Women’s World Cup 2023

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      Earps and James among FIVE England stars to make Sun’s Women’s World Cup team of the tournament despite final heartbreak

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      THE Women’s World Cup reached a thrilling climax on Sunday when Spain clinched the title with a 1-0 win over England.The tournament produced some stunning shocks, including the USA and Germany succumbing to surprise exits.
      Spain won the Women’s World CupCredit: PA
      Although Spain were the team to seal the title, a number of players from other nations impressed throughout the month.
      Here is a list of the players who have made SunSport’s team of the tournament as well as rankings of stars who have featured for England.
      Mary Earps (England)
      The England number one’s performances in goal throughout the tournament have been one of the bedrocks for the team’s progress to their first-ever final.
      Earps won the Golden GloveCredit: Getty
      The shot-stopper made a number of stunning saves across the tournament.
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      Among her most impressive was an outstretched foot to deny Roseline Eloissant the chance of snatching a point for Haiti in England’s opening game of the tournament.
      She also made an incredible penalty stop to keep the score at 1-0 during the World Cup final.
      In their six games up to the final, the Lionesses conceded just three goals from open play.
      That impressive record saw Earps claim the Golden Glove after the final.
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      Ona Batlle (Spain) 
      The former Man United full-back’s performances have underlined why Barcelona were eager to sign her this summer.
      She topped the tournament’s charts for passes and crosses into the penalty box and recorded the most tackles of any player in this year’s contest.
      Amanda Ilestedt (Sweden) 
      Arsenal fans will certainly be in for a treat when the Sweden centre-back and Gunners newbie takes to the field for the team next season.
      Ilestedt scored four goals for SwedenCredit: EPA
      Ilestedt’s aerial threat from set-pieces proved to be a huge bonus for Sweden who won a third-place play-off duel with Australia.
      She netted four times for Peter Gerhardsson’s side during an impressive run that saw them knock the USA out in the tournament’s last-16 stage.
      Millie Bright (England) 
      Bright swiftly overcame some early tournament rustiness and established herself among the best centre-backs of this World Cup.
      Her composed displays helped England quell the threats of some of the most dangerous forward amongst England’s rivals.
      Her long ball to Lauren Hemp helped England regain the lead against Australia in the semi-final.
      Olga Carmona (Spain)
      Carmona is the definition of a big game player.
      She scored the winning goal for Spain during their semi-final against Sweden in spectacular fashion.
      And she scored the decisive goal in the World Cup final against England.
      Halimatu Ayinde (Nigeria) 
      Ayinde did a solid job marking Lauren James during Nigeria’s last-16 duel with England which the Super Falcons lost on penalties.
      Ayinde put in an excellent performance against EnglandCredit: Getty
      The Chelsea starlet’s attacking efforts were neutralised at various points of the game due to tight marking by the Rosengard defensive midfielder.
      Keira Walsh (England) 
      Walsh made a fast recovery from a knee injury scare and impressed with her performances against Colombia and Australia in the quarter and semi-finals.
      Her shift in midfield helped give England the edge in possession as they battled their way to a 3-1 victory.
      Aitana Bonmati (Spain) 
      Bonmati is the lynchpin in Spain’s attack, scoring once against Costa Rica and twice against Switzerland in the group stages.
      Bonmati won the Golden BallCredit: Getty
      Her trickery and vision was key to her side’s play on the counter.
      The midfielder picked up the Golden Ball award at the end of the tournament.
      Lauren Hemp (England)  
      Was among the players of the tournament for England with three crucial goals including the finish that saw them take the lead against Australia in the semi-finals.
      Her tenacity and pace on the wing made her a handful for her markers.
      Hemp’s no-look assist for Alessia Russo’s strike against Australia was world-class. 
      Lauren James (England)
      One of England’s most promising young forwards and shone for the Lionesses during the group stage, bagging three goals for Sarina Wiegman’s side.
      Such a shame she missed a few games through suspension.
      Hinata Miyazawa (Japan)
      Miyazawa won the tournament’s Golden Boot with five goals.
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      The midfielder shone for Japan prior to their quarter-final loss to Sweden.
      She also caused mayhem for Spain’s defence in the group stage bagging a brace in her side’s 4-0 thrashing of the World Cup finalists.
      SunSport’s Team of the Tournament More

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      Women’s World Cup fans slam Spain star as X-rated gesture towards England ace Chloe Kelly is caught on camera

