NEWS

16Aug

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

NEWS

England reach first Women’s World Cup final

Ella Toone (C) of England celebrates with teammates after scoring England's first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match between Australia and England at Stadium Australia on August 16, 2023 in Sydney, Australia.England reached the Women's World Cup final for the first time as they spoiled co-hosts Australia's party on a historic evening in Sydney.Silencing a sell-out crowd at Stadium Australia with their 3-1 victory, the Lionesses became the first England football team since 1966 to reach a senior final on the world stage.It caps a sensational two years under manager Sarina Wiegman as England, crowned European champions for the first time last year on home soil, showed their superiority and know-how to see off an Australia side spurr...

16Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Messi scores again as Miami reach Leagues Cup final

Josef Martínez #17 of Inter Miami CF celebrates his goal with Lionel Messi #10 and Jordi Alba #18 in the first half during the Leagues Cup 2023 semifinals match between Inter Miami CF and Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on August 15, 2023 in Chester, Pennsylvania. Lionel Messi shrugged off an injury scare to score his ninth goal in six games as Inter Miami beat Philadelphia Union to reach the Leagues Cup final. The Argentine World Cup winner scored Miami’s second goal in a 4-1 victory, a day after rolling his ankle in training. Josef Martinez, Jordi Alba and David Ruiz scored for Miami, with Alejandro Bedoya on target for the hosts. Miami will now play Nashville SC in Saturday’s final (Sunday, 02:00 BST). The result also means Miami qualify for the Concacaf Champions Cup regional t...

15Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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England & Australia prepare for epic semi-final

Head Coach Tony Gustavsson (L) and Mackenzie Arnold (R) of Australia speak to the media in an Australia Matildas press conference during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 at Stadium Australia on August 15, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. England and Australia are both hoping to make history by reaching the Women’s World Cup final for the first time when they meet in Sydney on Wednesday. Australia boss Tony Gustavsson, whose side progressed to the last four with an epic penalty shootout win over France, says the co-hosts “are on a mission – they are not done yet”. The Matildas had never advanced beyond the quarter-finals before this tournament, while European champions England are playing in their third successive World Cup semi-final. “You can never take anything...

15Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Spain beat Sweden in dramatic finish to reach final

Johanna Kaneryd of Sweden and Olga Carmona of Spain compete for the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match between Spain and Sweden at Eden Park on August 15, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand.Spain beat Sweden in a thrilling finish to reach their first Women's World Cup final.Captain Olga Carmona scored an 89th-minute winner to spark wild scenes of jubilation among their supporters at Eden Park, Auckland.Sweden - who have now lost back-to-back World Cup semi-finals - had equalised through Rebecka Blomqvist just 93 seconds earlier and it looked like the match would be going to extra time.A game of few chances had sparked into life when substitute Salma Paralluelo, 19, gave Spain the lead with just 10 minutes remaining.They will face Engla...

13Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Mancini resigns as Italy boss after five-year reign

Coach Roberto Mancini of Italy gestures during the Netherlands v Italy - UEFA Nations League 2022/23 Third-place match between Netherlands and Italy at the FC Twente Stadion on June 18, 2023 in Enschede, Netherlands.Roberto Mancini has resigned as manager of Italy after five years in charge.The Italian, 58, took charge of the team after they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and led them to victory at Euro 2020, beating England on penalties in the final at Wembley.The team went on a world record 37-game unbeaten run but then failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.Mancini's successor will be named "in the next few days"."The Italian Football Federation announces that it has taken note of the resignation of Roberto Mancini from the position of coach of the Italian national tea...

12Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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England book semi-final with co-hosts Australia

Lauren Hemp of England and Lorena Bedoya Durango of Colombia compete for the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Quarter Final match between England and Colombia at Stadium Australia on August 12, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. England set up a Women's World Cup semi-final with co-hosts Australia as they came from behind against a dangerous Colombia side.The European champions, favourites to go all the way in Australia, have not played their best football in the tournament but this was a much more rounded display in front of a hostile crowd in Sydney.Largely composed in defence and hard-working in attack, the Lionesses were rewarded with two slices of luck which they capitalised on, after goalkeeper Mary Earps had been beaten by a quick-thinking l...

12Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Lionel Messi scores again as Inter Miami sail into Leagues Cup semi-finals

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF celebrates after scoring a goal in the second half during the Leagues Cup 2023 quarterfinals match between Charlotte FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.Lionel Messi continued his scoring streak as he helped Inter Miami seal a 4-0 victory over Charlotte FC in their Leagues Cup quarter-final in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Argentine slotted in Miami’s fourth goal in the 86th minute, making it eight goals in five games for his new club. Josef Martinez and Robert Taylor scored before halftime, and Messi also helped create a second-half own goal that put the result beyond doubt. Miami have won all five games since the Argentine superstar’s debut in the competition contested between all 47 teams in MLS...

11Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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England have Colombia plan without James – Wiegman

Sarina Wiegman, Head Coach of England, speaks to the media in an England Press Conference during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 at Stadium Australia on August 11, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. England have a plan to take on Colombia in Saturday’s Women’s World Cup quarter-final without top scorer Lauren James, says manager Sarina Wiegman. James, 21, was sent off in the last-16 penalty shootout victory over Nigeria and is now suspended for two games. She scored three and assisted three goals in four matches but Wiegman says England “know how they want to fill that position”. “Of course, she is still part of the squad,” Wiegman told BBC Radio 5 Live. “[James] gets support from everyone. In a split second, she made a mistake and that cost her two games, an...

8Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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France end Morocco dream to cruise into quarters

Eugenie Le Sommer of France in action during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between France and Morocco at Hindmarsh Stadium on August 8, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia.Eugenie Le Sommer scored twice as France cruised into the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals, thrashing Morocco to end the African side’s dream run. Goals from Kadidiatou Diani, Kenza Dali and Le Sommer put France 3-0 ahead at half-time in Adelaide, with Le Sommer adding her second after 70 minutes. France will now face Australia in the last eight in Brisbane on Saturday. Morocco had been hoping to become the first African side to win a knockout match at the Women’s World Cup.

8Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Women’s world cup: Colombia set up England match by beating Jamaica

Trudi Carter (18) of Jamaica and Catalina Usme Calderon (11) of Colombia in action during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match #56 between Colombia and Jamaica at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne, Australia on August 8, 2023.Colombia set up a Women's World Cup quarter-final against England with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Jamaica.Catalina Usme, who captained Colombia in Melbourne, curled home the decisive strike in the 51st minute.It was the first goal Jamaica had conceded at the tournament after 321 minutes of play, but they could not find a response.This is the first time Colombia have reached the last eight of the Women's World Cup.They will face European champions England at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Saturday, kick-off at 1...

7Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Women’s world cup: England win shootout to scrape into quarter-finals

Georgia Marie Stanway of England and Bayern Munchen and Christy Ucheibe of Nigeria and Sl Benfica compete for the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Round of 16 match between England and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on August 7, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia.England scraped through to the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Nigeria after surviving a gruelling onslaught having gone down to 10 players. Despite the first penalty-taker, Georgia Stanway, firing wide, Nigeria missed their next two efforts and the European champions secured their spot in the last eight when Chloe Kelly smashed in the winning kick. In an outburst of frustration, Lauren James stamped on Michelle Alozie’s back in the 87th m...

7Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Arsenal vs Man city community shield penalties : The gunners enjoy ‘statement’ win

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates by lifting the trophy after winning The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 6, 2023 in London, England.It rarely sets the tone for the season ahead and it may not be considered a major trophy by many but, in the context of how last season ended for Arsenal, the psychological impact of their Community Shield win against Manchester City on Sunday should not be underestimated. After Cole Palmer’s stunning goal, the Gunners battled back through Leandro Trossard’s last-gasp equaliser before Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri missed spot-kicks in the shootout and Arsenal converted all of theirs to securethe first piece of silverware of the season. Arsenal led the Premier League for 248 days last seaso...

6Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Sweden knock holders USA out of World Cup

Lina Hurtig (8) of Sweden heads the ball during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Round of 16 match between Sweden and United States at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne, Australia on August 6, 2023.Reigning champions the USA are out of the Women’s World Cup after being stunned by Sweden on penalties on a night of incredible drama in Melbourne. USA dominated the 120 minutes but were denied by an inspired goalkeeping performance from Zecira Musovic as the match finished goalless. The drama only ratcheted up further in the shootout. Three USA players missed, including their footballing icon Megan Rapinoe on her last appearance on the world stage, before Sweden won in remarkable circumstances. USA keeper Alyssa Naeher appeared to have saved Lina Hurtig’s effort at the second atte...

6Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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England boost as Walsh returns to training

Keira Walsh of England in action during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group D match between England and Denmark at Sydney Football Stadium on July 28, 2023 in Sydney, Australia.England midfielder Keira Walsh has returned to team training following a knee injury in a boost to the Lionesses’ Women’s World Cup hopes. Walsh suffered the knock in England’s Group D win over Denmark, with fears it could be a serious knee injury. However the injury is far less serious than originally thought, and the 26-year-old should be fit to play again at the tournament. England face Nigeria in the last 16 on Monday in Brisbane. A tweet from the official England account confirmed that “all 23 players are out for training today at Central Coast Stadium”- including Walsh. It i...

