Women’s World Cup 2023

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      England 1 Denmark 0: Lauren James’ stunning strike sees Lionesses all but through but win marred by serious Walsh injury

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      KEIRA WALSH’S knee injury heartbreak cast a shadow over England’s 1-0 defeat of Denmark – dealing a fresh fitness blow to the World Cup chasers.In a clash that saw Lauren James reward Sarina Wiegman’s faith with a wonder goal – the world’s most expensive female player was stretchered off.  
      England made it two wins from two as they beat DenmarkCredit: EPA
      Keira Walsh went off on a stretcher with a knee injuryCredit: AFP
      England’s Lauren James, right, celebrates a first half goal with teammate England’s Ella Toone
      Walsh was seen clutching her knee and looking in considerable pain after going over on it while attempting to halt a Denmark counter
      The Lioness appeared to look tearful with Georgia Stanway and her other team-mates looking concerned before she was carried off in the 37th minute.
      The midfielder, signed by Barcelona for a £450,000 fee last year, was later spotted on crutches near England’s bench.  
      The injury to Walsh, who sealed her record-breaking transfer from Manchester City last September, has come at the worst possible time for Wiegman’s squad. 
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      The team are already without the services of Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby who are all recovering from long-term knee ligament concerns. 
      It now leaves head coach Wiegman without FOUR of her most trusted and influential players from England’s march to Euros glory last summer. 
      Before the game, Wiegman faced questions as to whether she would stick or twist with her line-up after her side found themselves pressurised in their Group D opener against Haiti.  
      The Dutch coach made no changes to her starting elevens at last year’s Euros steering the Lionesses to their first major tournament win.
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      Today’s match saw the England chief, whose team face China next, make a minor gamble.  
      In came James in place of Lauren Hemp on the wing. 
      But perhaps the biggest surprise was WSL golden boot winner Rachel Daly starting at left-back with Jess Carter dropping to the bench. 
      However Wiegman’s gamble paid off with James opening her World Cup tournament goals account in fine style. 
      The Chelsea starlet drove past her marker before unleashing a curled stunner from distance after Daly’s assist in the sixth minute. 
      James came close to doubling England’s lead with a flicked effort before Denmark almost levelled. 
      Pernille Harder’s low shot prompted a comfortable save from Mary Earps with half an hour gone after Lucy Bronze’s stray pass.
      Then disaster struck for England with Walsh hurting her knee after attempting to stop a misplaced James pass reaching a Danish player.
      The sight of her being stretchered off close to half-time soured the atmosphere in the stadium before Laura Coombs came on in her place. 
      The second spell saw Ella Toone fire an effort over the bar in the 48th minute.
      This was moments before Alex Greenwood’s well-timed interception stopped Denmark going through on goal after Millie Bright’s loose pass. 
      Arsenal’s Kathrine Kuhl saw a flicked effort comfortably claimed by Earps moments later.
      However, England almost saw their lead disappear before bagging three points.
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      Amalie Vansgaard’s header hit the post in the closing minutes before Wiegman’s battlers saw out the win.
      A draw between Haiti and China later – or a victory for the latter – will see England reach the World Cup’s last 16.
      Lauren James fired in the opener with just six minutes on the clockCredit: Getty
      James justified her selection in the starting XICredit: Getty
      Mary Earps had to be alert with some smart savesCredit: Reuters
      Chloe Kelly attempted an ambitious overhead kickCredit: AP
      Keira Walsh of England had to be stretchered off the pitch after her injury
      Walsh was on the touchline with a knee brace and crutches during the second halfCredit: Getty
      Sarina Wiegman’s side have made a perfect start to the World Cup campaignCredit: Getty More

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      England 1 Denmark 0 LIVE RESULT – Women’s World Cup 2023: Lauren James’ STUNNER claims win for Lionesses in second game

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      ENGLAND have beaten Denmark in Sydney – and the Lionesses have all but confirmed their place in the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup.Lauren James’ screamer gave the Lionesses the lead against the Danes after just six minutes.
      Keira Walsh was stretchered off after going down with a knee injury on 35 minutes.
      The Lionesses managed to hang on to secure a 1-0 win despite Denmark hitting the post late on.

