Women’s World Cup 2023

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      Women’s World Cup presenter, 32, announces pregnancy after fertility struggles and says ‘I never thought I’d be a mum’

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      FOOTBALL presenter Kelly Somers has announced she is pregnant with her first child.The 32-year-old – who has appeared on the BBC, talkSPORT, Premier League Productions and Optus Sport – declared the news one day after the Women’s World Cup final.
      Somers has announced she is pregnant with her first childCredit: Getty
      She also opened up about her pregnancy journey and battle with fertility issues.
      In an interview with OK!, Somers said: “I never, ever thought I would get to be a mum.
      “I’ve grown up thinking it wouldn’t be possible. I’ve had so many problems, so I just feel incredibly fortunate.
      “At my age, everyone knows someone who’s going through fertility problems or who has a bad story, and I always thought I was going to be one of those stories.”
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      The popular presenter also revealed she was diagnosed with endometriosis before doctors discovered she had polycystic ovaries in 2019.
      Somers added: “It was the biggest relief ever because it fitted and explained everything.
      “But then also, I knew you can’t cure it and it was going to be really hard to conceive.
      “So at the beginning of this year, Max (fiance) and I were thinking: ‘OK, it’s going to take years to have a baby. Let’s see what happens.'”
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      Somers, who is nearing her third trimester, recently returned to the UK after working at the Women’s World Cup for Australian channel Optus Sports.
      England suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Spain in the final on Sunday.
      But despite the defeat, Somers believes her baby will one day be able to look up to the Lionesses as role models.
      She added: “I’m excited that my baby is going to be born in a generation with the Lionesses as role models.” More

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      Top men’s team plot Sarina Wiegman move after England manager guided Lionesses to World Cup final

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      SARINA WIEGMAN is being targeted by the Netherlands to become their next men’s national team manager.According to The Telegraph, Dutch football chiefs have privately said that Wiegman would make a list of candidates for the job.
      Wiegman guided England to the final of this summer’s Women’s World Cup, the Lionesses best-ever performance at the tournament.
      Despite losing to Spain on Sunday, the England boss has been hailed for her achievements since taking over the side.
      After replacing Phil Neville in 2021, she won a maiden Euros last summer before this year’s run to the World Cup final.
      THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      England women’s World Cup final is second-most watched event of 2023 but did BBC or ITV win viewing figures race?

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      THE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP final was the second-most watched event of 2023 so far.Viewing figures from the match between England and Spain have revealed that 12million people watched on BBC 1.
      Alex Scott and the BBC came out on top in the viewing figuresCredit: BBC Sport
      Laura Woods and ITV were dwarfed by the BBC’s viewing figuresCredit: Instagram @laurawoodsy
      According to the Daily Mail, Spain’s 1-0 win has only been trumped by one other event this year – the Coronation of King Charles III in May.
      Both the BBC and ITV provided coverage of the tournament, with both broadcasters airing Sunday’s final from Sydney.
      However, the BBC dwarfed ITV’s viewing figures for the match as just 2.46million average viewers saw Laura Woods host their coverage.
      Despite viewer complaints, more viewers tuned in to watch the Lionesses’ heart-breaking defeat on the BBC.
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      Across both channels, a combined 14.7million people watched the final minutes of the match as England went in search of an equaliser.
      The BBC, who’s line-up of presenters included ex-Lioness Alex Scott, also registered 25.7million stream requests across iPlayer and the BBC Sport webiste.
      Their numbers surpassed those of the Wimbledon men’s singles final earlier this summer.
      A peak audience of 11.3million viewers watched Carlos Alcaraz defeat Novak Djokovic back in July.
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      That was despite viewers complaining that they could hear a Spanish commentator during the BBC’s coverage of the match.
      Numerous complaints were made alleging they could be heard in the background as Robyn Cowen and ex-England star Rachel Brown-Finnis commentated on the match.
      Across the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, there were 25.7million streams on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
      This amounts to a 75% increase from the 2019 Women’s World Cup, which had 14.7million streams. More

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      Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales makes grovelling U-turn and APOLOGISES for kissing Jennifer Hermoso on the lips