5Aug

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

NEWS

Spain put five past Switzerland to reach last eight

Meriame Terchoun (L) and Spain's midfielder #06 Aitana Bonmati fight for the ball during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup round of 16 football match between Switzerland and Spain at Eden Park in Auckland on August 5, 2023. Spain reached the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup for the first time after producing an outstanding display of firepower in Auckland to send Switzerland out. La Roja were beaten 4-0 in their final group game by Japan five days earlier in Wellington but bounced back in style to score four times during a dominant first half showing in front of 43,217 – a record crowd for a football match in New Zealand. Aitana Bonmati swept the Spanish ahead before Switzerland equalised when Laia Codina, without looking up, hit a back pass past her ow...

3Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Morocco beat Colombia to reach World Cup last 16

Morocco's midfielder #16 Anissa Lahmari (2nd R) fights for the ball with Colombia's defender #03 Daniela Arias (L), Colombia's midfielder #06 Daniela Montoya (2n L), and Colombia's midfielder #05 Lorena Bedoya during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup Group H football match between Morocco and Colombia at Perth Rectangular Stadium in Perth on August 3, 2023.Morocco have reached the last 16 on their Women’s World Cup debut after beating Colombia – although the South Americans progress as Group H winners. Germany’s failure to beat South Korea means Morocco are into the knockout rounds as runners-up. Anissa Lahmari scored the only goal via a rebound after captain Ghizlane Chebbak’s penalty was saved. Morocco – who lost 6-0 to the Germans in their opener before successi...

3Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Two-time winners Germany knocked out of World Cup

03 August 2023, Australia, Brisbane: Soccer, Women: World Cup, South Korea - Germany, preliminary round, Group H, Matchday 3 at Lang Park, Germany's Lena Lattwein (l-r) in action against South Korea's So-hyun Cho and Seo-yeon Shim.Two-time champions Germany were sent crashing out of the Women’s World Cup group stages in the biggest shock of the tournament thanks to a draw with South Korea. It is the first time in Germany’s history they have failed to reach the knockout stages. One of the pre-tournament favourites, Germany knew they needed to better Morocco’s result against Colombia to progress in Group H, but that match finished 1-0 to Morocco. An early goal by South Korea’s Cho So-hyun shook the Euro 2022 finalists in Brisbane, but captain Alexandra Popp netted her fourth goal in three ma...

3Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Messi scores two more as Miami march past Orlando

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF battles César Araújo #5 of Orlando City SC for the ball during the Leagues Cup 2023 Round of 32 match between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Lionel Messi made it five goals in three appearances for Inter Miami as he scored twice in a 3-1 win over Orlando City in the Leagues Cup round-of-32 on Wednesday. Messi scored twice from close range to maintain his 100 percent winning record with Miami, who were winless in 11 league games before his arrival. Messi will now head on the road with Miami for the first time with Sunday’s match with FC Dallas in Texas offering a place in the quarter-finals of the tournament for top flight teams from Major League Soccer and Mexico’s Liga MX. ...

1Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Harder stars as Danes beat Haiti to book last-16 spot

Denmark's midfielder #07 Sanne Troelsgaard (2R) celebrates scoring her team's second goal during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup Group D football match between Haiti and Denmark at Perth Rectangular Stadium in Perth on August 1, 2023.Denmark booked their place in the World Cup last 16 with a 2-0 win over Haiti to finish second in Group D behind England.Haiti were undone by a penalty for a third game in a row, with Pernille Harder scoring from the spot after Dayana Pierre-Louis' handball.Sanne Troelsgaard sealed the Danes' progression to the knockout stages with a second goal deep into injury time.Denmark face Group B winners and co-hosts Australia in Sydney on Monday.It will be Denmark's first World Cup knockout match in 28 years, since they lost to NorwayRanked 13th i...

1Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Stunning James goals power England into last 16

James Lauren of England controls the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group D match between China and England at Hindmarsh Stadium on August 01, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. Lauren James produced a sensational individual performance as England entertained to sweep aside China and book their place in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup as group winners.It was a display worthy of their status as European champions and James once again lit the stage alight in Adelaide with two sensational goals and three assists.The 13,497 in attendance were treated to a masterclass from Chelsea's James, who announced her arrival at the World Cup with the match-winner against Denmark on Friday.She helped England get off to the perfect start when she teed up A...