      Kick off time: 9:30am BST
      TV channel: BBC One
      FREE live stream: BBC iPlayer
      England team: Earps, Bronze, Walsh, Greenwood, Bright, James, Stanway, Daly, Toone, Kelly, Russo
      Denmark team: Christensen, Hasbo, Ballisager, Sevecke, Boye, Holmgaard, Harder, Veje, Kuhl, Madsen, Thomsen

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      That’s all from the Sydney Football Stadium
      England have almost confirmed their spot in the knockout stages with a 1-0 win over Denmark.
      The Lionesses will now have to wait for this afternoon’s match between China and Haiti to conclude before they find out where they stand in Group D.
      It wasn’t England’s best performance, but they showed glimpses of excellence during the first half before a devastating injury to Keira Walsh killed all momentum.
      Nevertheless, the Lionesses are still undefeated in this year’s tournament and they are yet to concede a goal.
      The race for the World Cup is still well and truly alive.
      Thanks for reading!
      Rachel Daly on Walsh’s injury
      Speaking to BBC Sport, Day said: “It’s not nice to see anyone go off injured but Keira is Keira and she is an integral part of the team.
      “I am really really hoping with everything that it isn’t anything too serious. She is a special player an special person.
      “Let’s hope it isn’t as bad as it looked and it was only a precaution.”
      Credit: AP
      Reece James reacts to Lauren’s goal
      Lauren James scored her first World Cup goal just six minutes into her first World Cup start today.
      Her brother, Chelsea’s Reece James, simply tweeted: “Proud.”
      Credit: Twitter / @ReeceJames
      ‘It’s serious’
      It did look serious so if you can’t walk off the pitch it’s serious. I don’t know, we’ve just finished the game.Sarina WiegmanReacting to Walsh’s injury on BBC Sport
      Worry for Walsh
      Keira Walsh was spotted on crutches and with her right knee in a brace during the second half.
      England lost all momentum after the midfielder was forced off shortly before half time.
      Walsh will now likely miss the rest of the tournament with what could potentially be an ACL injury.
      Her absence will be a devastating blow for the Lionesses.
      Walsh is irreplaceable in the England squad, so Wiegman may have to switch the structure of the team around to compensate for her absence.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      Sarina Wiegman reacts
      Speaking to BBC Sport, the England manager said: “We started well, we played well and scored the goal and then we had a little stage in the first half [where] we lost balls we didn’t have to lose.
      “Then we had the horrible moment with Keira. Second half was a fight and the team showed we adapted to the new situation and we had to fight to win. I am very proud of the team.”
      On James’ goal, she added: “For me it doesn’t matter who scores the goals. They played well, they started well and yes, LJ scored a beautiful goal.”
      Lauren James reacts
      Speaking to BBC Sport, the England winger said: “Yeah definitely [it was a great feeling to score]. It was a dream and something I’ve been thinking about but most importantly I’m happy to help us win.
      “I kind of had a thought and then as soon as it hit the net it was just relief.”
      “They [teammates] were just really happy for me and they said it before the game they had a good feeling about me. I am happy to have good people around me.”
      “I am calm all around the pitch. I am happy to bring that on the pitch.”
      Credit: PA
      Full Time – England 1-0 Denmark
      Lauren James’ world-class early strike was overshadowed by the devastating injury to Keira Walsh.
      Walsh has played more minutes for England than anyone else since Euro 2022, meaning she is one of the most important players in the heart of the team.
      The Lionesses fell flat after the midfielder went off, and their intensity dropped significantly which allowed Denmark to get back into the game.
