Women’s World Cup 2023

Subterms

    More stories

    • 138 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Olga Carmona and what was written on her shirt?

      by

      OLGA CARMONA delighted Spanish fans when she scored the opening goal of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final.The player, who is part of Jorge Vilda’s squad at the competition, put her and her fellow players in the lead ahead of rival team England.
      Olga Carmona of Spain scored the opening goal of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 finalCredit: EPA/DEAN LEWINS
      Who is Olga Carmona?
      Olga Carmona is a Spanish professional footballer.
      She was born June 12, 2000 in Seville, Spain.
      Carmona began her football career when she was just six years old, joining youth squad Sevilla Este.
      She later moved to Sevilla FC’s youth team, where she eventually worked her way up to the senior line-up.
      Read More on Women’s World Cup
      In her first professional season, the football player scored five goals in 25 matches.
      Carmona signed for Real Madrid’s newly formed women’s football team in the summer of 2020.
      When did Olga Carmona join the Spanish national team?
      Carmona made her debut for Spain’s women’s senior team in April 2021.
      She had previously played for the country’s under-19 squad, and was part of the team at the 2018 and 2019 European Championships.
      Most read in Football
      Carmona was named as a member of Spain’s team for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand.
      The team made it all the way to the final of the tournament, where they took on England.
      Carmona scored in the first 30 minutes of the match, the first goal of the game.
      What is Olga Carmona’s salary?
      Carmona is thought to have an annual salary of around £260,000.
      She has an estimated net worth of around £1million 
      What was written on Olga Carmona’s shirt at the 2023 World Cup Final?
      After scoring in the final of the Women’s World Cup, Carmona revealed a message reading “Merchi” on a shirt underneath her Spain strip.
      Reports have suggested that “Merchi” is in reference to Carmona’s old school, Mercedes College.
      The school has showed its support for the former student throughout the World Cup.
      After the semi-final, the school uploaded a shot of Carmona in action.
      Read More on The Sun
      The picture was captioned: “Go Olga! Our former student makes history with the Spanish women’s football team and scores the goal that gives us the pass to the final.
      “For all Olga, for all Spain!” More

    • 113 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Women’s World Cup final referee Tori Penso?

      by

      WOMEN’S WORLD CUP referee Tori Penso is one of the leading officials in the game.And she has been charged with being the woman in the middle for England’s Women’s World Cup final clash against Spain.
      Tori Penso became the first woman to referee an MLS match in over 20 yearsCredit: Getty

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
      From her career on the pitch to her family life – here’s everything you need to know.
      Who is Tori Penso?
      Tori Penso is American football referee from Florida.
      In 2020, she became the first woman to referee an MLS match in over 20 years.
      Penso began her refereeing career at the age of 14 – where she started reffing both boys’ and girls’ games.
      Read More in Sport
      Not only was this a way of income for the then teenager, it also opened the door to a great opportunity – earning her an invitation to a refereeing camp run by the Olympic Development Program in Texas.
      At the time, Penso was playing football while also studying for a university degree in marketing – and she did not yet view refereeing as a potential job.
      She told FIFA.com: ”There were no full-time female referees in the States, and so I didn’t really see it as a career.
      ”I did understand, though, that it was more than just a temporary job for me, and that maybe it would enable me to get to know my country a bit better, and maybe even the world.”
      Most read in Football
      Penso later made the decision to give up her job at an advertising agency in favour for refereeing.
      In 2021, she made history once again – becoming the first woman to referee a FIFA World Cup qualifying match.
      A year later, in 2022, Penso took charge of five FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup matches in Costa Rica, including one of the semi-finals.
      How long has Tori Penso been a referee?
      As mentioned above Penso was introduced to world of refereeing during her youth.
      In 2021, Penso, a leading offical in the game, became a FIFA-rated referee.
      As of August 2023, the trailblazing referee has taken charge of four matches at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
      She was chosen to officiate the highly-anticipated England vs Australia semi-final on August 16, 2023.
      Is Tori Penso married and does she have any children?
      Tori Penso is married to fellow referee Chris Penso.
      The couple share three daughters. More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Touching reason behind message on Olga Carmona’s shirt revealed as Spain star’s goal wins Women’s World Cup