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      SPANISH FA chief Luis Rubiales has made a grovelling U-turn and finally apologised for kissing Jennifer Hermoso on the lips.The head of the RFEF inexplicably grabbed the Spanish Women’s World Cup winner and kissed her as she came up to collect her medal following the 1-0 win over England.
      Luis Rubiales finally apologised for kissing Spain star Jennifer Hermoso
      Midfielder Hermoso, who saw her penalty saved by Mary Earps in the Sydney final, complained “I did not enjoy that” as Rubiales was widely criticised.
      However, he initially hit out at “idiots” claiming they misinterpreted the behaviour which he said was a “minor show of affection”.
      Ex-Hamilton Academical defender Rubiales, 45, told radio Marca: “The kiss with Jenni? There are idiots everywhere.
      “When two people have a minor show of affection, we can’t listen to idiocy.
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      “We are champions and that’s what I’ll take.”
      But now the football administrator has backed down and confessed his actions were wrong.
      Rubiales said in a subsequent message on Spanish TV: “There is something I regret and it’s over something that happened between a female player and myself who enjoy a magnificent relationship, the same as I have with other women players.
      “Certainly I made a mistake and I have to acknowledge that.
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      “It was done without any ill intention in a moment of the highest exuberance.
      “Here we saw it as natural and normal but outside it has caused a commotion.
      “I have no choice but to apologise and to learn from this and take more care when representing the federation.”
      Spain’s interim sports minister Miquel Iceta had earlier demanded Rubiales said sorry.
      He said: “I think it is unacceptable to kiss a player on the lips to congratulate her.
      “The first thing he has to do is to give explanations and make apologies, it is the logical and reasonable thing to do.”
      In a strange RFEF statement on Sunday evening, they claimed Hermoso said she has a “great relationship” with the president and “his behaviour has been outstanding”.
      Rubiales was also the centre of attention for his antics by entering the Spanish women’s team dressing room after the result and grabbing his crotch in the VIP seats.
      While in the changing room he declared he would pay for a trip to Ibiza and vowed to marry Hermoso, 33.
      Rubiales has also drawn anger for backing controversial manager Jorge Vilda.
      The Spain boss reportedly banned players from locking their hotel rooms before midnight in 2019, as he wanted to carry out room checks.
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      He was also accused of forcing players to reveal the contents of their bags at training and treating players like “children”.
      Vilda, 42, has been continuously backed by Rubiales, who called him “world-class”, despite concerns from players over the culture within the Spain team.
      Hermoso got her hands on the World Cup after beating England in the finalCredit: Getty
      Rubiales was also slammed for his support of controversial manager Jorge VildaCredit: Getty More

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      Spain FA chief Luis Rubiales slammed for kissing World Cup star was accused of paying for ORGIES with football funds

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      SPANISH Football Association president Luis Rubiales has issued an apology after kissing player Jenni Hermoso following his country’s Women’s World Cup final win.It’s not the first time Rubiales has come under fire: last year, he was accused of using federation funds to pay for “orgies” with young girls.
      He’s faced heavy backlash for the smooch he planted on HermosoCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      The president has come under fire yet againCredit: AFP or licensors
      The chief initially defended his kiss with Hermoso and branded critics as “idiots”.
      He spoke on radio Marca and said: “When two people have a minor show of affection, we can’t listen to idiocy.
      “We are champions and that’s what I’ll take.”
      After leading Spanish politicians called for his apology and resignation, Rubiales released a video address today admitting his mistake.
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      He said: “I’ve no doubt made a mistake and I have to admit it. At a moment of maximum excitement, without any bad intention or bad faith, what happened happened in a very spontaneous manner, I repeat without bad faith on either side.”
      Rubiales went on to say he didn’t “understand what occurred” because he saw it as “normal and natural”.
      He continued: “Some people appear to have been upset and therefore I have to apologise.”
      Spain’s Equality Minister Irene Montero referred to the act as “sexual violence”.
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      General Secretary of Sport for the regional Catalan government Anna Caula has also called for his resignation.
      Caula said: “In football things are still not equal, we still have a lot of work to do.
      “It is up to a president of the Spanish FA to be scrupulous in the way he behaves himself.”
      Hermoso admitted she hadn’t liked the kiss in a live online stream to fans from the dressing room.
      In subsequent comments facilitated by Spain’s FA, the Madrid-born footballer who currently plays for Mexican side Pachuca, referred to the moment as a “mutually and totally spontaneous gesture”.
      Footage of Rubiales grabbing his crotch and appearing to make an obscene gesture during his wild celebrations beside Spain’s Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter has also come under fire.
      The video was uploaded by Spanish politician Pablo Echenique, who has slammed Rubiales for his behaviour.
      He said: “As well as giving Jenni Hermoso a non-consensual kiss on the lips while he grabbed her head, an act that could represent the commission of a crime, Rubiales also celebrated Spain’s victory grabbing his testicles next to the queen and her daughter.”
      Last year, Rubiales’ uncle was booted from his role as chief of staff at the FA Madrid headquarters after alleging his nephew organised a “private party” with “eight or 10 young girls” and made him pay for it with association funds.
      It is understood that in his voluntary statement, he told of “a party in a private chalet” in the town of Salobrena in Granada province in early 2020.
      His evidence to the corruption department was that the event was officially designated as a “work” event but that “it was not so”.
      Instead, he claimed, the rental of the house was “solely for the enjoyment of Luis Rubiales and his closest advisors”, with the cost paid from FA funds.
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      Juan Rubiales said: “A group of eight or 10 young girls was invited by the President’s friend and former player Nene.”
      The federation dismissed the 2022 claims of “irregular and inappropriate behaviour at a work meeting with other department directors at which he was present.”
      He hugged Hermoso tightly and planted a kiss on her lips following the victoryCredit: Rex
      Rubiales was also seen grabbing his crotch at one pointCredit: Twitter/@PabloEchenique More