      Full Time – England 1-0 Denmark
      England claim all three points… just.
      The Lionesses have all-but confirmed their spot in the knockout stages!
      Credit: PA
      90. England 1-0 Denmark
      Four minutes have been added on.
      Denmark are growing in momentum.
      England need to kill this game now while they still have the advantage.
      88. England 1-0 Denmark
      England are playing in slow-motion and they are almost punished for it!
      Bronze fails to close down Sorensen before the midfielder crosses the ball into the box.
      Vangsgaard powers above Daly to head the ball towards goal, but it rattles the post!
      A huge let-off for the Lionesses.
      85. England 1-0 Denmark
      Greenwood picks up the ball in defence before carrying it forward and setting it to James in the No.10 position.
      James then skips past Holmgaard before sending a perfect through-ball to Kelly, who passes it back to Bronze.
      Bronze attempts a long-range strike, but her effort is off-target.
      82. England 1-0 Denmark
      The Lionesses come close again as Daly sends a long ball through to England in the box, who heads it towards goal, but her effort narrowly loops over the ball.
      78. England 1-0 Denmark
      Denmark make some more changes.
      Sorensen is on to replace Madsen.
      Thogersen is on to replace Ballisager.
      76. England 1-0 Denmark
      England make two more changes.
      Russo is replaced by England.
      Toone is replaced by Hemp.
      Hemp moves out onto the wing, leaving James to move inside to fill the void left by Toone.
      72. England 1-0 Denmark
      Huge chance for England as Russo drives forward.
      She unleashes a strike from the edge of the box, but her effort runs wide.
      Credit: AP
      71. England 1-0 Denmark
      Denmark make their first change.
      Hasbo is replaced by Vangsgaard.
      68. England 1-0 Denmark
      The Lionesses are starting to make some sloppy mistakes now.
      They got away with it last week against Haiti, but Denmark – a much more experienced side – will likely punish them move.
      65. England 1-0 Denmark
      Thomsen receives a warning from the referee for a push on Daly.
      Denmark are gradually growing into this game and they are beginning to look dangerous.
      57. England 1-0 Denmark
      The Lionesses have another corner.
      Greenwood sends it into the box for Bronze to run onto.
      The full-back heads it towards goal, but her effort flies wide.
      56. England 1-0 Denmark
      James wins a corner following a superb nutmeg on Sevecke.
      Greenwood sends it into the box, but the ball heads straight out for another corner.
      52. England 1-0 Denmark
      Denmark break through on goal as England lose the ball in midfield.
      It is eventually set to Kuhl in the box, who attempts to catch Earps out with a clever strike into the bottom-right corner, but the England keeper makes the save.
      Another warning sign for the Lionesses.
      Credit: Getty
      47. England 1-0 Denmark
      A positive start for England after the break.
      Greenwood sends a corner into the box and it is headed down by Bronze.
      Toone attempts the half-volley, but her effort flies over the crossbar.
      Kick Off – England 1-0 Denmark
      We’re back underway!
      The Lionesses are just 45 minutes away from potentially booking their spot in the knockout stages!
      Half Time – England 1-0 Denmark
      England have vastly improved performance-wise compared to last week’s opening match against Haiti.
      The Lionesses are so much more defensively solid both on and off the ball and they are offering so much more going forward.
      They just need to make the most of their chances now.
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      England ace Keira Walsh reckons ‘Pep influence’ on her game has helped her in tight midfield battles for Lionesses