      by

      OLGA CARMONA has revealed the touching message that she sent out in her goal celebration after firing Spain to World Cup glory.The 23-year-old left-back scored the only goal of the game as brave England were beaten 1-0 by Spain in the final.
      Olga Carmona’s celebration left fans baffledCredit: Getty
      The Spain star lifted up her shirt to reveal a messageCredit: Getty
      The crucial moment arrived in the 29th-minute when Carmona’s low driven strike beat Mary Earps and nestled in the bottom corner.
      The 23-year-old, who plays her club football for Real Madrid, then lifted up her jersey to reveal a message underneath as she raced off in celebration.
      And after a host of fans were left bemused by what it meant, she has now revealed that the “Merchi” text on her under shirt was aimed at the mother of a friend who had sadly died recently.
      Those tuning in to watch all of the action unfold were instantly confused as to what the reasoning behind it was as they struggled to make out the word.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      One tweeted: “Seriously, can anyone read Carmona’s shirt?”
      Another added: “Someone who speaks Spanish tell me what word this is on Carmona’s shirt.”

      A third also tweeted: “I am more curious what is written on Carmona’s shirt.”
      While another said: “Can someone PLEASE tell me what is written on Olga Carmona’s shirt! My curiosity is killing meeeeee.”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      However, once they were able to decipher that Carmona’s shirt had “Merchi” written on it, a number of theories were then shared as to what it meant.
      It was firstly claimed that it was towards her old school, Colegio Mercedes.
      After Carmona scored the winner in the semi-final victory over Sweden on Tuesday, the school shared a message to their former pupil on Instagram.
      Alongside a picture of the Spain captain, they wrote: “Go Olga! Our former student makes history with the Spanish women’s football team and scores the goal that gives us the pass to the final. For all Olga, for all Spain!”
      But Carmona, who has scored two goals from left-back during the tournament, soon explained during the post-game celebrations the real touching reason.

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

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans beg for BBC and ITV to merge their Women’s World Cup final coverage as they identify pundit ‘dream team’

      by

      FANS begged BBC and ITV to merge their Women’s World Cup final coverage.That’s after they identified their “dream team” of pundits. before England’s 1-0 final defeat to Spain.
      Fans begged BBC and ITV to merge their coverage of the Women’s World Cup finalCredit: ITV
      Supporters identified their ‘dream team’ of pundits from either channelCredit: BBC
      Supporters were spoiled for choice on Sunday morning as they tuned in for England’s highly-anticipated clash against Spain.
      The Lionesses have thrilled once again as they look to add a dream World Cup win to their Euros triumph.
      And both BBC and ITV had plenty to offer, with both channels showing the match live from Australia.
      The BBC’s line-up throughout the tournament included the likes of Fara Williams, Ellen White and Steph Houghton.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Meanwhile, ITV were able to call upon stars including Emma Hayes, Jill Scott and Eni Aluko.
      The brilliant array of pundits on both sides of the divide left fans desperate for a joint link-up between BBC and ITV.
      But one supporter was simply desperate to see BBC’s Alex Scott and ITV’s Ian Wright on the same screen together.
      They said: “I am so torn between BBC or ITV coverage.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      “I wish Alex Scott and Ian Wright were both commentating together.”
      Another declared: “The choice between watching the Lionesses on ITV or BBC?
      “ITV went with a studio broadcast and BBC went to the stadium.”
      One noted: “BBC or ITV for England today?”
      Another added: “England vs Spain — World Cup final. Where to watch it?”

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

    • 150 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Real reason’ Prince William missed England’s World Cup final clash in Australia

