Women’s World Cup 2023

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      Women’s World Cup stars forced to flee New Zealand hotel after arson attack sparks ‘devastating’ blaze

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      THE New Zealand women’s national team had to be temporarily evacuated from their hotel on Saturday night after a suspected arson attack.Emergency services were called to the Pullman Hotel in Auckland just before 8pm after the alarms were set off.
      New Zealand stars were evacuated from their hotel on SaturdayCredit: EPA
      The police have been on high alert in AucklandCredit: AP
      They arrived at the scene to find that the building was full of smoke due to several fires.
      According to The New Zealand Herald, the Football Ferns – who won the opening game of the tournament 1-0 against Norway – were evacuated through a stairwell before being sent to a nearby private restaurant.
      They then had to wait before receiving confirmation that they would be able to return to their team base.
      An official statement from New Zealand Football read: “New Zealand Football can confirm that the Football Ferns team and staff have been temporarily evacuated from the Pullman Hotel, their team base for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, due to a fire.
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      “All of the team and staff are safe and accounted for.”
      New Zealand police later confirmed that a 34-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the fire.
      A spokesperson said: “A man has been arrested following a suspicious fire at a premises on Waterloo Quad, Auckland Central last night.
      “The 34-year-old has been charged with burglary and arson and is due to appear in Auckland District Court on Monday.”
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      On Sunday, New Zealand defender CJ Bott revealed that some players encountered smoke while evacuating the hotel.
      During a press conference, she said: “It was devastating and it definitely threw a spanner in the works for us.
      “It’s not ideal and it’s not a situation anyone wants to be in.
      “Yeah, one of the fire exits was a bit smoky but the majority of us got down the other safe exit and we exited the building perfectly fine.”
      Gabi Rennie added: “We had really good security on board that gave us really good instruction and we all kind of dealt with it pretty well.
      “I think our team is pretty good with dealing with adversity. So it’s just another kind of test.”
      The fire occurred just a matter of days after Auckland was rocked by a fatal shooting which left two people dead and six injured.
      New Zealand will be in action again on Tuesday against the Philippines. More

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      I used to be a cleaner after hanging up my boots, now I’m managing at the Women’s World Cup and have beaten Lionel Messi

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      HERVE RENARD worked as a cleaner after he quit playing but is now managing at the Women’s World Cup.The Frenchman’s nomadic managerial career also saw him beat Lionel Messi’s Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar last year.
      Herve Renard worked as a cleaner after hanging up his boots
      However, Renard will now be taking charge of his native France in Australia and New Zealand this month.
      He has come a long way from the start of his coaching career, though, which began with SC Draguignan.
      After hanging up hs boots he took up a coaching role with the club alongside a job as a cleaner.
      Reflecting on the period in 2019, he told the BBC: “I woke up at 2:30 in the morning, finished around noon and then left at 5pm for training at Draguignan.
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      “We trained and I’d return at around 9pm to eat and then go to bed at 11pm. That was my rhythm of life for eight years.”
      Renard also completed his coaching badges whilst working as a cleaner.
      “I’m proud of having done it,” he added. “Being a footballer is an exceptional life, we have a privileged life and we must not forget that.”
      The 54-year-old later had a spell as manager of Cambridge in 2004 but has had most of his success in international football.
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      A two-time Africa Cup of Nations winner with Zambia and the Ivory Coast, his Saudi Arabia side also impressed at last year’s World Cup.
      Renard saw his side come from behind to beat eventual winners Argentina 2-1 in their opening match.
      Herve Renard beat Argentina with Saudi Arabia at the World Cup in Qatar
      He will be hoping for more success in Sydney on Sunday as France begin their Women’s World Cup campaign against Jamaica.
      The 2019 hosts will also take on Brazil and Panama in the group stage. More

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      Ian Wright calls for BAN on popular signs spotted at England’s World Cup win as fans say ‘it’s pretty cringe’

