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CNN —Aitana Bonmatí, Spain’s World Cup-winning midfielder, used her UEFA Women’s Player of the Year award speech to call out “abuses of power” following Luis Rubiales’ unwanted kiss. Bonmatí was influential for Barcelona in the team’s league and Champions League double last season, before going on to play a leading role in Spain’s victorious Women’s World Cup campaign. “We just won the World Cup but nobody is talking about that much because things have happened I wished hadn’t,” Bonmatí said after collecting the award. “I hope we keep working to improve society.”Aitana Bonmatí won the Golden Ball for best player at the Women's World Cup. Sarina Wiegman was named the UEFA Women's Coach of the Year.

Persons: Aitana, Luis Rubiales, Hermoso, Bonmatí, Spain’s, “, ” Bonmatí, Jenni, ” Aitana Bonmatí, Hagen Hopkins, Sarina Wiegman, England’s Lionesses, Wiegman, Wigman, there’s, Daniel Cole, Rubiales, Pedro Rocha Organizations: CNN, UEFA, Spanish, FIFA, Barcelona, Champions League, UEFA Women’s, England, Spanish national team Locations: Spanish

☆ Champions League draw: Paris Saint-Germain in ‘group of death’ and Harry Kane to return to England
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —It’s time for Europe’s biggest soccer clubs to go head-to-head again and the draw for this season’s Champions League group stages didn’t disappoint in producing some mouthwatering fixtures. Jurij Kodrun/Getty ImagesIndividual awardsFollowing the Champions League draw, individual awards were handed out for the 2022-23 season. The Spaniard led Manchester City to a historic treble as the club picked up silverware in the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League. Bonmatí also had a brilliant season for club team Barcelona, where she was influential as it won a league and Champions League double. Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland were awarded for their part in helping Manchester City to a historic treble of trophies.

Persons: CNN —, Germain, Mbappé, Charly Triballeau, Harry Kane, Jurij Kodrun, Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland, Haaland, Sarina Wiegman, Wiegman, Aitana Bonmatí, Bonmatí, Franck Fife Organizations: CNN, Europe’s, Champions League, Paris Saint, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Newcastle, PSG, Getty, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Galatasaray, League, Manchester City, G, Arsenal, Gunners, Real, Napoli, Braga, Union Berlin, UEFA, Spaniard, Premier League, FA, Manchester, England, Barcelona, Galatasaray Group B – Sevilla, PSV Eindhoven, Lens, Real Madrid, Union Berlin Group, Benfica, Inter Milan, RB Salzburg, Real Sociedad Group E – Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, Celtic, Saint, RB Leipzig, Crvena zvezda, Star, Young Boys, Shakhtar Donetsk, Royal Locations: Paris, Newcastle, AFP, England, Copenhagen, Europe, Real Madrid, Spain, Manchester, Braga, Lazio, Barcelona, Porto, Royal Antwerp

☆ Rapinoe to play final game for US on Sept. 24
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Rapinoe, 38, announced last month before the Women's World Cup that she would retire when the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) season ends in November. She was one of three American players to miss her spot-kick when the U.S. were knocked out by Sweden on penalties in the last 16 stage of this year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Rapnioe will end her international career with 203 caps and currently has 63 goals and 73 assists for the national team. She has also been an advocate for LGBT+ rights and equal pay in women's soccer. Rapinoe is scheduled to play her last NWSL regular-season game with OL Reign on Oct. 6 against Washington Spirit in Seattle.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Hannah Mckay, Rapinoe, It's, Hritika Sharma, Christopher Cushing Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, World, United, United States women's, South, U.S . Soccer Federation, USSF, National Women's Soccer League, Washington Spirit, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Sweden, United States, Melbourne, Australia, U.S, South Africa, Chicago, Rapinoe, soccer, Seattle, Hyderabad

