We have only had a couple of games at Crawley with supporters present in the last 18 months so to be able to have a big crowd in at the Amex for the first game of the new season will be brilliant.
      “We look forward to welcoming them back and to seeing as many Albion fans there as possible to get behind the team and making it a memorable occasion for the club.
      “It’s such a big season for the WSL with a new broadcast deal and the increased profile that will bring to the women’s game and plus, of course, the (Women’s) Euros in England next summer as well.
      “Our first game of the season at the Amex is going to be a fantastic occasion and we’re really looking forward to it.”
      Albion’s encounter with the Irons could see boss Powell give debuts to summer signings Danielle Carter and Rinsola Babajide. 
      Former Arsenal forward Carter, 28, joined the club in July on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee following a one-season spell at Reading last term.
      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON WITH £100,000 PRIZE POT UP FOR GRABS
      And the striker, who won three FA Cups and three WSL titles with the Gunners, netted four goals in 25 Royals appearances last season. 
      Meanwhile, Babajide, 23, sealed a one-term loan switch from Liverpool. 
      The former Millwall striker was named Player of the Season following her first term with the Reds from 2019 to 2020. 
      Former Reading striker Danielle Carter could make her Brighton debut against West HamCredit: Getty

      And the London-born forward was part of an England side who finished third in the Under 20 Women’s World Cup in 2018. 
      Powell added: “We achieved our highest WSL position (last season) and we’re in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, but we want to push on this season and get better. 
      “Any additions to our squad have got to add value to what we’ve got and in Danielle and Rinsola that is definitely the case.”
      Dream Team Selector – £25,000 at least to be won!IT’S a football survival game!
      Huge guaranteed prize pot of £25,000 to be won.
      Pick one winning team each week.
      But you can only pick them once!
      Survive the longest and you can win a huge jackpot.
      Guaranteed return if you make it to round five.
      Click HERE to play.

      Brighton seal Enock Mwepu transfer from RB Salzburg on four-year deal More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Megan Rapinoe chokes back tears after USA’s shock first loss to Canada in 20 years in Tokyo Olympics semi-final

      by

      MEGAN RAPINOE fought back tears as she reflected on Canada’s defeat of the United States with Chelsea’s Jessie Fleming netting the winner.   And the USA superstar paid a touching tribute to team-mate Carli Lloyd following the surprise 1-0 result in the Olympics women’s football semis in Japan. 
      Megan Rapinoe and the USA were beaten by Canada who will face Sweden in the Tokyo Olympics Women’s football finalCredit: Rex
      The goal was scored in the 74th minute of the clash at the Kashima Stadium after Tierna Davidson fouled Canada sub, Deanna Rose, in the penalty box. 
      And the result saw the four-time Gold medallists miss out on qualifying for the finals for the second successive Games. 
      The team, who have won four World Cups, were beaten by Sweden in the quarter-final stage of the 2016 Olympics in Rio in Brazil.  
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Rapinoe, 36, told NBC: “We never want to lose to Canada. I don’t think I’ve ever lost to Canada. 
      “There’s still a lot to compete for. That’s what I told the girls. It’s not the colour we want but there’s still a medal on the line. It sucks.
      “Obviously not our best game. Not our best tournament. We didn’t have it today. 

      “Too many errors from us. I felt like the space was there for us. We just couldn’t get into it.”
      Before the clash, the USA had not lost a football match to Canada in 20 years. 
      The team, managed by Vlatko Andonovski, have won five of their last six encounters against the Canadians going back to the London Olympics in August 2012. 
      We want to send everybody out on the happiest note and we weren’t able to do that todayMegan Rapinoe
      The encounter between the sides at the 2012 Games saw the US seal a dramatic 4-3 win with Rapinoe on the scoresheet.
      And the OL Reign star, who was part of the US team that won Gold at the London Olympics, was seen comforting Carli Lloyd, 39, following the loss to the Canadians in Tokyo.
      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100,000
      When asked how she felt after what could be the pair’s last Olympics playing alongside each other Rapinoe added: “We’ve been in this a long time together. 
      “We are both closer to the end than the beginning and we’ve both shared moments on the field, not that many sad moments, but a few.
      “It’s tough. She’s one of the greatest players to pull this jersey on. 
      “Who knows, it might not be her last Olympics, but it probably is.
      “We want to send everybody out on the happiest note and we weren’t able to do that today.”
      Rapinoe hopes the Tokyo Games will not be Carli Lloyd’s last Olympics appearance as a USA playerCredit: Rex

