Women’s World Cup 2023

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Spanish FA chief Rubiales breaks silence to blast ‘idiots’ after he was slammed for ‘disgusting’ kiss with women’s star

      by

      LUIS RUBIALES has broken his silence after being slammed for kissing Spain star Jenni Hermoso.The Spanish FA chief was seen grabbing and kissing the Women’s World Cup winner after the 1-0 victory over England.
      Luis Rubiales has hit out at criticism of him kissing Jenni HermosoCredit: Getty
      He was branded ‘disgusting’
      As Hermoso received her winner’s medal, Rubiales, 45, stood near Fifa president Gianni Infantino congratulating the players before planting one on her.
      Rubiales has drawn a lot of criticism from viewers who have branded him “disgusting”.
      One Tweeted: “This guy, he’s so disgusting.”
      A second commented: “This is so disgusting.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      While a third said: “What a disgusting act by the president.”
      Even Hermoso also claimed that she did “not enjoy” the incident with Rubiales.
      However, Rubiales has now hit out at his critics and slammed them as “idiots” and claimed the act was a “minor show of affection”.
      He told radio Marca: “The kiss with Jenni? There are idiots everywhere.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      “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.”
      Rubiales was also the centre of attention for his antics by entering the Spanish women’s team dressing room after the result.
      While there he declared he would pay for a trip to Ibiza and vowed to marry Hermoso.
      Although, the Spanish squad appeared to be happy at the declaration, and can be heard chanting “Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza”.
      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.
      He was also accused of forcing players to reveal the contents of their bags at training, while treating players like “children”.
      Fifteen players boycotted the Spain team in protest at Vilda last year.
      Only three returned for this summer’s tournament Down Under.
      Read More on The Sun
      Vilda remains unpopular despite Spain’s tournament win, being awkwardly snubbed by players amid the celebrations.
      He was also booed while receiving his medal. More

    • 275 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      How much Lionesses earned at Women’s World Cup revealed amid bonus row and it’s far less than men got for quarters exit

      by

      THE Lionesses earned far less than the men for their World Cup efforts.England’s women lost a heartbreaking final to Spain in Sydney on Sunday.
      England’s women reached the Women’s World Cup finalCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses lost 1-0 to Spain to miss out on lifting the iconic trophyCredit: Getty
      Olga Carmona’s goal on just before the half-hour mark proved the difference as Sarina Wiegman’s side fell just short of being crowned world champions.
      Their amazing run to the final saw them 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.
      READ MORE ON LIONESSES
      And Fifa introduced a new personal player bonus scheme for this Women’s World Cup which means all the players take home an extra £153,000 each.
      That would total £194,700 for the 23 women, nearly quadruple the £55,000 they earned for winning the Euros in 2022.

      However, the figure could be changed if the Lionesses and the FA can reach an agreement over bonuses.
      England pay their Three Lions and Lionesses £2,000 every time they represent the national team, with the men’s match fees given straight to charity.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      But the disparity in FA bonuses triggered a public statement from the Lionesses blasting the national governing body on the eve of the World Cup.
      The row between the two parties was put on hold during the tournament in Australia and New Zealand – with Ian Wright slamming the FA as “embarrassing”.
      But the players are determined to have their voices heard after their initial request for a £100,000 FA bonus should they win the World Cup was rejected by the FA – even though they agreed to pay their male counterparts an extra £500,000 if they had won Qatar 2022.
      The men received £300,000 each for reaching the Euro 2020 final the year before – and would have got £460,000 per player had they won the shootout against Italy at Wembley.
      Gareth Southgate’s men were dumped out in the quarter-finals at last year’s World Cup, losing 2-1 to France.
      Fifa awarded England £17m in prize money for reaching the last eight.
      And assuming the FA used the same 40:60 split, that would have seen the 26 players divide £6.8m between them for £261,500 each and the remaining £10.2m kept in-house.
      That works out as approximately £66,800 more than the finalist women – with the vast majority of the Lionesses’ cash coming directly from Fifa and not from the FA.
      England’s men pocketed £261,500 for their efforts in QatarCredit: Getty
      England lost to France in the quater-finalsCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Spanish national team post bizarre tweet in support of controversial boss Jorge Vilda as women snub him from celebration