      by

      PRINCE William is facing a huge backlash over his decision not to attend the Lionesses World Cup final match against Spain.The Prince of Wales, 41, who is President of the FA, made the decision not to fly to Australia for the historic game to support England’s women’s team at the Stadium Australia.
      Prince William has said he won’t be at the game to cheer on the LionessesCredit: Instagram
      The heir to the throne apologised in advance for not attending in person in a video message that was released on Saturday.
      William was seen with his daughter Princess Charlotte who was sat next to her dad, holding a football in her lap.
      He said: “Lionesses, we want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow.
      “We are sorry we cannot be there in person but we are so proud of everything you have achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world.
      Read More on the Lionesses
      “So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”
      The prince’s no-show sparked a large amount of speculation as to why William didn’t hop on a flight to support the team with many calling it a “shame”.
      Some reports have indicated that King Charles, who is Australia’s head of state, has not yet visited the country, after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.
      That would mean William, who is currently on his summer holiday, cannot constitutionally visit before him.
      Most read in Football
      Other reports though say he made the decision not to travel due to environmental concerns.
      The journey would mean flying to the other side of the world for just a short period of time.
      Former England goalkeeper Pauline Cope called the decision a “shame”, adding: “I will not have any bad words against the royal family.
      “However this should have been pencilled in his diary from day dot, after we won the Euros and qualified for the World Cup.”
      She also said she was disappointed that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Gareth Southgate, the coach of the England men’s team, had not travelled to Sydney for the final.
      Cope, who played in the 1995 World Cup and has 60 England caps, told Times Radio: “Let’s be honest, if it was the men’s World Cup, they would all be here.”
      Sun columnist and TV presenter Piers Morgan also hit out at the royal, saying: “With respect, YRH (Your Royal Highness), you should have got on a plane.
      “Ridiculous that the Queen of Spain is attending the World Cup Final to support her nation’s team, and you won’t be there despite being President of the FA.”
      Veteran broadcaster Jon Sopel thought it was “inconceivable” that William and Sunak would not travel if it had been the men’s team playing.
      He said in a message on X, formerly Twitter: “Happy to accept might be impossible for the PM, given other commitments. But Prince William? Why?”
      However, FA chief Mark Bullingham said earlier this week: “We’ve always known he wouldn’t be able to attend, sadly, due to his diary.
      “He has been a brilliant supporter of the team throughout. He came to see the team before we left and he’s been sending messages of support throughout.”
      Despite a valiant effort from the England team, they lost 1-0 to Spain.
      William took to social media to praise the England players.

      He wrote: “Although it’s the result none of us wanted, @Lionesses you have done yourselves and this nation proud.
      “Your spirit & drive have inspired so many people and paved the way for generations to come.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Thank you for the footballing memories.
      “Congratulations to Spain. W.”
      Prince William gives an honorary CBE to England manager Sarina Wiegman in June
      The future monarch and Charlotte sent the team a message of supportCredit: Instagram More

    • 63 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is footballer Jennifer Hermoso?

      by

      JENNIFER HERMOSO is one of the most respected and revered strikers in women’s football.The athlete, who is famous for her time playing for Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, is part of Spain’s squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
      Jennifer Hermoso is part of Spain’s squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World CupCredit: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
      Who is Jennifer Hermoso?
      Jennifer Hermoso is a Spanish professional footballer.
      She was born May 9, 1990 in Madrid, Spain.
      Hermoso is the granddaughter of former Atlético Madrid goalkeeper Antonio Hernández.
      She began her football career with Atlético Madrid’s youth squads and eventually joined the senior team.
      Read More on Women’s World Cup
      Hermoso left the club in 2010 and signed with Madrid-based club Rayo Vallecano.
      In 2013 she joined a club outside of Spain for the first time, signing for Swedish side Tyreso FF.
      Hermoso moved to Barcelona at the end of the 2013–14 season, where she stayed until she transferred to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
      The star made a brief return to Atlético Madrid in 2018 and then made another return, this time to Barcelona, in 2019.
      Most read in Football
      In June 2022, it was confirmed that Hermoso had signed a deal with Liga MX Femenil club CF Pachuca.
      As of August 2023, Hermoso is thought to be the all-time top scorer for both Barcelona and Spain.
      She scored 181 goals in 224 appearances for Barcelona and has scored 42 goals for her country,
      When did Jennifer Hermoso join the Spanish national team?
      Hermoso made her debut for the Spanish national team in 2011, after spending time in the under-19 squad.
      She has since represented her country at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2013, the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
      In September 2022 fifteen of Spain’s players threatened to quit if manager Jorge Vilda was not fired.
      The stars wrote letters to Spain’s football federation, complaining about the coach’s conduct.
      Hermoso was not one of the players named as sending a letter but she did address the incident on social media.
      In a statement posted on Twitter, Hermoso wrote: “I want to publicly express my support for all my colleagues who a few days ago decided to communicate their position.
      “Not only do I understand your reasons, but I have also experienced many of the feelings and concerns you have communicated.”
      She added: “These last few days, without a doubt, have been some of the most difficult that I have lived as a professional footballer and as a member of the Spanish national team.”
      What is Jennifer Hermoso’s salary?
      Hermoso is one of the highest-paid women’s footballers in the world, with a reported salary of around £390,000 per year.
      The star’s net worth is thought to be around £4million.
      Read More on The Sun
      As well her player’s salary, Hermoso earns money through a variety of sponsorships and brand deals.
      She has worked with brands like Coca-Cola in the past. More

