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Tag: FIFA Women's World Cup

  • Live Updates: Spain wins first Women’s World Cup with 1-0 victory over England

    Live Updates: Spain wins first Women’s World Cup with 1-0 victory over England

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    SYDNEY — Live updates from the Women’s World Cup final between England and Spain:

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    Spain has won its first Women’s World Cup championship with a 1-0 victory over England.

    The win for Spain in just its third World Cup appearance prevented the Lionesses — the reigning European champions — from bringing the trophy back to England for the first time since 1966. England’s men’s team won the nation’s only World Cup that year.

    Spain won on a goal from Olga Carmona in the 29th minute. The left back scored in back-to-back World Cup games for Spain, which has a tournament-best 18 goals in this World Cup, and became just the seventh player in tournament history to score in both the semifinals and the final.

    Spain, which had a near mutiny last year when 15 players quit the national team, was the more aggressive team in the final and pressed the entire game.

    The England loss was the first this tournament for coach Sarina Wiegman, who was hired in late 2021 as the team’s first non-British manager. It was also Wiegman’s second consecutive loss in the finale.

    She is the only coach in the history of the tournament to take two nations to the final; Wiegman was coach of the Netherlands when the Dutch lost 2-0 to the United States in 2019.

    The finale guaranteed a first-time Women’s World Cup winner as neither Spain or England had ever hoisted the trophy.

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    Spain teenage star Salma Paralluelo was given a yellow card following a collision with England defender Alex Greenwood late in the second half.

    The two collided and Greenwood appeared to be knocked in the head by a high knee from Paralluelo to her head. The knock drew blood and a lengthy stoppage as England brought a clean uniform onto the field for Greenwood to change into.

    She resumed the game with a huge white bandage wrapped around her head.

    Spain leads 1-0 with a first-half goal.

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    England goalkeeper Mary Earps stopped Spain from taking a commanding lead in the Women’s World Cup final when she saved a Jenni Hermoso penalty kick.

    Hermoso’s attempt in the 69th minute came after Keira Walsh was called for a handball violation. The penalty was called after a VAR review.

    Spain holds a 1-0 lead after Olga Carmona scored in the 29th minute.

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    England has picked up its play in the second half of the Women’s World Cup final while trailing 1-0 to Spain.

    The improved offense has been a reprieve for England goalkeeper Mary Earps, who has been tested throughout and was forced to make another huge save early in the second half.

    Aitanna Bonmatti fired a strike from outside the area in the 51st minute. The ball was slightly deflected and Earps had to adjust to steer the ball away from the corner of the net.

    It started a flurry of action as two minutes later, Lauren Hemp cut down the left flank and passed the ball to Lauren James, but James misplaced her pass and gifted Spain a throw-in.

    In the next minute, Chloe Kelly had an excellent cross from the right wing to Hemp at the back post. Hemp fired her shot narrowly past the Spanish net. Kelly and James were second-half substitutions.

    Hemp was given a yellow card moments later for a late tackle on Salma Paralluelo.

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    England playmaker Lauren James was substituted into the Women’s World Cup final at the start of the second half with Spain leading 1-0.

    James was on the bench for the start following her two-game suspension for stomping on a Nigeria player in the round of 16. James came into the game along with Chloe Kelly in what appeared to be a four-back set for England.

    Spain made no substitutions.

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    Spain took a 1-0 lead over England into the break of the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday.

    Spain went up 1-0 in the 29th minute with a firm strike from Olga Carmona. The left back has scored in back-to-back World Cup games for Spain, which has a tournament-best 18 goals in this World Cup.

    Spain has scored first in four of its World Cup matches.

    England playmaker Lauren James was on the bench for the first half following her two-game suspension for stomping on a Nigeria player in the round of 16.

    Although both teams had early scoring chances, Spain was the first-half aggressor.

    La Roja has dominated possession and Aitanna Bonmatti whipped in a free kick in the 36th minute that England captain Millie Bright swiped clear. But it gave Irene Paredes an opportunity the defender couldn’t convert with her strike.

    Teenage super-sub Salma Paralluelo, in the starting lineup for the first time this tournament, then nearly scored right at the half but her shot was inches wide of the goal.

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    The Women’s World Cup final between England and Spain has started in what statistically should be a close match.

    Spain through the tournament has created almost twice as many scoring chances per game (24) than England (14). But the Lionesses are considered a more clinical team.

    England coach Sarina Wiegman is undefeated in this tournament with six wins to reach the final. Wiegman, who was hired in late 2021 as the team’s first non-British manager, is back in her second consecutive finale.

    She’s the only coach in the history of the tournament to take two nations to the final. Wiegman was coach of the Netherlands when the Dutch lost 2-0 to the United States in 2019.

    But, England has scored fewer goals than Spain in this World Cup on its way to the championship game. Spain has scored 17 goals, to 13 for England. Conversely, Spain has conceded seven goals to England’s three.

    England has three clean sheets in the tournament.

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    Gareth Southgate, coach of England’s men’s soccer team, said he had “no advice” for women’s counterpart Sarina Wiegman ahead of the Women’s World Cup final against Spain.

    “You’re doing a brilliant job, so that’s the first thing, and of course there is no advice because you’ve done more than us already, and you know what is needed to win,” Southgate said in a nearly seven-minute star-studded video posted to the Lionesses’ social media account ahead of Sunday’s game.

    The video featured multiple British celebrities wishing the team luck as England tries to win its first Women’s World Cup title, and first World Cup for the nation since the men’s team won in 1966.

    “All that remains is to wish you the very best for the final, and we hope you can bring that trophy back. Good luck everybody,” Southgate said.

    Other celebrities featured in the video included England men’s captain Harry Kane, former Spice Girls Gerri Halliwell and Emma Bunton, alternative rock singer Yungblud and former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand.

    “This is a moment, man. This is history in the making,” Ferdinand said. “You girls are close. I have every faith in you, so please, make me cry. Make me cry.”

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    England retained the same starting lineup for the Women’s World Cup final as the Lionesses’ used in their seminal victory, which meant playmaker Lauren James was on the bench Sunday against Spain.

    James is returning from a two-game suspension for stomping on a Nigeria player in the round of 16. The 21-year-old James apologized to her teammates but was not available for England’s wins over Colombia and Australia.

    The Chelsea winger scored three goals and had three assists in the tournament prior to her red card.

    Ella Toone, who started in place of James during her suspension, was the listed starter for England against Spain.

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    UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin was not in attendance for the Women’s World Cup final despite the championship match featuring two European teams.

    England and Spain were facing off for what will be the first Women’s World Cup title for either team.

    UEFA instead was represented by Nadine Kessler, technical director of women’s soccer.

    Čeferin was in Athens on Wednesday for the Super Cup final between Manchester City and Sevilla. He also attended a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his visit.

    A 29-year-old AEK Athens fan was stabbed and died in an Aug. 7 attack before a Champions League qualifier in Athens that involved scores of Dinamo Zagreb supporters.

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    King Charles has urged England to bring a World Cup home for the first time since 1966 in a social media post to the Lionesses.

    King Charles wrote in his social post “Good luck today Lionesses, and may you roar to victory!” He signed it “Charles R.” It followed a lengthier post the King made after England qualified for its first Women’s World Cup final with a semifinal win over Australia.

    Meanwhile, Prince William has apologized for not traveling to Australia for the final. He is the president of England’s Football Association. Both he and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have been criticized for not traveling to the game. Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter are in Sydney to cheer on La Roja.

    In a video posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales′ social media account, William wished the Lionesses luck alongside his daughter Princess Charlotte, who held a ball.

    “Lionesses, I want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow. We’re sorry we can’t be there in person, but we’re so proud of everything you have achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world. So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves,” William said.

    Princess Charlotte added: “Good luck Lionesses.”

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    Teenage super-sub Salma Paralluelo is in Spain’s starting lineup for the Women’s World Cup championship game Sunday against England, while star Alexia Putellas returns to the bench.

    Paralluelo scored the game-winning goal against the Netherlands in extra time of the quarterfinals, and the 19-year-old scored Spain’s go-ahead goal in the semifinal victory over Sweden. The Barcelona forward provided a much-needed boost off the bench every time Spain coach Jorge Vilda called on her.

    Putellas has been recovering from a torn ACL suffered last year and has been used in various roles throughout the tournament. She started in the semifinal against Sweden.

    Spain announced its starting lineup on social media.

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    AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup

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  • England women’s team unites fans as once-ignored squad eyes nation’s first World Cup title since ’66

    England women’s team unites fans as once-ignored squad eyes nation’s first World Cup title since ’66

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    LONDON — It’s easy to understand why Gail Newsham can’t stop grinning as she prepares for England’s soccer team to play in the final of the Women’s World Cup.

    Newsham, 70, grew up at a time when women in England were banned from the sport — called here — and helped lead a resurgence in the game once those restrictions were lifted. Now she’s getting ready to watch Sunday’s game against Spain on TV and hoping to see her team bring home the world championship.

    “I’ll be wearing my shirt, I’ll be having a sausage roll and a glass of bubbles,” Newsham said, already sporting her blue England jersey. “That’s what I’ve done every match, so I’m going to do it again on Sunday and just, you know, cheer the girls on.”

    She won’t be alone.

    When the Lionesses take to the field, they will be backed by hordes of girls rooting for their heroes, mothers and grandmothers celebrating the progress that has been made since they were denied a chance to play the game. They and rabid male and female fans from all backgrounds hope this -mad nation can finally win a World Cup after 57 years of frustration. England’s only World Cup title came in 1966 when the men won.

    If last year’s European Women’s Championship final is any indication, much of the nation will be watching. More than 23 million people, or about 42% of the population, tuned in to see England beat Germany that day. Prince William will be watching the final, too. He posted a video on social media apologizing for his inability to attend, and wishing the team well. His daughter, Princess Charlotte, 8, sat beside him with a ball on her lap and chimed in “Good Luck Lionesses!″

    Once again this summer, the success of 23 young English women and their Dutch coach has been a bit of good news in a nation struggling under the weight of crippling inflation, a health service in crisis and seemingly endless political squabbling.

    Newspaper front pages were filled with pictures of England players Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo after they helped power the team to a 3-1 victory over Australia in Wednesday’s semifinal.

    “I feel like the Lionesses give us hope — to all of us, boys and girls, women and men,” said Huda Jawad, a feminist and member of a fan group known as the Three Hijabis for their traditional Muslim headscarves. The team provides “something to look forward to and to be proud of and to show that actually football, like society, can be joyous, it can be equal, it can be hopeful, that we can have community and friendship and solidarity.’’

    That hasn’t always been the story of English football.

    In a nation that sees itself as the birthplace of the world’s most popular sport, people expect to win. But the men’s national team has disappointed fans at every major tournament following 1966.

    That frustration boiled over in 2021 when England’s men lost to Italy in the final of the European Championship at Wembley Stadium in London. Vandalism and clashes with police after the game led to dozens of arrests, and three Black players were bombarded with racist abuse after missing their shots in the penalty shootout that ended the contest.

    But in 2022, the women won their own Euros, wowing spectators with pinpoint passing and flashy goals that attracted record crowds, burgeoning TV ratings and adoring coverage.

    After a second year of success characterized by smiles and hugs and more booming goals, the team is described as almost a model sisterhood. Jawad, whose group campaigns against discrimination in football, sees the team as an antidote to the stereotype of rowdy English football hooligans, though more needs to be done to increase diversity in a largely white squad.