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      KEIRA WALSH reckons the influence of Pep Guardiola has put some pep in her step in midfield battles for England.And the Lionesses star, 26, relishes boss Sarina Wiegman giving her more responsibility on the pitch at this year’s World Cup. 
      Keira Walsh believes playing in Spain’s top-flight has helped in improve her game for club and countryCredit: Getty
      Walsh and her team-mates hope to seal a second win in Group D when they take on Denmark in SydneyCredit: Getty
      Walsh says she enjoys the challenge of attempting to outdo opponents in tight midfield situationsCredit: Getty
      The Barcelona ace will resume pulling England’s strings in midfield when they take on Denmark in Australia on Friday.
      A victory for Wiegman’s side in Sydney combined with a draw between China and Haiti would see the Lionesses claim their place in the tournament’s knockout stages.
      Their duel comes six days after Walsh and her team-mates were harried by a fast-paced, counter-attacking Haiti who pushed the Lionesses all the way in their contest opener
      It was a game that saw Walsh come under pressure in midfield from the Group D minnows.
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      On whether she feels more targeted by England’s opponents, Walsh said: “I don’t necessarily think it’s just me,
      “A lot of teams are trying to stop holding midfielders in general because that’s where football is going now, a lot of teams play through midfield.
      “We have a lot of other top players so if I’m marked, that’s one less player for them in and around the space. 
      “But I want to be playing in those tighter situations and really testing myself. I enjoy the challenge.”
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      On how she handles attempts to muscle her off the ball, Walsh adds: “It’s about picking up smarter spaces and dropping into different areas and maybe not staying so set in the middle.
      “The game has changed as a whole, but I’ve got more influence from Spanish players in terms of how they’ve always played.
      “The Pep influence has always helped me in that respect.
      “In general football I think more people do try and play through the central midfielder. 
      “Maybe teams think I don’t like the physical game as much but from playing in Spain, they are more tactical like that and look to do that a bit more.
      “The training we do in the gym is a lot more focused on holding players off when you have the ball.
      “That’s something I’ve got better at and hopefully I can keep improving on.
      “When I know I’ve got Lucy (Bronze), Millie (Bright), Alex (Greenwood) and Jess (Carter) behind me it helps.
      “I know they are all so aggressive and powerful. That makes my life easier knowing if the ball goes over me, they will be there.”
      One of Walsh’s tasks against Denmark will be nullifying their attempts to control the midfield and build their attack from there.
      And the England ace, who won Champions League and LaLiga Women’s crowns in her debut term at Barcelona, is wary of seeing Pernille Harder Denmark’s biggest threat.  
      The 60-capped Lioness said: “Harder is a top player, very composed in and around the box and she’s the type of player you want to be playing against.
      “But Denmark are a top team. Everyone talks about Harder but they have some very good players and work really hard. It will be a tough game.”
      Under Wiegman Walsh’s role as one of the Lionesses most dependable players has grown.
      Last summer saw her play a significant part in England’s Euros triumph, including delivering an inch perfect assist for Ella Toone’s finish in last year’s final.
      And Walsh enjoys the responsibility that Wiegman has put on her and some of England’s longest-serving players.
      She adds: “She encourages the more experienced players to coach a bit and put more onus on us on the pitch.
      Walsh likes England chief Sarina Wiegman giving senior Lionesses more responsibility on the pitchCredit: Getty
      “If we feel things that she can’t then she is more than happy for us to help and find solutions.
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      “I’ve probably noticed that a little bit more at this tournament with her.
      “It’s nice to be pushed that way and for older players to have that responsibility.” More