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      SPAIN star Jenni Hermoso was spotted making an X-rated gesture towards England ace Chloe Kelly during today’s World Cup final.Hermoso, 33, was a key figure as Spain beat the Lionesses 1-0 in Sydney.
      Jenni Hermoso was spotted making an X-rated gesture towards Chloe KellyCredit: Getty
      As England chased an equaliser in the second half, the match got more frantic.
      Manchester City star Kelly was introduced as a half-time substitute by boss Sarina Wiegman.
      During the second 45, the hero of last year’s Euro 2022 final was spotted appearing to be sworn at by Hermoso.
      Spain’s No10 was pictured raising her middle finger in Kelly’s direction.
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      Seeing the picture, England fans fumed on social media.
      One wrote: “if mocking the haka, celebrating with an abusive coach, and disrespecting the players wins you the world cup, then England should be proud to come 2nd, my team no matter what.”
      While a second tweeted: “@FIFAcom @FIFAWWC should discipline them that behaviour is not called for !!!
      “These so called world champions thinks ok to do this on the worlds stage but saying that look how some of the Spanish players have been treated by the coach…treat others how you wish you to be treated.”
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      A third asked: “Is this not a red card?”
      And a fourth opined: “Spain was the best team, but in the second half they should be ashamed of themselves.”
      Another added: “Wow just so disrespectful.”
      Hermoso was denied from the penalty spot by England goalkeeper Mary Earps.
      But Olga Carmona’s 29th minute effort proved to be enough for Spain, clinching the World Cup trophy amid a backdrop of issues with their coach and even player boycotts.

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
      Hermoso later got her hands on the World Cup trophyCredit: Getty More

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      Fifa president Gianni Infantino blasted for ‘peak cringe’ and embarrassing fashion faux-pas at Women’s World Cup final

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      FIFA president Gianni Infantino was blasted for his “peak cringe” performance at the Women’s World Cup final.That’s after committing an embarrassing fashion faux-pas in Australia.
      Gianni Infantino was slammed for his outfit at the Women’s World Cup finalCredit: Getty
      The Fifa chief wore white trainers with a dark suitCredit: Getty
      Infantino watched from the stands as England suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in Sydney.
      Olga Carmona scored the only goal of the game with a fine hit in the 29th minute.
      And it saw England’s dreams of winning back-to-back tournaments come to a shuddering end Down Under.
      The Lionesses were not best pleased with their opponents, with some fans accusing Spain of play-acting throughout the game.
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      But the most controversial moment of the tournament may have come AFTER the final ball was kicked.
      Fifa chief Infantino handed out medals to both England and Spain before presenting the latter with their World Cup trophy.
      However, he caught the eye for the wrong reasons after wearing bright white trainers with a dark suit.
      The combo left many supporters scratching their heads.
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      And Infantino was slammed for delivering “peak cringe” to the best women’s World Cup in memory.
      One fan said: “Infantino wearing trainers with a designer suit is peak cringe. Embarrassing.”
      Another declared: “There’s no excuse for a grown man wearing white trainers with a suit.
      “Infantino looks like a page boy at a wedding reception who’s been allowed to swap shoes after the photographer has finished up.”
      One noted: “What bothers me most about the outcome of today’s final is Infantino handing out the medals in a suit and white trainers!”
      Another added: “Only Infantino can make the black suit and white trainer combo look totally dorky.”

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final More

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      Fans in Sydney boo Spain team as England’s conquerors blasted for ‘diving and fouling’ their way to glory

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      SPAIN were booed by fans during the World Cup final in Sydney.That’s as England’s conquerors were blasted for “diving and fouling” their way to World Cup glory.
      World Cup winners Spain have been slammed for diving in their win over EnglandCredit: EPA
      The pinnacle of the women’s game saw Spain and England battle it out Down Under in a heated clash.
      Both sides thrilled fans throughout the tournament.
      But it was Spain who emerged victorious in Sydney thanks to Olga Carmona’s 29th minute wonder-strike.
      Jorge Vilda’s side demonstrated their technical prowess with a passing masterclass against Sarina Wiegman’s runners.
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      However, some supporters were left upset by consistent “diving and fouling” by Spain’s players as the looked to run down the clock.
      There ended up being a mammoth THIRTEEN minutes of additional time at the end of the second half.
      Many fans in the stadium made their feelings clear by booing Spain during the latter stages of the match.
      And there was plenty of opposition to the playacting at home.
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      One disgruntled fan said: “The Spain ladies team are fully emulating their male counterparts by diving all over the place.”
      Another declared: “Spain are world champions no thanks to pulling shirts, diving and time-wasting.
      “Absolute disgrace of a team.”
      One noted: “Spain should smash it at the diving during the next Olympics.”
      Another added: “The most undeserved World Cup win I’ve ever seen. The rolling about like the men’s teams, I thought women’s football was better than that.
      “England looked poor compared to usual, but Spain reduced themselves to play acting, diving and general cheating. The ref was a joke.”
      Despite frustration from fans, England boss Wiegman said Spain deserved to win the final.

