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    Emmanuel Kunde dead at 68: Pioneering World Cup icon who scored against England at Italia ’90 passes away

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    EMMANUEL KUNDE has tragically died at the age of 68.The former footballer is best remembered for scoring against England in the 1990 World Cup.Emmanuel Kunde has sadly diedCredit: RexHe scored against England in the 1990 World Cup quarter-finalsCredit: PAKunde jostled with Paul Gascoigne for the ballCredit: PASamuel Eto’o has paid tribute to the CameroonianCredit: APHis death was confirmed by the Cameroonian football federation.A statement read: “His death constitutes a huge loss for Cameroonian football.”His most famous career moment came when he netted the winning penalty in the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations final against Nigeria.He also won the continental cup four years earlier and came on as a late substitute in the 3-1 win over Nigeria again in the final.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe also scored a penalty against England in the 3-2 defeat in the quarter-finals of Italia ’90.Former Chelsea and Everton striker has shared an emotional tribute to Kunde on Instagram.He wrote: “I’m just learning of the demise of the Elder Emmanuel Jérôme Kundé, an iconic figure in Cameroonian football, who died at the age of 68.”Oh the sadness! It is a certain value of our heritage that is thus cruelly taken away from us.Most read in Football”I keep with him the memory of a discreet and affectionate man, a figure of moderation and consideration.”He was a fantastic footballer, the control tower in the midfield, the defensive wall the opponent crashed into but also a great playmaker when the team had possession.”Individually, it was a fine passer and an artifact with phenomenal power and goldsmith precision.”In fifteen years as a national team (127 selections), he took part in the two legendary epics of the Indomitable Lions in the World Cup (1982 and 1990), twice winner of the CAN (1984 and 1988).”His long career brought him to France (Laval, Reims) and Gabon (US Bitam) as a coach, even though it is in the Canon sportif de Yaoundé that his name and legend will remain associated forever, as a player and as a coach.”Praying for the great football family to keep him in your thoughts and my deepest condolences to his nuclear family.”Kunde started his playing career at the Mbankomo Club in Cameroon.He then played for the likes of Tempête de Nanga-Eboko and Canon Yaounde before joining French sides Laval and Reims.Read More on The SunHe retired in 1992, back in Cameroon after two years with Olympic Mvolye.In total, he played 102 times for Cameroon’s national team between 1979 and 1992 and scored 17 goals. More

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      ‘It’s time’ – England could host World Cup after seven decades as Fifa chief tells FA to ‘seriously think’ about it

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      ENGLAND could host the World Cup after a SEVEN-DECADE wait following a top Fifa figure’s encouragement to bid for the tournament.The nation hasn’t bid for the tournament since the controversial 2010 vote for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in Russia and Qatar, in which it was alleged that Fifa members were bribed to vote for the host countries.England hasn’t hosted the World Cup since lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1966Credit: GETTYThe FA failed to land the 2018 or 2022 World CupsCredit: GETTYFifa Vice-President Victor Montagliani believes it’s time the tournament returns to Old BlightyCredit: GETTYEngland hasn’t staged a World Cup since the historic 1966 tournament, which saw Sir Alf Ramsey’s troops win the competition on home soil.And Fifa vice-president Victor Montagliani believes it’s high time the tournament returns to these shores.During an interview with The Times, he said: “I can’t see why, not just England but the United Kingdom shouldn’t be hosting the World Cup.”I think it would be a fantastic World Cup and I think they should seriously think of putting their foot forward to host.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”We all know what the game means in the UK and I think it’s time.”The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, while the 2030 tournament set to be split across Spain, Portugal, Morocco and South America.Saudi Arabia will stage the 2034 tournament having run unopposed for the hosting rights.The Women’s World Cup will take place in the UK in 2035 and could be a potential catalyst for the men’s tournament to return to these shores in 2038 or 2042.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEngland could bid to host the 2038 or 2042 World CupsCredit: GettySpeaking on Fifa’s rotation model, Montagliani said: “I support what we have done in recent history, I think it’s the only way.”Now it shouldn’t be the Fifa president’s decision alone, he has a board, he has a council.Major change to World Cup final confirmed by Fifa chief Gianni Infantino with Coldplay to perform half-time show “But I think the old way we used to do it where people just waste their money and then all these shenanigans happen.That’s ridiculous. Let’s get away from that.“Let’s become a proper business. Let’s have an event management strategy so that we’re properly rotating it, everybody gets a crack at it.“The reality is that the World Cup generates 80 to 90 per cent of Fifa’s income, which then sends 80 per cent of that back to its members for the development of football.”And if Fifa doesn’t generate that money there is a significant number of the 211 countries that do not have the funds to develop football.”Next year’s North American World Cup will be the first tournament to include 48 teams.But South American footie chiefs have called for future tournaments to be expanded to an incredible 64 TEAMS, a total Montagliani believes would devalue the prestige which comes with qualifying for the competitionHe said: “Sixty-four teams is just too much in my opinion. We still haven’t kicked the ball for 48 teams, although I think we’ll be fine.Read More on The Sun“We’re OK where we are and I’m not comfortable with any more — scarcity is still important.”It still needs to be difficult to get to a World Cup and I think at 48 you’re still going to have some nations you may think should be at a World Cup but fail to qualify.” More