      Canada, managed by former England Women’s number two Bev Priestman, will face Sweden in a duel for the Gold medal on Friday. 
      That clash will see Chelsea ace Fleming go up against her Blues team-mate and skipper Magda Eriksson at Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium.   
      And the USA will take on Australia in a battle for Bronze on Thursday at the Kashima Stadium.
      Dream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!

      £100,000 in prize money up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

      Megan Rapinoe says there are still medals to win after losing to Canada More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal ace McCabe expects Gunners’ fight for silverware after friendly defeat of WSL champs Chelsea

      by

      KATIE MCCABE reckons Arsenal’s quality can help them in their battle for trophies with the Gunners targeting their first silverware win since 2019. And the midfield ace is expecting big things from the club who face Tottenham in a pre-season clash before a Champions League qualifier against Kazakhstan side Okzhetpes. 
      Katie McCabe believes Arsenal Women has enough quality in their squad to win silverware this seasonCredit: Getty
      The Republic of Ireland international, 25, was speaking to Arsenal’s web site following the team’s 2-1 pre-season win against Chelsea at the Emirates. 
      Goals from the midfielder and rising starlet Freya Jupp, 17, were enough to seal the victory with 16-year-old Reanna Blades netting a solitary effort for the Blues.  
      The Gunners’ last major trophy was back in the 2018-19 season with the club clinching their third Women’s Super League title. 
      McCabe, who joined Arsenal from Shelbourne in 2015,  said: “Last year we didn’t compete for any trophies. 
      COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH
      “We secured the Champions League but a club like Arsenal needs to be up for trophies, so we’re progressing to do that this year. 
      “You can see the quality we’ve got in as well, so we mean business this season and we want to start that with the pre-season games moving into the season.
      “There are big things coming to this team.”
      McCabe, who signed a new long-term deal with Arsenal back in May, was among the standout performers for the Gunners alongside Jupp, new signing Frida Mannam and England ace Jordan Nobbs.
      The team were without Vivianne Miedema, Caitlin Foord and summer signings Nikita Parris and Mana Iwabuchi with all four away at the Tokyo Olympics.  
      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100,000
      The Gunners are currently waiting on the outcome of medical checks on Nobbs, 28, who was stretchered off with an ankle injury after a collision with Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert. 
      The team were playing their first game under new management with assistant coach Aaron D’Antonio in the dugout and boss Jonas Eidevall, 38, currently undergoing quarantine following his arrival from Sweden.  
      McCabe expects Arsenal to be vying for major honours this season with the club competing in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty

      However the manager is expected to join his players this week ahead of their trip to Spurs and their clash with Okzhetpes at the Sapsan Arena in Russia. 
      McCabe added: “He was giving us his team talk via Zoom, so that’s a first but it’s COVID times so what’s new? 
      “He’s been great and the staff have been really supportive in making things as easy as possible for us players.”  
      Dream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!

