Women’s World Cup 2023

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      If Mason Greenwood stays at Man Utd I’ll stop supporting the club, says Channel 4 star Rachel Riley

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      COUNTDOWN co-host Rachel Riley has vowed to stop supporting Manchester United if they welcome back Mason Greenwood.The keen Red Devils fan has spoken out as the Premier League club prepares to end the ex-England striker’s suspension in days.
      Rachel Riley has threatened to quit supporting Manchester United
      A decision on Mason Greenwood’s United future is about to be announcedCredit: Getty
      Protests over the club’s approach were held outside Old Trafford on MondayCredit: Getty
      Channel 4’s Countdown co-host Rachel posted on Twitter: “I won’t be able to support United if Greenwood remains at the club.”
      Her comments came after The Sun revealed how Greenwood is expected to be reinstated at United as early as next week.
      Greenwood, 21, hasn’t played for the first team since being arrested in January last year for attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      All charges against him were dropped in February but the footballer remains suspended by United.
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      There has, however, been recent talk suggesting a possible return from their head coach Erik ten Hag.
      Members of Manchester United Women’s team have reportedly raised concerns about the prospect of Greenwood returning to the training ground.
      And protests were staged at Old Trafford before United’s opening match of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Monday.
      Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Rachel, 37, was responding to broadcast comments from another female United fan, named Em, saying she would “walk away from my club” if Greenwood returned.
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      Rachel told her 684,000 Twitter followers: “I’m with Em, I won’t be able to support United if Greenwood remains at the club.
      “We’ve all seen and heard enough. Pretending this is ok would be a huge part of the problem.
      “It would be devastating for my club to contribute to a culture that brushes this under the carpet and send a message to perpetrators everywhere that you can continue to act as you wish with no consequences.
      “I really hope they do the right thing.”
      DECISION DUE IN NEXT FEW DAYS
      Essex-born Rachel has previously shown her love of United in Instagram posts including visits to Old Trafford to cheer them on.
      She also revealed how she kitted out daughter Maven in team colours aged just eight months old.
      Rachel even combined presenting duties with watching them in action thanks to an out-of-shot TV behind the Countdown board.
      She also used her Twitter account to criticise United fans who flew a banner above a match mocking then-club chief Ed Woodward.
      Greenwood, suspended on full pay of £75,000 a week, has been training alone – following drills drawn up by United’s coaching staff.
      His last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham United, which United won 1-0.
      He was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
      But prosecutors withdrew the case on February 2 after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
      United’s chief executive Richard Arnold is expected to make a decision on Greenwood’s future over the next 48 hours.
      But the announcement will be delayed until after the England Lionesses’ World Cup final this Sunday against Spain.
      Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for Manchester United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
      He was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for the country since.
      UNITED TALKS ‘IN FINAL STAGES’
      United said in a statement yesterday the club had completed “a thorough investigation” into the allegations against Greenwood.
      They added: “This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain.
      “We have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.”
      United said the welfare of his alleged victim had been at the forefront of the internal investigation.
      But the statement went on: “We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner. 
      “The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future. 
      “Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation.
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      “This has been a difficult case for everyone associated with Manchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain. 
      “We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process.”
      Rachel says she will no longer support United if they allow Greenwood backCredit: Getty
      Rachel has shared on Instagram photos showing her love of the club
      The Countdown co-host has urged Old Trafford bosses to ‘do the right thing’
      Greenwood was cleared of all charges against him in FebruaryCredit: AFP More

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      Inside Spain’s Women’s World Cup mutiny as players SNUB manager in celebrations and stars ‘told not to lock hotel rooms’

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      SPAIN are in the Women’s World Cup final amid an ongoing squad mutiny against manager Jorge Vilda.Despite the success in Australia Vilda’s tenure has been marred by controversy and he is an unpopular figure in the Spain dressing room.