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      Decapitations, death plunges & electrocutions… how Saudi’s World Cup with 11 new stadiums ‘is being built on blood’

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      CONSTRUCTION workers building Saudi Arabia’s 11 new stadiums for the World Cup have been dying heinous deaths – from decapitations to death plunges.Human rights groups have warned of a terrifying “surge” in the deaths of migrant construction workers in the Middle Eastern region as it gears up to host the 2034 tournament.Migrant workers are seen at a construction site near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in MarchCredit: GettyHuman rights groups have warned of a terrifying “surge” in the deaths of migrant construction workers in the Middle Eastern regionCredit: GettyFIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously faced accusations of steering the nomination towards Saudi ArabiaCredit: PAAfter being confirmed as the host of the 2034 men’s football World Cup in December, Saudi Arabia is throwing tens of billions of pounds at insane building projects – including an entire mega-city.In preparation, the Saudis unveiled plans to build or upgrade 15 futuristic stadiums – 11 of which will be entirely new.Despite the Cup being nine years away, labourers working to build the sites are dying in horrific yet preventable incidents, reports from Human Rights Watch and Fairsquare claim.It comes just a day after the President of FIFA Gianni Infantino visited Saudi Arabia alongside US President Donald Trump as the pair attended a US-Saudi investment forum.READ MORE SPORTHuman Rights Watch were able to speak to the hearbroken families of 31 workers from Bangaldesh, India and Nepal.Their relatives either fell from heights at the sites, were crushed or decapitated by heavy machinery – or electrocuted.But Saudi medical authorities rarely conduct autopsies to establish the exact cause of migrant workers’ deaths, FairSquare claims.A couple of months ago a Pakistani foreman, Muhammad Arshad, was reported to have plunged from a construction site at a stadium under construction in the eastern city of Al Khobar.Most read in FootballMuhammad’s tragic death marked the first related to the World Cup – with many more to follow.One widow of a 46-year-old Bangladeshi man who was working in Saudi Arabia told Human Rights Watch of her husband being harrowingly decapitated in the workplace.Migrant workers are seen at a construction site near RiyadhCredit: GettyThe Roshn Stadium has one of the most striking designs of all the 2034 venuesCredit: www.dezeen.comThe Qiddiya Coast Stadium will host games in the group stage, as well as the rounds of 32 and 16Credit: www.dezeen.comShe said: “According to his colleagues and the foreman, he noticed a mechanical issue with the machine he was operating. “He turned off the machine to fix it and was trying to remove a stone that was stuck inside when someone accidentally turned the machine back on. His head got caught inside, and he died on the spot.”The grieving woman added that when her husband’s body arrived in Bangladesh, “his head was separated from his body” which resulted in her losing consciousness “seeing him in that state”.And another widow of a 25-year-old Nepali man revealed that despite her husband getting electrocuted at work, his death “is officially classified as a natural death”.She added: “We did not receive the dead body of my husband, but were instead informed that his last rites were already done in Saudi Arabia itself without our permission. This has put us in further pain.”We believe all this was an elaborate plan to deprive us of compensation. There are so many questions unanswered.”Who gave them permission to bury [my husband] instead of repatriating [his] body? Witnesses say that the death was caused by electrocution.”With many deaths of workers wrongly classified as being natural, grieving families have received no compensation, the reports claim.Human Rights Watch’s director of Global Initiatives Minky Worden said: “The 2034 Saudi World Cup will be the largest and most expensive ever, but it could also have the highest cost in human lives, as millions of migrant workers build infrastructure, including 11 new stadiums, a rail and transit network, and 185,000 hotel rooms.”FIFA says it has a “steadfast commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights in the context of its operations”.The Neom stadium has been dubbed the ‘most unique stadium in the world’Credit: www.dezeen.comThe King Salman Stadium will be Saudi’s largest stadium and is due to host the World Cup finalCredit: www.dezeen.comThe Roshn Stadium has one of the most striking designs of all the 2034 venuesCredit: www.dezeen.comIn 2024, the Saudi government defended that there had been “tangible achievements” in occupational health and safety, claiming that the rates of deaths and injuries among workers were falling.And FIFA praised the alleged “significant steps” taken by Saudi Arabia to improve its labour laws since 2018.But the global construction worker’s union, or BWI, revealed there had been an “alarming rise” in accidents that could have been prevented.BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson said: “These are the result of systematic negligence, corruption and inadequate oversight and accountability.”And FairSquare’s co-director James Lynch has described FIFA’s human rights policies as a “sham”.He added: “While FIFA praises Saudi Arabia to the rafters and highly-paid western law firms generate vast profits for curating Saudi’s reputation, children in places like Nepal grow up without their fathers and never even learn how they died.”FIFA told Human Rights Watch of its plans to establish a workers’ welfare system to ensure mandatory standards and enforcement mechanisms are dedicated for construction related to the World Cup. as well as service delivery in Saudi Arabia.Football’s global governing body said: “We are convinced that the measures implemented to ensure construction companies respect the rights of their workers on FIFA World Cup sites can set a new standard for worker protection in the country and contribute to the wider labour reform process, helping to enhance protections for workers on World Cup sites and beyond.”But Human Rights Watch has slammed FIFA, saying no further details were given on how the so-called welfare system would actually work.The group said: “Saudi authorities, FIFA, and other employers should ensure that all migrant worker deaths, regardless of perceived cause, time, and place are properly investigated and that families of deceased workers are treated with dignity and receive fair and timely compensation.”Eight stadiums are being built in the capital Riyadh, four in Jeddah, and one in each of Al Khobar, Abha, and Neom.Neom is the brand new £1 trillion desert mega-city the county is planning to build from scratch – and half of which will be floating in the ocean.Read More on The SunThere have been concerns, however, that the city will not be finished in time.They are also promising to whip up the world’s biggest airport, King Fahd International Airport, which is due to open in 2030.It is thought the King Salman International Airport in Saudi Arabia will be the largest in the world when it opens in 2030Credit: Foster + Partners More

