List of All Articles with Tag 'al'

An exhibition in how to win a World Cup and a final that delivered a painful example of what England need to do. Sarina Wiegman took her side to the very brink, but something was still just missing against a brilliant Spain. The Women’s World Cup has new champions, but it isn’t England. Spain had the one element that the European champions still lack, beyond that glorious trophy itself. They are the only women’s side with a profound football identity, which amplifies everything they do from within and was visible in the divine Olga Carmona goal that settled this contest. It was a fittingly divine strike to win a fixture like this. Against that, Wiegman could only try and rearrange the pieces to give Spain more of a puzzle to solve. It has been her great strength, but it wasn’t enough. She sadly faces defeat in successive World Cup finals, this one may be all the more painful because her side had seemed more primed for it. It was only 1-0 but the gap in pure football terms felt far greater. This is the immense challenge in facing this Spain, what space to protect, how far you can go. Even Wiegman eventually found a problem she couldn’t solve. It was a challenge - and game - too far. Follow LIVE: Latest reaction from England vs Spain in Women’s World Cup final There is no shame in that. Spain are undeniably the finest squad in the world, as symbolised by that trophy. There will be a far bigger discussion about the meaning of it all, especially as that squad won in spite of an unprecedented series of problems, culminating in this grand debate about the manager. Jorge Vilda was booed when his name was called out before the game. That won’t matter to him or the divisive Luis Rubiales amid the cheers of victory. Such is the Spanish football identity that precedes both, though, that the Spanish players essentially make him a passenger in their journey. That, lamentably, is also what they did to England for long stretches of this final. Georgia Stanway chased everything, Millie Bright won so many important balls, Jess Carter made some crucial interceptions, but it constantly felt like there was another Spanish player over. Their ability in the tightest of spaces is truly special. It very quickly became apparent that this entire game would come down to Spain maximizing their majority of possession, or allow a resolute England to play on those remaining doubts. It is after all a basic fact that Spain have by far the most sophisticated football identity in the women’s game, and that translated into some supremely choreographed passing moves. There was one made up of one-touch balls right up the pitch after about 10 minutes that was really an exhibition of how football should be played. It was also a warning to England. It was not heeded, as it was through that exact area on the right that Lucy Bronze decided to surge into it. She only ran into a phalanx of Spanish ball-players, leaving a huge gap behind. It was quickly exploited in the most exquisite fashion. This was the kind of goal that should come in a World Cup final, a moment of quality befitting the stage. Teresa Abelleira lofted over a luscious cross-field ball, the immediate contrast with Maria Caldentey’s quick touch inside only made it all the more impressive. Then, without breaking stride, Olga Carmona arrowed the ball into the corner. It was all so thrillingly fluid. If that was the perfect goal that had been coming, it wasn’t quite the perfect performance. For all that Aitana Bonmati did to make the World Cup final stage her own, Spain didn’t have complete control. They were susceptible to those sudden breaks from Alessia Russo, although the energy required for them left her looking exhausted by half-time. There was also the issue that, as majestic as 99 percent of Spain’s passes are, they so often struggled with the final ball from out wide. There were about three occasions that could have put them out of sight. When one ball did get through, Salma put it just the wrong side of the post. As it was, at 1-0, England still had a chance. The longer it stayed at that scoreline the likelier Spain were to let it get to them - something that became apparent after Jennifer Hermoso’s penalty miss. Wiegman, for her part, had proactively looked to improve that chance. She again displayed the type of assertiveness that makes her the best coach in the women’s game, switching to a 4-2-3-1 by bringing Chloe Kelly and - of course - Lauren James on for Russo and Rachel Daly. Keira Walsh began to come into the game much more, which made it all the more unfortunate that it was her innocuous handball that brought a penalty. The length of time referee Tori Penso needed to rewatch it showed how debatable it was. It may well have created doubt for Hermoso. Her penalty was poor, but Mary Earps - yet again - made the right decision. The goalkeeper understandably celebrated as if, well, she’d saved the World Cup. There was still some way to go. England were still in it. It was the sort of moment that can completely scramble the psychology of a game. England were beginning to break through more. James forced Catalina Coll into a reaction save. That was about it, though. England got a little desperate by the end, but that is perhaps inevitable from the physical and mental fatigue that comes from chasing the ball this long. These Spanish players have come through too much themselves. Alexia Putellas came on to get them over the final hurdle and enjoy the moment her own career deserves. They show how the game should be played. They show you how to win a World Cup. England should not look at that with shame. They should look at it as the final step required. Read More England v Spain LIVE: Women’s World Cup final score and updates as Lionesses search for equaliser Anti-Putin protest interrupts Women’s World Cup final Women’s World Cup golden boot: Who’s leading the top-scorer standings? Anti-Putin protest interrupts Women’s World Cup final Why are England wearing their blue kit against Spain? Sarina Wiegman has already made the biggest decision of England’s World Cup