    “The Lionesses give us an opportunity to rewrite that story and say that actually the England team reflects a younger and more hopeful and more international kind of global outlook that wants to embrace diversity, equality and really wants to give people a sense of values …” Jawad said. “It sets the cultural tone for our country in a way that our politics doesn’t, unfortunately.”

    But winning the Women’s World Cup would take things to a new level. Some are already demanding a public holiday if the Lionesses win.

    Little girls — and quite a few big girls — are proudly wearing their England shirts.

    Pubs and specially erected fan zones around the country are expected to be overflowing on Sunday morning, despite the 11 a.m. local start time required by a nighttime game in Australia.

    At St. Mary’s Sunbury-on-Thames, west of London, Vicar Andrew Downes decided to shorten his Sunday service so the congregation could watch a livestream of the match in the parish hall.

    Cold bubbly and hot bacon rolls will be served — not exactly bread and wine, but perhaps more appropriate for the fans.

    “We will be praying like mad that the referee is a lover of the Lionesses,’’ Father Andrew said. “I mean, Jesus saves. Let’s just hope our goalie saves and we come home with the cup!’’

    That would provide an emphatic moment of redemption for women who lived through the long and sometimes controversial history of women’s football in England.

    Newsham helped tell that story when she wrote a book about Dick, Kerr Ladies Football Club, which flourished during and for a few years after World War I, when women filled the sporting gap left after top men’s players went off to the trenches. Women’s teams, many organized at munitions plants, attracted large crowds and raised money for charity. One match in 1920 attracted 53,000 spectators.

    But that popularity triggered a backlash from the men who ran the English Football Association. In 1921, the FA banned women’s teams from using its facilities, saying “the game of football is quite unsuitable for females and ought not to be encouraged.”

    The ban remained in place for the next 50 years.

    That didn’t stop Newsham from playing street football with the boys in her hometown of Preston. And after the ban was lifted, she spent two decades playing for Preston Rangers on substandard pitches, often without changing rooms or even proper toilets.

    The FA took over responsibility for the women’s game in 1993, beginning the slow process of improving funding and facilities. Football writer Carrie Dunn, who has chronicled the success of the team most recently with the book “Reign of the Lionesses: How European Glory Changed Women’s Football in England,” remembers going to England press conferences that were held in cafes because too few reporters were interested in speaking to the manager.

    Things accelerated after the 2012 London Olympics, when authorities began to recognize there was a global audience for the women’s game.

    “It’s about time,” Dunn said. “So, yes, people might be noticing a change now, but hopefully that change will be something that we see forever from now on.”

    Newsham is beyond excited about the prospect of winning the World Cup.

    “It’s meant to be,’’ she said. “It’s like a Greek tragedy, but with a happy ending. That’s how I feel. It was a huge injustice in 1921, and it’s taken its time to get back to where we are. So I’m really looking forward to Sunday.”

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    AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup

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  • Sweden beats Australia 2-0 to win another bronze medal at the Women’s World Cup

    Sweden beats Australia 2-0 to win another bronze medal at the Women’s World Cup

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    BRISBANE, Australia — Nobody beats Sweden on the rebound from a Women’s World Cup semifinal loss. Not even the tournament hosts.

    The Swedish women extended their perfect record in World Cup third-place matches to four, with Fridolina Rolfo and Kosovare Asllani scoring Saturday in a clinical 2-0 win over Australia.

    “It feels amazing. We showed from minute one, we were the better team,” Rolfo said. “We deserve this medal.”

    It was a disappointing finish for the Matildas, who captivated their country during their run to the semifinals for the first time.

    The tournament co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand has set attendance records, and two of Australia’s matches became the most-watched programs on domestic commercial TV in 20 years.

    With the Sydney Opera House lit up in the green-and-gold colors of Australia and supporters flocking to fan zones to watch on giant screens in cities across the country, there was still hope of some kind of medal for the Matildas.

    Ultimately, it ended with back-to-back losses to the No. 3- and No. 4-ranked teams in the world even with star striker Sam Kerr back in the starting lineup.

    “We wanted to win, we wanted to have some hardware to take home. Wasn’t to be,” Kerr said. But, “the way the fans have got behind us, the way girls have carried themselves, I think we’ve proven to the world we are a footballing nation.

    “We couldn’t get it done tonight, but hopefully we’ve inspired people for many years to come.”

    European champion England and Spain are meeting in the final in Sydney on Sunday, and Sweden’s win means European nations will finish first, second and third.

    The Swedes won all three group games and then ousted the two-time defending champion U.S. team on penalties in the round of 16 and beat Japan in the quarterfinals.

    Staying compact and organized and exploiting holes in the defense, Sweden was dominant for most of the match against Australia.

    Rolfo converted from the penalty spot with a low, curling left-foot shot in the 30th minute after Australian defender Clare Hunt was penalized after a VAR review for tripping up Stina Blackstenius.

    Asllani’s well-timed strike to finish off a long-range Swedish counterattack in the 62nd sealed the win.

    Goalkeeper Zecira Musovic kept another clean sheet in outstanding tournament for Sweden, blocking Kerr’s angled right-foot strike in first-half stoppage time and again stopping Clare Polkinghorne’s shot from right in front in the 70th.

    “It’s a sense of relief and a wonderful feeling at the final whistle,” Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson said.

    Kerr missed Australia’s wins over Ireland and Canada and upset loss to Nigeria in the group stage after injuring her left calf muscle on the eve of the tournament. She made a tentative, late return in the round-of-16 win over Denmark and went on as a second-half substitute in the dramatic, penalty shootout win over France in the quarterfinals. She started on Saturday in an unchanged Australian lineup following Wednesday’s 3-1 semifinal loss to England.

    Kerr injured her right leg in a tackle in the 75th minute and limped off the field for some quick treatment but returned to continue playing.

    A 2-1 loss to Spain in Auckland sent Sweden into familiar territory. The Swedes, runners-up in 2003, beat Germany in 1991, France in 2011 and England four years ago in their previous bronze-medal matches. A fifth podium finish is second only to the four-time champion United States in terms of success at the Women’s World Cup. The Swedes were also silver medalists at the Tokyo Olympics and the Rio Games in 2016.

    While the Swedish squad was taking bows in front of their clusters of fans in the capacity, almost 50,000-strong crowd, the Matildas did a lap to say thanks.

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among the officials on the podium to present the bronze medals to the victors. And he later commiserated with the Matildas on the field.

    “It’s sad that it’s come to an end. This has been the best four weeks of our careers,” Kerr said of the first Women’s World Cup to be staged in the Southern Hemisphere. “It would have been nice to go out on a high. But we have to reflect and think of how amazing this is.

    “We’ve never come fourth before. Although it’s disappointing (now), we’ll think back to this in a couple of weeks and be really proud of how we did.”

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    AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup

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  • England women’s team unites fans as once ignored squad eyes nation’s first World Cup title since ’66

    England women’s team unites fans as once ignored squad eyes nation’s first World Cup title since ’66

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    LONDON — It’s easy to understand why Gail Newsham can’t stop grinning as she prepares for England’s soccer team to play in the final of the Women’s World Cup.

    Newsham, 70, grew up at a time when women in England were banned from the sport — called here — and helped lead a resurgence in the game once those restrictions were lifted. Now she’s getting ready to watch Sunday’s game against Spain on TV and hoping to see her team bring home a world championship.

    “I’ll be wearing my shirt, I’ll be having a sausage roll and a glass of bubbles,” Newsham said, already sporting her blue England jersey. “That’s what I’ve done every match, so I’m going to do it again on Sunday and just, you know, cheer the girls on.”

    She won’t be alone.

    When the Lionesses take to the field, they will be backed by hordes of girls rooting for their heroes, mothers and grandmothers celebrating the progress that has been made since they were denied a chance to play the game, and rabid fans — men and women — from all backgrounds hoping that this -mad nation can finally win a World Cup after 57 years of frustration. England’s only World Cup title came in 1966 when the men won.

    If last year’s European championship final is any indication, much of the nation will be watching. More than 23 million people, or about 42% of the population, tuned in to see England’s women beat Germany that day.

    Once again this summer, the success of 23 young English women and their Dutch coach has been a bit of good news in a nation struggling under the weight of crippling inflation, a health service in crisis and seemingly endless political squabbling.

    Newspaper front pages were filled with pictures of England players Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo after they helped power the team to a 3-1 victory over Australia in Wednesday’s semifinal. Both King Charles III and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak congratulated the team after the win.

    “I feel like the Lionesses give us hope — to all of us, boys and girls, women and men,” said Huda Jawad, a feminist and member of fan group known as the Three Hijabis for their traditional Muslim headscarves. They provide “something to look forward to and to be proud of and to show that actually football, like society, can be joyous, it can be equal, it can be hopeful, that we can have community and friendship and solidarity.’’

    That hasn’t always been the story of English football.

    In a nation that sees itself as the birthplace of the world’s most popular sport, people expect to win. But the men’s national team has disappointed fans at every major tournament since 1966.

    That frustration boiled over in 2021 when England’s men lost to Italy in the final of the European Championship at Wembley Stadium in London. Vandalism and clashes with police after the game led to dozens of arrests, and three Black players were bombarded with racist abuse after missing their shots in the penalty shootout that ended the contest.

    But in 2022, the women won their own Euros, wowing spectators with pinpoint passing and flashy goals that attracted record crowds, burgeoning TV ratings and adoring coverage.

    After a second year of success characterized by smiles and hugs and more booming goals, the team is described as almost a model sisterhood. Jawad, whose group campaigns against discrimination in football, sees the team as an antidote to the stereotype of rowdy English football hooligans, though more needs to be done to increase diversity in a largely white squad.

    “I think the Lionesses give us an opportunity to rewrite that story and say that actually the England team reflects a younger and more hopeful and more international kind of global outlook that wants to embrace diversity, equality and really wants to give people a sense of values…” Jawad said. “It sets the cultural tone for our country in a way that our politics doesn’t, unfortunately.”

    But winning the World Cup would take things to a new level. Some are already demanding a public holiday if the Lionesses win.

    Little girls — and quite a few big girls — are proudly wearing their England shirts ahead of the match.

    Pubs and specially erected fan zones around the country are expected to be overflowing on Sunday morning, despite the early 11 a.m. local start required by a nighttime game in Australia.

    At St. Mary’s Sunbury-on-Thames, west of London, Vicar Andrew Downes decided to shorten his Sunday service so the congregation could watch a livestream of the match in the parish hall.

    Cold bubbly and hot bacon rolls will be served — not exactly bread and wine, but perhaps more appropriate for the fans.

    “We will be praying like mad that the referee is a lover of the Lionesses,’’ Father Andrew said. “I mean, Jesus saves. Let’s just hope our goalie saves and we come home with the cup!’’

    That would provide an emphatic moment of redemption for women who lived through the long and sometimes controversial history of women’s football in England.

    Newsham helped tell that story when she wrote a book about Dick, Kerr Ladies Football Club, which flourished during and for a few years after World War I, when women filled the sporting gap left after top men’s players went off to the trenches. Women’s teams, many organized at munitions plants, attracted large crowds and raised money for charity. One match in 1920 attracted 53,000 spectators.

    But that popularity triggered a backlash from the men who ran the Football Association, the sport’s governing body in England. In 1921, the FA banned women’s teams from using its facilities, saying “the game of football is quite unsuitable for females and ought not to be encouraged.”

    The ban remained in place for the next 50 years.