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      World Cup 2030 stadium that will rival Bernabeu and Nou Camp looks unrecognisable during major refurbishment

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      A FLAGSHIP World Cup 2030 venue is poised to complete an incredible transformation.Barcelona and Real Madrid will open the new-look La Cartuja Stadium on April 26.La Cartuja stadium has had its famous athletics track removedRenovation is now in its final stages ahead of an April 26 re-openingThe capacity of the venue in Seville will swell by more than 15,000 seats to 72kThe site in Seville was built for the 1999 World Athletics Championships.But there will be few signs of its famous track and field pedigree once the revamp is finished.The athletics track has been ditched – as just one of several major changes.The stand-out development is an increase in capacity by more than 15,000 to 72k.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd a new ring of stands has been installed to underline the dramatic re-think.Spain’s sporting chiefs reckon it will be their third main venue at the World Cup in five years’ time, behind only the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.La Cartuja was also a key part of Seville’s bid to host the summer Olympics in 2004 and 2008.The area in southern Spain is often called “Europe’s hottest city”.Most read in FootballUS sprinter Michael Johnson set a staggering world 400m record at the venue in 1999 and returned here in 2019 for the anniversaryCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut although athletics has warmed to the venue, La Cartuja’s stature was not enough to win the Games for Seville.However, it did host a thrilling 2003 Uefa Cup final, in which Porto beat Celtic 3-2 – when a little-known and now-abandoned rule came into play.Arteta gives worrying Gabriel injury update as Arsenal sweat on four defenders ahead of Real Madrid clashEntering extra time at 2-2, the Scottish giants then had notorious hardman Bobo Balde sent off.It gave Porto hope of triumphing with a “silver goal” – whereby the team leading after the first additional 15 minutes takes the trophy.But the Portuguese club failed to net in that quarter of an hour.Instead Porto went on to win 3-2, thanks to Derlei hitting his second goal of the night shortly before the end of the second added period.Seville boasts two LaLiga clubs in Sevilla and Real Betis, but both use their own grounds.Nonetheless, La Cartuja is Spain’s fifth largest sports stadium and the national team occasionally play there.And when Betis were banned from their Manuel Ruiz de Lopera stadium in 2007, they switched to the bigger venue for a game against Villarreal.Not only that, Betis will temporarily use the ground again while their own Benito Villamarín stadium is redeveloped later this year.La Cartuja has hosted two Davis Cup finals in tennis, four Copa del Rey finals from 2020 to 2023 and was used at Euro 2020.And it was there that athletics saw one of the great world records of modern time.Read More on The SunAmerican legend Michael Johnson clocked 43.18 seconds for the 400m in 1999, a time unsurpassed until South African Wayde van Niekerk ran 43.03 in Rio 17 years later. But the finest hour for La Cartuja is scheduled to arrive a decade after that – when the World Cup comes to Spain for only the second time ever.A new ring of stands has been added to the 26-year-old groundThe stadium is on the the island of La Cartuja More

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      Sarina Wiegman and Leah Williamson reckon Women’s World Cup in the UK could push game to new level

