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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