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      ARSENAL legend Ian Wright has called for a ban on player shirt signs at football matches.The former striker was in attendance at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, on Saturday to watch England’s 1-0 win over Haiti in the Women’s World Cup.
      Wright has called for shirt signs to be banned from footballCredit: Getty
      Some fans took signs into the stadium for England vs HaitiCredit: Reuters
      But midway through the first half, he became distracted after spotting a fan with a sign asking for a player’s shirt.
      Wright then took to Twitter to call for the signs to be axed from live football.
      He tweeted: “We have to ban those signs asking for player shirts!!! Kmt.”
      Many fans agreed with the Arsenal icon, with one person adding: “Been saying this for ages!”
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      Another wrote: “It’s pretty cringe. I can’t imagine many players pick them to give the shirt to though do they?”
      While a third commented: “Absolutely does my head in, fans are there to support, they shouldn’t be going there begging for shirts or expecting to get one.”
      However, one fan argued: “No… It means a lot to the kids. It’s up to the players to ignore them if they want to.”
      England kicked off their Women’s World Cup campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over tournament debutants Haiti.
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      Georgia Stanway scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in dramatic fashion.
      The referee awarded the Lionesses a spot-kick after Batcheba Louis handled the ball in the penalty area.
      Stanway stepped up to take the kick, but her shot was saved by Kerly Theus.
      Following a VAR check, the England midfielder had to take the penalty again after replays showed that Theus had prematurely come off her line.
      The Lionesses had a series of chances during the second half, but they struggled to make the most of any of them.
      Haiti came close to levelling the score late in the game when Roseline Éloissaint broke through the defence before unleashing a low-driven strike, but Mary Earps made an outstanding save to keep the clean sheet. More

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      Women’s World Cup 2023 top scorer race: Who can win the golden boot?

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      SUMMER has been saved as the Women’s World Cup is finally underway and that means another chance for someone to take win the Golden Boot.Megan Rapinoe fired USA to a World Cup win in 2019 at the expense of the Netherlands.
      USA won the Women’s World Cup 2019Credit: PA
      And it turned out to be the perfect tournament for the American star as she also collected the Golden Boot with six goals.
      But who will take home the prestigious prize this time round?
      Women’s World Cup Golden Boot standings
      American idol Sophia Smith has raced ahead following her double against Vietnam.
      But English star Georgia Stanway got off the mark with her retaken penalty in the Haiti win.
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      Sophia Smith – USA – 2
      Georgia Stanway – England – 1
      Ramona Bachmann – Switzerland – 1
      Hannah Wilkinson – New Zealand – 1
      Seraina Piubel – Switzerland – 1
      Aitana Bonmati – Spain – 1
      Steph Catley – Australia – 1
      Lindsey Horan – USA – 1

      Who are the contenders for the Women’s World Cup golden boot?
      USWNT’s Alex Morgan is a likely candidate after netting 15 goals in 17 appearances in last season’s NWSL.
      The 34-year-old striker has 208 caps for USA Women’s National Team and has scored an eye-opening 121 goals for her country.
      Alexandra Popp – the Germany and Wolfsburg striker heartbreakingly missed out on the Euro’s 2022 final against England after picking up an injury in the warm-up – where she was level on six goals with Beth Mead going into the final.
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      She went on to win the Frauen-Bundesliga golden boot after scoring 15 this season and will be looking to add to her 62-goal tally for Germany.
      Rachel Daly – this season’s WSL golden boot winner with 22 goals for Aston Villa, beating Sam Kerr and Khadija Shaw to the trophy.
      The English striker who surprisingly played left back in the 2022 Euros – will hope to be in Sarina Wiegman’s starting XI as her aerial presence and threat in front of goal will no doubt leave her in high contention for this award.
      Megan Rapinoe won the golden boot award at the 2019 Women’s World Cup where the USA were crowned champions for the second consecutive tournament.
      Rapinoe, 38, has announced she will retire at the end of next season after a stellar career receiving accolades such as the Ballon d’Or and The Best FIFA Women’s Player in 2019. 
      Mallory Swanson was the anticipated replacement for Rapinoe until she suffered a torn patella tendon in a friendly against Ireland in April – shattering her World Cup dreams. 
      22-year-old Sophia Smith has a big role to play now in the USA’s quest for their third consecutive World Cup win. 
      The Portland Thorns striker already has 12 goals in 30 appearances and her goal contributions helped her country qualify for this World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.
      Who are the past winners of the Women’s World Cup golden boot?
      2019: Megan Rapinoe – 6 (USA)
      2015: Celia Sasic – 6 (Germany)
      2011: Homare Sawa – 5 (Japan)
      2007: Marta – 7 (Brazil)
      2003: Birgit Prinz – 7 (Germany)
      1999: Sissi – 7 (Brazil) & Sun Wen – 7 (China) 
      1995: Ann-Kristin Aarones – 6 (Norway)
      1991: Michelle Akers – 10 (USA)
      What are the Women’s World Cup groups?
      Group A