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final More

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      Women’s World Cup star Caitlin Foord shows off brutal black eye after ‘worst nightmare’ in loss

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      CAITLIN FOORD has shown off the brutal black eye she suffered in Australia’s loss to Sweden.The Matildas were beaten 2-0 in the third-place play-off on Saturday.
      Caitlin Foord has shown off her brutal black eyeCredit: Instagram @caitlinfoord
      During the match, Foord was involved in a nasty clash of heads with Swedish captain Kosovare Asllani.
      As a result of the incident, Foord was forced to wear a bandage around her head for the rest of the match.
      She has now shown off the effects of the collision by showing off her bruised face on Instagram.
      Alongside a selfie showing the black eye, Foord wrote: “The shiner is coming along nicely. Thanks for all the messages.”
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      Her post came after the co-hosts’ squad had been gifted the key to the city of Brisbane in an awards ceremony.
      Australia achieved their best-ever performance at the Women’s World Cup by finishing fourth.
      They had previously never gone beyond the quarter-finals in their previous appearances.
      However, the loss to Sweden follows a defeat to the USA in the bronze medal match at the Tokyo Olympics.
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      Foord also played in that match and compared the two as she spoke to the media following Saturday’s defeat.
      “It hurts to be here and get so close and fall short again,” she admitted.
      “The exact same thing happened at the Olympics and it was my worst nightmare for that to happen again and it has happened again.
      “We just need to grow and learn from it and never let this happen again.
      Caitlin Foord was left with a black eye after a clash of heads against SwedenCredit: Getty
      “I feel like we deserved to get something out of this tournament. I know we have, but personally for us to not have something around our neck is very disappointing.”
      The Arsenal forward will be hoping to bounce back later this year in qualifying for next summer’s Paris Olympics.
      Australia will compete in the second round of qualifying against Chinese Taipei, the Philippines and Iran in October and November. More

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      England fans heartbroken as BBC’s Alex Scott chokes back tears and struggles to commentate as Lucy Bronze cries

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      ENGLAND fans have been left heartbroken after seeing Alex Scott hold back tears during the BBC’s Women’s World Cup coverage.Scott struggled to commentate after the Lionesses were beaten by Spain in Sunday’s final.
      Lucy Bronze was seen crying after the Women’s World Cup finalCredit: BBC
      Alex Scott held back tears as she praised BronzeCredit: BBC
      Defender Lucy Bronze could also be seen crying as she walked round the pitch following the trophy presentation.
      Spain emerged 1-0 victors thanks to Olga Carmona’s first half goal, to the dismay of England fans back home.
      Cameras caught the moment Bronze’s emotions got the better of her during England’s lap of appreciation.
      She could be seen sobbing as the Lionesses applauded the crowd whilst Spain lifted the trophy.
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      Her former team-mate Scott held back tears herself as she praised the full-back’s performance.
      Scott hailed the Barcelona star as an “incredible person and player” as she called for someone to put their arm around her.
      England fans were equally heartbroken as they reacted on social media.
      One supporter tweeted: “Alex Scott crying commentating because Lucy Bronze is walking around the pitch crying. I can’t.”
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      Another added: “Alex Scott crying over the fact Lucy Bronze was crying is soooooo real.”
      Bronze and Scott were both members of the England squads for the 2013 and 2017 Euros, as well as the 2015 Women’s World Cup.
      Scott has gone into punditry since retiring in 2018 and has been a key part of the BBC’s coverage of the tournament. More

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      Watch controversial Spain coach Vilda awkwardly try to join in celebrations but get totally ignored before walking off

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      SPAIN boss Jorge Vilda was snubbed by his team after they won the Women’s World Cup.Vilda’s side defeated England 1-0 in Sydney to claim glory.
      Jorge Vilda tried to get involved with his players’ celebrationsCredit: Women’s World Cup
      The 42-year-old was ignored by Spain starsCredit: Women’s World Cup
      He quickly gave up and walked offCredit: Women’s World Cup
      Vilda has been a deeply unpopular manager with SpainCredit: AFP
      Olga Carmona’s 29th minute strike was enough to see Spain beat the Lionesses.
      The final whistle prompted ecstatic celebrations from the Spanish side – but they still didn’t appear to be a totally united camp.
      Vilda initially jumped around with his coaching staff on the touchline.
      Meanwhile, players celebrated among themselves on the pitch.
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      Vilda’s reign has been blighted by controversy.
      In 2019 he reportedly banned players from locking their hotel room doors before midnight, because he wanted to carry out room checks.