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      Lorraine forced to apologise for Larry the psychic parrot after Women’s World Cup blunder on live TV

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      LORRAINE have apologised for Larry the psychic parrot after he “lied” about the Women’s World Cup final result.Larry had predicted the Lionesses would win the Sydney showdown with Spain.
      Larry the psychic parrot incorrectly predicted England would winCredit: ITV
      The Lionesses suffered a heartbreaking final defeat to SpainCredit: Getty
      But Sarina Wiegman’s side were beaten 1-0 after Olga Carmona’s first-half strike.
      Larry the parrot had previously predicted all other results at the tournament correctly.
      But hosts on the ITV show felt compelled to apologise after Larry built up viewers’ hopes – only to have them dashed by England’s defeat.
      Presenter Ranvir Singh opened Monday’s show by saying sorry to viewers – joking the “liar” was “on the phone to his lawyers”.
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      She said: “We do have to start today’s show with an apology, Larry, our psychic parrot, got it spectacularly wrong on Friday.
      “Larry, he predicted that England would win the World Cup final… he’s on the phone to his lawyers right now as we speak.
      “His career is over, I’m afraid, Larry, you’re a liar – that’s all we’ve got to say.”
      The Lionesses are flying home after a memorable World Cup campaign which saw them beat Nigeria, Colombia and hosts Australia in the knock-out rounds.
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      That sparked calls for there to be a public holiday to commemorate the achievement.
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      Fans are still demanding a bank holiday despite defeat in the final, though it appears the call will fall on deaf ears.
      England’s amazing run to the final saw the squad pocket a £2.4million prize money pot for the FA from Fifa.
      That £2.4m is likely to be split between the players and the FA – with the governing body historically giving 40 per cent to the squad in their previous tournaments for the men.
      Should the same percentages be used for the women this time around, the 23 heroic Lionesses would get £41,700 each with £1.44m going back into the FA. More

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      Alessia Russo appears to break down in tears as England Women’s World Cup team head home after heartbreaking final loss

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      ALESSIA RUSSO appeared to be in tears as the Lionesses waited for their plane home at Sydney Airport.The heartbroken star was subbed at half-time during the Women’s World Cup final defeat against Spain on Sunday morning.
      Alessia Russo looked emotional at Sydney Airport following defeat in the Women’s World Cup finalCredit: Splash
      She appeared to break down in tearsCredit: Splash
      Alex Greenwood still had her bruise from the match on her eyeCredit: Splash
      And Russo, 24, is still feeling the pain from the defeat a day later as she appeared to wipe tears away while in the departures lounge.
      The Arsenal star was replaced at half-time by manager Sarina Wiegman with the Lionesses chasing a goal.
      She and Rachel Daly, 31, made way for Lauren James and Chloe Kelly but the pair were unable to find an equaliser.
      Olga Carmona scored the decisive goal to clinch the trophy for Jorge Vilda and La Roja.
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      Russo finished the tournament as England’s joint-top scorer alongside James and Lauren Hemp with three goals.
      Wiegman defended her decision to make the change after the game as she insisted that the team “gave everything”.