      New Zealand
      Norway
      Philippines
      Switzerland

      Group B

      Australia
      Republic of Ireland
      Nigeria
      Canada

      Group C

      Spain
      Costa Rica
      Zambia
      Japan

      Group D

      Group E

      USA
      Vietnam
      The Netherlands
      Portugal

      Group F

      France
      Jamaica
      Brazil
      Panama

      Group G

      Sweden
      South Africa
      Italy
      Argentina

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      Group H

      Germany
      Morocco
      Columbia
      Korea Republic More

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      Fans send cheeky plea to Prince William after he posts good luck message to England ahead of World Cup clash

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      PRINCE WILLIAM has received a cheeky request after sending England Women a good luck message.The FA chairman wished the Lionesses well ahead of their World Cup campaign, which takes place in Australia and New Zealand.
      Prince William met with the England Women’s team last monthCredit: Reuters
      England got their campaign underway against Haiti with the Prince tweeting the team before the match.
      He wrote: “Good luck @Lionesses we’re all cheering you on!”
      In response a fan down under asked William if he will be making the trip to Australia to watch the team live.
      They asked: “Will you be cheering on from the stands ???? Hope HRHs come to Australia for a World Cup we would love to see you!”
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      It remains to be seen whether William will travel to watch the World Cup – but he is an avid fan.
      He met with the Lionesses at St George’s Park last month and praised the European champions for “achieving so much and inspiring so many”.

      Last year the Prince embraced many of the squad as they won Euro 2022, beating Germany in the final.
      He hugged players as they received their medals, looking absolutely delighted as he did so.
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      Captain Leah Williamson revealed HRH told the squad how proud he was of their achievement.
      Princess Charlotte is also a big fan and sent the team a good luck message ahead of the Euros.
      Sarina Wiegman’s side got off to a dream start by beating Haiti – and they take on Denmark and China next in Group D. More

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      England 1 Haiti 0 LIVE RESULT – Women’s World Cup 2023: Stanway’s retaken penalty fires Lionesses to nailbiting win

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      ENGLAND begin their Women’s World Cup adventure with a Group D win against a stubborn Haiti side. Batcheba Louis was penalised for handball in the box after a VAR review.
      And at the second time of asking, Stanway stuck her penalty in the back of the net to earn the Lionesses all three points.

      RESULT: England 1-0 Haiti
      Live stream: ITV X
      TV channel: ITV 1
      England XI: Earps; Bronze, Bright, Carter, Greenwood; Walsh, Stanway, Toone; Hemp, Kelly, Russo
      Haiti XI: Theus; Louis, Joseph, Limage, Petit; Pierre Louis, Jeudy, Dumornay; Mondesir, Borgella, Louis
      Explainer: What is the Women’s World Cup prize money?