      by

      THE Spanish national team posted a bizarre tweet in support of controversial head coach Jorge Vilda on Sunday, just moments after winning the Women’s World Cup.Spain clinched the title with a narrow 1-0 win over European champions England.
      The Spanish national team have shown their support for VildaCredit: Getty
      The controversial coach led La Roja to World Cup gloryCredit: PA
      Olga Carmona scored the decisive goal as La Roja cruised to their first Women’s World Cup final win.
      But the victory was somewhat marred by an ongoing feud behind the scenes.
      Last September, 15 senior players – including Aitana Bonmati and Ona Batlle – all sent identical emails to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) addressing issues within the national team set-up.
      They received public support from three other players – Irene Paredes, Jennifer Hermoso and two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.
      Read More on the World Cup
      Several stars wanted Vilda to resign and some accused him of creating a toxic atmosphere among the squad.
      They were also very critical of the RFEF’s lack of professionalism.
      Despite the claims and calls for Vilda to leave, the RFEF stood by the manager.
      Many fans and players were left angered as a result, but the Spanish national team reiterated their support with a tweet after Sunday’s World Cup final.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The tweet simply read: “Vilda in.”
      Spain’s World Cup win was also overshadowed by the controversial actions of RFEF president Luis Rubiales.
      While La Roja collected their winners’ medals after the match, Rubiales grabbed Jennifer Hermoso’s head before kissing her on the lips.
      The midfielder later said: “Eh… yeah, I did not enjoy that.”
      Rubiales then entered the dressing room to promise the entire squad a holiday to Ibiza – before declaring he will MARRY Hermoso there.
      All 23 Spain players appeared to celebrate the win by themselves after full-time.
      Vilda attempted to join in with the celebrations, but he was awkwardly snubbed by the entire team.
      And he was booed while receiving his medal.
      Meanhwile there was heartache for scorer Olga Carmona after she learned shortly after the game that her father had died. More

    • 188 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Hero keeper Mary Earps wins World Cup’s Golden Glove despite X-rated blast at Spain’s players

      by

      ENGLAND ’keeper Mary Earps won the World Cup’s Golden Glove — despite bellowing “f*** off” at Spain’s players.Earps let rip after saving Jenni Hermoso’s 68th minute penalty to keep the trailing Lionesses in the game.
      England goalie Mary Earps won the World Cup’s Golden Glove
      The moment went viral, and fans vowed to print a picture of her four-letter yell on T-shirts, a nod to Nike’s refusal to make a shirt with her name on.
      Man United’s Earps won the Golden Glove after conceding just four goals over seven games.
      Gaffer Wiegman said: “I think Mary´s performance has been really good. She has had crucial saves a lot of games in this World Cup, and before that, too.”
      She was named the world’s best goalkeeper in women’s football by Fifa in February and is a Euro 2022 champion.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      She said of the ­accolade: “I am proud. It’s very hard to achieve. But I would trade it for a gold medal any day. Disgusted that we fell short.”
      Following the final, Nike said it was “working towards solutions for future tournaments” regarding a Mary Earps replica shirt.
      Earps — dubbed ‘Mary, Queen of Stops’ — previously called their decision not to produce a World Cup one as “disappointing and very hurtful”. More

    • 213 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionesses are hailed as heroes by fans & royalty after agonising World Cup final defeat to Spain