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      LIONESSES boss Sarina Wiegman says the UK landing the 2035 Women’s World Cup will take the female game to another level.Fifa president Gianni Infantino announced the England-led Home Nations plan was the “one valid bid” to host a tournament set to be expanded to 48 teams.Leah Williamson says the UK hosting a Women’s World Cup could be an opportunity to show home nations care for women’s footballCredit: GettyGianni Infantino revealed the UK was the only bidder that submitted an expression of interest to Fifa before its deadlineCredit: AlamyWindsor Park in Belfast could be among the potential venues for matchesCredit: SportsfileFormal confirmation will come when the official bid book, including up to 16 stadiums across all four countries, is sent to Fifa in November.But that will be a formality and Wiegman, who led the Lionesses to Euro glory in 2022, said a World Cup on British and Northern Irish soil was a game-changer.Wiegman said: “We know with the experience of the Euros how big the game is already here and what that momentum did here in the country but also worldwide. “Hosting another tournament on an even bigger stage would be incredible and will give another boost to the game. Read More Football Stories”It’s an even bigger stage. It’s the biggest female event we have in the world.”England skipper Leah Williamson added: “I’m proud to have been a part of such a good show for women’s football at the Euros. “The commitment from the FA, the conversations that we’re in all the time about how we push the game on –  I think 2022 was a great demonstration of that intent. “To follow up with a World Cup bid says a lot about how much we care about women’s football here on home soil but then also globally as well.”Most read in FootballWilliamson’s former Arsenal and England team-mate Alex Scott says the idea of Women’s World Cup taking place across the UK, brings back memories of London hosting the Olympics 13 years ago. The BBC Sports presenter and pundit said: “When I go back to when we hosted the Olympics in 2012, that was one of our first times walking out Wembley – as Team GB – with 70,000 people there. “That was a historic moment for us, so you fast-forward and you’re thinking about what that can do for people coming into the stadiums, being inspired and cheering on their team.”It would be absolutely epic.”The success of the bid was a victory for the quiet diplomacy of the FA high command, led by chair Debbie Hewitt and chief executive Mark Bullingham, who have repaired relations with Infantino after the “One Love” armband row at the 2022 World Cup.Infantino confirmed Fifa plans to expand the tournament from 32 teams to 48 – matching the growth of the men’s World Cup – from the 2031 edition which will be held in the USA, with the world body likely to rule all four host nations will qualify automatically.Unlike Euros 2028, when Northern Ireland was unable to come up with a venue big enough, minimum stadium capacities of 20,000 mean Belfast’s Windsor Park can be used for the tournament.A formal list of stadiums will be drafted over the next few months, with Wrexham likely to want to join Cardiff in hosting Welsh matches and Edinburgh and Aberdeen potential Scottish options as well as Glasgow.The last major women’s football tournament to take place on British soil was the 2022 Women’s Euros hostedCredit: GettyGrounds across England will be considered with the FA aiming to ensure it is a national celebration of the women’s game.Read More on The SunBullingham said: “We are honoured to be the sole bidder. Hosting the first Fifa World Cup since 1966 with our Home Nations partners will be very special.”That hard work starts now, to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year.” More