    That didn’t stop Newsham from playing street football with the boys in her hometown of Preston. And after the ban was lifted, she spent two decades playing for Preston Rangers on substandard pitches, often without changing rooms or even proper toilets.

    The FA took over responsibility for the women’s game in 1993, beginning the slow process of improving funding and facilities. Football writer Carrie Dunn, who has chronicled the success of the team most recently with the book “Reign of the Lionesses: How European Glory Changed Women’s Football in England,” remembers going to England press conferences that were held in cafes because too few reporters were interested in speaking to the manager.

    Things accelerated after the 2012 London Olympics, when authorities began to recognize there was a global audience for the women’s game.

    “It’s about time,” Dunn said. “So, yes, people might be noticing a change now, but hopefully that change will be something that we see forever from now on.”

    Newsham is beyond excited about the prospect of winning the World Cup.

    “It’s meant to be,’’ she said. “It’s like a Greek tragedy, but with a happy ending. That’s how I feel. It was a huge injustice in 1921, and it’s taken its time to get back to where we are. So I’m really looking forward to Sunday.”

    ___

    AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup

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  • Building on Barcelona’s success, Spain is playing its first Women’s World Cup final against England

    Building on Barcelona’s success, Spain is playing its first Women’s World Cup final against England

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    BARCELONA, Spain — If those precise passes that untangle defenses and the attacks coming from all angles by first-time Women’s World Cup finalist Spain look familiar, there is good reason.

    The Spanish squad is built on a core of Barcelona players who have triumphed with their club and are now one step from the ultimate prize when they face England on Sunday in Sydney.

    Nine Barcelona players, including two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, attacking midfielder Aitana Bonmatí and defensive leader Irene Paredes, are among the key players for Spain.

    The club’s influence also extends to the England team, which features Barcelona players Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh.

    “Some of us are very lucky, we’ve won two Champions Leagues with Barcelona,” Bonmatí said after beating Sweden 2-1 in the semifinals.

    Barcelona’s women’s team has played in front of record crowds exceeding 90,000, Bonmati added, “but playing a World Cup final in front of 75,000, it will be crazy.”

    “I can’t believe it’s going to happen. Am I in a dream?”

    This surprising run by a generation of women who started their careers with few of the advantages of their male counterparts has ended up on a similar path when it comes to taking Spain to the top.

    Just as Spain’s 2010 World Cup champion team included seven Barcelona members — led by Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández and Carles Puyol — and coincided with the club’s best years, the rise of the national women’s team comes after Barcelona’s women established themselves as one of Europe’s elite teams.

    Barcelona’s women’s team has reached four of the last five Champions League finals, winning two, including a 3-2 comeback over Wolfsburg in June. It has also won four consecutive Spanish league titles. This growth came a decade after Barcelona started seriously investing in its women team.

    “You only have to look back five or 10 years, the change is incredible,” Putellas said. “When there has been a bit of investment, or federations and certain clubs have provided greater support, we have seen radical change.”

    Similar to those great “tiki-taka” sides of Iniesta and Xavi, Spain’s women also dominate possession, press quickly to recover lost balls in opposing territory, and like to dictate the pace. Spain leads the tournament in passing accuracy (84%), right in front of England (83%), according to OPTA Analyst statistics.

    As well as Putellas and Bonmatí, Barcelona has provided 19-year-old winger Salma Paralluelo, a player who has given Spain a much more versatile attack. Her goals were key to beating the Netherlands 2-1 in the quarterfinals and to beating Sweden.

    In that group of Barcelona-trained players could also go Pachuca forward Jenni Hermoso, who had two stints with Barcelona and helped them win their first European Cup in 2019.

    Spain leads the tournament with 17 goals, to 13 for England. They have spread the scoring around: Bonmatí, Hermoso and Alba Redondo each have three.

    Spain coach Jorge Vilda is also steeped in Barcelona’s tactics. Vilda’s father was a physical trainer for Barcelona’s men’s team under Johan Cruyff. The son declares himself a follower of the passing attack that Cruyff made the hallmark style of its teams.

    As a child, Vilda trained at Barcelona’s La Masia academy at the same time as Xavi, the midfielder who coaches Barcelona’s men. He has spent most of his career inside the Spanish federation, first leading its youth squads before taking over the senior women’s team in 2015 following a player revolt against his predecessor.

    “We tell the players who come (to the national teams) for the first time when they are 13, 14 years old about how they need to apply pressure, how they must keep control of the ball and attack,” Vilda told Spanish newspaper El País in a recent interview. “And even though I have absorbed things from different coaches, like Cruyff, (José) Mourinho, (Jupp) Heynckes, (Luis) Aragonés, (Vicente) del Bosque, (Julen) Lopetegui or Luis Enrique, I am clearly influenced by Barcelona’s possession-based style and the years I spent at the club.”

    Barcelona could have had even more players on Spain’s squad had it not been for a crisis between the player group and Vilda that they’ve somehow managed to overcome at the World Cup. Last September, 15 players said they were renouncing playing for Spain under Vilda, claiming their emotional health was endangered, until improvements were made. But the federation stuck by Vilda, and only three of the rebels, including Bonmatí, returned to the national team.

    Those rebels who did not return include four Barcelona players who won the Champions League in June: Goalkeeper Sandra Paños, defender María León, forward Claudia Pina and midfielder Patricia Guijarro, who scored twice to beat Wolfsburg in the final.

    One unexpected result of the turmoil has been the revelation that Spain has an even deeper pool of talent to draw on. The victories in Australia and New Zealand seem to have also bonded the team.

    Beyond the contribution of Barcelona, Spain has benefited from the growth of Spanish women’s soccer overall. The women’s league is professional, the games are on television and the domestic media has increased its coverage.

    So the work of the clubs and federation has had a payoff in the international arena.

    From never having won a knockout game at a major global tournament, Spain has won three in succession and now has a chance to avenge its quarterfinal elimination to eventual champion England at last year’s European Championship.

    ___

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  • US women’s national team coach Vlatko Andonovski resigns after early World Cup exit, AP source says

    US women’s national team coach Vlatko Andonovski resigns after early World Cup exit, AP source says

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    U.S. women’s national team coach Vlatko Andonovski has resigned, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

    The move comes less than two weeks after the Americans were knocked out of the Women’s World Cup earlier than ever before.

    The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the move had not been officially announced. An announcement was expected Thursday.

    The four-time tournament champions struggled throughout the World Cup. A victory over Vietnam to kick off the group stage was followed by a pair of draws against Netherlands and Portugal — barely enough to get the team into the knockout stage.

    The Americans played well in the Round of 16 against Sweden, but ultimately fell on penalties after a scoreless tie. The U.S. scored just four goals over the course of the tournament.

    The United States had never finished worse that third at the World Cup.

    The 46-year-old Andonovski was named coach of the United States in October 2019, taking over for Jill Ellis, who led the United States to back-to-back World Cup titles. He finished 51-5-9 during his time with the team, and was 3-2-5 in major tournaments.

    Following the match against Sweden, Andonovski said he wasn’t thinking about his future with the team — only his young players. Fourteen players on the U.S. roster were appearing in their first World Cup, and 12 of them had never played in a major tournament.

    “We spent four years together. They got their first caps with me, they got their first national-team call-ups with me,” Andonovski said. “We spent tough times, good times. I don’t want to see them like that. That’s all I think about.”

    It wasn’t just the World Cup that hurt Andonovski’s chances of keeping his job. The United States also finished with a disappointing bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

    Following the Olympics, Andonovski turned his attention on developing young players ahead of the World Cup. Some of the players who emerged were Sophia Smith, last year’s U.S. Soccer Player of the Year, and Trinity Rodman.

    The United States was bitten by injuries in the run-up to the tournament, losing a pair of key players. Mallory Swanson injured her knee during a friendly in April, and captain Becky Sauerbrunn couldn’t recover from a foot injury in time.

    Promising young forward Catarina Macario tore her ACL playing for her club team Lyon last year and also wasn’t ready to play in the World Cup.

    The World Cup was challenging for many elite teams because of the ever-growing parity in the women’s game. Germany, Brazil and Canada, the winners in Tokyo, also got knocked out early. Sunday’s final between England and Spain in Sydney will give the tournament a first-time winner.

    Andonovski was head coach of Seattle’s OL Reign in the National Women’s Soccer League when he was hired. During his seven years in the NWSL, he led the now-defunct FC Kansas City from the league’s inception in 2013 until the club folded in 2017, winning two league titles with the team.

    Andonovski, a native of Skopje, Macedonia, played for several teams in Europe before embarking on a professional indoor soccer career in the United States.

    His predecessor on the U.S. team, Ellis, was named coach of the team in 2014 and led the U.S. to eight overall tournament titles, including victories at the World Cup in 2015 and 2019. Over the course of her tenure, the United States lost just seven matches.

    Now the process will start to find a replacement, and the timeline is relatively short. The United States has already qualified for the 2024 Olympics in France.

    Before that, the team has a pair of exhibition matches against South Africa on Sept. 21 in Cincinnati and Sept. 24 in Chicago.

    ___

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  • A nation of new Matildas fans salutes Australia’s run to the Women’s World Cup semifinals

    A nation of new Matildas fans salutes Australia’s run to the Women’s World Cup semifinals

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    SYDNEY — Sam Kerr looked up at the Stadium Australia crowd for the last time at this Women’s World Cup, and it just compounded the gnawing disappointment that she and her Matildas had fallen one game before the final.

    In what has been an immense shift in the Australian public’s sporting consciousness, nine out of 10 people who watched commercial television on Wednesday night tuned in to see the national women’s soccer team’s 3-1 loss to England in the semifinals.

    That figure — an audience reach of 11.5 million and an average audience of 7.13 million reported by the free-to-air host broadcaster — excludes paid streaming, and those who gathered at dedicated fan zones, where some over-exuberant revelers let off flares, and in pubs and clubs around the country.

    “We’ve kind of captured the nation,” a visibly dejected Kerr said after walking off the pitch. “The support we’ve had has been amazing and we’ll do everything we can on the weekend to get them a third place.”

    The 29-year-old Kerr has won the golden boot for leading scorer in leagues in Australia, the United States and England, where she’s a star for the champion Chelsea team. But her World Cup was heavily curtailed by an injury sustained on the eve of the Matildas’ opening game on July 20.

    Her left calf muscle become a topic of daily news Down Under, even after she returned as a second-half substitute in the dramatic penalty shootout win over France in the quarterfinals and, finally, started a game for the first time in the semifinal.

    She was chopped down by defenders twice in the opening 10 minutes and had a relatively subdued first half, but brought the game to life with her stunning solo goal in the 63rd minute that leveled the score at 1-1 and renewed hope for the Matildas.

    “We just feel really proud that they’ve got behind us and we’ve changed the way women’s football is seen in Australia,” Kerr added. “It’s been amazing. A big thank you.”

    Kerr, who converted to soccer from Aussie rules as a teenager because she was no longer allowed to play in boys leagues, has seen a phenomenal transformation in the game since she made her international debut in 2009.

    At age 15, she went on as a late substitute in a 5-1 loss to Italy at Canberra, Australia’s capital, where a crowd of 2,916 would never have believed the evolution that has occurred. She didn’t even give her parents much notice that she’d been selected.

    In July and August of 2023, she’s had the nation’s full attention.

    Morning news bulletins on Thursday reported the “heartbreak” for the Matildas, and daily newspapers across the country once again heavily featured the women’s national team. A high-profile sports store in downtown Sydney still had the Matildas jerseys — hard to attain in recent weeks — on display at full price. There’ll be no discounting this team for a while.