England’s dream of lifting a first World Cup was dashed at the final hurdle after Olga Carmona’s first-half strike proved enough to secure Spain a 1-0 victory in Sydney. Sarina Wiegman’s side still achieved a best-ever second-place finish, but that will be little consolation to the Lionesses, who came within inches of an opener when Lauren Hemp clipped the crossbar in the first half. FIFA Best goalkeeper Mary Earps produced several fine saves to keep England in the contest, including the vital block to deny Jennifer Hermoso’s second-half spot kick as her determined team-mates tried to stage a comeback. That never came, and while the Lionesses had their chances they ultimately could not find a way past speedy Spain, who survived 13 minutes of stoppage time to secure a deserved maiden world title. Wiegman named an unchanged side from the one that beat Australia 3-1 to advance to this stage for the first time. World Cup debutant Lauren James, who had scored three times and added the same number of assists in the group stage, was available for the England boss after serving a two-match ban and came on as a second-half substitute. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Once upon a time, Russian President Vladimir Putin was the man to see: In the weeks preceding Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, world leaders took turns shuttling to Moscow to urge the Kremlin leader to step back from the brink and call off any plans for an attack.

Fans have started speculating how Mama June got so many gifts and where the money came from

England goalkeeper Mary Earps says Nike’s decision to not sell her kit during the Women’s World Cup is “hurtful” and “hugely disappointing”. England’s home and away kits are available for fans to buy, but the Lionesses goalkeeper kits have not been put up for sale by the team’s kit supplier. Earps was England’s goalkeeper when they won the Euros last summer and the Manchester United star was named Fifa’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper for 2022. Follow LIVE: Latest updates as England face Spain in Women’s World Cup final Her outstanding form has continued during the World Cup, including a penalty save in the final to deny Jennifer Hermoso and keep the Lionesses one goal behind at Stadium Australia. Earps said England captain Millie Bright had told her she wanted to buy her kit for her niece, only to find it wasn’t available for purchase. "I can’t really sugar-coat this in any way, so I am not going to try," Earps told reporters ahead of England’s opening game against Haiti on Saturday. "It is hugely disappointing and very hurtful. "My shirt on the Manchester United website was sold out last season. It was the third-best-selling shirt, so who says it is not selling?" "It is the young kids I am most concerned about. They are going to say, Mum, Dad, can I have a Mary Earps shirt?’ and they say, ‘I can’t, but I can get you an Alessia Russo 23 or a Rachel Daly 9.’ “What you are saying is that goalkeeping isn’t important, but you can be a striker if you want." Meanwhile, the FA has confirmed England captain Millie Bright will wear armbands advocating for inclusion, Indigenous People and gender equality in the Lionesses’ respective first three World Cup matches. Players have the choice of wearing one or more of eight FIFA-sanctioned armbands at this tournament, but not the rainbow OneLove design that sparked the threat of sanctions being issued to countries – including England and Wales – during the 2022 men’s World Cup in Qatar. Should the Lionesses progress past the group stage, which begins with Saturday’s opener against Haiti, the player-led decision is for their skipper to switch out her armband to a new cause for each match. Bright said: “As a group, we felt really strongly about all the causes, and we couldn’t separate one from the other. We feel that they are all important and deserve recognition and our support. “We have only just come to a decision recently as we wanted to take time to process it all and to make sure we spoke collectively. “Supporting Indigenous People is massively important to us as a team, both staff and players. We wanted to come to this country and respect the past, the present and the future. We are aware of the past, but we want to move forward collectively and make the world a better place. It is something that we always pride ourselves on.” Read More Women’s World Cup 2023 LIVE: Spain open against Costa Rica after Canada held to Nigeria draw How to watch England vs Haiti: TV channel and start time for Women’s World Cup opener England make decision on armbands for Women’s World Cup matches Anti-Putin protest interrupts Women’s World Cup final Why are England wearing their blue kit against Spain? Sarina Wiegman has already made the biggest decision of England’s World Cup