      Players were also claimed to be forced to reveal the contents of their bags at training.
      Last year, 15 Spain stars staged a boycott of their national team because of Vilda’s tenure, as they accused him of treating them like “children”.
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      Only three of those 15 returned for their World Cup squad.
      In footage captured after the game, Vilda could be seen jumping around, trying to get into the middle of his players’ celebrations.
      He appeared to be totally ignored, however, and was subsequently seen giving up and walking off.
      Last year, Barcelona trio Mapi Leon, Patri Guijarro and Claudia Pina all refused to play at the World Cup as players called for greater care and professionalism.
      A statement read: “We want firm support for a professional project for women’s football.
      “A project that takes care of every aspect to help us get the best performance possible from a group of players we consider can achieve better and great honours.
      “By any means, we have not quit the national team, as the Spanish FA say. Our commitment to the national team remains the same.”
      Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas was among the 15 players to boycott.
      While she did return to play Down Under, friction remained with Vilda.
      She reacted angrily to being substituted against Sweden, ignoring her manager as she went off.
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      Putellas was also left on the bench for the final, not being brought on until the very closing stages.
      Vilda was booed by many fans in the stadium as he went to collect his medal after the match.
      Vilda celebrated with his coaching staff upon the final whistle
      The Spanish players celebrated among themselves
      Vilda, 42, is a highly controversial figure More

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      Devastated Lionesses collapse in tears on the pitch as bid to make Women’s World Cup history falls agonisingly short

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      ENGLAND’S Lionesses wept after narrowly losing the World Cup final 1-0 to Spain in emotional scenes at the final whistle.The Lionesses appeared set to enter the history books after reaching the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
      Lucy Bronze had to be comforted by Barca team-mate Ona Batlle as she processed England’s defeatCredit: Rex
      Bronze’s error led directly to Spain’s openerCredit: Getty
      Lauren Hemp was consoled by Esme Morgan after the gameCredit: Reuters
      Mary Earps’ penalty saving heroics were not enough to bring it home for EnglandCredit: Getty
      But they fell to defeat after Olga Carmona opened the scoring for Spain in the 29th minute.
      The full-time scenes provoked emotional reactions for the England squad after they missed their opportunity to win their first ever World Cup.

      Wiegman did her best to console her players after the whistle, keeping them in a circle on the pitch and giving them a rousing speech.
      Alessia Russo was seen in tears as it set in that the Lionesses would not be taking the World Cup trophy home.
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      Captain Millie Bright likewise struggled to contain her emotion at the full-time whistle but managed to find it within herself to gee up her fellow players.
      Mary Earps, who saved a penalty as she tried everything to bring her side victory had to be consoled by her team-mates at the final whistle.
      England went closest to scoring with the score still tied at 0-0 in the first half when Lauren Hemp rattled a shot off the bar.
      La Roja dominated the second half in particular, where their possession based style allowed them to slowly wear down their English opponents.
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      England captain Millie Bright showed her devastation at full timeCredit: Reuters
      A devastated Alessia Russo at the full time whistleCredit: ITV
      Spain looked set to put the tie to bed in the 69th minute when VAR intervened to award a penalty after a Keira Walsh handball.
      But Mary Earps proved to be a monumental presence in the England goal again as she saved Jennifer Hermoso’s spot-kick.
      Sarina Wiegman tried everything to find a solution for her England side to get back into the game, bringing on Chloe Kelly and Lauren James on at half-time.
      She also stuck centre-back Millie Bright up front to operate as a target woman and paired her with substitute Bethany England.
      But it ultimately was not to be, with England’s inability to hold on to posession throughout the game meaning the side struggled to build any sustained attacks.
      It is unclear exactly what the future holds for Wiegman, with her contract coming to an end in 2025.
      The American FA have expressed an interest in the Dutch coach, after they parted ways with manager Vlatko Andonovski.
      FA chief Mark Bullingham said the FA would work on a new deal for Wiegman to fend off American interest in the manager.
      Bullingham also said Wiegman would be considered for the England men’s job if Gareth Southgate was to leave.
      He said: “Do I think Sarina could do any job in football? Yes, I do.
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      “I’m really happy with the job she’s doing and I hope she stays doing that job for a long time.
      “If at some point in the future she decides she wants to move into the men’s game, that would be a really interesting discussion but that’s for her, right?”
      Lauren James and Jordan Nobbs looked heartbrokenCredit: Reuters
      England’s brave stars had to watch on as Spain lifted the trophyCredit: Getty More