
Angry reaction as Spanish soccer leader kissed a Women’s World Cup star on the mouth without consent
A kiss on the lips caused an uproar after Spain won the Women’s World Cup title
2023-08-21 23:28

Statistics show Spain were worthy World Cup winners
Spain produced dominant performances throughout the World Cup as they saw off England to lift the trophy for the first time. Beaten Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman said after Sunday’s final that “you have to give credit to Spain, over the tournament they played the best football,” and her words are borne out by the statistics. Here, the PA news agency looks at how the cup was won. Spanish style Spain’s 157 shots at goal were by far the most at the tournament – semi-finalists Australia, with a round 100, were the only other team in three figures. They also ranked top on a ‘per 90 minutes’ basis with 18.9, narrowly ahead of Brazil’s 18.3, and gave up only 5.2 per 90 at the other end – a figured bettered by only the United States (3.5) and New Zealand (5.0). They ranked only ninth for accuracy with 36 per cent of their shots on target, and 11th in conversion rate at 11 per cent, but their dominance of games meant that was enough for victory and their 6.7 shots on target per 90 still led the way. FIFA’s official statistics show them with 169 completed ball progressions, when no other country reached three figures, and 1,008 line-breaks – England were next at a distant 884 while 121.4 per 90 minutes is 15 more than any other team. They completed more passes, 4,002, than any other country even attempted, with England’s 3,963 attempts second to La Roja’s 4,622 as the Spanish system so familiar in the men’s game was executed to perfection by their women as well. Spain’s 44 take-ons completed was almost double the next-best tally of 24 by France and Australia – though they were behind group-stage victims Portugal, Italy and Germany on a per-90 basis. Forward Salma Paralluelo alone managed 10. Show of strength Spain won every game but one and gave playing time to 22 of their 23 squad members, with only third-choice goalkeeper Enith Salon not used as Cata Coll replaced Misa Rodriguez between the posts after the group stage. Defender Irene Paredes was the only player to play every minute as they demonstrated the depth of their options, even in the absence of 12 of the 15 players who last year withdrew from selection amid a dispute with the national federation. Ona Batlle, Mariona Caldentey and player of the tournament Aitana Bonmati were the only members of ‘Las 15’ present in Australia and New Zealand as the likes of young player of the tournament Paralluelo, the previously uncapped Coll and final goalscorer Olga Carmona emerged to play key roles. England performed creditably in the face of their own absences but may have ultimately been undone by the lack of options available to Wiegman. From last year’s European Championship-winning squad, captain Leah Williamson, Golden Boot winner Beth Mead and Fran Kirby were ruled out by injuries and Jill Scott and record scorer Ellen White have retired. Midfield lynchpin Keira Walsh missed a game and a half with a knee injury and emerging star Lauren James served a two-match ban but despite that, Wiegman used only 17 of the 23 players at her disposal and made only 20 substitutions. Goalkeeper Mary Earps, captain Millie Bright and fellow defender Alex Greenwood played every minute as Lotte Wubben-Moy, Esme Morgan, Jordan Nobbs and Katie Robinson went unused along with back-up keepers Hannah Hampton and Ellie Roebuck. Niamh Charles, Laura Coombs and Bethany England also did not start any games.
2023-08-21 23:20

Is Crystal Palace v Arsenal on TV? How to watch Premier League fixture
After a narrow win over Nottingham Forest on the opening day, Arsenal will be looking for a second successive victory as they aim to push Manchester City for the title again. Arsenal have won their last two matches against Crystal Palace, but with Roy Hodgson in charge again, Palace fans will be hoping for a repeat of their 3-0 win over the Gunners in April 2022. After shelling out for the likes of now-injured Jurriën Timber and Declan Rice in the summer, Mikel Arteta will be hoping his side can find their footing and although it’s only early in the season, if they want to challenge for the top spot, they cannot afford any slip-ups. It will be the Eagles’ first home game of the campaign after winning at recently-promoted Sheffield United on the opening weekend. Here’s everything you need to know about the fixture; get all the latest football betting sites offers here and get all the latest Palace vs Arsenal odds here. When is Crystal Palace vs Arsenal? Crystal Palace vs Arsenal is due to kick-off at 8pm on Monday 21 August at Selhurst Park in London. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League - from 6.30 pm Team news Arsenal will be without Gabriel Jesus and Jurrien Timber for the match with knee injuries and Mikel Arteta will be hoping Oleksandr Zinchenko will have built up enough fitness to be able to start. Michael Olise is still expected to be injured in another blow to Roy Hodgson, but Palace are likely to be compact and organised against the Gunners. Predicted line-ups Crystal Palace XI: Johnstone; Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Doucoure, Lerma; Ayew, Eze, Schlupp; Edouard Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli Odds Crystal Palace win 9/2 Draw 12/5 Arsenal win 1/2 Prediction It might be cagey at times and Arsenal will have to work hard but they will get the three points in a relatively straightforward affair. Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal Read More Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal could dip back in market after Jurrien Timber injury Mikel Arteta presents David Raya’s grandfather, 91, with gift as goalkeeper signs for Arsenal Eddie Nketiah forced his way into Arsenal team with performances in training, Arteta says Liverpool to appeal Alexis Mac Allister’s red card in win against Bournemouth Everton condemn ‘vile’ racist abuse aimed at midfielder Amadou Onana Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster retires from football for a second time
2023-08-21 22:56