☆ Australia retail sales rebound after fall, annual rate slows further
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Holiday shoppers stand in line inside a mall in the city centre of Sydney, Australia, December 17, 2020. REUTERS/Loren Elliott/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSYDNEY, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Australian retail sales rebounded in July after a sharp fall the previous month, but the annual rate slowed further, a result that should not upset the outlook for interest rates as high borrowing costs work to slow consumer spending. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Monday showed nominal retail sales rose 0.5% in July from June. Ben Dorber, ABS head of retail statistics, said the rebound was boosted by additional spending at catering and takeaway food outlets linked to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and school holidays. The rate hikes have added hundreds of dollars to average monthly mortgage repayments, weighing on consumer spending, which had been resilient at first thanks in part to savings amassed during the pandemic.

Persons: Loren Elliott, Ben Dorber, Stella Qiu, Jacqueline Wong Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Analysts, FIFA, Reserve Bank of Australia, ANZ, Thomson Locations: Sydney, Australia

☆ US were not fully prepared heading into Women's World Cup, says Horan
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Round of 16 - Sweden v United States - Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, Australia - August 6, 2023 Megan Rapinoe of the U.S. and teammates look dejected as the United States are knocked out of the World Cup Acquire Licensing Rights Read moreAug 23 (Reuters) - The U.S. women's soccer team was not fully prepared heading into the World Cup, co-captain Lindsey Horan said, after the four-time champions produced their worst-ever performance at the tournament in Australia and New Zealand. The U.S. exited in the round of 16 after suffering a shock 5-4 shootout defeat by Sweden. "I don't think everyone was fully prepared, and that's on us as well." Horan, 29, said the team did not look relaxed during the tournament, where they finished second in their group behind the Netherlands. The U.S. will host South Africa in back-to-back friendlies on Sept. 21 in Cincinnati and Sept. 24 in Chicago.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Lindsey Horan, Vlatko Andonovski, Tobin Heath, Horan, " Horan, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Christen Press, YouTube, INC, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Sweden, United States, Melbourne, Australia, U.S, Netherlands, Africa, Cincinnati, Chicago, Bengaluru

But in Australia, relative newcomers to the game’s big leagues, the arrival of the world’s best women’s players has left old and new fans starry-eyed with possibility. Despite placing fourth – the team’s best finish at a World Cup – the ability of relative outsiders to make it that far has elevated Australia’s Matildas to hero status. Fans cheer Spain's victory while watching a live transmission of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 in Madrid. Australia fans celebrate at Melbourne's Federation Square after the Matildas scored the opening goal in their FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match against Denmark on August 7. It’s not just football, it’s different.”Spain's players celebrate with the trophy after winning the 2023 Women's World Cup.

Persons: Sydney CNN —, “, Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Gianni Infantino, ”, Matildas, Spain's, Denis Doyle, –, Australia’s, might’ve, Sam Kerr, Asanka Ratnayake, that’s, Matilda Karen Menzies –, there’s, Kerr, Australia's Sam Kerr, England's Keira Walsh, Ulrik Pedersen, they’ve, Andrea Ellis, ” Ellis, you’re, Sarai Bareman, Saeed Khan, Infantino, Joanna Lohman, Rubiales, Jorge Vilda, RFEF, Sisters, Simmi Nanduo, ” Louise Nussac, Vilda, Kelly Stroda, La, Hilary Whiteman, d’Or Féminin, Alexia Putellas Organizations: Sydney CNN, Sydney’s, FIFA, La Roja, Royal Spanish Football Federation, derisory, England, Sweden, Melbourne's, Denmark, Australia’s, UEFA European, Sunday’s, Women’s Football, FIFA Women’s Football Convention, Getty, United States Women’s National, “, Sky News, CNN, ”, World Locations: Australia, Europe, Madrid, England, Bromley ,, London, AFP, Texas, Spanish, Paris, France, Spain, La Roja