      £100,000 in prize money up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

      Reiss Nelson shows off his skills in training with Arsenal More

    • 125 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Birmingham manager Marc Skinner becomes Manchester United Women’s boss

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have hired Marc Skinner as head coach of their women’s side ahead of their second term in the WSL. The 38-year-old’s appointment follows Casey Stoney’s departure as Red Devils gaffer at the end of last season following her three-year spell in charge.  
      Marc Skinner has become Manchester United Women’s new head coach
      The Basildon born manager, 39, who led the club to a historic top-flight promotion in 2019, became the new head coach of US women’s club San Diego in July.  
      Skinner’s move will see him take up Man United’s reins after a two-year stint as head coach of National Women’s Soccer League team Orlando Pride. 
      The former Solihull College Academy manager will lead a Red Devils side who narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification after finishing fourth and a point behind Arsenal last term. 
      Skinner said: “I’m looking forward to working closely with the staff and this talented group of players. 
      “Our focus is to build on everything they have already achieved in the women’s game.
      “It’s an exciting opportunity to lead the team into what will be another competitive WSL season; I want us to achieve success together and our aim is to give the fans a team they can continue to be proud of.”
      COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH
      Ed Woodward, Man United’s vice chair added: “Marc is a coach with proven pedigree in the WSL and we are delighted he is joining the club and returning to the league after his recent time in the US. 
      “Our commitment to the continued development and success of the Women’s team is total, and we see Marc’s appointment, along with the talented squad and players recruited this summer, as key to that process.”
      Skinner began his career in football coaching at Solihull College in 2013 before taking charge of Birmingham Women’s youth team in the 2015-16 season.
      Prior to his 2019 switch to America Skinner enjoyed a three-year spell in charge of Birmingham City’s senior women’s side where he was credited for revamping their style of play.
      And the former Brum boss earned praise for leading the club to the 2017 Women’s FA Cup final where they were defeated by Manchester City. 
      Since 2019 Skinner had been leading an Orlando side whose players include two-time World Cup winner Alex Morgan and Brazil heroine Marta.  
      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100,000
      And the club is currently seventh in their division having won four, lost four and drawn four of the 12 games they have played so far in the 2021 NWSL season. 
      Skinner’s United appointment comes in the week during which the side announced the signing of former West Ham striker Martha Thomas.
      The Scotland international joined the club on a two-year deal until the end of the 2022-23 season with an option to extend for a further year.
      Martha Thomas has joined Man United following a two-season spell at West Ham from 2019 to 2021Credit: Getty

      And the forward 25, netted four goals in 16 WSL appearances for the Irons last season.
      Thomas said: “I want to be enjoying my football again and I’m looking forward to challenging myself in this environment and being part of an attacking team where I can express myself. 
      “My focus right now is on settling in and putting in the hard work at training, but I can’t wait for the season to start and to see all the fans back in the stadium.”
      Dream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!

      £100,000 in prize money up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

      Man Utd boss Solskjaer says Raphael Varane is a ‘proven winner’ More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionesses to battle Northern Ireland in front of fans at Wembley in Women’s World Cup qualifier match

      by

      ENGLAND will take on Northern Ireland at Wembley in October in a qualifying clash for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.  The duel between the sides will be the first competitive game for the Lionesses at the stadium since its reopening in 2007.  The fixture on Saturday 23 October follows two international friendly encounters for England […] More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Tokyo 2020: Team GB women’s football team will face Australia in quarter-final after topping group with draw vs Canada

      by

      TEAM GB will face Australia in the quarter-finals of the women’s Olympic football tournament after topping their group.A 1-1 draw against Canada was enough to finish above their opponents – and Hege Riise’s side could now face world champions USA in the final.
      Manchester City star Caroline Weir, 26, scored Team GB’s equaliserCredit: Getty
      Canadian winger Adriana Leon threatened to snatch top spot off the Brits when she opened the scoring in the second half.
      But a late equaliser from Scottish midfielder Caroline Weir saved Team GB against the 2012 and 2016 bronze medallists.
      Having already progressed, manager Riise made five changes – resting three-goal Ellen White and adding Fran Kirby to the bench after injury.
      Team GB gained the upper hand in the first half, with Georgia Stanway going close before Rachel Daly was denied by an excellent block from Ashley Lawrence.
      The Brits became sloppy after the break and were made to pay when Leon converted a neat ball from Lawrence in the 56th minute.
      Team GB pushed for an equaliser and got their reward five minutes from time when Weir’s 25-year effort deflected on it’s way in.
      On our day I definitely think we put out better performances the better the opposition. Our job is getting ready for the next game, one game at a time, but we absolutely believe we can get on that podium.Beverly Priestman, Canada Manager
      Speaking after the match, Riise said: “I believe strongly in this team, a great team always finds a way to come back and we did.
      “Closer to the finish we started to get some momentum, luckily we were good enough to get the goal.
      “It was an important goal. We top the group, we’re staying here and have a little bit more rest so we are happy.
      “There are always things you want to improve on, we have played three games against three good opponents and have performed better and better.
      “We haven’t been together that long so we’ll improve every game.
      “Overall we looked strong and confident and that will be important going forward.”
      COMPETITION: SPOT THE BALL TO WIN A CAR AND CASH
      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100,000
      Previous Olympic winners in the Women’s Football