Sporting Gijón coach apologizes for comparing scoring goals to talking to 'girls in the disco'
The head coach of Spanish second division soccer team Sporting Gijón has apologized for remarks he made which likened talking to women in discos to scoring goals.
2023-08-21 22:52

Spanish federation president apologises for kissing one of the players
The Spanish federation president criticised for his antics at Sunday’s World Cup final has apologised for kissing one of the team’s players, saying his behaviour “seems like it has caused a commotion”. Luis Rubiales, who is also a member of UEFA’s ruling executive committee and a vice-president of European football’s governing body, issued a video statement on Monday after he was pictured kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips during Sunday’s medal ceremony in Sydney, after Spain had beaten England 1-0 in the final. Footage has also emerged of Rubiales kissing goalscorer Olga Carmona, and of him celebrating Spain’s win in the stadium’s VIP area by grabbing his crotch. Rubiales’ behaviour in Australia was described as “unacceptable” by Spain’s acting culture and sports minister Miquel Iceta. The minister called on Rubiales to explain his actions and apologise. Rubiales’ statement focused on the Hermoso kiss and did not reference his behaviour in the VIP box, where he was stood alongside Spain’s Queen Letizia and her teenage daughter Sofia. “There is something I regret, and it was what happened between me and a player, with whom I have a fantastic relationship, just like with the others, where I have certainly made a mistake. I have to admit it,” Rubiales said in his video address. “In that moment of absolute exultation, without any bad intentions or bad faith, well… that happened. I believe it happened in a very spontaneous way, which I repeat had no bad intentions from either side. “From that point on, it wasn’t interpreted that way as we carried on as normal, naturally, and again with no ill will between us. “But outside of that it seems like it has caused a commotion as it seemed to do damage, so I want to apologise for it, I don’t ask for anything else.” Rubiales’ actions come less than a year after a mutiny by 15 Spain players, who withdrew their services reportedly due to discontent with a number of aspects of the national team set-up, including the strictness of coach Jorge Vilda. The federation refused to budge in response to the players’ complaints, with a statement saying those involved would only be able to return to the national team “if they accept their mistake and ask for forgiveness”. Neither Hermoso nor Carmona were among the 15. Hermoso can be heard in a social media post that she “didn’t like” the kiss from Rubiales, but then later released a statement via the federation saying it was a mutual gesture which was “spontaneous”. World players’ union FIFPRO said: “It is deeply lamentable that such a special moment for the players of the Spain national team that was taking place before a global television audience should be stained by the inappropriate conduct of an individual in a role carrying so much responsibility. “Uninitiated and uninvited physical gestures towards players are not appropriate or acceptable in any context. This is especially true when players are put in a position of vulnerability because a physical approach or gesture is initiated by a person who holds power over them.” UEFA has declined to comment. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Warren Gatland breaks new ground by naming Wales co-captains for Rugby World Cup Spain captain Olga Carmona dedicates World Cup triumph to late father Who will win the frantic battle for the final two Super League play-off slots?
2023-08-21 22:23

Spain captain Olga Carmona dedicates World Cup triumph to late father
Spain skipper Olga Carmona has dedicated her World Cup triumph to her late father after firing the nation to victory over England. The 23-year-old learned that her father had died after scoring the only goal in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over the Lionesses in Sydney. Real Madrid defender Carmona said in a tweet on Monday: “I have no words to thank you for all your love. “Yesterday was the best and the worst day of my life. “I know that you would like to see me enjoy this historic moment – that is why I will be with my companions – so that from wherever you are, you know that this star is also yours, dad.” Carmona struck 29 minutes into the game at Stadium Australia to hand Spain their first World Cup triumph at the expense of Sarina Wiegman’s England, sparking delirious celebrations on and off the pitch. However, the heart-breaking news of her father’s death was confirmed by Real and the Spanish football federation (RFEF) hours later. Carmona herself then took to social media to pay tribute to him, writing: “And without knowing it, I had my star before the game started. “I know that you have given me the strength to achieve something unique. “I know that you have been watching me tonight and that you are proud of me. Rest in peace, dad.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-08-21 21:15