    The domestic TV audience reported for the quarterfinal win was the biggest in Australia for any event since the Sydney 2000 Olympics. The semifinal broadcast was even bigger — significantly larger than the biggest men’s games in the Aussie rules Australian Football League and the National Rugby League that so frequently pull the biggest crowds.

    It’s unlikely Australia’s Saturday bronze playoff against Sweden at Brisbane will match the TV audience of the semifinal, but it’ll be a decent farewell. England plays Spain on Sunday in the final at Sydney.

    Attendance for the first 32-team Women’s World Cup has shattered records, with FIFA reporting a combined 1.85 million attendance for the first 62 games at an average 29,888 across 10 venues in Australia and New Zealand. That’s 5,000 more than the historical average for the tournament.

    The number of news pages devoted to the Matildas was unprecedented for women’s sport and for soccer in Australia, too. And this is home to the long-time No. 1 women’s cricket team — which pulled a crowd exceeding 86,000 for a game against India in 2020 — and world champions in netball.

    The fact that an entire nation almost expected the Matildas to win the title says a lot about the pressure Kerr and her 10th-ranked team faced on home soil.

    Australia had lost all three previous quarterfinals it reached at the Women’s World Cup. Only one host, the United States, had ever won a quarterfinal match at the Women’s World Cup.

    So reaching the semifinals had the feel of a final. Tears and emotions poured out of long-time supporters and millions of more recent fans after that dramatic penalty shootout win over France last weekend.

    Police reported it was vandals who caused a disruption to the train line from Stadium Australia in Sydney’s western suburbs back to the city, causing delays of more than 1 1/2 hours Wednesday for some of the 75,000 people who attended the semifinal. For some, it just prolonged the pain.

    For others, it’s already time to look to the future.

    Matildas midfielder Alex Chidiac said the team had created “a legacy that’s going to live on and it obviously has inspired so many people.”

    “After the tournament, we’ll get all that perspective and this will be a lot easier to swallow,” she said of the loss. “Obviously right now, it’s still very fresh. But I think overall (a) massive achievement. . . . we’ve got a whole bunch of passionate fans now, which is cool.”

    Mary Fowler, a 20-year-old emerging star for Manchester City who had a breakthrough tournament for Australia, will likely be part of that legacy.

    “It’s always really nice, just watching videos and people around the country giving us some love,” she said. “It’s been an unbelievable tournament in that sense.”

    ___

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  • US women’s national team coach Vlatko Andonovski resigns after early World Cup exit, AP source says

    US women’s national team coach Vlatko Andonovski resigns after early World Cup exit, AP source says

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    U.S. women’s national team coach Vlatko Andonovski has resigned, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

    The move comes less than two weeks after the Americans were knocked out of the Women’s World Cup earlier than ever before.

    The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the move had not been officially announced. An announcement was expected Thursday.

    The four-time tournament champions struggled throughout this World Cup. A victory over Vietnam to kick off the group stage was followed by a pair of draws against Netherlands and Portugal — barely enough to get the team into the knockout stage,

    The Americans played well in the Round of 16 against Sweden, but ultimately fell on penalties after a scoreless tie. The U.S. scored just four goals over the course of the tournament.

    The United States had never finished worse that third in the tournament.

    The 46-year-old Andonovski was named coach of the United States in October 2019, taking over for Jill Ellis, who led the United States to back-to-back World Cup titles. He finished 51-5-9 during his time with the team.

    It wasn’t just the World Cup that hurt Andonovski’s chances of keeping his job. The United States also finished with a disappointing bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

    Kate Markgraf, general manager of the U.S. women’s team, stuck with Andonovski following the Olympics and the team focused on developing young players ahead of the World Cup.

    The United States was bitten by injuries in the run-up to the tournament, losing a pair of key players. Mallory Swanson injured her knee during a friendly in April, and captain Becky Sauerbrunn couldn’t recover from a foot injury in time.

    The World Cup was challenging for many elite teams because of the ever-growing parity in the women’s game. Germany, Brazil and Canada, the winners in Tokyo, also got knocked out early.

    Andonovski was head coach of Seattle’s OL Reign in the National Women’s Soccer League when he was hired.

    During his seven years in the NWSL, he led the now-defunct FC Kansas City from the league’s inception in 2013 until the club folded in 2017, winning two league titles with the team.

    Andonovski, a native of Skopje, Macedonia, played for several teams in Europe before embarking on a professional indoor soccer career in the United States.

    His predecessor, Ellis, was named coach of the team in 2014 and led the U.S. to eight overall tournament titles, including victories at the World Cup in 2015 and 2019. Over the course of her tenure, the United States lost just seven matches.

    Now the process will start to find a replacement, and the timeline is relatively short. The United States has already qualified for the 2024 Olympics in France.

    ___

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  • Bonmati wants another championship soccer trophy for Spain. This time a Women’s World Cup title.

    Bonmati wants another championship soccer trophy for Spain. This time a Women’s World Cup title.

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    AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Aitana Bonmati remembers the moment Andres Iniesta scored at the 2010 World Cup clearly, even though she was only 12 years old.

    Iniesta’s extra-time goal in the championship match against the Netherlands at Johannesburg gave Spain a 1-0 win for its first and only men’s World Cup trophy.

    Bonmati says it’s time for a new Spanish champion, this time at the Women’s World Cup. Spain will learn its opponent in the final on Wednesday night, when England plays hosts Australia in the other semifinal.

    The championship match is set for Sunday in Sydney.

    “I hope we can repeat the history with our team,” she said.

    Spain advanced to the final with a 2-1 victory over Sweden on Tuesday, a game that saw all three goals come in the final 10 minutes.

    Bonmati calls Iniesta and teammate Xavi her idols. Iniesta, 39, now plays with Emirates in the UAE Pro League. He celebrated La Roja’s victory on social media, proclaiming “Enormous!”

    Spain broke through the scoreless stalemate with Sweden in the 81st minute on 19-year-old substitute Salma Paralluelo’s goal. Paralluelo, who chose soccer over track and field, also scored the game-winner in extra time over the Netherlands in the quarterfinals.

    Sweden’s Rebecka Blomqvist tied it Tuesday with a goal in the 89th minute, but moments later Olga Carmona scored the game-winner off a corner from Teresa Abelleira.

    Bonmati said the winning goal was something of a surprise, because Spain had not drawn up the play.

    “We saw Olga alone out of the box. We are also smart, we are not robots, we have to make decisions quick,” she said. “I think it was a very good decision . . . if you make a good decision and then you don’t score, it doesn’t matter. But it was a very good goal.”

    Bonmati, 25, has emerged as a versatile young star for La Roja. She had two goals and two assists in Spain’s 5-1 rout of Switzerland in the round of 16, and has boosted the team while two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas continues to work her way back from a ruptured ACL.

    La Roja is clearly a team on the rise. They appeared in their first World Cup in 2015, then advanced out of their group in 2019 but fell to the United States in the round of 16. Now they have a chance to lift the trophy.

    But along with the team’s growth has come turmoil.

    Last September, 15 players signed letters that said they were withdrawing from the national team to protect their emotional health. The players insisted they did not ask for coach Jorge Vilda’s dismissal.

    Vilda, who has coached La Roja since 2015, was ultimately backed by the federation in the conflict. In the run-up to the World Cup, there appeared to be at least some reconciliation: Three of the 15 players who initially stepped down were on the roster.

    One of them was Bonmati, who currently plays for Spanish powerhouse Barcelona, like Putellas and seven other national team players. Barcelona is coming off its second Champions League title. Bonmati scored five goals and had eight assists during the tournament.

    Four of her Barcelona teammates have not returned to the national team after stepping down: midfielder Patri Guijarro, defender Mapi Leon, forward Claudia Pina and goalkeeper Sandra Panos.

    Vilda was ready to move on and focus on the World Cup final.

    “Now we can file it away and put it behind us and think about the future, and think that we deserve to be where we are,” Vilda said.

    Bonmati has also put aside any suggestion of friction in the team.

    “We never give up, and now we believe in ourselves,” Bonmati said. “We are a very strong team mentally.”

    ___

    AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup

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  • Boomers move game as co-host Australia reaches fever pitch for Matildas at the Women’s World Cup

    Boomers move game as co-host Australia reaches fever pitch for Matildas at the Women’s World Cup

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    SYDNEY — Patty Mills and his Boomers teammates knew who deserved prime time billing, so they rescheduled their game and will keep watching Australia’s historic run at the Women’s World Cup.

    It’s fair to say Matildas fervor has reached fever-pitch across Australia, which is co-hosting the tournament with New Zealand.

    The Boomers, Australia’s men’s basketball team, are preparing for their World Cup later this month and had a warmup game against Brazil planned for Wednesday night. As soon as they realized it would clash with the Matildas’ semifinal against England, they moved their game forward by more than two hours so they could watch the women’s soccer.

    “The Matildas have really captured the nation this World Cup,” Mills, the Boomers captain and Atlanta Hawks guard, said Monday. “The way the ladies play with so much heart and passion has been so inspiring to witness.

    “Just like the rest of the country, our Boomers team have been locked in for each game, watching it as a team.”

    They’re not the only ones.

    Times for elite-level Australian rules football matches were adjusted last Saturday so players, staff and supporters could catch some of the Matildas’ dramatic penalty shootout win over fifth-ranked France in the quarterfinals in Brisbane.

    The main nightly news program was pushed back by the host broadcaster nationally because of the game, which became the highest-rating program on Australian TV this year.

    “Supporting our fellow Australian athletes is crucial, so moving our game was an easy decision,” Mills said. “We are super excited to join the rest of Australia in watching the ladies on Wednesday after we play our second game in Melbourne. Up the Tillies!”

    It seems almost everyone in Australia wants to watch the Matildas, either on TV, or in dedicated fan zones in the host cities that have attracted tens of thousands of people, or in pubs and clubs from the state capitals to tiny Outback communities.

    Australia’s round of 16 win over Denmark had the highest-rating television audience in Australia in 2023 — for all of five days.

    The quarterfinal win last weekend drew almost 5 million viewers for the free-to-air TV rightsholder, excluding public screenings and paid streaming. That’s the most for a sports event since Lleyton Hewitt reached the final of the Australian Open tennis championship in 2005, and more than the grand finals in Australia’s dominant football codes, Aussie rules and rugby league, in 20 years.

    Politicians in the country of 26 million have been clambering to join the bandwagon, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last month suggesting a national public holiday should the Matildas win the title.

    It’s an idea now looking far more plausible with the home team potentially two wins away from what looked like an unlikely triumph earlier in the tournament. It’s an extraordinary development considering some of the Matildas have played games with crowds of fewer than 500.

    The anticipation and excitement is spreading in the South Pacific.

    Star striker Mary Fowler, who is fast developing a cult-like status among Australian fans, has been dubbed ‘the pride of Papua New Guinea’ and her mother’s village of Kira Kira has united in supporting Mary and her teammates.

    ___

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  • Indigenous communities are embraced at the Women’s World Cup, but will the legacy live on?

    Indigenous communities are embraced at the Women’s World Cup, but will the legacy live on?

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    AUCKLAND, New Zealand — More than any previous tournament, the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand has leaned into both including and showcasing the Indigenous cultures of both nations.

    For some Indigenous groups, though, there’s not enough commitment to a more lasting legacy.