☆ Alexia Putellas: World Cup winner says ‘FIFA should take note’ of issues in women’s football
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( Matt Foster | Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Newly crowned Women’s World Cup winner Alexia Putellas spoke passionately after Sunday’s final victory over England about the need for FIFA to “take note” of the issues facing women in the sport. (From L to R) Alexia Putellas, Jennifer Hermoso and Irene Paredes celebrate with the trophy after winning the World Cup. The 2023 Women’s World Cup broke several viewing records throughout the competition and in a number of different countries. In his speech at the FIFA Women’s Football Convention in Sydney on Friday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino claimed over 2 billion people had tuned in to the competition, hailing it as a “truly transformational” event. Spain’s victory earned the country’s maiden Women’s World Cup title, having only qualified for the flagship event three times, and it now joins Germany as the only nations to win both a men’s and women’s World Cup.

Persons: Alexia Putellas, – Putellas, it’s, Ballon d’Or, ” Putellas, “, “ We’ve, Jennifer Hermoso, Irene Paredes, Saeed Khan, Jorge Vilda, Putellas, ”, Gianni Infantino Organizations: CNN, FIFA, Colombian, CNN Sport, Getty, Spain, England, US Soccer, Seven Network, OzTAM, FIFA Women’s Football Convention Locations: England, AFP, Canada, Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand, Barcelona, Sydney, Germany

☆ The American rebuild begins after dismal World Cup campaign
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The Americans, who own a record four World Cup titles and had never before finished worse than third place, left town long before the party was over after a shock defeat to Sweden in the last 16. "Our commitment to excellence remains unshakeable, and we believe this strategic plan will set the foundation for our women's national team to achieve greater heights in the years to come." The U.S. federation must also replace women's national team General Manager Kate Margkraf, whose departure was announced on Friday. But the Macedonian-American never shied from bringing the next generation into the fold, as he fielded the least experienced U.S. team in memory with 14 World Cup newcomers, compared to only eight in 2015. But fans looking for a glimmer of hope from the Americans' dismal campaign can look to the younger players.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Alyssa Naeher, Vlatko Andonovski, Matt Crocker, Crocker, Kate Margkraf, There’s, Andonovski, Sam Mewis, Catarina Macario, Mallory Swanson, Forward Sophia Smith, Naomi Girma, Alyssa Thompson, Julie Ertz, Fox, Amy Tennery, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, United, Spain, England, Sunday's, team, Soccer Sporting, Premier League, Southampton, women's, U.S . Soccer, National Women's Soccer League, U.S ., Vietnam, U.S, Soccer, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Sweden, United States, Melbourne, Australia, U.S, Sydney, Qatar, Paris, Tokyo, New York

☆ Kiss for World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso criticised by Spanish ministers
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The kiss happened as Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish soccer federation, distributed gold medals among the team following their 1-0 victory over England on Sunday. Hermoso later played down the incident in a statement sent to Spanish news agency EFE by the federation. "It was mutual gesture that was totally spontaneous prompted by the huge joy of winning a world cup," the statement said. Acting Culture and Sports Minister Miquel Iceta said on Monday on RNE radio the kiss was unacceptable and asked Rubiales to give an explanation and apologise. Reporting by Inti Landauro and Fernando Kallas; Editing by Aislinn Laing and Alison WilliamsOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Jennifer Hermoso, Amanda Perobelli, Hermoso, Jenni Hermoso, Luis Rubiales, EFE, Rubiales, Jenni, Miquel Iceta, Irene Montero, Ione Belarra, Jenni didn't, Montero's, Inti Landauro, Fernando Kallas, Aislinn Laing, Alison Williams Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Spain Press, Eden, YouTube, El Mundo, England, Spain's COPE Radio, Radio Marca, Sports, Twitter, Social, El Pais, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Auckland , New Zealand, MADRID, Spanish, Spain, Spain's

☆ Opinion: What comes next for women’s soccer
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-20 | by ( Opinion Amy Bass | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

For the first time since 2011, a new champion in women’s soccer has been crowned. Amy Bass Rodney BedsoleSpain came out swinging with vigor and poise in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final in Sydney’s Stadium Australia, spreading the field, finding gaps in England’s backline and posting early dominant possession percentages. New worldAs the seconds of extra time ticked in the final, we already knew one result: no matter who won Sunday, the exclusive club of Women’s World Cup champions was about to have a newcomer. Jamaica made history at this World Cup because of the Reggae Girlz’ prowess, supported by a viral fundraising effort, not by its own federation. Indeed, it is his job to further the game, including and perhaps especially the women’s game, and not sit and wait to be convinced by women or anyone else.