      Follow ALL the action from Suncorp Stadium with our live blog below…
      Women’s World Cup 2023 betting preview, odds and predictions
      That’s all from Brisbane
      England claim all three points from their opening World Cup clash against a talented Haiti squad.
      The Lionesses now have six days to prepare for their next match against Denmark in Sydney.
      But until then, thanks for reading!
      Georgia Stanway reacts
      After the match, England goalscorer Stanway told BBC Sport: “You know what, they challenged us.
      “They were very dangerous on the counter-attack, so that’s something we’ll work on in training this week.
      “Mary came up with a big save and everybody played their part. Moments like that are why she’s a top keeper. The most important thing is that we’ve got three points.
      “The first penalty was a very, very good save, so credit for that but obviously she was off her line.
      “I was tempted to change sides, but you’ve got to be confident in your strategy. There’s a process I go through and I stuck to that.
      “We’ve been in camp for five or six weeks now, so it’s nice to get the first game out of the way.”
      Credit: Getty
      Full Time – England 1-0 Haiti
      They may not have won, but Haiti can take a lot from that performance.
      The Grenadiers caused England numerous problems, especially in defence and 19-year-old Melchie Dumornay ran the show in midfield.
      A great performance from a team making their World Cup debut.
      Credit: PA
      Full Time – England 1-0 Haiti
      The Lionesses take all three points from their opening group stage game…
      Just about!
      Credit: AP
      90+3. England 1-0 Haiti
      We’re into the four minutes of added time and Haiti are making another change.
      D.Joseph is on to replace Louis.
      88. England 1-0 Haiti
      Another chance missed by the Lionesses.
      The ball is drilled into the penalty area and brought down by Stanway, who sets it back to Toone.
      Toone gives it back to the Bayern Munich star, who looks to shoot, but her effort flies way wide.
      82. England 1-0 Haiti
      Wow. What a chance for Haiti!
      Eloissaint receives the ball on the edge of the box before walking straight through defensive duo Bright and Carter and attempting a shot into the bottom-right corner.
      But luckily for the Lionesses, Earps makes an outstanding save to keep the clean sheet!
      Credit: Getty
      80. England 1-0 Haiti
      Haiti have made another change.
      Borgella has been replaced by Eloissaint.
      77. England 1-0 Haiti
      James has been a breath of fresh air for England since coming on.
      Her skill and ability to unlock the Haiti defence with some clever passes has helped the Lionesses to create some more effective chances.
      Credit: Getty
      76. England 1-0 Haiti
      Another change for England.
      Daly is on to replace Russo.
      74. England 1-0 Haiti
      England come close again as Walsh finds Greenwood on the left, who crosses the ball to Russo at the back post, but Theus comes off her line to claim it.
      70. England 1-0 Haiti
      James finds Kelly with a fantastic pass out towards the right.
      The Man City star takes the ball and cuts into the box before attempting to shoot while on the turn, but her effort runs past the post.
      64. England 1-0 Haiti
      Stanway finds the ball on the right before crossing it into the box.
      Russo heads it towards goal, but her looping effort is tipped over the bar by Theus.
      A corner is then sent into the box, Bronze heads the ball down but it bounces out to Bright 15 yards away from goal, who fires her shot over the bar and into the back of the stands.
      62. England 1-0 Haiti
      The Lionesses make their first change of the match.
      Hemp is replaced by James.
      Credit: Reuters
      60. England 1-0 Haiti
      England look to press forward again as Greenwood starts with the ball in defence.
      She attempts to switch it to Kelly on the left, but she puts too much on the pass and the ball goes out for a throw-in.
      58. England 1-0 Haiti
      Louis loses the ball to Russo in the box, who shoots from around 12 yards out, but her effort is saved.
      The striker then gets another chance on goal just a few seconds later, but Theus makes another impressive stop.
      56. England 1-0 Haiti
      Another poor pass from Bright falls straight to Mondesir in midfield.
      The Haiti captain takes a touch before unleashing a wild shot which flies way over the goal and into the middle of the stands.
      51. England 1-0 Haiti
      Hemp is booked for a challenge on Mondesir, who goes to ground with what looks to be an ankle injury.
      After some treatment from the physios, she looks to play on.
      50. England 1-0 Haiti
      Huge chance for Haiti!
      Dumornay unleashes a powerful strike from the edge of the box, forcing Earps into tricky save.
      The goalkeeper parries the ball away and England can eventually clear the danger.
      46. England 1-0 Haiti
      Kelly, who has moved onto the left, picks up the ball on the wing and skips past her defender before squaring it towards the penalty spot, but her pass is intercepted and cleared.
      A good start for England after the break.
      Kick Off – England 1-0 Haiti
      We’re back underway.
      No changes have been made.
      Half Time – England 1-0 Haiti
      Wiegman could make some changes at the break.
      England have been sloppy in possession of the ball in midfield at times, so Lauren James could be introduced to replace Ella Toone as a way of improving the transition from midfield to attack.
      Alessia Russo, who has missed a fair few chances so far, could also be replaced by Rachel Daly.
      Half Time – England 1-0 Haiti
      England may have the advantage, but they will be disappointed with that first-half performance.
      The Lionesses have been far from their best, with some sloppy mistakes causing problems in the defensive third.
      Credit: EPA
      45+9. England 1-0 Haiti
      Stanway is booked for a challenge on Dumornay in midfield.
      45+6. England 1-0 Haiti
      Another chance missed for Haiti as Dumornay drives down the right before sending a cross to Borgella, but the striker’s header is off-target.
      Credit: AP
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      England fans go wild home AND away as the Lionesses win 1-0 against Haiti in the Women’s World Cup