      by

      THE Lionesses were last night hailed as heroes by royalty who declared them the pride of England despite a shattering World Cup final loss to Spain.FA President Prince William, who watched it at home with his family, spoke for millions when he told Sarina Wiegman’s inspirational side they had “done this nation proud”.
      Downhearted Lionesses in disbelief after losing to Spain in the World Cup FinalCredit: Getty
      Olga Carmona slides a deft shot past Mary Earps to put Spain in the leadCredit: Getty
      A dejected Lucy Bronze is consoled by an opponent after losing the matchCredit: Reuters
      Hero keeper Mary Earps, who pulled off a superb penalty save, was among several players who wept on the pitch after the devastating 1-0 defeat in Sydney.
      Sarina, 53, and her heartbroken squad then had to look on as the delirious Spaniards deservedly collected their winners’ medals at Stadium Australia.
      Olga Carmona’s drilled 29th- minute strike was enough to see off England, whose best chance came when Lauren Hemp struck the bar on the quarter-hour mark.
      It could have been worse for England when Jenni Hermoso stepped up for a spot-kick on 67 minutes — awarded after an agonising VAR intervention for handball.
      Read More on Lionesses
      But Earps, who won the Golden Glove award, saved brilliantly then yelled “f*** off” to the opposition as she rallied her team-mates.
      Despite late pressure, Spain clung on to win the tournament for the first time, breaking the hearts of England who were not expected to get this far.
      William, 41 — criticised for not attending — wrote: “Although it’s the result none of us wanted, Lionesses you have done yourselves and the nation proud. Your spirit and drive have inspired so many people and paved the way for generations to come.
      “Thank you for the footballing memories. Congratulations to Spain. W.”
      Most read in Football
      While Spain’s Queen Letizia, 50, was in the stadium with her daughter Infanta Sofia, 16, King Charles and wife Camilla were pictured attending church at Crathie Kirk, near Balmoral.
      Charles, 74, sent a message to England’s beaten Lionesses later: “While I know how sore it must be, let none of you feel defeated, for to have reached the final at all is an immense tribute to your skill, determination and team spirit in the finest sporting tradition.
      “It will serve as an inspiration for generations to come.”
      PM Rishi Sunak said they “left nothing out there”.
      Labour leader Keir Starmer added: “Heartbreaking. So proud of the England team who inspired the whole country. This is just the beginning.”
      Match of the Day host Gary Linker said he was “gutted” for England but added of Spain: “They were the better team and ­thoroughly deserved their victory.”
      Talk TV host and Sun columnist Piers Morgan agreed, posting on X/Twitter: “Our women can’t bring it home either. Good effort, Lionesses but the better team won. Congrats to Spain.”
      Sarina, who led England to last year’s epic Euros win at Wembley, was typically gracious in defeat.
      She said: “I thought that Spain were a little better than us today and they had a great tournament, so congratulations to them.
      “Of course it feels really bad now — very, very disappointed.”
      The gaffer, who lost to the US in the last World Cup final when manager of her native Holland, added: “When you get to the final you want to win, but in sports you can also lose.
      “I think we can be so proud of ourselves now although it doesn’t feel like it at the moment.”
      Spain’s triumph came amid turbulence behind the scenes of their national team.
      There were boos when manager Jorge Vilda picked up his winner’s medal and held the trophy aloft.
      Some 15 of their top players wrote to the Spanish Football Federation last year asking not to be picked — citing a lack of “professionalism”.
      After the game, the disconsolate Lionesses completed a lap of honour — while stars past and present predicted they would be back.
      Devastated England defender Lucy Bronze, who plays for Barcelona, was consoled by Spaniard Ona Batlle, her club team-mate.
      Other stars were visibly upset, including subbed striker Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood, bandaged after an injury.
      Read More on The Sun
      But captain Millie Bright said: “At first you feel you’ve failed — but this is not it from us, and we will bounce back.”
      I’m A Celebrity winner Jill Scott, 36 — part of the winning Euros side — added: “These Lionesses are going to keep progressing.”
      Heartache for Hemp as she is hugged by sub Esme MorganCredit: Reuters
      A despondent Sarina Wiegman looks on after the matchCredit: Reuters
      Keira Walsh and Alex Greenwood look broken after the defeatCredit: Rex
      Alex Greenwood walks past the elusive trophy with her runner up medalCredit: PA
      The players collect their runner up medals after losing the finalCredit: Getty More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Brave Lionesses have inspired a new generation… when I captained England we had to pay to play and washed our own kits

      by

      IT is hard to believe how much the Lionesses have lifted the game of football in this country.When I captained England to victory in an unofficial world cup in Italy in 1985 the Women’s Football Association couldn’t even afford to pay for a replica of the trophy for each of us.
      The Lionesses have lifted the game of football in EnglandCredit: Alamy
      Maya Jama watches the team at Victoria ParkCredit: Getty
      Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hits the bar for the match
      A decade earlier females were still banned from playing the beautiful game on affiliated grounds.
      Today, thanks to our team of heroes, the whole of the nation has got behind these inspirational young women.
      It is their brave performances on the field and dignified spirit off it that has raised the sport so far.
      Not only did manager Sarina Wiegman’s side become European champions last summer, they went onto become the first England women’s team to reach a World Cup final.
      Read More on Lionesses
      At the final whistle the Lionesses slumped to the ground, heads in hands and teary eyed.
      Their sense of devastation is understandable, because they have given so much to reach the pinnacle of the game.
      But they should leave Australia with their heads held high.
      The women got kicked and got back up again, there was no rolling about.
      Most read in Football
      Our defender Alex Greenwood took a nasty cut over her eye and played on with her head bandaged.
      It was all genuine effort.
      Our goalkeeper Mary Earps was distraught at the end, but she was a real hero making save after save.
      Stopping that penalty gave us hope right up until the end.
      And the superb goals scored earlier in the tournament will live long in the memory of fans.
      It will inspire a generation of young talent.
      At school I was only able to get a kickabout at lunch time with the boys, because during PE lessons it was hockey or netball for the girls.
      When I started playing the beautiful game as an adult, the Football Association still banned females from competing on affiliated football grounds.
      We could only kick-off in parks or on work’s team pitches.
      It cost me money to represent my country when I was first selected to play for England in 1974.
      We had to wash our kits and pay for our travel to the airport.
      The first official tournament was the UEFA championship from 1982 to 1984, which saw us get to the final against Sweden.
      I felt the taste of defeat then, losing over two legs on penalties.
      But I felt proud picking up my runners-up medals and so should the Lionesses.
      We went one better when we took part in the Mundialito – which translates as ‘little world cup.’
      In 1985 I captained the side that played four times in seven days, going on to beat the hosts Italy in the final 3-1 in a tournament not recognised by FIFA.
      Just to represent your country is such an honour, but to lead England to victory is incredible.
      Rather than the 80,000 capacity stadium in Australia that Sarina’s team played in, it was a small ground without stands on most sides.
      We came home and I disappeared back to my job in the office at Northern Dairies in Hull without any fanfare at all.
      That is what is so wonderful about this World Cup.
      They have rightly been congratulated by the Prime Minister and King Charles and should return to a heroes welcome.
      Spain played really well, pressuring the Lionesses and not giving them any time on the ball.
      They didn’t allow us to get into our usual rhythm and England were unable to reach tip top form.
      There is no doubting the dedication and effort of the Lionesses, though.
      England have not complained about going from the Euros last summer to the World Cup a year later, or about the injuries to key players or jet lag.
      We have got used to winning, with this defeat to Spain being only Sarina’s second ever defeat as manager of England.
      It is going to be tough to get over the hurt of losing a World Cup final, but Sarina and her staff will be able to pick them up.
      Read More on The Sun
      There are lots of young players in this team and they will have another opportunity to lift the World Cup.
      The Lionesses have proved that for the women’s game there are no limits to what they can achieve.
      Proud Lioness fans sport their hats outside the Oz stadiumCredit: EPA
      They think it’s all agony as the final whistle is blown and fans are in tearsCredit: Reuters
      Carol Thomas, centre, is a former England Women’s CaptainCredit: Rex More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Our England women have been an inspiration this World Cup – here’s what the brilliant Lionesses must do next