      She said: “I have no regrets. I think we gave everything. The players gave everything.
      “We tried different tactics. I also have to give credit to Spain.
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      Sarina Wiegman defended her decision to sub RussoCredit: PA
      “I think they were the team over the whole tournament who played the best football.”
      She was not the only star of the team to appear emotional as the whole squad looked tired after the six-week tournament.
      All 23 players, as well as Wiegman and her coaching staff, were seen together ahead of the long flight back to England.
      Alex Greenwood also appeared with a bruised eye following her collision with Spain striker Salma Paralluelo during the match.
      The Manchester City and England defender took a brutal knee to the head in the 80th minute of the final, but insisted on continuing until full-time.
      Defensive duo Daly and Jess Carter looked down as they left England’s team hotel for the airport.
      The team did still have an after-party and were joined by England’s staff and their family and friends.
      They are now flying home from AustraliaCredit: Splash More

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      Spain football boss Luis Rubiales seen grabbing crotch next to queen & teen daughter before shock kiss of World Cup star

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      SPANISH FA chief Luis Rubiales has come under fire once more after footage emerged of him grabbing his crotch next to the Queen and her daughter.The football official had already been slammed for grabbing and kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermose on the lips following La Roja’s 1-0 victory over England in Sydney.
      Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales seen grabbing crotch next to queen & teen daughter before shock kiss of World Cup starCredit: Twitter/@PabloEchenique
      He would then proceed to grab the face of Jeni Hermose and kiss her on the lipsCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Speaking on Spanish TV, the World Cup winner later revealed that she “did not enjoy” the kiss.
      And Rubiales has now landed himself in even more hot water after he was captured thrusting his groin area in the direction of the players.
      The 45-year-old committed the act as he was celebrating Spain’s World Cup win following the final whistle.
      The shocking moment happened as he was stood next to Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter Sofia.
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      The video was uploaded by Spanish politician Pablo Echenique, who has slammed Rubiales for his behaviour.
      He said: “As well as giving Jenni Hermoso a non-consensual kiss on the lips while he grabbed her head, an act that could represent the commission of a crime, Rubiales also celebrated Spain’s victory grabbing his testicles next to the queen and her daughter.”
      The Spanish FA chief has since responded to the criticism of the kiss and defended his actions on Radio Marca.
      “The kiss with Jenni?”, he said. “There are idiots everywhere.
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      “When two people have an insignificant show of affection, we cannot pay attention to idiocy. We are champions, and with that, I stay”.
      Echenique, who is a member of hard-left wing party Podemos, also posted a photo of Rubiales up to further tricks.
      Having already inappropriately kissed Hermose on the lips, he was then captured giving match winner Olga Carmona a peck on the cheek.
      Echenique uploaded this photo to his Twitter feed, with the caption: “Here he is too with Olga Carmona.
      “It seems this guy was drooling over and stalking the whole team”.
      Inside the changing room following the game, Rubiales was filmed announcing a trip to Ibiza as a reward for the players.
      He then joked in front of Hermose, having already kissed her, and her teammates: “In Ibiza we’ll be celebrating Jenni and Luis Rubiales’ wedding.”
      During a live stream for fans, Hermose admitted she hadn’t liked the kiss but said it was a “mutually and totally spontaneous gesture”.
      She then insisted: “The president and I have a great relationship.”
      Rubiales, however, revealed his frustration at the claims made towards him when speaking with Spanish programme El Partizado.
      “It’s a peak of two friends celebrating something”, he spat.
      “We’re not here for bulls***. Me, with everything I’ve been through, more bulls*** and more a**holes, no.
      “Let’s ignore it and enjoy the good stuff and don’t even tell me things about losers who can’t see (the positive). 
      “It is a thing without evil. If there are fools, let them continue with their nonsense. There are more fools than windows. Let’s pay attention to those who are not fools. 
      “It is something without evil and nonsense.”
      Rubiales has previously hit the headlines for other controversy, having been accused of using federation funds to pay for a sex party in early 2020.
      He was outed by his uncle, whom he sacked as chief of staff at the FA’s Madrid headquarters that same year.
      Juan Rubiales claimed that his nephew organised the “private party” with “eight or 10 young girls” and made him pay for it with association funds.
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      The allegations brought firm denials and an angry response from the Spanish FA.
      Spanish politician Pablo Echenique claims Rubiales “was drooling over and stalking the whole team”Credit: Reuters
      Rubiales celebrates Spain’s Women’s World Cup win with head coach Jorge VildaCredit: Getty
      Rubiales has defended his actions by claiming “there are idiots everywhere”Credit: AP More