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      ENGLAND fans are going wild at home and away – after the Lionesses won 1-0 against Haiti in the Women’s World Cup.Georgia Stanway gave England the perfect start as they began their Women’s World Cup adventure with the Group D opener.
      England fans jumped for joy in Boxpark CroydonCredit: PA
      Rachel Riley joined celebrations at Boxpark WembleyCredit: Alamy
      Youngsters react to the penalties at Boldmere St Michaels FC in Sutton ColdfieldCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
      Fans cheer on the Lionesses in RuislipCredit: PA
      One young fan combined patriotic paint with rockstar glassesCredit: Getty
      Georgia Stanway netted a penaltyCredit: EPA
      Another sported a Lionesses cowboy hatCredit: Getty
      A baby joined in celebrations in BrisbaneCredit: Getty
      Another dad turned up in styleCredit: Getty
      The stadium in Brisbane was packed with England fansCredit: PA
      She stuck her penalty in the back of the net to put the Lionesses ahead after Haiti’s Batcheba Louis gave away a handball in the box.
      Fans in Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium leapt out of their seats as the ball hit the net.

      One dad dressed in an England flag top hat, suit and waistcoat could be seen in the aisles toting his daughter, who was wrapped in a Lionesses scarf.
      Patriotic parents brought babies in full match kit to the World Cup contest – with one tot wrapped in a sheepskin coat over their shirt.
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      At home, face-painted fans celebrated the goal at watch parties across nationwide.
      Snaps show some leaping from their tables at Boxpark Croydon – while teens and students joined in the fun at King’s College Fields in Ruislip.
      Our live blogger said that England may have come away with a win, but they will be disappointed with their performance.
      England went ahead with a penaltyCredit: Getty More

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      Laura Woods ‘makes fans’ Saturday morning’ on ITV in classy outfit as she presents England Women’s World Cup clash

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      FOOTBALL fans were pleasantly surprised to see Laura Woods on their screens as they tuned in to watch the Women’s World Cup.Woods is ITV’s main presenter for the tournament, which kicked off on Thursday.
      Fans were delighted to see Laura Woods as they tuned in to the Women’s World Cup
      Woods impressed in an elegant dress for the opening gameCredit: ITV
      Woods is a popular figure amongst fans
      England got their campaign underway against Haiti on Saturday morning with fans cheering on the Lionesses from home.
      And many were happy before the match got underway as Woods made a rare Saturday TV appearance alongside pundits Eni Aluko and Karen Carney.
      One fan said: “What an added treat on a Saturday morning. Tuned into the Women’s World Cup footy to find Laura Woods on the screen. Made my Saturday morning!!”
      Another added: “Laura Woods looking incredible as always.”
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      And a third wrote: “Laura Woods presenting is an absolute delight.”
      It did not take Woods long to win over fans as she dazzled in an elegant black dress while presenting coverage of the opening game between co-hosts New Zealand and Norway.

      Fans watching on TV saw a studio looking polished, bright and professional.
      But Woods revealed everything but the desk and chairs is all CGI.
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      Woods will also be the face of TNT Sports’ Champions League and Big Fight coverage.
      Meanwhile Alex Scott has also caught the eye with her outfit choices on the BBC’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup. More