Persons: Amy Bass, Amy Bass Rodney Bedsole Spain, England’s Lauren, Mary Earps, Spain’s Olga Carmona, Sarina Wiegman, Chloe Kelly, Lauren James, Gianni Infantino, anyone’s, Matildas, Salma Paraluello, Jorge Vilda, Mapi Leon, Aitana Bonmati, Vilda, Megyn Kelly, I’m, Alexi Lalas, Carli Lloyd, Lalas, ”, Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe, Abigail Adams, “, Infantino, you’ll, Rather, ahem Organizations: Manhattanville College, CNN, US, National, FIFA, Sydney’s, Sweden, England, New Zealand, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Fox, Tokyo, Soccer, Twitter, Facebook Locations: Australia, England, Spain, Norway, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Thailand, Haiti, New, Spanish, Colombia, Jamaica

☆ Spain fans celebrate historic World Cup victory
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Final - Fans in Madrid watch Spain v England - WiZink Center, Madrid, Spain - August 20, 2023 Spain fans celebrate after winning the World Cup final REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura Acquire Licensing RightsMADRID, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Jubilant Spain supporters cheered loudly and waved flags after their team beat England 1-0 in Sydney on Sunday to win the Women's World Cup for the first time. "(They've made) history, finally women's soccer and women's sport is starting to get attention. Co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, the ninth edition of the Women's World Cup was the first to be held in the southern hemisphere. Olga Carmona's goal put La Roja, as the Spanish women's team are known, ahead in the first half and they created the majority of the clearcut chances in the match. "As a soccer fan I'm super happy that Spain is the best in the world again," said engineer Jorge Martin, 33.

Persons: Violeta Santos Moura, They've, Raquel Chamochin, Olga Carmona's, Mercedes Guzman, Jorge Martin, Letizia, Princess Sofia, Pedro Sanchez, Jorge Vilda, Elena Rodriguez, Michael Gore, Jessica Jones, Ed Osmond Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Spain, England, WiZink, Rights, Real Madrid Basketball, Reuters, La Roja, Spanish, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Madrid, Spain, Sydney, Australia, Japan

☆ South Africa's Women's World Cup success highlights unequal pay issues
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-18 | by ( Thando Hlophe | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

South Africa's women's team, known as "Banyana Banyana", reached the last 16 at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand earlier this month -- the first time either the men's or women's team had achieved the feat. In a 2022 investigation into the bonus structure for Banyana Banyana, South Africa's Commision for Gender Equity found that "players are not remunerated on the same scale (as) ... their male counterparts". For instance, South Africa's women's players received only a 55,000 rand ($2,885) bonus for reaching the final of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, which they went on to win. "We're coming from very disadvantaged homes, we become breadwinners," Portia Modise, former Banyana Banyana captain, told Reuters after playing a friendly in the township of Soweto. That figure compared with $440 million for the men's tournament in Qatar.

Persons: Dhlamini, Carl Recine, SAFA, Portia Modise, Linda Zwane, Thando, Tannur Anders, Tim Cocks, Toby Davis Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Sydney Football Stadium, REUTERS, Rights, Africa's, South African Football Association, Gender Equity, Africa, of Nations, Reuters, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Netherlands, South Africa, Sydney, Australia, Rights JOHANNESBURG, Qatar, Soweto

☆ Wiegman hoping to end almost 60 years of World Cup hurt for England
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Wiegman has transformed England since taking over in 2021 and led them to European Championship success on home soil last year. The 53-year-old Dutch coach said England were "desperate" to end their long wait for glory before last year's Euro success, which was the country's first major triumph since the 1966 men's World Cup final. When we started working in September 2021, I felt that the country was so desperate to win a final tournament," Wiegman said. Wiegman led the Netherlands to their first major title at Euro 2017 and then to the World Cup final two years later. She became the first coach to take two different teams to a World Cup final after England beat Australia on Wednesday.