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      England fans calls to rename street by Wembley Stadium if Lionesses win historic World Cup final

      by

      ENGLAND fans have called for a street by Wembley stadium to be renamed if the Lionesses win the historic World Cup final.Final fever exploded today as the mighty women take on Spain in Australia.
      Fans are calling for a road near Wembley to be renamed if the Lionesses win the World CupCredit: Getty
      The match has kicked off in AustraliaCredit: Reuters
      Fans gathered around the country today ahead of the finalCredit: Getty
      The tense and exciting match comes after England beat hosts Australia 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final thanks to goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.
      And if the Lionesses bag the win and bring it home for England, the country want a road near Wembley to be renamed in their honour.
      It’s new name will be “Lionesses Lane”.
      Twickenham MP Munira Wilson said the tribute would be “small but powerful” for the “most successful English football team”.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Backing calls, she said: “Every visitor to Wembley Stadium should be reminded of the most successful English football team for a generation.
      “Lionesses Lane would be a small but powerful tribute to stand the test of time, and cement their legacy at the home of English football.
      “The local council should seize the moment and make this happen.
      “This team has already inspired young women and girls to take up the sport.
      Most read in Football
      “I hope this year’s Women’s Super League is bigger than ever with more games held at the capital’s main football grounds.
      “We must make the most of this fantastic momentum.”
      Jubilant England fans turned out in force to cheer on the Lionesses ahead of their clash against Spain this morning.
      Thousands of supporters – some holding ‘It’s coming home’ banners – took to the streets around the UK and Australia desperate for England’s first World Cup glory since 1966.
      Young fans in red and white kits waved their England flags as they beamed with pride, covered in face-paint, while other supporters started boozing early.
      Some keen fans were seen fully kitted-out in lion suits in a bid to try and roar the team to victory.
      The Lionesses are unchanged from their semi-final win against Australia with Lauren James returning from suspension to make the bench.
      Pubs up and down the the UK were also packed as supporters cheered the Lionesses on and the lively atmosphere continues to soar today.
      Hundreds of Brits gathering at the Boxpark fan zone in Croydon were spotted slapping on face-paint and dressed head to toe in England flags.
      And members of the 1972 Lionesses team were also pictured at Boxpark Wembley to roar on the women aiming to make history.
      An audience of up to 15 million back home is expected to watch on the BBC or ITV — with bookies slashing odds that it will be the year’s most viewed sporting event.
      Fans will be raising a glass to Sarina Wiegman’s inspiring team, wishing them all the luck as they stand on the cusp of history.
      The Dutch manager has led England Women to today’s World Cup Final a year after seeing her team claim victory at Euro 2022.
      She is also the only manager – male or female – to lead two different teams to a World Cup final, having finished as a runner-up with the Netherlands to the USA in 2019.
      Now, the countdown is officially on, as Stadium Australia is ready for the 11.am kick-off – and the full 23-woman squad are geared up to play the game of their lives.
      There were fears England’s player of the tournament so far, Lauren James, would miss the legendary game after being handed a two game suspension.
      She was sent off deep into the second half of the Lionesses’ clash with Nigeria after she got into a scuffle with Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie, electing to stamp on her while she got off the deck herself.
      James was handed an extended two game ban, missing the quarter-finals and the semi-finals.
      But this means she is now free to play today in the highly-anticipated final against Spain.
      ‘GAME OF OUR LIVES’
      And, Captain Millie Bright, 29, has vowed to fans that England will bring everything they’ve got to lift the World Cup trophy.
      The determined centre-back said: “We know how passionate our nation is back home and how much they want us to win.
      “But for us, there is a process. We have a game plan to execute. We need to play the game of our lives.”
      And, she thanked the record number of fans at home preparing to tune in to watch Sarina Wiegman warriors go toe-to-toe with Spain.
      “Everyone is fit, everyone is available and we’re in a very good place, so we can’t wait,” said Wiegman ahead of the nail-biting final.
      She said previously: “We achieved the final.
      “It’s unbelievable, it feels like we won [the tournament] which we didn’t, we just won this game – in an incredible stadium, an away game, the way we played – it was a hard game, but we found a way to win again.
      “I just said to [assistant manager] Arjan, having the chance as a coach or a player to make it to two finals is really special.
      “I never take anything for granted, but it’s like I’m living in a fairytale or something.”
      ‘SO PROUD’
      The nation is gripped with World Cup fever and everyone is pulling together to cheer on the team and see them claim glory.
      King Charles and Prince William — together with Princess Charlotte — sent the squad best wishes, Stephanie Moore hailed the “once in a lifetime” opportunity.
      The King last night gave the team his support in a social media message. It was timed at 10pm so the Lionesses saw it as they woke up in Sydney.
      In it, Charles said: “Good luck today and may you roar to victory.”
      Everyone is fit, everyone is available and we’re in a very good place, so we can’t wait.”Sarina Wiegman
      He signed off the message — alongside an image of a lioness — with his royal cypher, Charles R.
      Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 76, are set to watch the game at home on the Balmoral estate.
      The Prince of Wales and Princess Charlotte said yesterday: “Lionesses we want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow.
      “We’re sorry we can’t be there in person but we’re so proud of everything you’ve achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world.
      “So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”
      “Good luck Lionesses,” added Princess Charlotte, holding a football in her show of support for the inspiring team.
      Meanwhile, England men’s boss Gareth Southgate, captain Harry Kane and ex-skipper David Beckham also sent good luck messages.
      And PM Rishi Sunak — set to watch in a pub in his constituency in Richmond, North Yorks — wrote to Dutch coach Sarina and the team praising their “lasting legacy”.
      It comes amid a growing clamour for the team and manager to be honoured. 
      Tory MP for Mid-Derbyshire Pauline Latham said: “They should all be honoured — win or lose. They absolutely deserve it.”
      Good luck today and may you roar to victory”King Charles
      Fellow Tory MP Kevin Foster added: “The Lionesses have inspired the whole nation and done us all proud. Well-earned gongs should be swiftly awarded.”
      Now, Cabinet Office sources say the whole team and manager are likely to be honoured — if they win.
      And Tory MP Caroline Nokes, chair of the Women and Equalities Committee in Parliament, said: “Win or Lose we should designate the late August bank holiday ‘Lioness Day’.”
      England have already beaten Spain once, and we expect them to do the same again.
      SunSport’s prediction sees the Lionesses roar to victory with a 2-1 win as they go head to head with Jorge Vilda Rodríguez’s team.
      Read More on The Sun
      England’s Lauren James, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo are all in contention to win the Golden Boot.
      Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí, Jennifer Hermoso and Alba Redondo are also in the running. More