'I would advise against giving him any kind of support even if you're just watching the kind of content he puts out,' Gwendlyn Brown said

Pep Guardiola hailed the impact of Phil Foden after champions Manchester City continued their winning Premier League start with a hard-fought victory over Newcastle. Julian Alvarez scored the only goal of a tight game at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday but it was Foden who claimed most of the plaudits as City registered a club-record 17th successive home victory. England midfielder Foden teed up Alvarez’s 31st-minute strike during a lively display in which he looked more than capable of filling the playmaking void created by injury to Kevin De Bruyne. “I’ve said many times, Phil can play in all the positions up front,” said City manager Guardiola. “He has an incredible ability between the lines. The way he turns and attacks the last lines – it is one of the best I have seen. “Every control, he knows exactly what is the goal. He doesn’t need two or three touches to get in the right position to attack the goal. In just one touch he is attacking. “Managers adapt skills to the players we have, or the problems we have right now. Phil, I know how good he is in that position, how good he is as a striker or left wing or wing. I am happy because I have the feeling he is coming back. “Still we are not at our best, we still have to make a step, but that is completely normal in this type of period. “Here the biggest difference is the team showed to me, and showed to the Premier League, we are ready to try it again.” Coming off the back of their European Super Cup triumph in midweek, the treble winners were not at their most dynamic. Yet with Foden at the heart of their attack, they repeatedly troubled Newcastle while successfully stifling the visitors’ threat. The result punctured some of Newcastle’s buoyancy after a bright start to the season but manager Eddie Howe emphasised the positives. Howe said: “They controlled it but you have to give them credit. They are a top team and that’s why they win so much. “It’s disappointing not to get anything from the game but we’ll reflect and analyse and there’s so much to take from the game. “We go into another one against Liverpool, which will be similar, and there’s lots to take into that match.”

MrBeast has done it again, with another record-breaking challenge that's racked up tens of millions of views in less than 24 hours. On Saturday (19 August), the popular YouTuber, real name Jimmy Donaldson, uploaded an exciting challenge that saw every country in the world go head-to-head for $250,000 (£196,300). The video was an instant hit with his 177 million subscribers, having racked up 48 million views in 17 hours at the time of writing. The numbers continue to soar by the second. MrBeast's latest challenge sees one person from each country take on his version of the Olympics. All participants were flown out to America, before battling it out in five different rounds of activities including gymnastics, archery and fencing. Countries were eliminated throughout the challenge, with just 47 making it to the third round. The last standing won the cash prize. Every Country On Earth Fights For $250,000! www.youtube.com This isn't the first time the online sensation has broken records after his Squid Game challenge in 2021 and his 'lost at sea' experiment. MrBeast previously acknowledged his achievement when he broke the world record for the most views in 24 hours for a non-music video, with 46 million. Speaking about his famed 'Stranded at Sea' video from August 6, MrBeast said: "New video broke the world record for most views in 24 hours on a non music video! I’m living the life I would dream of every night when I was 13.. I love all of you and thank you so much for watching our videos!!! I’ll never take you all for granted." Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

Money raised from the album will go towards creating a running water supply for a Maasai village.

Egypt expects to begin making use of a five-year, $500 million financing deal provided by the United Arab

England face Spain in their first Women’s World Cup final as Sarina Wiegman and her players look to bring the game’s biggest prize home from Sydney. Lauren James returns to the bench as Wiegman named an unchanged side for the World Cup final, with the star forward now available for selection after serving her two-game ban. But quite aside from the players on show, one of the early talking points of the match is the fact England are not playing in white - but instead in their changed strip of light blue jerseys and shorts. But the choice is down to Fifa at all World Cup games. The governing body selects all kits, including referee and subs’ bibs, after assessing factors to ensure no overlap not just in actual colour but also which ones could affect viewers who are colour blind. As such, they have determined that the best contrasts across the spectrum are for the gold versus blue - which just so happens to be the same colour scheme used when the teams met in April in a friendly. It’s the first time the England men’s or women’s team have reached a football World Cup final since 1966, with the nation set to come to a halt for the historic occasion. Follow all the build-up to England’s clash against Spain in the final, get all the latest Women’s World Cup odds here and find latest tips for the game itself here. Read More England v Spain LIVE: Women’s World Cup final score and updates as Lionesses go for glory Women’s World Cup golden boot: Who’s leading the top-scorer standings? Women’s football world rankings: Who could take No 1 at the World Cup?

Turkey took a first step away from a tool designed to halt a selloff in the lira by