    This Women’s World Cup was the first hosted by two countries. FIFA, led by a panel of six Indigenous women, worked with both countries to make sure the Australia’s First Nations and New Zealand’s Maori cultures were included.

    For the first time at a World Cup, all of the nine host cities were referred to in both English and Indigenous terms in the FIFA materials surrounding the event, including website content, signage and broadcasts.

    Soccer organizers in Australia and New Zealand successfully pushed to have Indigenous flags flying at stadiums. In New Zealand a traditional karanga call was performed ahead of each match, while in Australia the pre-game ceremonies included a welcome to country by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander elders.

    FIFA executives had cultural awareness training in the run-up to the World Cup and the players attended traditional ceremonies when they arrived. The United States was among eight teams that participated in Auckland.

    “I don’t think we’ve ever had a cultural welcome like that in any of the places we’ve had a World Cup before,” American defender Kelley O’Hara said. “I know how special it is for the New Zealand players, for the Australian players, for the people of New Zealand and Australia. I’m really good friends with (Ferns defender) Ali Riley, she has so much pride in the fact that this tournament is being played in New Zealand.”

    Spain’s team caused a stir before the tournament when they mocked the haka in a video posted to social media. Captain Ivana Andres later apologized to elders and members of the Rangitane O Manawatu iwi (tribe) at a ceremony in the North Island city of Palmerston North, where the team was based during the group stage.

    “Their words came from the heart and there was an acknowledgement that they understood that the haka is very precious, not only to Maori but to all of Aotearoa,” Iwi representative Professor Meihana Durie said.

    In New Zealand there has been an increasing effort overall to honor the culture. It is common to refer to the country as Aotearoa, which means “land of the long white cloud.” The greeting Kia Ora is a common greeting at restaurants and shops.

    FIFA’s head of women’s soccer, Sarai Bareman, is of Dutch and Samoan descent and was raised in New Zealand.

    “I can’t even remember the number of conversations that I’ve had until today with people who have come from overseas, who have commented about how special it is to have a `Welcome to Country’ in First Nations and in Maori when the teams are coming onto the field,” Bareman said. “People think that is so special, and it is, and it’s so unique. And how amazing that these two beautiful cultures are being shown, literally, to the entire globe.”

    While the inclusion during the tournament has been lauded, First Nations groups have questioned Australia’s Legacy 23 plan that seeks to grow women’s soccer in Australia beyond the World Cup.

    Indigenous Football Australia’s council sent a letter to FIFA last month decrying the lack of commitment to Indigenous-led soccer organizations going forward.

    “Despite ubiquitous Indigenous culture, symbolism, traditional ceremonies and installations at the World Cup and the holding out of Indigenous culture as something of central value to football, not a single dollar from the legacy program has been committed to organizations that are Indigenous-led,” the letter said. “Without support for the Indigenous community and their programs, we consider this symbolism empty.”

    The foundation set up by John Moriarty, the first Indigenous player for Australia’s national team, launched a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign to support the work it is doing through soccer with First Nations children in remote communities.

    Football Australia said support and advancement of Indigenous football programs were integral parts of the sport’s national commitment, supported by its National Indigenous Advisory Group.

    But IFA council member Ros Moriarty said the response to the letter “doesn’t address our concerns with what we see as contraventions of FIFA’s own human rights statutes for self determination for indigenous peoples.”

    “It’s the Indigenous-led grassroots football programming and movement that we’re part of that we’re looking to see recognition of,” she said. “But, as importantly, we’re looking to understand how part of the legacy fund is going to be directed to programs such as ours that have been delivering for a long time, and carrying the heavy weight of football in Australia for Indigenous people.”

    Veteran goalkeeper Lydia Williams and playmaker Kyah Simons are Indigenous players on the Matildas’ World Cup roster. Ros Moriarty said the relative lack of young Indigenous players coming into the top national soccer teams was evidence the “pipeline” and engagement needed more attention.

    “It seems to us, that a World Cup on our shores that ignores the movement that Australia has experienced toward acknowledging and recognizing Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander self-determination … without a (specific) allocation from this legacy fund, is tone deaf,” she said.

    New Zealand’s program is Aotearoa United: Legacy Starts Now. The soccer federation also partnered with Maori Football Aotearoa and Sport New Zealand to develop a school program aimed at increasing participation in sports for young girls from different backgrounds, including Indigenous communities.

    “The Sport continues to grow, as you see it’s the most participated sport in the country. We are aided by the growth of futsal, which just can’t stop growing as well,” said Andrew Pragnell, CEO of New Zealand Football. “We’ve got to make sure we continue to make sure our environments are well connected and that they’re supporting as many young people to join the sport from all walks of life as possible.”

    ___

    AP Sports Writers John Pye in Brisbane, Australia and Steve McMorran in Wellington, New Zealand contributed to this report.

    ___

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  • Wiegman is the outlier as the Women’s World Cup highlights a shortage of female coaches

    Wiegman is the outlier as the Women’s World Cup highlights a shortage of female coaches

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    SYDNEY — Sarina Wiegman is in a unique position at the Women’s World Cup, where she’s the only female head coach still in contention for the title.

    That was the case even before England advanced to the semifinals, by beating Colombia 2-1, with Wiegman also the outlier from the eight teams that reached the quarterfinals.

    “Of course what we hope is to get more female coaches at the top level and the balance gets better than it is right now,” Wiegman said. “Of course males are welcome too. There are lots of males who have done a very good job in the women’s game, but if the balance is better that will also inspire other women to start coaching.”

    Women’s soccer is growing at pace. This World Cup has seen record attendance, rising talent from around the globe and showcased a closing of the gap between the sport’s traditional elite and emerging nations.

    Yet the disparity in the coaching ranks has also been laid bare.

    Of the 32 nations that started the tournament, 12 had a woman as head coach. Three advanced to the round of 16. Hege Riise’s Norway team and Desiree Ellis’ South Africa team lost in the first knockout stage.

    At the 2015 World Cup, eight teams had a woman as head coach, a number that increased by one in 2019. So it’s an improvement in terms of numbers, although the tournament was expanded from 24 to 32 teams for this edition.

    It is also worth noting that female coaches have more than held their own at the top of the women’s game. The last two World Cups were won by teams coached by Jill Ellis, who led the Americans to back-to-back victories in 2015 and ’19.

    Under Vlatko Andonovski, the United States had its earliest exit in the history of the tournament by going out at the round of 16.

    Wiegman led her native Netherlands to the 2019 final and appears to be taking over from Ellis as the premier coach in international women’s soccer.

    She won back-to-back European titles with Netherlands and England in 2017 and 2022. Now she’s closing in on a second successive World Cup final.

    England forward Alessia Russo said Wiegman’s presence is important to the growth of the game.

    “We always say about inspiring the next generation and to go on and play and getting as many young girls involved as possible,” she said. “To know that they can be a coach as well and see Sarina on the biggest stage is incredible.

    “She’s one of best managers I’ve ever played for, so to have her as our leader and our role model — we really appreciate it.”

    Wiegman is more than just a figurehead.

    England appointed her to replace Phil Neville in the belief she would take the Lionesses to the next level.

    She has done that and stands as the national team’s most successful coach for men or women since Alf Ramsey led England to the men’s World Cup title in 1966.

    If England wins this tournament, she will become the first England coach to lift multiple major trophies.

    “She’s a winner and she’s done it before,” Russo said. “She has the full respect of everyone and it’s great to have someone leading us that knows how to deal with those high-pressure moments.”

    While Wiegman wants greater parity in the coaching ranks, the rapid growth of the women’s game is likely to attract more men. Tony Gustavsson, the head coach of the Australian team that England will face in the semifinals, was recruited by the Matildas after two successful stints as an assistant coach with the U.S. women’s team.

    France turned to two-time Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach Herve Renard to take over the national team just four months ahead of the World Cup. He had just produced one of the biggest upsets in men’s World Cup history by leading Saudi Arabia to a win over eventual champion Argentina.

    And the more elite coaches involved in the women’s game would likely raise levels higher.

    Randy Waldrum, who was head coach of the Nigeria team which England edged on penalties in the round of 16, said Wiegman was “doing a fantastic job.”

    “Since she took over, you’ve seen the progression of the team. I give a ton of credit to her and what she’s done,” he said. “Her pedigree speaks for itself.”

    Waldrum, who is coach at the University of Pittsburgh and also a coach educator, said the lack of women in coaching is a problem at every level.

    “We need more women coaching. We have the same issue in the U.S. There’s been a larger push in our women’s national team to have more female coaches,” he said. “But every other level, there’s a lot of male coaches coaching. Certainly we need a bigger investment in women and women coaching.”

    Waldrum said part of the issue was finding a way of “changing the old boys club mentality, too.”

    FIFA has recognized the need to develop the pathway for women in coaching.

    A 2019 study by the sport’s governing body found that more than 13 million girls and women played organized soccer, but only 7% of coaches worldwide were women.

    Costs can bar prospective coaches in America. The USSF pro license costs $10,000 and the process is lengthy and labor intensive. Earlier this year, Twila Kilgore, an assistant coach with the U.S. team, was one of only four women in the United States who held one of the elite licenses.

    U.S. Soccer provides financial aid through the Jill Ellis Scholarship Fund, a program that seeks to double the number of women in elite coaching by 2024.

    FIFA has also launched its own mentorship program for emerging female coaches, while there is a belief a new generation of talent will come from retiring players.

    For now, however, the fact that Wiegman is the lone remaining female coach at the World Cup is a measure of the work that still needs to be done.

    ___

    AP Sports Writers Anne M. Peterson and John Pye contributed to this report.

    ___

    More AP Women’s World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup

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  • Japan tries to stake its claim as favorite at Women’s World Cup when quarterfinals begin

    Japan tries to stake its claim as favorite at Women’s World Cup when quarterfinals begin

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    AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Japan has hardly been tested in this Women’s World Cup and rolled with a perfect 4-0 record into the quarterfinals, where a win over Sweden would show the Nadeshiko are very much a true contender.

    But Friday’s opening day of the quarterfinals also gives Netherlands an opportunity to take control of a wide-open World Cup. The Dutch were runners-up to the United States four years ago, and the Americans beat them in the quarterfinals of the Tokyo Olympics.

    With the U.S. already eliminated, Netherlands has a major obstacle out of its way. But first up comes a match against Spain, which had never before advanced into the quarterfinals of the World Cup until this year.

    A look at Friday’s games:

    JAPAN-SWEDEN

    Sweden is rated third in the world by FIFA and the highest-ranked team still in the World Cup. After three third-place finishes in the tournament, the Swedes are ready to play in a championship game.

    Sweden ended America’s run toward an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup title, has been to the semifinals three different times, including in 2019, but has not made it to the final since 2003. Sweden was runner-up to Germany in its only championship game.

    The Swedes were sparked by goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who was unflappable during Sweden’s 5-4 penalty shootout win over the Americans.

    The one thing Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson has figured out about Japan is that they are nothing like any other team the Swedes have seen so far in this tournament.

    “None of the four opponents we’ve played so far are reminiscent of Japan,” Gerhardsson said. “But when we’re looking at the matches played by Japan, we don’t think that there are any similarities between those countries and Sweden either.”

    But Japan has breezed through the tournament and is a perfect 4-0 headed into this match against Sweden at Eden Park, where Japan can avenge its loss to the Swedes in the quarterfinals of the Tokyo Olympics.