Persons: Sarina Wiegman, Millie Bright, Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, Wiegman, let's, there's, We're, Hritika Sharma, Toby Davis Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, England, World, Rights, Spain, Australia, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Australia, Sydney, England, Netherlands, Hyderabad

☆ Andonovski steps down as U.S. women's national team coach
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The former National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) coach took the reins in 2019 after the U.S. collected a second consecutive world title but they have failed to keep that momentum going. "It's been the honour of my life to coach the talented, hard-working players of the USWNT for the past four years," Andonovski, 46, said in a statement. Assistant coach Twila Kilgore will take the interim head coach role while U.S. Soccer searches for a permanent replacement. The team have a pair of friendlies against South Africa set for Sept. 21 and 24. "Vlatko worked tirelessly for this team and has been a strong and positive leader for our women's program," said U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker.

Persons: Vlatko, Hannah Mckay, Andonovski, It's, they've, Twila Kilgore, Matt Crocker, Jill Ellis, Ellis, Amy Tennery, Ken Ferris Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, World, United, United States women's, U.S, Soccer, National Women's Soccer League, Tokyo, South, Soccer Sporting, U.S . Soccer, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Sweden, United States, Melbourne, Australia, U.S, South Africa, Sydney, New York

☆ World Cup needs to be Australia's starting point, not the finish: Gustavsson
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Semi Final - Australia v England - Stadium Australia, Sydney, Australia - August 16, 2023 Australia coach Tony Gustavsson looks dejected after the match as Australia are knocked out of the World Cup REUTERS/Carl Recine Acquire Licensing RightsMELBOURNE, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Australia's dream of hoisting the Women's World Cup trophy is over but the co-hosts are determined to take more than a bronze medal away from a watershed tournament. The Matildas lost 3-1 to England on Wednesday but won over a nation during their first run to a World Cup semi-finals, drawing record crowds and TV audiences. Months after that World Cup, they went on strike over pay and conditions, fed up with contracts that demanded professional commitment for poverty-line wages. The Australian government tipped A$44 million into hosting the World Cup. We need funding in our grass-roots ... We need funding everywhere," she said.

Persons: Tony Gustavsson, Carl Recine, It's, Sam Kerr, Kerr, Ian Ransom, Devika Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, England, World, REUTERS, Rights MELBOURNE, Sweden, Australia, Chelsea, Australian Financial, Australian Rules, rugby, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Australia, Sydney, Sweden, Brisbane, Canada, Melbourne, Australian

☆ Matildas to look back in pride after thrilling host nation
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

England's second goal may haunt Ellie Carpenter, whose failure to clear an innocuous long ball opened the door for Lauren Hemp to swoop. Distraught midfielder Katrina Gorry worried the Matildas had let the nation down after building them up on their first run to a World Cup semi-finals. "The joyride is over, but the glow will long remain," sports columnist Greg Baum wrote in Melbourne's The Age newspaper. Since being awarded the right to host the tournament with New Zealand three years ago, Australian soccer officials have promised repeatedly that the World Cup would leave a strong legacy for the game. Long-term, it remains to be seen whether the World Cup has moved the needle for a sport in Australia that has modest professional leagues and struggles to retain talent.