      Jorge Vilda was left by himself as Spain’s players celebrated reaching the finalCredit: The Sports Network via Twitter
      Vilda’s tenure has been marred by controversiesCredit: Alamy
      Some players called for Vilda to be sacked following their Euro 22 exitCredit: AFP
      That was clear for all to see after Spain beat Sweden on Tuesday to reach the final, as Vilda was left by himself as the players celebrated together.
      The issues of his management date back several years, as up until 2019 Spanish players were reportedly banned from locking their hotel room doors before midnight.
      That was so Vilda could carry out checks of the rooms, while players were also forced to show the contents of their bags if they brought something in to training.
      Some members of the squad have accused the manager of treating them like children, with problems on the pitch also arising during Spain’s defeat to England at the Euros last year.
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      Players felt they were unprepared for the match and spoke privately with Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales about the possibility of removing Vilda.
      When he refused senior players released a statement saying: “There is general discomfort in the group.
      “We have a group that can achieve big things. After what we went through at the Euros and the months after it, we wanted to share with the FA our thoughts as a group.
      “We are an ambitious group and believe there are certain internal mechanisms that should be replaced. It’s about being brave.
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      “Sometimes you need to say things which sound unpleasant to make things change.”
      The following September 15 players stepped up to make a change by stating they would be unavailable for selection while Vilda remained in charge.
      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.”
      Roar them on!FOOTBALL fans in England roared the Lionesses to their historic first ever World Cup final on Wednesday – and now here is your chance to send them encouraging messages of support for their next challenge.
      On Sunday they will face Spain in the biggest game of their lives.
      We are giving YOU the opportunity to send messages of support to our golden girls before the game.
      To send the footie girls – including semi-final goal scorers Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo – a message simply email sundayfeatures@the-sun.co.uk and we will scatter them through this weekend’s Sun on Sunday.

      Issues between the players and management have reared their ugly head on occasion at the World Cup too.
      Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who was one of the 15 to go on strike, reacted angrily to Vilda substituting her against Sweden.
      Read More on The Sun
      She ignored the boss before slapping the hand of another coach, while offering a cold shoulder to a third member of the coaching team.
      Yet Spain have still been able to produce results on the pitch and they have a chance to win the World Cup for the first time ever when they take on the Lionesses on Sunday.
      Mapi Leon was one of three Spain players who refused to go to the World CupCredit: Reuters More

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      Football fan zones sell out in MINUTES for England Lionesses’ World Cup Final clash against Spain

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      THREE football fan zones in London sold out in just eight minutes for the Women’s World Cup final.The nation will come to a standstill on Sunday for the Lionesses’ date with destiny against Spain.
      Fans have snapped up thousands of tickets to watch Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final at BoxparkCredit: Alamy
      An Aussie fan from Sydney was outnumberedCredit: Alamy
      Lauren Hemp scored England’s second goal as the Lionesses roared into the finalCredit: Rex
      And 2,500 spaces at Boxpark sites in Shoreditch, Wembley and Croydon were instantly snapped up following England’s thrilling 3-1 semi-final win over hosts Australia.
      Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessio Russo secured a superb win in Sydney, sending the nation into pandemonium.
      Pubs up and down the country were packed as supporters roared the Lionesses to victory.
      The fan zone in Croydon turned into an impromptu dance floor as the Lionesses confirmed their place in the final.
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      The only person who seemed to be sitting down when the final whistle was heard at the South London venue was a lone Australian at the front of the zone.
      Lionesses fans put children on their shoulders, danced on tables and sang football hits following the historic victory.
      And now they are preparing for the biggest match of all.
      England manager Sarina Wiegman led the team to European Championship last year and could now go down in history on Sunday.
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      Wiegman told BBC Sport: “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.
      “Australia have had an incredible tournament, they grew into the tournament.
      “They had some setbacks, they had to win their last group-stage game and then they got better and better.
      “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.”
      Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo knocked the co-hosts out after Sam Kerr levelled in the second half. More

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      Four reasons why the Lionesses will seal World Cup glory… from Spain’s player rebellion to the return of Lauren James