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      Women’s World Cup rocked as Colombian teen Linda Caicedo COLLAPSES in training just months after recovering from cancer

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      THE Women’s World Cup was rocked last night after Colombian teen sensation Linda Caicedo collapsed in a training session – with major fears for her condition.Caicedo, 18, completed a remarkable World Cup scoring “hat-trick” when she netted in her side’s opening win over South Korea.
      EL MOMENTO QUE PREOCUPÓ A TODO UN PAÍSLinda Caicedo, ya recuperada, entrena con normalidad junto a sus compañeras.📹 DSPORTS, en Australia pic.twitter.com/02vIjZisaU— DSportsCo (@DIRECTVSportsCo) July 27, 2023

      Linda Caicedo clutched her heart before collapsing in Colombia training on ThursdayCredit: Twitter @DIRECTTVSPORTSCO
      Team-mates and medics rushed to Linda Caicedo’s aid before she was rushed to hospitalCredit: Twitter @DIRECTTVSPORTSCO
      The teenager has also scored, this season, at both the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups.
      All this, incredibly, just SIX MONTHS after winning a two year battle with cancer.
      But the joy of Caicedo’s World Cup bow was overshadowed by her collapse at Colombia’s training base on the outskirts of Sydney.
      Caicedo was running with the ball on a dribble when she suddenly stopped and began clutching the left side of her chest.
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      She then tried to sit down but within seconds had keeled over, seemingly unconscious.
      Colombian medical staff rushed over as a sense of panic overwhelmed the camp, with terrified team-mates fearing the worst.
      With concern growing, an ambulance was summoned and swiftly arrived.
      Caicedo was unconscious for at least 90 seconds as medics and team-mates rushed to the scene.
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      Thankfully, Caicedo was able to regain consciousness by the time she was placed on a stretcher, ferried into the ambulance and off to a local hospital.
      The entire session was unsurprisingly cancelled as team-mates looked on, some of them struggling to contain their emotions at her condition.
      Media at the session were immediately asked to leave the site, with Colombian staff explaining: “We cannot give any more details – and we want to avoid any more confusion.”
      Later last night, a Colombian FA medical staff member claimed: “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.”
      But the scare left her team-mates, who are due to play Germany in Sydney on Sunday, in a state of disarray.
      Cancer survivor Linda Caicedo has scored at her third World Cup in a yearCredit: EPA
      The Real Madrid star netted for Colombia in a 2-0 win over South KoreaCredit: Getty
      Linda Caicedo was diagnosed with cancer when she was 15Credit: Getty
      Caicedo was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 15 in February 2020, just before the pandemic struck.
      She needed surgery to remove a tumour and underwent six months of chemotherapy before she was able to return to the football pitch.
      Caicedo explained: “The truth is that I was very young and maybe I didn’t quite understand what was happening to me.”
      Mum Herlinda recalled: “Every time we would take Linda to the hospital, she would cry, and she would ask the doctors to please tell her the truth, if she would be able to play football again. That’s all she wanted to know.”
      Her recovery to full fitness stunned many.
      Incredibly, she was able to make a move from Deportivo Cali to Real Madrid.
      She played a key role in both the youth tournaments, the top scorer in the under-17 event as Colombia reached the final before losing to Spain while they made the last eight of the under-20 competition.
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      Her goal against Korea was the ultimate good news story.
      But now those smiles have turned to tears and fears. More

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      Fans praise ‘divine’ and ‘beautiful’ Alex Scott as she heads up BBC Women’s World Cup coverage in elegant black dress

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      ALEX SCOTT almost put the Women’s World Cup in the shade with her latest stunning outfit while presenting coverage of the tournament.The England and Arsenal legend hosted the clash between Australia and Nigeria on the BBC.
      Alex Scott wowed fans in a black dressCredit: BBC Sport
      She hosted the BBC’s coverage of Australia vs NigeriaCredit: BBC Sport
      It was Scott’s latest elegant showing during the tournament after wowing fans in a grey outfitCredit: BBC
      Former England and Arsenal hero Scott stuns on the red carpetCredit: Getty
      She sat in the studio alongside Steph Houghton and Rachel Brown-Finnis as they enjoyed a thrilling game in which the hosts suffered a shock 3-2 defeat.
      Scott wore an elegant black dress that caught the eye of viewers.
      The “gorgeous” 38-year-old donned high-heeled shoes to go with the stunning outfit.
      Fans were left in awe of her, with one saying: “I love Alex Scott.”
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      Another commented: “Alex Scott you are so divine.”
      A third added: “She is beautiful.”

      Scott is no stranger to wowing fans on her TV duties, dazzling in a classy outfit as a pundit as New Zealand faced Norway.
      She also left fans besotted when presenting Soccer Aid in a figure-hugging red dress.
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      The retired full-back is good friends with England captain Leah Williamson, who is out of the World Cup with injury.
      They recently enjoyed a wild night partying as Scott’s pal had booze poured into her mouth.
      Scott and Williamson also went on holiday together to Ibiza in June as they relaxed in bikinis.
      Alex Scott recently stunned viewers in a red dress at Soccer AidCredit: PA
      Fans have been confessing their love for herCredit: Getty
      Scott holidayed in Ibiza this yearCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2 More

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      Who is Canada’s Women’s World Cup star Quinn?