    Hinata Miyazawa has scored fives times in four games and leads the Golden Boot race headed into the match against Sweden. The 23-year-old has already matched the team’s World Cup record set by Japanese legend Homare Sawa, who had five goals when Japan won the event in 2011.

    Japan has scored a team-record 14 goals while going 4-0 and conceded only one goal this tournament, in a 3-1 victory over Norway in the knockout stage.

    “Since this team has been built, everything that we have done is now taking form and we’re able to see it on the field,” midfielder Fuka Nagano said. “I think that is helping me and each player believe in themselves and I think that’s leading to us getting to where we are now.”

    Japan has benefited from back-to-back games in New Zealand. After beating Norway in Wellington, the Japanese have made the short flight to Auckland. Sweden played in Melbourne, has an additional travel day and a new time zone to adjust to for the quarterfinals.

    The game could be a defensive battle despite Japan’s scoring abilities because the teams have combined for six clean sheets, and each has conceded only one goal apiece in four games. But Sweden ranks seventh among the eight quarterfinalists for average expected goals, and had just three shots on goal against the United States.

    SPAIN-NETHERLANDS

    Spain seemed to be among the strongest teams in the competition until a 4-0 blowout loss to Japan in the group finale. La Roja rebounded to eliminate Switzerland in the knockout round with 5-1 win.

    The goal allowed was an own goal, and the Spaniards made five lineup changes ahead of the Switzerland match in a major shakeup after the Japan loss. Now in the quarterfinals for the first time, Spain’s match against the Netherlands will be a true test of where it stands among the soccer elite.

    Spain has scored 13 goals through four games and has been offensively aggressive in every game, except the loss to Japan.

    Netherlands is trying to make the championship game for the second World Cup in a row. The Dutch failed to qualify for the first six editions of the World Cup but have been among the best since their 2015 debut. Netherlands made it to the knockout round that year and lost to the United States in the final in 2019.

    Dutch forward Lineth Beerensteyn couldn’t help but celebrate a bit when Sweden eliminated the reigning two-time champion United States. The two teams played to a tense 1-1 draw in the group stage and Beerensteyn is happy to avoid another match against the Americans.

    “From the first moment I heard they were out I was just like ‘Yes! Bye!’” Bereensteyn said. “From the start of the tournament they were already talking about the final. I was thinking, ‘You first have to show it on the pitch before you talk.’

    “I still have a lot of respect for them but now they’re out of the tournament,” she said. “For me it’s a relief and for them it’s something they will have to take with them in the future.”

    The match is a meeting of prolific scorers: Jill Roord has scored four goals so far, one off the pace behind behind tournament-leading Hinata Miyazawa of Japan. Aitana Bonmati has three goals so far and has stepped in for Alexia Putellas, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner who has been limited by injury.

    Danielle van de Donk, the midfielder who tussled with American captain Lindsey Horan in group play, will miss the game for the Netherlands because she has two yellow cards in the tournament.

    “I feel very stupid,” she said. “You don’t want to be suspended for the next round and I now have to deal with that personally.”

    ___

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  • History will be made at Women’s World Cup as Colombia, Jamaica and Morocco seek quarterfinal spots

    History will be made at Women’s World Cup as Colombia, Jamaica and Morocco seek quarterfinal spots

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    AUCKLAND, New Zealand — History will be made Tuesday in at least one of the Women’s World Cup knockout games, where three teams try to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in their history.

    Colombia, led by 18-year-old sensation Linda Caicedo, is trying to advance for the first time, four years after missing the tournament field. The Colombians made it to the round of 16 in 2015, were eliminated in group play in 2011, and failed to qualify in the 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Cups.

    Standing in the way of Colombia, ranked 25th in the world, is Jamaica. The Reggae Girlz are playing in their second consecutive World Cup — they were eliminated in group play in 2019 — and needed a GoFundMe campaign to afford the trip to this year’s tournament.

    Colombia won its group, Jamaica beat Panama and eliminated powerhouse Brazil with a scoreless draw to advance, and the winner of Tuesday’s match in Melbourne will advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in team history.

    In Tuesday’s second knockout game, World Cup debutante Morocco will attempt to continue its historic first tournament with a win over France. Coincidentally, the two nations played to a 2-0 France victory in the semifinals of the men’s World Cup last December in Qatar.

    Morocco’s women’s team advanced as runner-up in Group H after back-to-back 1-0 wins against South Korea and Colombia. Morocco was the first Arab or North African nation to qualify for the Women’s World Cup, then became the first to advance beyond the group stage. Morocco was one of eight teams to make its tournament debut this year and the only one to advance.

    Morocco, ranked 72nd in the world, will have a tough time making it to the quarterfinals when the Atlas Lions play France in Adelaide, South Australia. France is ranked fifth in the world and advanced to at least the quarterfinals in the last three World Cups, and finished fourth in 2011.

    France was eliminated by the United States in the quarterfinals in 2019 as the tournament co-host in a match played in Paris.

    COLOMBIA-JAMAICA

    Two of the most dynamic scorers in the game meet Tuesday when Jamaica plays Colombia.

    Khadija “Bunny” Shaw was an attacking force with Manchester United last season, scoring 20 goals in 22 league games and has now taken Jamaica into the knockout round. Colombia has emerging star Caicedo, who has two goals in the tournament amid questions about her fitness.

    Shaw hasn’t managed to find the goal yet in this tournament, as Jamaica has just one goal in the group stage. Shaw sat out of the match because of a red card in the opener against France.

    Jamaica has played surprisingly well despite very little preparation.

    “Our defending was something of a concern for us. We had really no games coming into the World Cup. We had a camp in Jamaica,” Jamaica coach Lorne Donaldson said. “Attending camp was very important. The main emphasis was, can we buy into defending? And I think right there and then, we saw something.”

    Both France and Brazil, considered among the top teams at the World Cup, were held scoreless by Jamaica. The Jamaicans lost every game at the 2019 tournament, their only other appearance.

    “People always say, the best offense is defense,” midfielder Deneisha Blackwood said.

    Colombia, meanwhile, had its own upset of a European power in the opening round with a 2-1 win over two-time World Cup champion Germany. It was the team’s second win after defeating South Korea in the opener.

    The Colombians fell to upstart Morocco in the final match, but still finished atop their group to reach the knockout round for a second time.

    Caicedo played the entirety of Colombia’s 1-0 loss against Morocco last week to allay concern about her health. She was seen dropping to the ground during a practice session ahead of the match against Germany.

    When she was 15, Caicedo was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and believed she might never play again. But today she’s emerged as one of the game’s brightest young stars.

    Colombia will be without Manuela Vanegas because of yellow cards in the group stage. Ana Maria Guzman, who like Caicedo is 18, will replace Vanegas.

    Guzman said Caicedo is an inspiration.

    “What Linda is doing for me and also every Colombian player, she’s our reference, she’s a symbol,” Guzman said. “She’s a player that has proven that dreams can be achieved, and you have to work for that.”

    FRANCE-MOROCCO

    France, which reached the semifinals of last year’s European Championship, is trying to to reach the quarterfinals for the fourth consecutive Women’s World Cup.

    Les Blues has lost just one of their last 11 internationals.

    France rested several players for its final group game, including captain Wendie Renard and Eugenie Le Sommer, the country’s all-time leading scorer. Sakina Karchaoui, Sandie Toletti and Kenza Dali were also on the bench, as all three players are one yellow card away from a suspension.

    Maelle Lakrar has played every minute of the tournament but the defender is a doubt against Morocco because of a thigh injury.

    Le Sommer said the French were surprised to learn they’d be facing Morocco in the knockout round: “It was a bit of a surprise, even if we know that anything is possible in football. Their chances were slim, but this is the beauty of it, to be able to go through even if the chances are so small,” she said.

    And now the French will try to play as the more dominant of the two teams.

    “We are favorites and we won’t hide from it, we came here with a lot of ambition, and that won’t change because we play Morocco,” Le Sommer said. “We approach every game the same way, we want to win. We have more experience than Morocco in this kind of tournament, it is their first World Cup, their first round of 16. So it is up to us to bring the best from ourselves to win this match.”

    ___

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  • Bob Marley’s daughter is lauded as the `fairy godmother’ of the Jamaican women’s team.

    Bob Marley’s daughter is lauded as the `fairy godmother’ of the Jamaican women’s team.

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    MELBOURNE, Australia — The daughter of reggae legend Bob Marley is something of a “fairy godmother” for the Jamaica team playing in its second Women’s World Cup.

    Cedella Marley has been a tireless advocate and fundraiser for the Reggae Girlz and helped rescue the team after it was disbanded in 2008.

    Her work has paid of and Jamaica is in the round of 16. The Reggae Girlz play Colombia on Tuesday night in Melbourne, Australia.

    “Her support has been really important to us and she’s just the heart of this team,” said Jamaica player Deneisha Blackwood. “She’s just like our fairy godmother. We just appreciate her for everything she has done so far.”

    The Reggae Girlz were disbanded after failing to qualify for the 2007 World Cup and the 2008 Olympics. In 2014, Bob and Rita Marley’s eldest daughter was alarmed to learn the Jamaican soccer federation had stopped funding the team.

    Marley hoped to help the Reggae Girlz reach the 2015 World Cup, but the team failed to qualify. The Marley name — Bob Marley was a big soccer fan and player — spurred interest in the Reggae Girlz despite the World Cup miss — and the team made the tournament field in 2019.

    “The backbone of this team, all along, has been Cedella,” Jamaica coach Lorne Donaldson said. “Without her, and I can honestly this, because when the program was under, there was no for the women. She was the one who pushed the start button and said, `We need to go.’”

    While the Bob Marley Foundation is among the team’s sponsors, funding is still a concern for the Reggae Girlz. Ahead of the World Cup, a GoFundMe crowdraising campaign was set up by a player’s mother. Another was set up by the Reggae Girlz foundation. Both sites aimed to help Jamaica’s women with the costs associated with the World Cup, including a training camp, travel, food, and staff support.

    Those appeals came after players, including Cheyna Matthews and Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, posted a statement on social media about pay issues and other problems. The statement cited a lack of proper preparation that they hoped would be addressed by the Jamaican Football Federation.

    “We acknowledge that things have not been done perfectly, and we are working assiduously to resolve them,” the JFF responded in a statement.

    It is hoped that with the team’s success at this World Cup, the Reggae Girlz will finally get support.

    “I think Cedella has been the most important part of our journey,” Blackwood said. “I think the best thing about her is she actually sees us not just as players but as human beings. And I think that is just something that we’ve always wanted.”

    ___

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  • The future is uncertain for the United States after crashing out of the Women’s World Cup

    The future is uncertain for the United States after crashing out of the Women’s World Cup

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    MELBOURNE, Australia — The rest of the world has finally caught up to the United States.

    The once-dominant Americans crashed out of the Women’s World Cup on penalties after a scoreless draw with Sweden in the Round of 16 on Sunday. It was the earliest exit ever for the four-time tournament champions.

    A shootout in the 1999 World Cup — with a much different outcome — supercharged the U.S. team’s prominence atop the sport globally. The Americans beat China on penalties in front of a sellout crowd at the Rose Bowl and Brandi Chastain doffed her jersey in celebration.

    Except for some desperate energy in its last match, this U.S. team appeared uncharacteristically timid and disorganized throughout this World Cup. The two-time defending champions squeaked by in the group stage with just a win against Vietnam and disappointing draws against Netherlands and Portugal.