How not to win a World Cup: Spain, Jorge Vilda and the story of a complicated victory
As Olga Carmona ran back to the Spanish celebrations, having just declared that the federation’s support was “marvellous” with a World Cup medal around her neck, she and manager Jorge Vilda high-fived then shared a huge hug. It was an image that went against the more prolific pictures of other players refusing to even look at their coach in the moment of glory. This is not to try and say it was all much rosier in the Spanish camp than had been reported. It is quite the opposite. It points to how multi-layered the many issues in the squad were, going way beyond a mutiny against the manager. The tragic news of Carmona's father passing away before the final illustrates this. But, separate from this tragedy, the issues were real. The Spanish federation’s social media account did put out a post with a picture of the coach and the Women’s World Cup trophy declaring “Vilda in”. The manager, having eventually appeared for his press conference after almost three hours of celebrating, was asked about this – and those who doubted him. In other words, the players at the core of the mutiny, who did not come back. Vilda’s answer was perhaps the most direct reference he’s made to the controversy throughout this World Cup, but was still oblique. “I’m happy for everyone we made happy and that wanted our squad to win. That’s it.” It was just another layer to a situation that has seen a core of players mutiny against the coach and the federation, some come back, with individuals then standing alongside replacements for rebels. It is understood there is a growing Real Madrid-Barcelona issue, to go alongside a more complicated split between those who are in the squad and have little time for Vilda and those who are completely indebted to him. Madrid’s Carmona, whose influence in the squad grew after the mutiny, is very much one of the latter. There is a lot that can be said about all this, but all pale next to the most relevant statement of all. Spain are world champions. Jenni Hermoso had an unintentionally pointed comment on that: “It is easier to say you are world champions than to achieve it.” That has rarely been so true. The most fascinating part of it all is that nobody has ever won any major tournament in a manner even close to this. It is a victory completely without precedent in the history of the sport. There’s an obvious reason for that. Squads faced with such strife usually fall apart. The centre doesn’t hold. It is in many ways how not to win a World Cup. You only have to look at France 2002 and 2010, the Netherlands at Euro 96 and even various men’s Spanish teams. And yet, in the moment of glory, there was another image that symbolised so much. By the penalty area where goalkeeper Cata Coll withstood England’s late pressure, all of the Spanish players had come together in one big group. Almost at the other end of the pitch, by the sideline, the coaching staff celebrated in their own separate huddle. That alone symbolised so much. And yet there was more. In the middle was the entire England squad, Sarina Wiegman and her staff gathering the players together for a consoling message of pride. It was the team with much more unity that had, in many ways, been taken apart. The question isn’t quite how, though. There are obvious explanations. Just as a very specific set of circumstances fostered this crisis, a very specific set of circumstances have also made Spain the best team in the world. All of these players have come through a superb coaching infrastructure, immersed in a highly specific identity, that just isn’t yet visible anywhere else in a developing women’s game. It has given them a supreme advantage that allows them to overcome an unprecedented number of problems. You only have to look at the instinctive way their players get out of the tightest of spaces, to initiate an intricate passing triangle. Any conscious issues are inevitably overcome when it comes that naturally. Carmona’s goal was the perfect example of this. It was executed at such speed and with such flow it was as if they didn’t even need to think about it. They just knew what to do. It was ingrained. It used to be like this for the Spanish men, goalkeeper Coll even making a point of mentioning of how she was inspired by Andres Iniesta and Iker Casillas in 2010. It was just that other countries caught up and began to develop plans that worked very well to counter it. Wiegman gave as good an attempt as anyone, other than Japan. This is another historic anomaly with this Spanish team. No one outside West Germany 1954 has ever won either a men or women’s World Cup having lost a game by more than two goals. Wiegman and her staff had, of course, pored over footage of Spain’s 4-0 defeat to Japan. They thought they had something figured out, but found Vilda’s side had stepped up a level. The Japan match had evidently allowed insight into potential solutions for Spain’s tactical problems. Wiegman almost seemed blown away by how good Spain were, in a very gracious press conference. She naturally admitted they deserved it and then elaborated on the almost impossible balance she tried to strike between pressing Spain but not leaving space in behind. It’s immensely difficult when a player like Aitana Bonmati can just escape in the way she does. That is, again, the other side of this issue. If Spain’s preparation shows how not to win a World Cup, their idea of the game is just how to play football. There are so many moments you watch one of those moves and think every single footballer should have this as a fundamental of their game. There may be fair questions over whether Vilda is any good as a coach at all but he did get one big call right on Sunday: it was clearly correct to go with Salma Paralluelo over Alexia Putellas and became more pronounced given Wiegman’s reluctance to play Lauren James from the start. One stuck. One twisted. It is one of many turns in the story of this campaign, that has never been as neat or as binary as portrayed. It still isn’t how you’d want to prepare for a World Cup, though. That is by far the most remarkable aspect of this fully deserved win. Read More Jorge Vilda: Spain’s World Cup coach at the heart of a civil war Spain star Jenni Hermoso reacts after FA president kisses her on lips Olga Carmona: Spain’s World Cup-winning goalscorer is informed of father’s death minutes after final ends Spanish FA boss who kissed player filmed making obscene gesture The anguish, emotion and the story of the Women’s World Cup in photos Women’s World Cup 2023 LIVE: England head home after final heartbreak
2023-08-21 20:24