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      QUINN has made history as the first trans or non-binary footballer to play at a World Cup.Canada got one step closer to booking their spot in the knock-out rounds of the Women’s World Cup following a 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland.
      Quinn helped Canada beat the Republic of IrelandCredit: Getty
      And midfielder Quinn has been an integral part of the team’s amazing Women’s World Cup journey.
      Here is what we know about the Canadian star.
      Who is Quinn?
      Born in Toronto on August 11, 1995, Quinn grew up with three sisters.
      Quinn always had a passion and talent for football and was heavily involved in the game by age six.
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      They attended Duke University, where Quinn became the first Canadian to play for the Duke Blue Devils soccer team between 2013 to 2018 while securing a major in biology.
      The Canadian star was also awarded the prestigious Atlantic Coast Conference Midfielder of the Year award in 2017 despite starting their career as a defender.
      But prior to that, Quinn’s name really hit the headlines when they led Canada to a 2016 Rio Olympics bronze medal before helping the Canadians grab gold at the Tokyo Games.
      Quinn came out as non-binary and transgender (using gender-neutral pronouns) in 2020, and changed their name by adopting their prior surname.
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      The footballer told BBC Sport: “It’s really difficult when you don’t see people like yourself in the media or even around you or in your profession.
      “I was operating in the space of being a professional footballer and I wasn’t seeing people like me.”
      Who does Quinn play for?
      Quinn’s sensational performances for Duke University saw them become the highest-drafted Canadian in National Women’s Soccer League history.
      They were picked up by Washington Spirit in 2017 before moving to France to play for Paris FC a year later.
      In 2019, Quinn then signed for Seattle side OL Reign and has been there since apart a short loan spell at Swedish club Vittsjo Gik the following year.
      The midfielder has racked up 90 caps since debuting for Canada at age 18 and has featured at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games. More

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      Inside Lionesses’ swanky Women’s World Cup hotel with arcade games, motivational staircase and more than 1,000 teabags