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      ENGLAND face Spain in their first-ever Women’s World Cup final on Sunday.The Lionesses made history by defeating tournament co-hosts Australia in the semis to advance.
      England beat Australia 3-1 to earn a spot in the World Cup finalCredit: AP
      The Lionesses will make their first-ever World Cup final appearance on SundayCredit: Alamy
      Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessio Russo secured a superb 3-1 win in Sydney, sending the nation into pandemonium.
      Pubs up and down the country were packed as supporters roared the Lionesses to victory.
      And now they are preparing for the biggest match of all.
      England defender Lucy Bronze summed it up, saying reaching the final is something “we all dreamed of.”
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      She added: “This is the one thing I’ve always wanted, to be in the final of a World Cup and after two times of getting such disappointment, I honestly can’t believe it.”
      Final opponents Spain will not be an easy team to beat – even though they were not expected to make it to the final in the first place.
      They may be flying high in Australia and New Zealand, but for the past year La Roja have been forced to deal with some serious issues behind the scenes – including an ongoing feud between the players, the coaching staff and the Spanish FA.
      England are approaching the final as narrow favourites – and for good reason.
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      The Lionesses are yet to lose a competitive match under the management of Sarina Wiegman.
      And they are still flying high from last year’s European Championship triumph.
      In another huge boost to the Lionesses, star player Lauren James is set to return from her two-game suspension meaning Wiegman will have a full squad to pick from.
      For England, the World Cup is there for the taking – and SunSport gives you four reasons why…
      Super Sarina
      THE Lionesses have played 38 games in almost two years under the management of Wiegman and have lost just once.
      That defeat came in a friendly against Australia (ironically) back in April.
      The Lionesses are yet to lose a competitive match under WiegmanCredit: Getty
      Nevertheless, that wrong was put right when England beat the Matildas on their home soil in Sydney.
      Wiegman and her players are also enjoying a seven-game unbeaten run.
      Euros success
      ENGLAND are European champions.
      The Lionesses stormed to victory at Euro 2022 last summer, beating Germany 2-1 in the final to claim their first-ever major title.
      The Lionesses have momentum from Euro 2022Credit: PA
      In the build-up to that historic day at Wembley Stadium, they defeated the likes of Norway, Austria, Northern Ireland, Sweden – and Spain.
      England earned a 2-1 win over the Spaniards in dramatic fashion at the Amex Stadium in Brighton.
      Esther Gonzalez opened the scoring in the 56th minute before Ella Toone levelled the score ahead of full time.
      Georgia Stanway then left Jorge Vilda’s side stunned after she fired the Lionesses ahead during extra-time.
      England know that they can beat Spain at a major tournament, they’ve done it before, so that should give them the mental edge over La Roja.
      James to return
      WINGER Lauren James is set to return to the England squad following her two-match suspension.
      James received a red card for stamping on the back of Michelle Alozie during England’s round-of-16 match against Nigeria last week.
      James is set to return to the England squad for the final following her banCredit: Getty
      She did not feature against Colombia or Australia as a result, but the 21-year-old will return on Sunday.
      It is yet to be seen whether or not she will fit straight back into Wiegman’s starting line-up, with Ella Toone impressing in the semi-final.
      She may have to settle for a spot on the bench, despite having three goals and three assists to her name at the tournament so far.
      Protests and unrest
      SEVERAL Spanish stars have been embroiled in an ongoing feud over the past year.
      Last September, 18 senior Spain players – including Aitana Bonmati, Ona Batlle and two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas – went on STRIKE and protested a series of issues involving members of the coaching staff as well as the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
      Spain have been embroiled in an ongoing feudCredit: Getty
      Sources told The Athletic that they pointed to a lack of professionalism from the RFEF and complained about the behaviour of certain members of Jorge Vilda’s coaching team.
      Some allegedly claimed that they were asked to keep the doors of their rooms open before midnight in hotels where they were based and forced to show the contents of their bags if they bought something during a training camp.
      Despite claims that Vilda had created a toxic atmosphere among the camp, the RFEF stood by the manager.
      And many fans and players were left angered as a result.
      Despite this, all-but three players jumped at the chance to go to the World Cup ahead of the tournament while the feud was swept under the carpet.
      Mapi Leon, Patri Guijarro and Claudia Pina all made themselves unavailable for selection for the 23-woman squad.
      And despite their absence, Spain have been able to advance all the way to the final.
      But there is still some friction among the players and the staff.
      After being substituted in the 57th minute of Spain’s semi-final clash with Sweden, Alexia Putellas completely dismissed Vilda and his assistant coach before taking to the bench.
      Several Spanish stars have also been filmed ignoring the manager on a number of occasions throughout the tournament.
      While Spain’s progression to the final can be seen as a huge success on the pitch, it has also seen a collection of off-pitch issues rise to the surface once again.
      La Roja have also endured a mixed tournament.
      They have won all-but one game on their way to the Women’s World Cup semi-final.
      Read More on The Sun
      Spain suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Japan in the group stages after thrashing Costa Rica and Zambia 3-0 and 5-0 respectively.
      Vilda’s side then went on to beat Switzerland and Netherlands to make it to the semi-finals before defeating Sweden. More

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      Will there be a bank holiday if England Lionesses win the World Cup?