Persons: Sam Kerr, Hannah Mckay, Sam Kerr's, England's, Ellie Carpenter, Lauren Hemp, Lax, Katrina Gorry, Gorry, Greg Baum, Kerr, Vine, Ange Postecoglou, Ian Ransom, Jamie Freed Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, England, Rights MELBOURNE, Stadium Australia, Spain, Sweden, Olympic, Canada, Nigeria, Australia, France, Australian Rules, New Zealand, Seven Network, league, Socceroos, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Australia, Sydney, England, Denmark, Canada, Melbourne

☆ Sleeping giants Spain awaken at Women's World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

On Tuesday, "La Roja" shrugged off that record of underachievement with a rousing 2-1 win over Sweden to reach the final of the Women's World Cup for the first time. Having failed to even qualify for the World Cup until Canada in 2015, Spain have electrified Australia and New Zealand with 17 goals and a lively, attacking game. Their rise has mirrored the revival of European football at a tournament once dominated by the United States. Yet La Rojas' trip to this World Cup final has generated headlines in Spain and sent fans into a frenzy on social media. Spain have momentum on their side, and not only at the World Cup.

Persons: Jorge Vilda, Amanda Perobelli, who’s, La Rojas, Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmati, Salma Paralluelo, Mapi Leon, Vilda, Peter Gerhardsson, Ian Ransom, Robert Birsel Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, World, Rights MELBOURNE, Canada, Sweden, England, Spanish, Liga, Barcelona, League, Spain, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Eden, Auckland , New Zealand, Australia, United States, Sydney, Barcelona, Netherlands, Vilda, Melbourne

☆ US coach Andonovski resigns after early World Cup exit -ESPN
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Round of 16 - Sweden v United States - Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, Australia - August 6, 2023 U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski ahead of the match REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNEW YORK, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Vlatko Andonovski has resigned as head coach of the United States women's national soccer team, ESPN reported on Wednesday, following the four-times champions' early exit from the Women's World Cup this month. The team have a pair of friendlies against South Africa set for Sept. 21 and 24. An interim coach was expected to take the reins for those matches, ESPN said. Andonovski faced sky-high expectations when he took over nearly four years ago, after previous coach Jill Ellis guided the team to back-to-back World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019. Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York Editing by Chris ReeseOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Vlatko Andonovski, Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, Andonovski, Jill Ellis, Amy Tennery, Chris Reese Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, REUTERS, United, national soccer team, ESPN, U.S, Soccer, South, Tokyo, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Sweden, United States, Melbourne, Australia, U.S, South Africa, New York

☆ Swedes come up short again as Spain head for World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Philip O'Connor | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

During the chaotic final frame, Spain broke the deadlock in the 81st minute before the Swedes equalised, but Spain struck again in the 90th minute from a short corner to extend Sweden's wait to lift the World Cup trophy by at least another four years. Sweden, who at world number three were the highest-ranked nation in the last four, were appearing at their fifth World Cup semi-final. They have played in all nine editions but only reached the final once, when they lost to Germany in 2003. Their defending throughout the 2023 tournament had been tremendous, and they often forced set pieces from which they profited handsomely. But after a fourth World Cup semi-final defeat, it will be cold comfort for a team that is forever coming up short at a time when nations like Spain have caught up and are already passing them by.

Persons: Sweden's Magdalena Eriksson, Amanda Ilestedt, Molly, Read, Peter Gerhardsson, Olga Carmona, Philip O'Connor Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, World, England, Japan, Sweden, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Eden, Auckland , New Zealand, Australia, USA, Spanish, Germany

☆ One small step for Spain, one final push for World Cup glory
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Sweden equalised shortly after through Rebecca Blomqvist before Spain captain Olga Carmona struck an 89th-minite winner. Spain's players were in tears at full-time and celebrated wildly on the pitch after reaching the final for the first time. "We're just one step away from glory ... We took this little step, and now we need that final push." Spain had never won a World Cup knockout game before this tournament. Spain's federation backed Vilda, who froze out the mutineers from his squad before welcoming some of them back for the World Cup.

