
World Cup final in pictures: England fall to agonising defeat against Spain
England fell short of a first World Cup title after they were defeated 1-0 by Spain in Sydney. Olga Carmona’s strike in the first half was the difference between the two sides while England goalkeeper Mary Earps saved Jennifer Hermoso’s second-half spot kick as the Lionesses fell at the final hurdle. Here, the PA news agency looks at the best pictures from the day.
2023-08-20 21:50

England players ‘heartbroken’ after World Cup final defeat to Spain
England captain Millie Bright said the Lionesses are “heartbroken” after an agonising defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. Olga Carmona’s first-half strike settled the Sydney final as England’s bid to win their first World Cup in 57 years came up short. The Lionesses were given hope when Mary Earps brilliantly saved Jenni Hermoso’s penalty, but Sarina Wiegman’s side were unable to find the equaliser. Bright admitted the defeat will be “really hard to take” and said England “gave everything” to win the Women’s World Cup for the first time. “We’re absolutely heartbroken” Bright told the BBC. “We gave everything. Unfortunately we just weren’t there today. In the first half we weren’t at our best, we bounced back in the second half. We had chances, hit the bar but we just didn’t have the final edge and they got theirs in back of the net. "There was a lot of belief, we have been 1-0 down and we never give in. It’s hard to take but it’s football. The girls were unbelievable. We had a lot of critics, a few lost belief in us but we never stopped believing. Sometimes football goes for you, sometimes against you. We played in a World Cup final. In a few weeks we will appreciate this day, but we want to be winners." Wiegman admitted Spain where the “better” team as the England manager congratulated the new world champions for their victory, but said the defeat was “very, very disappointing.” "Of course it feels really bad now,” Wiegman said. “You go into the final and you want to give everything and then you lose it. That happens in sports too but what we have done, how we have shown ourselves, who we are, how we want to play as a team, overcoming so many challenges, I think we can be so proud of ourselves now although it doesn’t feel like it at the moment. "I think everyone has seen an incredible game, very open game, both teams who want to play football. Two different halves for us. In the first half we really struggled to have a press on the ball. "We changed it in the second half back to 4-3-3 and I think we got momentum then. But then the energy went out of the game with the penalty and the injury to Alex [Greenwood].” Read More England suffer World Cup heartache as brilliant Spain show Lionesses what’s missing A change too far? England’s last roll of the dice comes up short ‘England did us proud’: Stars congratulate Lionesses for World Cup final efforts
2023-08-20 21:25

Lucy Bronze appears to leave Gianni Infantino hanging in awkward presentation handshake
England defender Lucy Bronze has appeared to have left Fifa president Gianni Infantino hanging when collecting her second-place medal at the Women's World Cup Final. The Lionesses came up short on Sunday, losing 1-0 to an impressive Spain side in Sydney in a game that proved to be a step too far for a brave England team. There were a few things for England fans to be proud of including a fantastic penalty save by Mary Earps, who went viral following her reaction. Elsewhere, it depends on how you feel about Fifa and their controversial president Infantino, but Bronze appeared to give the 53-year-old from Switzerland a rather meek handshake. When Bronze collected her medal, Infantino extended his hand for a shake but Bronze looked less than interested and instead gave a less than enthusiastic response to him. In the build-up to the final, Infantino was criticised for his comments on the women's game. He said: "And I say to all the women - and you know I have four daughters, so I have a few at home - I say to all the women, that you have the power to change. "Pick the right battles. Pick the right fights. You have the power to change. You have the power to convince us men what we have to do and what we don’t have to do. You do it. Just do it. “With men, with Fifa, you will find open doors. Just push the doors. They are open. And do it also at national level, in every country, at continental level, in every confederation. Just keep pushing, keep the momentum, keep dreaming, and let’s really go for a full equality.” Fans quickly drew a connection between the two moments and were full of praise for Bronze, regardless of why she didn't give Infantino a full on handshake. 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.
2023-08-20 21:17

Soccer-Spain down England to win Women's World Cup for first time
By Nick Mulvenney SYDNEY Captain Olga Carmona scored the winner in the first half as Spain won the
2023-08-20 20:49

College football season arrives as gambling scandals, bet monitoring take on primary role
University athletic departments and college conferences use independent sports-betting monitoring services to make sure athletes and personnel do not bet on sports
2023-08-20 20:23

Spain wins its first Women's World Cup title, beating England 1-0 in the final
Spain has won the Women’s World Cup for the first time with Olga Carmona’s first-half strike giving La Roja a 1-0 victory over England in the final at Stadium Australia
2023-08-20 20:22

England suffer World Cup heartache as brilliant Spain show Lionesses what’s missing
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
2023-08-20 20:20

England’s World Cup dreams end in Sydney as Spain prove too good in final
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
2023-08-20 20:17

Mary Earps becomes instant viral hit for sweary rant in Women's World Cup Final
Mary Earps has become an instant viral sensation after launching into a very sweary rant immediately after saving a penalty against Spain in the Women's World Cup Final. The Manchester United shot-stopped was called into action after the Spanish team were awarded a penalty midway through the second half following a handball by England's Keira Walsh. Jenni Hermoso stepped up to try and give Spain a formidable 2-0 lead over the Lionesses but Earps, who has been arguably the best goalkeeper in the tournament, caught the shot comfortably. However, that wasn't the end of the story. After grasping hold of the shot, Earps immediately sprang to her feet and started shouting something that we can't possibly transcribe here but was along the lines of "f**king yes, f**k off." Regardless of what she said people couldn't get enough of Earps' outburst even though it still meant England were trailing in the match. 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.
2023-08-20 19:57

England goalkeeper Mary Earps hits out at Nike for refusing to sell her shirt
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
2023-08-20 19:50

Richardson and 3 rivals advance easily through 100-meter heats at worlds
Sha’Carri Richardson, Marie-Josée Ta Lou, Shericka Jackson and defending champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce all won their 100-meter heats at world championships to stay on track for a showdown in what could be the most unpredictable final of the nine-day track meet
2023-08-20 19:29

Pep Guardiola praises Phil Foden’s versatility as Manchester City win again
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.”
2023-08-20 18:59