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      ENGLAND’S Lionesses have reached the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.The England ladies beat hosts Australia 3-1 and fans are hoping for a World Cup win and a bank holiday.
      The Lionesses have progressed to their very first World Cup FinalCredit: News Group Newspapers ltd
      Will there be a bank holiday if England Lionesses win the World Cup?
      Football fans in the UK are excited as the England Lionesses have progressed to the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
      After a nail-biting semi-final against hosts Australia, the Lionesses came away the victors with a 3-1 win.
      England took on Australia at Sydney’s Stadium Australia which was sold out.
      This is the first time that the England Ladies will have played in a World Cup final.
      Read more on the World Cup
      Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo helped to seal the Lioness’s place in the World Cup final.
      In a similar reaction, the public is calling for the government to give us a bank holiday should the ladies bring home the trophy.
      England’s women’s coach Sarina Wiegman is also backing calls for a bank holiday should the team secure the win.
      At a press conference, she said: “Yes, I can see all the English here want it! I’m focusing on football and the game tomorrow.
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      “Let’s do everything to win the game tomorrow.”
      Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has since been placed under mounting pressure to give the people what they want.
      However, the Government have not announced any plans to grant an additional day off for the public.
      A Government spokesperson said: “The current pattern of public and bank holidays is well established and there are no plans to change this.”
      Extra bank holidays have been granted by previous governments to mark special occasions, such as the Millennium, special events and royal weddings.
      Australia’s Prime Minister had backed calls for a public holiday if the Matildas won the trophy.
      When is the World Cup Final?
      The final will kick off at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at 11 am BST.
      The 2023 Women’s World Cup final will be between Spain and England.
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      Neither team have ever made it to a World Cup final until this tournament.
      Fans in the UK will be able to watch the match on BBC One and it will be streamed on BBC iPlayer. More

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      England women compared to Lionel Messi’s team as fans hail Lionesses for ‘biggest upgrade’

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      FANS have hailed Sarina Wiegman as the “biggest upgrade” following her success as Lionesses’ manager.The Dutch coach replaced Phil Neville as the team’s manager and has gone on to win the Women’s Euros and qualify for the final of the Women’s World Cup.
      The Lionesses reached the final of the Woman’s World CupCredit: PA
      They had previously been coached by Phil NevilleCredit: Getty
      But he was replaced by Sarina Wiegman in 2021Credit: Getty
      Neville’s other former team Inter Miami have also gone on to have successCredit: Reuters
      Wiegman’s most recent success saw the Lionesses overcome host nation Australia in the semi-final of the World Cup to set up a tie against Spain in the final on Sunday.
      Neville was replaced by Wiegman, 53, in 2021, leading the Lionesses to become one of the top teams in the world.
      After leaving his role, Neville was hired by MLS outfit Inter Miami but struggled to improve the team.
      He was sacked by the club earlier this year and since his departure, the club has signed Lionel Messi and managed to qualify for the Concacaf Champions Cup thanks to a 4-1 win over Philadelphia Union in the Leagues Cup semi-final.
      READ MORE LIONESSES NEWS
      Miami set a record with the achievement as they have become the first club to qualify for the competition while being bottom of their league, as the top three teams from the Leagues Cup earn a spot in the continental cup.
      And fans have flocked to social media to draw on the comparison between the two team’s successes since Neville’s departures.
      One fan Tweeted: “Phil Neville to Sarina Wiegman is maybe the biggest managerial upgrade any team in the entire history of football has ever made.”
      A second commented: “Lionesses 🤝 Inter Miami. Sack Phil Neville to get good.”
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      A third wrote: “Lionesses continue to show that nothing is impossible when you don’t have Phil Neville in charge.”
      A fourth said: “Phil Neville leaves the Lionesses, and they win the euros and are now in the World Cup final. Neville left Inter Miami, and they sign Lionel Messi and are now qualified for Concacaf. Biggest fraud ever.”
      A fifth added: “Has there been a bigger upgrade in football than Phil Neville to Sarina Wiegman?
      While another joked: “If we’d have given Phil Neville more time, we’d have been able to have a proper lie in on Sunday 🤷🏻‍♂️.”
      Sunday’s final is Wiegman’s second successive World Cup final after she led the Netherlands to a clash with the USA in 2019 – before they suffered a 2-0 defeat.
      Neville, 46, however is back in work and is currently working as an assistant for the Canada men’s national team. More

