Women’s World Cup 2023

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      Morocco star Nouhaila Benzina shares the love on social media as she makes history at Women’s World Cup

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      MOROCCO footballer Nouhaila Benzina was inundated with love and support after making World Cup history.The defender appeared for her national side in the shock 1-0 win over South Korea in Adelaide on Sunday.
      Nouhaila Benzina made her World Cup debut wearing a hijabCredit: Getty
      And she did so wearing a hijab – the first player to wear one in a World Cup match.
      The Islamic headscarf was authorised to be worn during matches for religious reasons by Fifa in 2014.
      And the 25-year-old star took to the field to etch her name into the history books at a senior women’s international tournament.
      Trailblazer Benzina, who has played for a Moroccan club since 2016, was an unused sub for her country’s opening match at the World Cup – a 6-0 thrashing by Germany.
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      But she played the full 90 minutes as the Lionesses of Atlas recorded their first World Cup win ever.
      And that prompted a huge outpouring of messages and social media posts for Benzina, who will surely inspire millions of young Muslim girls dreaming of becoming professional footballers.
      The centre-back shared dozens of them on her Instagram stories.
      Others on Twitter also shared their positive reactions.
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      One said: “Role model, game changer.”
      Another wrote: “Love this.”
      A third added: “This is wonderful to see and a brilliant example to everyone!”
      And a final user replied: “Nothing but respect for this beautiful lady.”
      She became the first person to appear at a women’s major international tournament with the headscarfCredit: Reuters
      Morocco beat South Korea 1-0 in AdelaideCredit: Reuters More

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      BBC forced to apologise after X-rated rant picked up on live TV at Women’s World Cup by ‘very sensitive microphones’

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      THE BBC has been forced to apologise after a foul-mouthed rant was overheard at the Women’s World Cup.During Canada’s clash with Australia – a fixture won 4-0 by the Aussies – some colourful language was used by Canada’s Allysha Chapman following a robust challenge with Hayley Raso.
      Allysha Chapman was involved in a robust challenge with Hayley RasoCredit: AP
      It left Raso writhing in pain on the floorCredit: Rex
      With Chapman launching a foul-mouthed rantCredit: Getty
      The pitch-side microphones picked up the X-rated rant in the 65th minute.
      Raso, 28, had attempted to intercept a loose pass into Chapman.
      However, Raso missed the ball completely and ended up being clattered in the follow through by her opponent.
      This left her on the floor writhing in pain.
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      Chapman, 34, was left unimpressed by her rival’s actions, shouting: “She f***ing jumped into me you t***!”
      This prompted BBC commentator Robyn Cowen to swiftly apologise for the vulgar language.
      She said: “Apologies there if any language was picked up on the very sensitive pitch-side microphones it seems.”
      In what was the two nations final game in Group B, hosts Australia progressed top of the group having picked up two wins against Canada and the Republic of Ireland.
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      Nigeria finished second, pipping the Canadians by one point after two draws and a thrilling 4-3 win over Australia.
      In the case of the Lionesses, two 1-0 wins put England in a commanding position ahead of their final group game against China tomorrow.
      England need a point to confirm their progression into the knockout stages.
      Chapman was heard making an X-rated rant More

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      Is Nouhaila Benzina the first footballer to wear a hijab at a World Cup?

