Women’s World Cup 2023

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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

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

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      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.”
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      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.
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      “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.
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      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

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      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

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      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

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

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      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.
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      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

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

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      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.
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      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.”
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      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.
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      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