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

    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

    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

    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

    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

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

    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

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    Lip-reading Women’s World Cup fans convinced they spotted X-rated blast from England star Mary Earps after penalty save

    WOMEN’S WORLD CUP fans are convinced they spotted an X-rated blast from Mary Earps during the final.The England goalkeeper was seen shouting after saving Jennifer Hermoso’s penalty.
    Fans spotted Mary Earps’ X-rated blast
    Earps’ reaction to saving a penalty was caught on camera

    Earps dived to her left to hold Hermoso’s tame effort after a VAR review punished Keira Walsh’s handball.
    As she held the ball after the save, Earps gestured for her team-mates to get up the pitch.

    Whilst throwing her arm up, she appeared to shout “f*** off”, with the moment spotted by eagle-eyed viewers.
    Presenter Greg James reacted to Earps’ blast by tweeting a video of the incident and writing: “This is the best F*** OFFFFFFF ever recorded.”
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    Another fan added: “Loved that!”
    A third also wrote: “Another reason she is a national treasure.”
    Despite Earps’ heroics, England fell to a 1-0 defeat to Spain in their first-ever Women’s World Cup final.
    Left-back Olga Carmona’s first half strike proved to be the difference between the two sides.
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    England had been looking to add to their Euros triumph last summer.
    Manager Sarina Wiegman was also taking charge in a second consecutive Women’s World Cup final after losing to the USA with the Netherlands in 2019.

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    England ratings: Mary Earps provides penalty saving heroics to spare Keira Walsh blushes but it’s not enough

    ENGLAND have been left heartbroken after losing out on a chance to win a first World Cup since 1966.The Lionesses roared through every stage of the competition, but fell at the final hurdle, losing 1-0 to a confident Spain team.
    England are left heartbroken after they lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup finalCredit: PA
    Mary Earps was a standout player for EnglandCredit: Getty
    Sarina Wiegman was unable to replicate her team’s success in the European ChampionshipsCredit: Getty
    England had a chance to take the lead early in the first half, but were denied by the crossbar from a Lauren Hemp effort.
    Olga Carmona scored the game’s only goal in the 29th minute as she tucked it away into the bottom corner.
    The end result will be tough to take for the ladies who left everything out on the pitch.
    But they can leave Australia with their heads held high after making fans up and down the country proud with their valiant efforts.
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    Here SunSport take a look at the each of the Lionesses’ individual performances during their gut-wrenching defeat.
    Mary Earps – 9
    The shot-stopper was England’s hero with a HUGE penalty save from Jennifer Hermoso.
    Not only that, but she also made a crucial save in 17th minute to deny Alba Redondo before making another to stop England from going two behind in the 50th minute.
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    There was nothing she could’ve done about Olga Carmona’s inch-perfect finish and she will be dissapointed her team-mates couldn’t do the business up the other end.
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    Mary Earps made some stunning saved for the Lionesses, including a penaltyCredit: EPA
    Lucy Bronze – 7
    The experienced full-back left a big gap behind her for Olga’s goal, but improved massively afterwards.
    She is a leader in this England team and her solid performance showed why.
    Jess Carter – 7
    Carter had a tough job covering for Lucy Bronze in the first half, but was able to settle into the game better after Sarina Weigman changed the formation at half-time.
    Millie Bright – 7
    Bright also looked more confident in the second half and was important in stopping Spain from adding to their lead in the frantic 13 minutes of added time.
    Alex Greenwood – 6
    England’s backline was caught out a few times with overlapping runs and there wasn’t much Greenwood could do about the balls across the face of goal.
    Showed her bravery by seeing out the game despite getting a nasty knock to the head.
    Alex Greenwood picked up a head injury in the second halfCredit: Getty
    Rachel Daly – 6
    Caught out a couple times down the flanks when Spain were coming forward, but looked comfortable in one-on-one situations.
    The Aston Villa star was replaced at half time as Weigman looked to try to get back into the game.
    Georgia Stanway – 7
    The Bayern Munich midfielder was important for England in the middle of the park, she helped both break up play and carry the ball forward.
    But despite her best efforts, there was little she could do when Spain were at their free-flowing best.
    Keira Walsh – 5
    Walsh made a silly mistake by moving her arm towards the ball and giving away the penalty that gave Spain the chance to go two up in the final.
    But she was able to breathe a sigh of relief after Mary Earps pulled off a wonderful save to deny Hermoso.
    Ella Toone – 6
    Toone had her blushes spared by the offside flag when she missed a golden opportunity to put the Lionesses level in the first half.
    Alessia Russo – 6
    Wasn’t able to get into the game in the first half with Spain dominating the possession, taken off at half-time.
    Lauren Hemp – 6
    Hemp clattered the crossbar in the 16th minute in what would have been a dream start for the Lionesses.
    England weren’t able to reach their top level going forward and the Man City striker struggled as a result.
    England Substitutes
    Lauren James (for Alessia Russo) – 7
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    Chloe Kelly (for Rachel Daly) – 6
    Bethany England (for Ella Toone) – 6

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