      Team GB’s draw with Canada means they will face Australia, who finished third in their group, in the quarter-finals.
      The winner of that tie will take on either hosts Japan or Sweden in the next round, with the latter recording a 3-0 victory against the US.
      The Americans are in the other side of the draw and must defeat European champions Holland if they are to face Canada or Brazil in the semi-finals.
      🥇 TOKYO OLYMPICS LIVE: All the latest from the Games with our live blog
      🥇 WHAT’S ON TODAY? Best bits to watch at the Olympics and UK times for your favourite stars
      HAVE A BALL: Premier League travel deals with match ticket and 4* hotel from just £115
      Dream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!

      £100,000 in prize money up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store

      Tokyo 2020: Alex Yee says he’s indebted to so many people after his sensational Olympic silver medal More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Fran Kirby OUT of Team GB Olympics clash with Japan but should be back for final group game in Tokyo

      by

      CHELSEA star Fran Kirby has been ruled out of Team GB’s group clash against Japan today – but SHOULD return for the final match with Canada.Women’s footballer of the year Kirby missed the opening win over Chile with a knock sustained in pre-tournament training at Loughborough.
      Fran Kirby is recovering from a knock sustained by the Tokyo Olympics football tournamentCredit: PA
      Coach Hege Riise is set to make changes on the left side with Demi Stokes replacing Rachel Daly at the back and Nikita Parris coming in for Lauren Hemp.
      Riise said: “Fran is back in training, slowly but we have to be sure we don’t push her.
      “We don’t want to risk her when there are so many games left to play.”
      Scotland’s Kim Little will take the rotating captaincy from Steph Houghton after pulling the midfield strings against Chile.
      OLYMPICS BETTING SPECIAL: GET ADAM PEATY TO WIN ANY MEDAL IN THE BREASTROKE AT 20/1
      Little, one of just three non-English players in Riise’s 22, said: “It’s just exciting to play with new players and a different team and to see what we’re capable of. 
      “We all bring different qualities and combining them, with our speed or technical ability, will always come together when we’re put in a pressurised environment where we can thrive.
      “As players, whenever you come into a new team you just try to bring your best self as much as possible. 
      “So I wouldn’t say it’s something Caroline Weir and myself spoke about because we’ve both played with a number of the players in different circumstances over the years. It’s just quite natural.”
      Riise believes the empty stands inside the Sapporo Dome will work to GB’s advantage against the hosts, held 1-1 by Canada in their opener.
      DREAM TEAM IS BACK! SIGN UP NOW FOR THE 21/22 SEASON FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £100,000
      A draw would be enough to guarantee a knock-out place but the Norwegian coach is looking for more.
      She added: “Every time we step on the pitch we aim to win.
      “When you have fans cheering it gives you more energy.

      “Against Canada, they conceded early and struggled to get into the game so maybe their confidence has gone down.
      “We have done a lot of work on and off the pitch on set-pieces because it can be a big thing for us. 
      “But we also have to be more ruthless than we were against Chile.” 
      Dream Team 2021/22PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON!

      £100,000 in prize money up for grabs
      £50million budget to build your best XI
      Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
      Click here to play for FREE
      Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store More