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      Lauren James celebrates with England team-mates after Australia win with banned star set to RETURN for World Cup final

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      LAUREN JAMES has been pictured celebrating with her England team-mates after they beat Australia.The Lionesses are through to their first-ever Women’s World Cup final after beating the co-hosts 3-1 on Wednesday.
      Lauren James celebrated with her team-mates after beating AustraliaCredit: Instagram @lionesses
      James congratulated her England team-mates in the tunnelCredit: Instagram @lionesses
      Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo have set up a clash with Spain in Sunday’s final.
      James was against absent for England as she served the final match of her two-game suspension.
      The forward was banned for an additional match after being sent off in the round of 16 victory over Nigeria.
      She is available to return for the final this weekend, though, and was in joyous spirits after the semi-final.
      READ MORE LIONESSES NEWS
      James was pictured celebrating the win with her team-mates.
      Snaps from the tunnel showed her congratulating them after the win, with James seen smiling from ear to ear.
      The Chelsea star could still win the tournament’s golden boot despite missing England’s last two matches.
      She will go into the final with three goals, two behind current top scorer Hinata Miyazawa of Japan.
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      Russo and Hemp have also scored three goals each, whilst James has three assists too.
      Her place in Sarina Wiegman’s starting line-up is far from guaranteed, though.
      James’ replacement Toone was in fine form against Australia, opening the scoring with a thunderous strike.
      Fans had been left fuming after the goal was ruined by the BBC commentary but they soon got over the disturbance.
      Supporters were later pictured celebrating in wild scenes as they watched England seal victory Down Under.
      James will return from suspension for the World Cup finalCredit: Instagram @lionesses More

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      Colombia footballer Jorelyn Carabali’s DJ brother shot dead in club days after her Women’s World Cup defeat to England

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      A COLOMBIAN football star’s brother has been shot dead just days after the team lost 2-1 to England in the Women’s World Cup.Jorelyn Carabali’s younger sibling Paulo Andres Carabali, 23, was murdered in a Cali nightclub, where he works as a DJ, in what is believed to be a brutal revenge killing.
      Jorelyn poses with brother Paulo Andres Carabali MartinezCredit: Newsflash
      Paulo was shot and killed in Cali, Colombia, on Monday, August 14, 2023Credit: Newsflash
      Carabali featured in all four of Colombia’s fixtures during the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia & New ZealandCredit: Getty
      Carabali, 26, plays as centre back for the women’s national team – while also playing for Brazilian side Atlético Mineiro.
      The killing took place in the early hours of August 14, just two days after Jorelyn experienced heartbreak with Colombia in their quarter-final clash with the Lionesses in Australia.
      Local police believe that Paulo’s murder was linked to his alleged work as an loan shark – an illegal moneylender who often charges very high interest rates.
      Colonel William Quintero of Cali Metropolitan Police said: “The homicide of a person occurred inside a night establishment, where according to what has been determined with the security staff, a suspect entered and shot him repeatedly and took his life.”
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      Welcome-home festivities for Colombia Women’s team went ahead as planned on Tuesday, despite the catastrophe for centre-back Jorelyn.
      However, it was not confirmed whether the defender was in attendance.
      The Colombian Football Federation did confirmed the 26-year-old had thanked her teammates for their support after his death.
      The South American nation topped Group H with two wins from their three games, before goals from England duo Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo sent them packing in the quarter-finals.
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      Jorelyn featured in all four games for Colombia as they achieved their best ever finish at the World Cup.
      England, meanwhile, went on to defeat co-hosts Australia in the semi-finals with a 3-1 victory on Wednesday.
      They will now face Spain in the final in Sydney on Sunday.
      Paulo worked as a DJ but also as a money laundererCredit: Newsflash
      Carabali’s brother was murdered just two days after Colombia’s World Cup defeat to EnglandCredit: Rex
      Carabali couldn’t stop her side from falling to a 2-1 defeat against the LionessesCredit: Rex More