Women’s World Cup 2023

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      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.
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      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

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

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

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      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.
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      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.
      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

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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.
      Read More on The Sun
      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.”

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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.

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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