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      UK to host 2035 Women’s World Cup as Fifa chief Gianni Infantino confirms just ‘one valid bid’ for tournament

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      THE UK is set to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland joined forces with the English Football Association earlier this year in a bid for the major tournament.FIFA President Gianni Infantino has revealed that the UK submitted the ‘only valid bid’ for the competitionCredit: GettySpain are the reigning Women’s World Cup champions having won the tournament in 2023Credit: GettyEngland’s Lionesses won the European Championship on home soil in 2022Credit: PAThe deadline for initial submissions came earlier this week on Monday afternoon.And while the UK lodged their interest on time, rival nations did not.Therefore, there is no real competition for the 2035 tournament.FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has described the UK’s interest as the “one valid bid” for the event.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpain, Portugal and Morocco had previously expressed a desire to host on a joint basis, but all three countries withdrew from the running.Speaking at the UEFA Congress on Thursday morning, Infantino said: “I can also confirm that, as part of the bidding process, we received one bid for 2031 and one valid bid for 2035.”The 2031 bid is from the United States of America and potentially some other Concacaf members together.”And the 2035 bid is from Europe, from the home nations.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”So the path is there for the Women’s World Cup to be taking place in 2031 and 2035 in some great countries, some great nations, to boost the women’s football movement even more.”The UK will now need to submit a compliant bid by the end of this year in order to guarantee the tournament will be played on British soil.England women’s clash suspended as lights GO OUT at Wembley with pitch plunged into darknessInfantino also revealed that FIFA intend to increase the number of teams competing in the Women’s World Cup from 32 to 48 by 2031.The number of teams was increased from 24 to 32 for the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand, where England reached the final for the very first time.The Lionesses narrowly missed out on the trophy following a 1-0 defeat to Spain in Sydney.English FA CEO Mark Bullingham said: “We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035.”Hosting the first FIFA World Cup since 1966 with our home nations partners will be very special.”The hard work starts now, to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year.”UK football chiefs are yet to announce which stadiums would likely be earmarked for the tournament.However, it can almost be guaranteed that Wembley Stadium in London will host the final – as it did for the men’s European Championship in 2021 and the women’s Euros in 2022.Read More on The SunManchester United’s proposed £2billion, 100,00-seater venue could also be used as it is set to be fully completed before the tournament year.In addition, Hampden Park in Glasgow, the home of the Scottish national team, would likely be used as a venue.Man Utd’s proposed new £2bn stadium could be a potential host venueCredit: AFP More

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      USWNT crash out of Women’s World Cup after heartbreaking penalty shootout as bid for history ends in round of 16

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      THE USWNT is out of the Women’s World Cup after a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Sweden in the round of 16.Lina Hurtig’s dramatic penalty condemned the USA to a shock early exit after the sides played out a 0-0 draw in Melbourne.
      The USWNT is out of the Women’s World Cup after defeat to SwedenCredit: AFP
      Megan Rapinoe missed a penalty and was in tears after the shootout lossCredit: Reuters
      But they were left heartbroken as the USA’s bid for a third-straight title ended earlyCredit: Getty
      The winning penalty went over the line by the barest of marginsCredit: ITV
      The USA had aimed to become the first team in history to win three-straight World Cup titles.
      But after scraping thru from Group E in second place they found Sweden too physical in their first knockout matchup.
      Trinity Rodman was promoted to the starting XI, with veteran Megan Rapinoe again only on the bench.
      The first half saw few chances for either team as Andi Sullivan went closest with a fierce shot from the edge of the penalty area.