5 times Mary Earps proved she was a national treasure
The Lionesses gave their all during the Women’s World Cup and none have made a bigger impression than Mary Earps. The goalkeeper bailed England out on plenty of occasions and brought fans some of the best moments of the tournament. Most of all, though, the Manchester United player powered the team through with sheer force of personality, playing a key part in England’s run to the final. The likes of Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo and Lauren James also impressed, but it was the keeper that gave us the something to cheer during the final despite the result. Earps won the 2023 Women’s World Cup golden glove – which is even more remarkable to think that she came close to quitting the sport entirely until coach Sarina Wiegman gave her a chance in the side before the Euros. These are five times she proved she was a national treasure. Her rant during the final Earps became an instant viral sensation after launching into a very sweary rant immediately after saving a penalty against Spain. It proved the standout moment for England during a disappointing 1-0 defeat. The shot-stopper saved a penalty from Spain's Jenni Hermoso in the final and reacted by shouting "f***ing yes, f*** off." It was the only real moment fans had to celebrate during the game. She’s a TikTok star @england The bona fide queen of TikTok: Mary Earps ? #england #Lionesses #FIFAWWC Fans have more insight into life in the England camp than ever before, and that’s partly due to Earps and her behind-the-scenes videos on TikTok. “I’m known as TikTok Queen,” she said recently, talking about entertaining her 868,000 followers. “I think TikTok just suits my personality and it gives people a real insight into who I am as a person, but also what the team’s like… you see a lot of training pictures and things like that - who we are as people and who were are as human beings. If I see anything that documents our journey then I might make a little video of it.” Dancing on the tables after the Euros 'It's coming home!' England players storm press conference chanting slogan | #WEURO2022 | Lionesses www.youtube.com The Lionesses raised the profile of the women’s game back in 2022 after winning the Euros, and the celebrations stretched out into the days after the game. One of the best moments saw the entire England team gatecrash coach Wiegman’s press conference, and who was the one to lead the chanting and dance on the table? Earps, of course. Getting a badger named after her You know you’re reaching national treasure status when things are named in your honour – and a baby beaver was named after the goalkeeper in honour of England reaching the World Cup final. The kit was born at the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate, near Exmoor, in Somerset, and joins siblings Russo, Toone and Rashford. Earps is the sixth member of the family born at an enclosure known as Paddocks, with twins – named Moss and Fern – born at a second enclosure nearby. Members of the public were invited to help name the three kits, with the final decision made by the ranger team on the estate. Earps is the younger sibling of Rashford, the first beaver born on Exmoor for 400 years, who was named after Manchester United player Marcus Rashford in 2021. He was followed by twins Russo and Toone, named after Lionesses Alessia Russo and Ella Toone, last summer. The kit debacle One of the biggest talking points before the tournament was Earps and her campaign to get the England goalkeeper shirt available for people to buy. Fans have been unable to purchase the shirt, with Nike deciding it wasn’t profitable to sell them. It led them to launch petitions with more than 65,000 signatures and even make their own shirts at home. Speaking earlier this summer about Nike’s decision not to sell the shirt, Earps said: “I can't really sugarcoat this any way so I'm not going to try, it's hugely disappointing and very hurtful. “It's something that I've been fighting behind closed doors. I've been desperately trying to find a solution with the FA and with Nike.” She added: “Unfortunately it's become very evident that is not possible and there's not going to be an acceptable solution for the young kids out there. On a personal level it's obviously hugely hurtful, considering the last 12 months especially. “For my own family, friends and loved ones not to be able to buy my shirt, they're just going to come out and wear normal clothes. All my team-mates, they've ordered a lot of shirts for their friends and family, they're talking at the dinner table 'I wasn't able to get this' and I'm saying 'I wasn't able to get it at all'. “I know there's a lot of people who have spent a tremendous amount of money on outfield shirts and then put '1 Earps' on the back, which doesn't sit well with me either. “It's a very scary message that's being sent to goalkeepers worldwide that 'you're not important'. A lesson I've learned is that I should have made a public statement sooner maybe. I look back on it and I've tried everything. I offered to fund it myself and my team-mates have been really supportive.” 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.
2023-08-21 20:23