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      NOUHAILA BENZINA made her World Cup debut at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.The football star made history at the competition during Morocco’s game against South Korea.
      Nouhaila Benzina of Morocco made history during the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023 match between Korea and MoroccoCredit: EPA/MATT TURNER
      Who is Nouhaila Benzina?
      Nouhaila Benzina is a Moroccan football player.
      She was born on May 11, 1998 in Kenitra.
      Benzina plays as a defender.
      Who has Nouhaila Benzina played for?
      Benzina has spent her professional career playing for Morocco’s ASFAR (Association’s Sports of Forces Armed Royal) team.
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      She has also represented Morocco at under-20 and senior levels.
      In 2023 Benzina was named as part of Morocco’s Fifa Women’s World Cup squad.
      The 2023 edition of the tournament marks the first time Morocco has taken part.
      They are also the first team from MENA, the group of countries situated in and around the Middle East and North Africa, to play in the tournament.
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      Benzina was an unused substitute in the team’s first game against Germany but was called up during their second clash, against South Korea.
      Is Nouhaila Benzina the first footballer to wear a hijab at a World Cup?
      In July 2023, Benzina became the first football player to play at a World Cup – or any senior women’s football tournament – wearing a hijab.
      She wore her hijab during Morocco’s July 30, 2023, match against South Korea at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
      Morocco finished the game, which took place at Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Stadium, victorious with a 1-0 win.
      In the past, Fifa banned the wearing of hijabs during games due to health and safety reasons.
      The reasons included possible choking, with the ban forbidding “equipment that is dangerous to himself or another player”.
      That ban was lifted in 2014.
      The under-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan took place two years after the ban was lifted and marked the first time Muslim players wore headscarves during an international Fifa event.
      Benzina has not publicly addressed her history-making turn on the pitch but Morocco’s captain Ghizlane Chebbak has discussed her team being at their first ever World Cup.
      She told press: “We are honoured to be the first Arab country to take part in the Women’s World Cup and we feel that we have to shoulder a big responsibility to give a good image, to show the achievements the Moroccan team has made.”
      Ahead of Morocco’s match against South Korea, Benzina did reference the upcoming game on her social media.
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      On Instagram, she posted a screenshot of a tweet stating that Benzina is the only player – out of 736 – at the Women’s World Cup to wear a hijab.
      She captioned the screenshot with a black love heart. More

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      England vs China – Women’s World Cup: Lionesses aiming to end group stage on a high – FREE stream, TV, team news

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      ENGLAND are heading for the knockout stages if they can avoid defeat in their final Group D match against China.The Lionesses secured three points in their 1-0 win against Denmark on Friday.
      England secured another win in the group stage against DenmarkCredit: The Mega Agency
      Lauren James’ stunning strike gave the Lionesses the lead against the Danes just after six minutes.
      However, before the half-time whistle, midfielder Keira Walsh went down with a knee injury and was stretched off.
      But despite the injury and Denmark hitting the post later on in the match, England remain top of the Group D table with one game to go.
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      Sarina Wiegman’s squad has been blighted by injuries going into this tournament, with key players absent from the team.
      With Walsh now out, the England boss faces a selection dilemma going into their next game against China.
      When is England vs China?

      England will be playing China on Tuesday, 1 August.
      Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00pm BST.
      The match is being played at Coopers Stadium in Adelaide, South Australia.
      Coopers Stadium accomodates 16,500 fans.

      What TV channel will England vs China be on and can it be live streamed FREE?

      The match will be broadcast by ITV.
      You can also live stream for FREE on ITVX by setting up an account via the website or app.
      Or you can follow SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the game.

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      The FA have confirmed Walsh has not suffered with an anterior cruciate ligament injury as many first feared, but will still be absent in the next game
      Therefore questions arise on who will replace the world’s most expensive female player Keira Walsh.
      Manchester City’s Laura Coombs was the player who replaced Walsh after she suffered her injury during the Denmark match.
      China currently rank 14th in the FIFA women’s rankings and are 9-time AFC Women Asian Cup champions.
      They began their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Denmark and received another setback when Zhang Rui was sent off against Haiti.
      With Wang Shuang’s penalty, China played over 60mins with 10 players and still secured a win.
      Keira Walsh was stretched off the fieldCredit: Getty More

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      What happened with Women’s World Cup star Linda Caicedo?