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      A RELAXATION room with Harry Potter novels and virtual reality headsets are among the distractions for the Lionesses at their World Cup base in Australia.The FA provided behind the scenes access to the bolt hole serving as a ‘home away home’ for Wiegman’s trophy-hungry aces.
      The games room was entirely designed and created by NIKE – the squad and staff admit this was a real ‘wow’ factor when they first arrivedCredit: Getty
      England’s number eight Georgia Stanway, getting stuck into the facilities this new base camp has to offer – an England x NIKE branded pacman machineCredit: Getty
      The base camp has interactive and creative outlets for the team to unwind in their downtimeCredit: Getty
      Football table at England base camp for Women’s World Cup 2023 in AustraliaCredit: Getty
      Georgia Stanway’s goal was enough to see off Haiti in England’s first group D game
      Sarina Wiegman’s 23-strong squad – who won their opener 1-0 against Haiti on Saturday – and backroom staff have based themselves in Terrigal, 90 minutes north of Sydney.
      The set-up at their hotel base features walls and steps adorned with motivational messages created by the Lionesses themselves.
      It also has a state-of-the-art coffee machine capable of photographing players and printing images of their faces in their beverages.
      Arcade games, table tennis and painting and drawing area among the things provided to help players relax.
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      England are also said to have brought more than 1,040 Yorkshire teabags to their camp in case.
      Upon entry the first sight that greets visitors is a giant balloon model of a St George’s flag, with the word “England” featured in silver.  
      And high up on the walls in the foyer are large poster-style photographs of every single member of Wiegman’s Lionesses squad.   
      Slogans such as “real sisterhood” and “play for the shirt on the pitch, not seat on the plane” are among the affirmations splashed on hotel walls.
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      Walls and steps adorned with inspirational messages created by the LionessesCredit: Getty
      Large poster style photographs of every single member of Wiegman’s Lionesses squadCredit: Getty
      England’s base camp is plastered with inspirational quotes to motivate the squad during the tournamentCredit: Getty
      FA women’s technical director Kay Cossington, who led journalists on a tour of England’s camp said: “The spaces on the walls are things that the players own.
      “These are quotes and words that have come through from the team.
      “They are not things that we’ve actually made up, that’s stuff that the team own and really believe in.”
      For Wiegman’s squad one of most poignant items at the base is a commissioned portrait featuring every single player during their childhood years wearing their old grassroots football kits.
      Cossington adds: “We all fell in love with this painting when we first saw it.
      “It’s about connecting the players back to their grassroots clubs and it’s also honouring how important grassroots football is to the journeys of our professional players.”
      Cossington and Lionesses general manager Anja van Ginhoven oversaw the selection of the World Cup base for Wiegman and her side.
      They did some of their site planning visits in May last year following conversations with Fifa.
      Another relaxation area for the LionessesCredit: Getty
      Arts and crafts on offer for the Lionesses to get creativeCredit: Getty
      The darts board at the England team basecamp in Terrigal, AustraliaCredit: Getty
      Ginhoven said: “I think we visited about 37 hotels and 23 training grounds in nine days! It was a super intense trip.”
      England’s base in Terrigal includes rooms named after domestic women’s football trailblazers and Lioness legends of the past.
      Heroines such as England Women’s first skipper Sheila Parker and Mary Phillip, the first black player to captain the side.
      And the team’ s tactical planning area has been dubbed The White Room in honour of the Lionesses’ record goal scorer Ellen White who retired last year.
      England’s “home away from home” contains the studio where Jill Scott films Lionesses Live.
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      The stadium of Australian A-League club Central Coast Mariners, where Usain Bolt spent a two-month spell as a player, is serving as the training space for Wiegman’s side. 
      The Lionesses will play Denmark on Friday, and hope to seal a win that will take them to the top of Group D.
      England sign of respectful acknowledgement to Australia’s cultureCredit: Getty
      Nike branded coffee cups at the England team baseCredit: Getty
      Nike laces are availableCredit: Getty More

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      Chaos at Women’s World Cup as nervous referee announces VAR decision before saying ‘no, wait!’

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      THE Women’s World Cup was plunged into momentary chaos after a referee announced the wrong decision after a VAR review.Spain had put in a good showing as they beat Zambia 5-0 at Eden Park in New Zealand.
      Referee Oh-Hyeon Jeong caused confusion during Spain’s win over ZambiaCredit: Getty
      Hyeon-Jeong initially did not give Jennifer Hermoso’s goalCredit: BBC
      Hermoso looked confused as the announcement was madeCredit: BBC
      But the official then quickly corrected her callCredit: BBC
      And Hemroso was thrilled when she realised that a goal had eventually been givenCredit: BBC
      However, the most intriguing moment came from referee Oh-Hyeon Jeong while there was a VAR check on Jennifer Hermoso’s goal in 70th minute.
      Hermoso had already netted earlier in the game but her second was initially ruled out as Olga Carmona was flagged offside in the build-up to the goal.
      After the lengthy check, it seemed that the Spaniard would be allowed the goal until Oh-Hyeon Jeong appeared to stick with her original decision.
      The official announced that the decision was “no goal!”, which was then met with boos from the crowd.
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      This then saw the referee backtrack and say: “No, wait… no offside – Goal!”
      But for a second the Spanish team were left confused due to the dodgy announcement before realising that the goal had been given.

      The players then wheeled off to celebrate their fourth goal of the game.
      It was not the last action of the match as Alba Redondo then netted her second of the game in the 85th minute.
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      During the Women’s World Cup history was made as referees are announcing VAR decisions to the spectators in the stadium through a microphone.
      It is the first time that this has been done at a senior international tournament.
      The trial by Fifa was also done at the Men’s Club World Cup and Men’s U20 World Cup earlier in the year.
      If the trial is deemed a success it could then arrive in major European competitions like the Premier League. More