    • 175 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Why are England wearing blue kits against Spain in the Women’s World Cup final?

      by

      THE England women’s football team have showed off just how good they are in the Women’s World Cup.They have soared through to the final where they are taking on Spain, but why are they wearing their blue kit?
      The England team usually wear their white kitCredit: Getty

      Spain vs England LIVE – Latest updates from Women’s World Cup final
      Why are England wearing blue in the World Cup final?
      Spain and England are going head to head in the World Cup final.
      Due to neither team ever reaching the final of the tournament, there is set to be a first time winner.
      Despite the match being on neutral ground, in Sydney, Spain have been name as Team A which means they have precedence when it comes to their kit.
      Spain are playing in their red home strip, with dark blue shorts and socks.
      Read more on sport
      Even though England’s first kit is a white shirt, it also includes dark blue shorts so they can’t wear it because it is too similar to Spain’s kit.
      The kit used to feature white shorts but due to players coming forward with concerns of playing in white during their periods, it was changed.
      England are instead wearing their light blue kit with white socks against Spain.
      When the Lionesses were victorious in the 2022 Euros they were wearing their white kit.
      Most read in Football
      What colour kit did England wear in the World Cup semi-final?
      In their semi-final game against Australia, England wore their blue kit.
      They managed to win 3-1, with Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo all scoring.
      When is the women’s World Cup final?
      The Women’s World Cup is set to take place on Sunday, August 20, 2023.
      The match will kick off at 11am BST in Sydney’s Stadium Australia.
      It will be available to watch live on the BBC.
      Manager Sarina Wiegman will be hoping to lead the side to victory to add to their four trophies they’ve won since she’s been in charge.
      She has said she has “no plans to leave” the team any time soon and intends to see out her contracts which lasts until 2025. More