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      LINDA Caicedo collapsed for a second time within a few days during Colombia’s match against Germany at the Fifa World Cup in Australia.But who is she and what happened to her?
      Linda Caicedo was diagnosed with cancer at the age of fifteenCredit: Getty
      Who is Linda Caicedo?
      Linda Lizeth Caicedo Alegría is a Colombian professional football player, who plays as a forward.
      She was born on February 22, 2005, in Cali, Colombia.
      At the age of fourteen she made her debut for her hometown club América de Cali Femenino.
      In early 2020, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and needed to have surgery and a six month chemotherapy.
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      In an interview with The Guardian she said about her illness: “It was something we dealt with internally.
      “Thankfully I overcame it and I’m well now.
      “It was not easy, but with the help of my loved ones, I was ready to go back to playing once doctors told me I was OK.
      “I feel like this is in the past, and now I can follow my path in football.”
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      Caicedo played for Deportivo Cali from 2020 to 2023.
      After her contract ended she signed for Real Madrid in 2023.
      She scored twice and assisted in ten appearances in her first season for the club.
      In 2019, Linda made her international debut for Colombia.
      She has represented her country 17 times, scoring seven goals.
      At the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup, Linda scored in Colombia’s opening match against South Korea.
      What happened to Linda Caicedo?
      Caicedo collapsed during a training session on July 28, 2023, in Australia.
      She suddenly stopped and began clutching the left side of her chest.
      After sitting down, she collapsed on the field, with medical staff rushing on to the field to assist her.
      By the time she was placed on a stretcher, Linda was conscious again.
      After being rushed to a local hospital, a Colombian FA medical staff member told the press: “Linda is very tired.
      “What happened was just a symptom of all the stress and physical demands.
      “She is well and all is back to normal.”
      Caicedo recovered and started against Germany on Sunday, July 30, 2023.
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      She scored a sensational goal but collapsed again in the 83rd minute.
      But after receiving treatment she carried on playing as her side defeated Germany 2-1. More

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      England hero Lauren James starstruck after David Beckham sends her 5am message from Miami after winner vs Denmark

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      LAUREN JAMES was left in disbelief after receiving a congratulatory message from David Beckham following England’s 1-0 win over Denmark in the Women’s World Cup.The 21-year-old scored the only goal of the match on Friday with an excellent strike to send England to the top of Group D.
      James led England to a 1-0 win over Denmark on FridayCredit: PA
      Beckham took to Instagram to congratulate the forward for her goalCredit: Getty
      And Beckham, who made 115 appearances for the national team during his 21-year playing career, was quick to praise her for it.
      In the early hours of Saturday morning, the Manchester United legend took to Instagram to write: “Great goal Lauren.”
      The message left James completely starstruck, so much so that she even questioned whether or not it was real.
      Speaking on England’s YouTube channel, she said: “I was a bit like, is that actually real?
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      “I was just like, am I reading that right?
      “It was obviously a proud moment, and just a bit like wow, someone like that who’s had a great career has seen it as well.”

      Thanks to James’ crucial goal, England now just need to draw against China on Tuesday to guarantee their spot in the knockout stages.
      However, the Lionesses will be without key midfielder Keira Walsh, who picked up a knee injury against Denmark.
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      England have confirmed that the Barcelona star did not sustain an ACL injury as first feared, but she could be out of action for the remainder of the Women’s World Cup.
      Sarina Wiegman could now be forced to change tactics by introducing an additional holding midfielder to her starting line-up. More

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      Rachel Daly wants to park ‘special’ Euros moment to focus on England goal of beating world’s best