      by

      DO you like the vibes?” Millie Bright asked on the Lionesses’ Instagram feed.
      Our England women have been an inspiration this World Cup – here’s what the brilliant Lionesses must do nextCredit: Getty
      Our captain was walking onto the training pitch before the final as Heaven Is A Place On Earth played in the background.
      Did we like the vibes?
      Not so sure about the Belinda Carlisle tune, but my word how we’ve loved the vibes.
      Our women have been an inspiration.
      READ MORE ON LIONESSES
      For a long time, blokes like me who were generally positive about women’s football would always qualify our praise by saying something disparaging about the goalkeeping.
      Not anymore.
      It would take a perfect finish to get past Mary Earps, and that’s what Olga Carmona conjured up, burying the ball just inside the far post — about the only place our keeper couldn’t get to it.
      To beat Earps and England only the best would do, and Spain were the best.
      Most read in Football
      Fair play. More

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Spanish FA president slammed for ‘grabbing and kissing’ Women’s World Cup star as she says ‘I did not enjoy that’

      by

      SPANISH FA chief Luis Rubiales has been slammed for grabbing and kissing star player Jenni Hermoso.Rubiales, 45, was present as Spain beat England 1-0 to lift the Women’s World Cup in Sydney.
      Luis Rubiales grabbed and kissed Jenni Hermoso
      Rubiales, 45, has been criticised for his inappropriate actions
      Hermoso ‘did not enjoy’ Rubiales’ antics
      As stars received their medals, Rubiales was stood near Fifa president Gianni Infantino ready to congratulate Spain stars.
      His behaviour has drawn criticism after he was seen grabbing and kissing Hermoso.
      As per Spanish football reporter Colin Millar, the 33-year-old said after the incident: “Eh… yeah, I did not enjoy that.”
      Rubiales has also drawn ire for backing controversial manager Jorge Vilda.
      Read More Football Stories
      The Spain boss reportedly banned players from locking their hotel rooms before midnight in 2019, as he wanted to carry out room checks.
      He was also accused of forcing players to reveal the contents of their bags at training, while treating players like “children”.
      Fifteen players boycotted the Spain team in protest at Vilda last year.
      Only three returned for this summer’s tournament Down Under.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Vilda remains unpopular despite Spain’s tournament win, being awkwardly snubbed by players amid the celebrations.
      He was also booed while receiving his medal.
      The 42-year-old has been continuously backed by Rubiales, despite concerns from players over the culture within the Spain team.
      Rubiales said this week: “What we have endured is a lot.
      “Questions have been asked of Jorge Vilda, who is a hard-working man, a world-class coach, who has turned down other federations that have offered more money and stayed with Spain.
      “We have stuck with those that have always wanted to be here, that have valued the great work that he has done to grow, and we have forgotten the people with resentments.
      “He has continued working and not paid attention to those who wanted to destroy him.”

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
      Hermoso, 33, played a huge role in helping Spain win the World CupCredit: Rex More