    The Americans have fallen victim to growing parity in women’s soccer. Former powerhouse teams like the United States, Germany and Brazil were all sent home early while teams including Jamaica, Colombia and first-timers Morocco surpassed expectations.

    “I think it says a lot about the growth of the game,” defender Crystal Dunn said. “I think so many people are looking for us to win games 5-0, and World Cups.

    “We should be proud that those days aren’t here. We, as members of the U.S. women’s national team, have always fought for the growth of this game globally, and I think that is what you’re seeing.”

    After a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and now the early exit from the World Cup, coach Vlatko Andonovski’s future with the team is uncertain as it prepares for the next big tournament, the Paris Games next year.

    Andonovski took over the job for Jill Ellis, who led the Americans to their back-to-back World Cup titles in 2015 and ’19. He has gone 51-5-9 during his time with the team.

    “I never came into the job, never came into the locker room with the mindset that I wanted to do something to save my job,” Andonovski said on Sunday, clearly shaken. “I was always focused on doing a good job, doing my job in the best possible manner to prepare this team for the challenges they have in front of them, and to prepare them to represent our country.”

    U.S. Soccer issued a brief statement Monday morning.

    “While we are all disappointed our journey has ended at the Women’s World Cup, we want to thank the players, coaches and staff for their remarkable effort and to our fans both in the stands and at home for their unwavering support,” the federation said. “As we always do after a major tournament, we will conduct a review to identify areas of improvement and determine our next steps. As we look ahead, we embrace the hard work necessary to become champions again.”

    In addition to a stronger level of competition, the United States also struggled with inexperience.

    The United States brought 14 players to the World Cup who had never played in the event. Indeed, 12 of them had never played in a major tournament.

    The changes were part of a U.S. youth movement after the disappointing Tokyo Games. Andonovski focused his attention on developing young players like Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and 18-yar-old Alyssa Thompson.

    One player, midfielder Savannah DeMelo, had never appeared in a national team match when she was named to the World Cup roster. She appeared as a substitute in a send-off match against Wales in San Jose, before starting in the first two World Cup games.

    Smith, the U.S. Soccer Player of the year for 2022, had a good start to the tournament with two goals against Vietnam, but went scoreless the rest of the way. She missed her penalty attempt against Sweden along with Megan Rapinoe and Kelley O’Hara.

    The only other scorer for the team was co-captain Lindsey Horan, who also had two goals.

    “Even though it didn’t end up the way we wanted, it’s a huge experience for some of these young players,” Andonovski said. “There’s a group of players that will make a mark in the future.”

    There was backlash on social media and among pundits following the match, critical of both Andonovski’s tactics and Rapinoe’s reaction after missing her penalty attempt. She laughed, explaining later that she had fully expected to make it.

    Rapinoe, the outspoken star on the 2019 World Cup known for her iconic victory pose, wasn’t the same game-changer she once was. At 38, and after a pair of World Cup titles and an Olympic gold medal, her role had diminished. She announced before the tournament started that it would be her last World Cup.

    “I know it’s the end and that’s sad, but to know this is really the only time I’ve been in one of these, this early, says so much about how much success I’ve been able to have and just how much I’ve loved playing for this team and playing for this country,” Rapinoe said, tears in her eyes. “It’s been an honor.”

    After the match defender Julie Ertz also said it was likely her last time wearing the U.S. jersey.

    It was also clear the United States was missing several important players.

    Mallory Swanson, the team’s top scorer this year, tore her patella tendon in an exhibition match with Ireland in April. Becky Sauerbrunn, the team’s captain, announced in June that she was unable to get over a foot injury in time for the tournament.

    Dynamic forward Catarina Macario, hailed among the future stars of the team, tore her ACL last year playing with French club Lyon and didn’t recover in time.

    In the end, however, the United States struggled most with its identity. It could never muster the confidence of teams past — including the legendary ’99ers.

    “All we want to do is be successful, be able to uphold the legacy that this team deserves. We failed at that this time,” said forward Alex Morgan, who like Rapinoe was playing in her fourth World Cup. “But I’m still hopeful with the future of this team. I still stand by that. This game is evolving, the game is getting better and that’s not going to change. It’s only going to continue.”

    ___

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  • The future is uncertain for the United States after crashing out of the Women’s World Cup

    The future is uncertain for the United States after crashing out of the Women’s World Cup

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    MELBOURNE, Australia — The rest of the world has finally caught up to the United States.

    The once-dominant Americans crashed out of the Women’s World Cup on penalties after a scoreless draw with Sweden in the Round of 16 on Sunday. It was the earliest exit ever for the four-time tournament champions.

    A shootout in the 1999 World Cup — with a much different outcome — supercharged the U.S. team’s prominence atop the sport globally. The Americans defeated China on penalties in front of a sellout crowd at the Rose Bowl and Brandi Chastain doffed her jersey in celebration.

    Except for some desperate energy in the final match, this U.S. team looked uncharacteristically timid and disorganized throughout this World Cup. The two-time defending champions squeaked by in the group stage with just a win against Vietnam and disappointing draws against both the Netherlands and Portugal.

    The Americans have fallen victim to growing parity in women’s soccer. Former powerhouse teams like the United States, Germany and Brazil were all sent home early while teams like Jamaica, Colombia and first-timers Morocco surpassed expectations.

    “I think it says a lot about the growth of the game,” defender Crystal Dunn said. “I think so many people are looking for us to win games 5-0, and World Cups. “We should be proud that those days aren’t here. We, as members of the U.S. women’s national team, have always fought for the growth of this game globally, and I think that is what you’re seeing.”

    After a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and now the early exit from the World Cup, coach Vlatko Andonovski’s future with the team is uncertain as it prepares for the next big tournament, the Paris Games next year.

    Andonovski took over the job for Jill Ellis, who led the Americans to their back-to-back World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019. He has gone 51-5-9 during his time with the team.

    “I never came into the job, never came into the locker room with the mindset that I wanted to do something to save my job,” Andonovski said on Sunday, clearly shaken. “I was always focused on doing a good job, doing my job in the best possible manner to prepare this team for the challenges they have in front of them, and to prepare them to represent our country.”

    U.S. Soccer issued a brief statement on Monday morning.

    “While we are all disappointed the our journey has ended at the Women’s World Cup, we want to thank the players, coaches and staff for their remarkable effort and to our fans both in the stands and at home for their unwavering support,” the federation said. “As we always do after a major tournament, we will conduct a review to identify areas of improvement and determine our next steps. As we look ahead, we embrace the hard work necessary to become champions again.”

    In addition to a stronger field, the United States also struggled with inexperience.

    The United States brought 14 players to the World Cup who had never played in the event. Indeed, 12 of them had never played in a major tournament.

    The changes were part of a U.S. youth movement after the disappointing Tokyo Games. Andonovski focused his attention on developing young players like Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and 18-yar-old Alyssa Thompson.

    One player, midfielder Savannah DeMelo, had never appeared in a national team match when she was named to the World Cup roster. She appeared as a substitute in a send-off match against Wales in San Jose, before starting in the Americans’ first two games.

    Smith, the U.S. Soccer Player of the year for 2022, had a good start to the tournament with two goals against Vietnam, but went scoreless the rest of the way. She missed her penalty attempt against Sweden along with Megan Rapinoe and Kelley O’Hara.

    The only other scorer for the team was co-captain Lindsey Horan, who also had two goals.

    “Even though it didn’t end up the way we wanted. It’s a huge experience for some of these young players,” Andonovski said. “There’s a group of players that will make a mark in the future.”

    There was backlash on social media and among pundits following the match, critical of both Andonovski’s tactics and Rapinoe’s reaction after missing her penalty. She laughed, explaining later that she had fully expected to make it.

    Rapinoe, the outspoken star on the 2019 World Cup known for her iconic victory pose, wasn’t the same game-changer she once was. At 38, and after a pair of World Cup titles and an Olympic gold medal, her role had diminished. She announced before the tournament started that it would be her last World Cup.

    “I know it’s the end and that’s sad, but to know this is really the only time I’ve been in one of these, this early, says so much about how much success I’ve been able to have and just how much I’ve loved playing for this team and playing for this country,” Rapinoe said, tears in her eyes. “It’s been an honor.”

    After the match defender Julie Ertz also said it was likely her last time wearing the U.S. jersey.

    It was also clear the United States was missing several important players.

    Mallory Swanson, the team’s top scorer this year, tore her patella tendon in an exhibition match with Ireland in April. Becky Sauerbrunn, the team’s captain, announced in June that she was unable to get over a foot injury in time for the tournament.

    Dynamic forward Catarina Macario, hailed among the future stars of the team, tore her ACL last year playing with French club Lyon and didn’t recover in time.

    In the end, however, the United States struggled most with its identity. It could never muster the confidence of teams past — including the legendary ’99ers.

    “All we want to do is be successful, be able to uphold the legacy that this team deserves. We failed at that this time,” said forward Alex Morgan, who like Rapinoe was playing in her fourth World Cup. “But I’m still hopeful with the future of this team. I still stand by that. It is what it is. The game this game is evolving, the game is getting better and that’s not going to change. It’s only going to continue.”

    ___

    More AP Women’s World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup

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  • ‘Like a bad dream’: US faces unfamiliar emotions following dramatic Women’s World Cup exit | CNN

    ‘Like a bad dream’: US faces unfamiliar emotions following dramatic Women’s World Cup exit | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    Disappointment is an unfamiliar emotion for the US when it comes to women’s soccer. This is a team that had not lost a Women’s World Cup match for 12 years, had never finished worse than third in the tournament, and was aiming for a historic World Cup three-peat, a near impossible feat never achieved in men’s or women’s soccer.

    So when the US crashed out of this World Cup in the round-of-16, losing a dramatic penalty shootout against Sweden in Melbourne on Sunday, there was a stunned sense of disbelief, of it all simply being a “bad dream,” as its legendary forward Alex Morgan said.

    Public figures sent consolation messages on social media, while the team itself – also mourning the impending retirement of iconic forward Megan Rapinoe and likely retirement of fellow stalwart Julie Ertz – huddled together on the pitch, before facing questions not previously asked of the US Women’s National Team (USWNT).

    “You made this sport matter,” First Lady Jill Biden wrote on Twitter. “Today, you inspired us with your grit and determination. We are proud of you. Always remember that you encourage women and girls everywhere to show up and fight for their dreams.”

    Meanwhile, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton tweeted: “I’m forever proud of our #USWNT. This team will come back better and stronger, because that’s what American women do.”

    It was almost a different story. The US dominated much of the match, with only desperate, brilliant saves from Sweden goalkeeper Zećira Mušović denying the Americans goals on two separate occasions during the second half of regular time. But the game ticked into extra-time and, when the additional 30 minutes failed to produce a winner, into penalties.

    “We showed everything we could to win the game and, unfortunately, soccer can be cruel sometimes,” US coach Vlatko Andonovski said afterwards.

    “So proud of the team, of the women on the field,” Andonovski said. “I know we were criticized for the way we played and for different moments in the group stage. I think we came out today and showed what we’re all about, showed the grit, the resilience, the fight, the bravery.”

    Even before this defeat, it had been a difficult tournament for the US as it limped through the group stages, winning once – against Vietnam – and drawing against the Netherlands and Portugal.

    The US’ performance in that draw against Portugal prompted widespread criticism, for it was only the width of a goalpost that prevented a late Portuguese winner and the US from exiting the tournament in the group stages.