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      RACHEL DALY is pushing Euros nostalgia to the back of her mind with the Lionesses laser-focused on winning football’s biggest prize. Monday will be a year to the day Daly helped England win the contest at Wembley with a dramatic 2-1 defeat of Germany.
      Rachel Daly has no intention of being distracted by nostalgia around England’s Euros winCredit: Getty
      The Lionesses’ World Cup clash with China in Adelaide will come almost a year on from their Euros win at WembleyCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Daly and her team-mates aim to finish top of Group D following their 1-0 wins against Haiti and DenmarkCredit: Getty
      The Lioness, who started in all six games of that unbeaten run, sees the Women’s World Cup as a “different kettle of fish”. 
      And her team aims to finish top of Group D by beating or drawing with China in Adelaide on Tuesday.
      A first place finish for England would see them seal a last-16 clash with either Nigeria, Australia or Canada. 
      Daly, 31, said: “For me personally, I don’t want to go into a tournament thinking about another one.
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      “It’s a completely different kettle of fish as it’s the world’s biggest stage.
      “It’s a different feel with different (England) players and staff. 
      “It’s great that we won the Euros and it’s something that we do discuss now and again.
      “For me, it was a special moment. But at times like this you have to focus on what’s in front of you and push that aside.”
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      Daly, who made her senior England debut in 2016 scoring in a 7-0 Euros qualifier defeat of Serbia, is regarded as one of the leaders within the  squad. 
      The versatile Leeds-born Lioness joked she’s astounded to now be the third-oldest player following Ellen White’s and Jill Scott’s retirements. 
      The 71-capped England star added: “I’m actually shocked I’m the third oldest. I don’t act that way, I’m sure. 
      “It’s a different role for me, now we’ve lost Jill and Ellen who are older. 
      “But losing two players of their overwhelming experience is tough.
      “Some of the younger players have to step into that role and it’s nice to be able to do that. 
      “I had that when I was younger and so it’s nice to speak to the younger ones.
      “And there are players here who are experiencing their first tournament.
      “They’re over the other side of the world, away from home and not seeing family so much. It’s nice to be able to help them.”
      England’s last duel with China saw them lose 2-1 back in October 2015, five months after beating their opponents by the same scoreline at the Academy Stadium. 
      But much has changed for the Lionesses’ fortunes since then. 
      A top spot finish in Group D for England will see them play either Nigeria or Canada or Australia in the World Cup’s knockout stageCredit: Getty
      They are currently ranked the fourth best side in the world and ten places above their rivals who beat Haiti last Friday. 
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      Daly said: “We know their threats and what they’re capable of. 
      “We should be prepared the best way we can and hopefully get those next three points in the bag.” More

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      Reshmin Chowdhury hailed for ‘outstanding’ outfit live on BBC as she presents Women’s World Cup

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      RESHMIN CHOWDHURY had viewers hailing her for her elegant outfit while on the BBC. Chowdhury was presenting the broadcaster’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup match between Switzerland and New Zealand – which ended 0-0.
      Reshmin Chowdury donned a stunning blue dress for coverage of the Women’s World Cup
      One fan said she looked ‘outstanding’
      She was joined in the studio by Laura Georges and Jonas Eidevall
      And fans were left impressed by both her work and her outfit.
      Chowdhury donned a stunning dark blue outfit as she appeared alongside former France star Laura Georges and Arsenal Women’s boss Jonas Eidevall.
      Taking to her Twitter page, she admitted the trio did not intend on an “’Allez Les Bleus’ look” – with all three wearing a different shade.
      But fans online didn’t seem to mind.
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      One wrote: “Outstanding look today Reshmin.”
      A second typed: “You looked beautiful as always Reshmin! ❤️😍😘.”
      “Cool blues 💙💙,” remarked a third.
      While another said: “Reshmin Chowdhury looking so beautiful and sexy! 🔥.”
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      Chowdhury is an award winning presenterCredit: The Sun
      Chowdhury, 45, also works on TNT – formerly BT Sport – and talkSPORT as a presenter.
      She has also presented the Champions League draw, revealing the perils of the draw in a 2019 column for SunSport.
      In 2015 Chowdhury – who is of British-Banglesdishi descent – won the Media Award at the Asian Football Awards.
      Her coverage of the World Cup made her the latest presenter to leave fans enamoured with the tournament.
      Both Alex Scott and Laura Woods on BBC and ITV respectively have had fans dazzled during their coverage, with one fan declaring they were “knocking it out of the park”. More