Everton condemn ‘vile’ racist abuse aimed at midfielder Amadou Onana
Everton have condemned “vile” racist abuse aimed at midfielder Amadou Onana on social media and vowed to track down the alleged perpetrator. The Premier League club released a statement on Monday revealing the 22-year-old Senegal-born Belgium international had been targeted and reiterating its zero-tolerance stance on discrimination. An investigation is under way with the Toffees ready to support police in any action they may take. The statement read: “Everton Football Club strongly condemns any form of racist and discriminatory abuse towards our players. “The club is aware of a racist post targeted at Amadou Onana. Such abuse is vile and will not and should not be tolerated. “The club is conducting an investigation to identify the individual responsible and will also be supporting police with any investigation they conduct. “We must all take a zero-tolerance stance by reporting such behaviour to social media platforms and the authorities. Racism has no place online, in our stadia or in our communities.” Onana, a £34million signing from French club Lille last summer, played the full 90 minutes in Sunday’s 4-0 Premier League defeat at Aston Villa. The defensive midfielder has been linked with a move to Manchester United in recent weeks.
2023-08-21 19:58

Ben Foster quits Hollywood-owned Wrexham and heads back into retirement
Ben Foster is heading back into retirement after a few months with the soccer team owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney
2023-08-21 19:28

Ryan Reynolds pays heartfelt tribute to Ben Foster: "I love this guy"
Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds has paid a touching tribute to the club's goalkeeper Ben Foster who has announced his immediate retirement following a difficult start to the season. The 40-year-old shot-stopper came out of retirement for the Welsh side last season to help them earn promotion back to the football league and made some crucial saves in team's National League winning campaign. However, life in League Two has not been easy for Wrexham or Foster as the team has won just once and already conceded 13 goals. A tipping point proved to be on Saturday when Wrexham were down 4-1 at half-time to visiting Swindon Town, eventually drawing the game 5-5. After speaking with manager Phil Parkinson, Foster agreed that it was time to hang his boots up for a second time. In a statement released on the club's website Foster said: "The honest truth is that my performances this season haven’t reached the level I demand of myself and I feel that now is the right time to retire. “At the forefront of my mind when making this decision, was not only what was best for me but also the Club, and making the decision now gives the Club every opportunity to assess their options before the window closes. “Wrexham will always have a special place in my heart.” Reynolds, who appeared to have a blossoming friendship with Foster, said on X/Twitter: He built memories I’ll never let go of for as long as I live. I love this guy. Thank you for everything, Ben." Parkinson also added to the tributes: "Ben has been the model professional while at Wrexham and has done everything we have asked of him. “It takes a big person to make the decision he has and one who really understands this Football Club, with the timing of his decision. “I am sure I speak for everyone, when thanking him for his contribution that went far beyond that one magnificent penalty save against Notts County to help us gain promotion last season. “Wrexham AFC was a better place for having Ben Foster around the Club.” This was Foster's second spell at Wrexham having spent time on loan there from Stoke City in 2005. Foster played more than 500 games in his career at clubs like Manchester United, Watford, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion. Wrexham's next game sees them face Barrow in the hope that they can start to climb the League Two ladder where they currently sit in 15th position. Sign up to 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.
2023-08-21 19:27

Blank to have Atlanta team in TGL high-tech golf league founded by Woods, McIlroy
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank is purchasing one of six teams in Tiger Woods’ new high-tech TGL golf league scheduled to launch in January
2023-08-21 19:17