      After the break, the USA pushed forward in search of a winner but couldn’t find a way past Zecira Musovic in the Swedish goal.
      And following a tense extra time, penalty kicks were needed to separate the two sides.
      Nathalie Bjorn and Rapinoe both skied over the bar before Alyssa Naeher made a brilliant save from Rebecka Blomqvist.
      Sophia Smith had the chance to send the USWNT into the quarter-finals but sent the ball agonizingly wide.
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      And Kelley O’Hara struck the post in sudden death, giving Hurtig the chance to win it.
      Naeher got a huge hand to the shot, but VAR deemed that Hurtig’s penalty had snuck over the line by the barest of margins.
      It condemns the USA to their earliest-ever exit from a World Cup.
      Despite the defeat, coach Vlatko Andonovski said he was “proud” of his team as he spoke to FOX after the game.
      He told Jenny Taft: “I’m so proud of the team. So proud of the girls.
      “I know we were criticized in the group stage but we came out today and showed what we’re all out.
      “They showed the grit, the resilience, the fight, the bravery.
      “Unfortunately soccer can be cruel sometimes.”
      The shock loss comes after legendary forward Carli Lloyd had criticized USWNT players following their 0-0 draw with Portugal in the group stages.
      The Stars & Stripes were lucky to salvage a draw in the game, with the right post coming to their rescue.
      And Lloyd had been fuming that some players were seen dancing and laughing after the contest.
      She raged on FS1: “I have never witnessed something like that.
      “There’s a difference between being respectful of the fans and saying hello to your family, but to be dancing, to be smiling.
      “I mean, the player of the match was that post. You are lucky to not be going home right now.”
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      Sweden now advances to the quarter-final stage where they will face Japan.
      With the USA out and unable to retain their crown, the Women’s World Cup will have a new winner for the first time since 2011. More

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      Denise O’Sullivan rushed to hospital as Ireland’s training game against Colombia abandoned after just 20 minutes

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      IRELAND’S training game against Colombia today was abandoned after 20 minutes – as Denise O’Sullivan was taken to hospital. The Girls in Green faced the South Americans in a final World Cup tune-up game at their Meakin Park training base in Brisbane. 
      Denise O’Sullivan warming up prior to the match kicking offCredit: Sportsfile
      Captain Katie McCabe looking on at Meakin ParkCredit: Sportsfile
      Vera Pauw is now set to hold a press conference tomorrow which had not previously been plannedCredit: Sportsfile
      Midfielder Sinead Farrelly during the match itselfCredit: Sportsfile
      But the game was abandoned early after Irish ace O’Sullivan was carried off on a stretcher with an injured shin. 
      It is not yet known if it is a serious injury, but the North Carolina player was taken straight to hospital for a scan.
      After she was taken off, the Ireland team jointly decided against continuing the game after consulting with match officials.
      The game was played behind closed doors.

      Media had been told on Wednesday they could attend only for that allowance to be withdrawn at the last minute at the request of Colombia. 
      Ireland then remained on the pitch and put on a training session instead with a view towards next week’s World Cup opener with Australia.
      There were some “over physical” challenges before O’Sullivan’s injury, with Colombia picking up two yellow cards – one for the challenge on O’Sullivan –  in the opening 19 minutes.
      The FAI swiftly released a statement on the sudden conclusion.
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      It read: “The behind-closed-doors game between the Ireland Women’s National Team and Colombia on Friday evening was ended after 20 minutes of play.
      “The game, which was held in Meakin Park, Brisbane, became overly physical and it was decided, following consultation with the match officials, to end the game.
      “The Ireland team then underwent a full training session to continue preparations for their opening game in FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, against Australia in Sydney on July 20.”
      INJURY SCARE
      Vera Pauw has not been without her fair share of injury scares as the start of the World Cup closes in.
      Last week, the Tallaght Tigers played their final home game before the tournament against France.
      The result – a 3-0 defeat – came secondary to the sight of captain Katie McCabe being forced off with an apparent ankle injury in the first-half.
      Fortunately, the Arsenal star quickly made a full recovery.
      She has even been a full participant in training every day since they touched down in Oz on Sunday.
      Wednesday saw Pauw deliver a very encouraging update on the left-back’s status.
      She said: “There are no worries at all. She did the last training session.
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      “Yesterday (Tuesday) we had a pool session which is also part of our jet lag protocol. It is all planned. 
      “The day before we played on 11 aside on a very small pitch and she went in full power, full blocks, full sprints so there is no issue with her.” More