    “Being able to come out of the group stage where we didn’t play our best and changing it into this kind of performance. This is what this team is going to be made of with so many young players coming through,” captain Lindsey Horan said after the Sweden loss, looking towards the future of the team.

    Lindsey Horan reacts after the match.

    “We entertained, we created chances, we didn’t score and this is part of the game,” she added. “Penalties, to be frank, they suck, they’re too cruel. I’m proud of every player that stepped up to take a penalty today, score or miss, it’s courageous to go take a penalty. I’m very proud of my team.”

    As the young players emerge onto the world stage in the harshest cauldron imaginable, this defeat also marks the end of several iconic players’ international careers.

    Two-time World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe announced her imminent retirement before the tournament began and came on as a second-half substitute against Sweden but missed her penalty in the shootout.

    “It’s like a sick joke for me, personally. I’m like, ‘This is dark comedy, I missed a penalty,’” Megan Rapinoe told Fox Sports, as she was visibly emotional on the pitch afterwards.

    “I still just feel really grateful and joyful, and I know it’s the end and that’s sad,” she added. “But to know this is really the only time that I’ve been in one of these [situations] this early says so much about how much success I’ve been able to have, and just how much I’ve loved playing for this team and playing for this country. It’s been an honor.”

    Megan Rapinoe played in her last ever World Cup match for the US.

    Fellow two-time World Cup winner Julie Ertz also told Fox Sports afterwards, while fighting back tears, that she would probably never play for the USWNT ever again.

    “It’s an emotional time. So it absolutely sucks, I mean, penalties are the worst. But it’s an honor to represent this team. I’m excited for the future of the girls,” she said.

    It was the cruelest of defeats for the US after the penalty shootout went to sudden death and ended with the video assistant referee (VAR) determining that Lina Hurtig’s penalty had inched over the line despite US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher initially appearing to save it.

    “We just lost the World Cup by a millimeter,” Naeher told Fox Sports. “That’s tough.”

    She added: “I’m proud of the fight of the team tonight. I think we knew that we hadn’t given our best in the group stage and we wanted a complete team performance. And the team came out, I thought we played great tonight. To come up short hurts. It’s going to hurt for a long time.”

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  • US loses to Sweden on penalty kicks in its earliest Women’s World Cup exit ever

    US loses to Sweden on penalty kicks in its earliest Women’s World Cup exit ever

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    MELBOURNE, Australia — The United States played its best game of this Women’s World Cup and it wasn’t good enough to stop the two-time reigning champions from being eliminated in the round of 16.

    The Americans’ bid to win an unprecedented third consecutive title ended Sunday on penalty kicks. Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith and Kelly O’Hara missed with kicks from the penalty spot before Lina Hurtig converted to clinch the shootout 5-4 on Sunday as Sweden knocked the United States out of the World Cup after a scoreless draw in regulation and extra time.

    The Americans controlled the shootout until the trio of misses.

    It is the earliest exit in tournament history for the United States, four-time winners of the World Cup.

    “I mean, this is like a sick joke. For me personally, this is like dark comedy that I missed a penalty,” Rapinoe said as she blinked back tears. “This is the balance to the beautiful side of the game. I think it can be cruel.”

    U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher fruitlessly argued she had saved Hurtig’s attempt, but it was ruled over the line by VAR. The stadium played Abba’s “Dancing Queen” in the stadium as the Swedes celebrated and the U.S. players sobbed.

    “We just lost the World Cup by a millimeter. That’s tough,” said Naeher, who successfully converted her own penalty kick. “I am proud of the fight of the team. We knew we hadn’t done our best in the group stage and we wanted a complete team performance and the team came out and played great.”

    She praised Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who had 11 saves to deny the U.S. a spot in the quarterfinals. The American’s worst previous finish had been third place, three different times.

    “We didn’t put anything in the back of the net,” sobbed Julie Ertz after the loss. “The penalties were tough. It’s just emotional because it’s probably my last game ever. It’s just tough. It obviously sucks. Penalties are the worst.”

    The loss was somewhat expected based on the Americans’ listless play through three group-stage matches. But they played their best game of this World Cup against Sweden, only to have it decided by penalties.

    “I am proud of the women on the field,” U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski said. “I know we were criticized for the way we played, and for different moments in the group stage. I think we came out today and showed the grit, the resilience, the fight. The bravery showed we did everything we could to win the game. And, unfortunately, soccer can be cruel sometimes.”

    It was the fourth time the Americans went to extra time at the World Cup. All three previous matches went to penalties, including the 2011 final won by Japan. The U.S. won on penalties in a 2011 quarterfinal match against Brazil, and in the 1999 final at the Rose Bowl against China.

    Sweden knocked the United States out of the 2016 Olympics in the quarterfinals on penalties.

    Sweden goes on to the quarterfinals to play Japan, which beat Norway 3-1 on Saturday night.

    Sweden has never won a major global tournament, either the World Cup or the Olympics. The closest the team has come is World Cup runner-up in 2003. They placed third in the 1999, 2011 and 2019 editions, and won silver medals in the last two Olympics.

    The result ended the international career of Rapinoe, the Golden Boot winner of the 2019 tournament who is retiring after the World Cup. She had taken on a smaller role in her final tournament and was a substitute in the United States’ first and third games of group play.

    She went on in extra time against Sweden and in her final game and few minutes of action, she failed to control a ball played in deep, whiffed on a rebound, hit the side of the net with a corner kick and then missed the penalty that would have put the United States on the verge of victory.

    “Just devastated. It feels like a bad dream,” captain Alex Morgan said. “The team put everything out there tonight. I feel like we dominated, but it doesn’t matter. We’re going home and it’s the highs and lows of the sport of soccer. So, yeah, it doesn’t feel great.”

    The Americans struggled through group play with just four goals in three matches. They were nearly eliminated last Tuesday by first-timers Portugal, but eked out a 0-0 draw to fall to second in their group for just the second time at a World Cup.

    The Americans looked far better against Sweden, dominating possession and outshooting the Swedes 5-1 in the first half. Lindsey Horan’s first-half header hit the crossbar and a second-half blast was saved by goalkeeper Musovic, who had six saves in regulation.

    Sweden won all three of their group games, including a 5-0 rout of Italy in its final group match. Coach Peter Gerhardsson made nine lineup changes for the match, resting his starters in anticipation of the United States.

    “They will come back for sure, they have so much quality on their team,” Sweden midfielder Kosovare Asllani said of the U.S. team. “This defeat will not take them down. I expect them to be ready for the next World Cup.”

    It was tense from the opening whistle.

    Naeher punched the ball away from a crowded goal on an early Sweden corner kick. Three of the Swedes’ goals against Italy came on set pieces.

    Trinity Rodman’s shot from distance in the 18th minute was easily caught by Musovic, who stopped another chance by Rodman in the 27th.

    Horan’s header off Andi Sullivan’s corner in the 34th hit the crossbar and skipped over the goal. Horan was on target in the 53rd minute but Musovic pushed it wide. Horan crouched to the field in frustration while the Sweden keeper was swarmed by her teammates.

    “I had a really good feeling before the game,” Musovic said. “Once again, I’m extremely proud of the girls. Many people out there didn’t think that (win) was possible.”

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    More AP Women’s World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup

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  • US loses to Sweden on penalty kicks in earliest Women’s World Cup exit ever

    US loses to Sweden on penalty kicks in earliest Women’s World Cup exit ever

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    MELBOURNE, Australia — Lina Hurtig’s converted her penalty and Sweden knocked the United States out of the World Cup 5-4 on penalties after a scoreless draw at the Women’s World Cup.

    U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher fruitlessly argued she had saved Hurtig’s attempt, but it was ruled over the line. The stadium played Abba’s “Dancing Queen in the stadium as the Swedes celebrated.

    The United States, which has a record four World Cup titles overall and was trying to win an unprecedented third consecutive tile, was eliminated in the Round of 16 for the first time in team history.

    The Americans’ worst finish had been third place, three times.

    “I am proud of the women on the field,” said U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski. “I know we were criticized for the way we played, and for different moments in the group stage. I think we came out today and showed the grit, the resilience, the fight. The bravery showed we did everything we could to win the game. And, unfortunately, soccer can be cruel sometimes.”

    It was the first match at this World Cup to go to extra time.

    Two-time World Cup participant Julie Ertz was in tears after the match.

    “We didn’t put anything in the back of the net,” she sobbed. “The penalties was tough as well. It’s just emotional because it’s probably my last game ever. It’s just tough. It’s an emotional time. It obviously sucks. Penalties are the worst.”

    It was the was the fourth time a U.S. match at the World Cup went to extra time. All of the three previous matches went to penalties, including the 2011 final won by Japan. The U.S. won on penalties in a 2011 quarterfinal match against Brazil, and in the 1999 final at the final at the Rose Bowl against China.

    Sweden knocked the United States out of the 2016 Olympics in the quarterfinals on penalties.

    Sweden goes on to the quarterfinals to play Japan, the 2011 World Cup winner, which defeated Norway 3-1 on Saturday night.

    Sweden has never won a major international tournament, either the World Cup or the Olympics. The closest the team has come is World Cup runner-up in 2003. They finished in third in the 1999, 2011 and 2019 editions, and won silver medals in the last two Olympics.

    The Americans struggled through group play with just four goals in three matches. They were nearly eliminated last Tuesday by first-timers Portugal, but eked out a 0-0 draw to fall to second in their group for just the second time at a World Cup.

    The Americans looked far better against Sweden, dominating possession and outshooting the Swedes 5-1 in the first half alone. Lindsey Horan’s first-half header hit the crossbar and a second-half blast was saved by goalkeeper Zecira Musovic, who had six saves in regulation.

    Sweden won all three of their group games, including a 5-0 rout of Italy in its final group match. Coach Peter Gerhardsson made nine lineup changes for the match, resting his starters in anticipation of the United States.

    It was tense from the opening whistle.

    Naeher punched the ball away from a crowded goal on an early Sweden corner kick. Three of the Swedes’ goals against Italy came on set pieces.

    Trinity Rodman’s shot from distance in the 18th minute was easily caught by Musovic, who stopped another chance by Rodman in the 27th.

    Horan’s header off Andi Sullivan’s corner in the 34th hit the crossbar and skipped over the goal. Horan was on target in the 53rd minute but Musovic dove to push it wide. Horan crouched to the field in frustration while Musovic was swarmed by her teammates.

    The United States was without Rose Lavelle, who picked up her second yellow card of the tournament in the group stage finale against Portugal and has to sit out against Sweden.

    In Lavelle’s absence, Andonovski started Emily Sonnett, who was making her first start for the team since 2022. The addition of Sonnett allowed Horan to move up higher in the midfield.

    Sweden pressed in the final 10 minutes of regulation. Sofia Jakobsson, who came in as a substitute in the 81st minute, nearly scored in the 85th but Naeher managed to catch it for her first save of the tournament.

    Neither Caroline Seger of Megan Rapinoe started the match, but Rapinoe came in as a sub for Alex Morgan in the first overtime period.

    Seger, whose 235 appearances for Sweden are the most for any woman in Europe, was on the bench to start the match. The 38-year-old has been struggling with a calf problem all year and trained alone in the two days of practice leading into the showdown with the U.S.

    Rapinoe, also 38, previously announced that this would be her last World Cup. She has taken on a smaller role for the Americans in her final tournament. She was a substitute in the United States’ first and third games of group play and didn’t get off the bench in the middle match. She made her 200th appearance for the national team at the World Cup.

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    More AP Women’s World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-womens-world-cup

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