Persons: Jorge Vilda, Amanda Perobelli AUCKLAND, Salma Paralluelo, Roja, Paralluelo, Rebecca Blomqvist, Olga Carmona, Vilda, we've, Hritika Sharma, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, World, Sweden, England, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Eden, Auckland , New Zealand, Australia, Sydney, France, Costa Rica, Zambia, Japan, trouncing Switzerland, Netherlands, Hyderabad

☆ England favourites but we have the crowd, says Australia coach
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Nick Mulvenney | Thomson Reuters | Leads Coverage Of Sport Across The Asia-Pacific. Still Reports On The Full Panoply Of Sport. Many Olympics World Cups World Championships Grand Slams Grands Prix | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

While fourth-ranked England were semi-finalists at the last two World Cups, and won the European Championship on home soil last year, 10th-ranked Australia have never previously been past the quarter-finals at a major global tournament. "If you look at rankings they're favourites, if you look at where their players play, they have starting players in top clubs in top leagues all over the world," Gustavsson told reporters on Tuesday. "So if you look at all that and you look at resources, financially, obviously they are massive favourites going into this game. Another sellout crowd of around the 75,000 mark is expected at Stadium Australia for Wednesday's match and most will be backing the home team. "You need to live in every single moment because that's how small the margins are in the semi-final or final."

Persons: Sam Kerr, Dan Peled, Tony Gustavsson, Gustavsson, Sam, Swede, Nick Mulvenney, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Brisbane, REUTERS, England, Australia, U.S, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Australia, France, Brisbane, SYDNEY, Sweden

☆ Asllani cries more championship tears as Sweden lose to Spain
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

But two minutes later Spain scored again, sealing a spot in the decider and handing Sweden their fourth defeat in five World Cup semi-finals. "I'm so tired of crying championship tears," a bitterly disappointed Asllani said in a televised interview, wiping tears from her eyes throughout. Sweden have not won a major tournament since the inaugural Women's Euros in 1984. Their sole visit to the Women's World Cup final in 2003 also ended in defeat. It really sucks, we dreamed of a World Cup final," Asllani said.

Persons: Hannah Mckay AUCKLAND, Kosovare Asllani, Rebecka, Asllani, Peter Gerhardssson, Magdalena Eriksson, " Eriksson, Philip O'Connor, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, World, Spain, Sweden, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Eden, Auckland , New Zealand, Auckland, Canada, Australia, England

☆ Carmona fires Spain into World Cup final with 2-1 win over Sweden
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

If you go to the dressing room now, it’s incredible how they’re celebrating," Vilda told reporters. "We have the final in front of us, we’re going to Sydney tomorrow and we want to win." Sweden kept up the heat after the break but Paralluelo, named player of the match, wrested back the momentum for the Spaniards. Eleven minutes later Paralluelo pounced again on a poor clearance, thumping home into the right corner to send Spanish fans into delirium. The ball bounced down over the line, giving Spain a chance to create more history at their breakout World Cup.

Persons: Spain's Olga Carmona, Teresa Abelleira, Hannah Mckay AUCKLAND, Olga Carmona, Carmona's, Rebecka Blomqvist, Salma Paralluelo, Jorge Vilda, Roja, Vilda, Peter Gerhardsson's, Magdalena Eriksson, Alexia Putellas, Carmona, Nathalie Bjorn, Cata Coll, Redondo, pounced, Lina Hurtig, Zecira Musovic, Gerhardsson, Ian Ransom, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Sweden, Spain, Paralluelo, Alba Redondo, Zealand, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Eden, Auckland , New Zealand, Netherlands, Sydney, Australia, England, Peter Gerhardsson's Sweden, France, Swedish, Melbourne

☆ Vilda credits FA's support during player revolt for Spain's first semi-final
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The Spanish federation's boss threw his support behind Vilda, who froze out the mutineers from his squad before welcoming some of them back for the World Cup. Vilda has since guided the team to their first World Cup semi-final, four years after they made the last 16 in France. Vilda said the team had been working with a psychologist, who had taught them how to manage their emotions. "I was very emotional, not only for Jenni but for the situation of other players who have been through this." Vilda said Sweden's "obvious" strengths were their set-pieces and physicality but Spain would not change their game-plan to tackle the Scandinavians.

Persons: Jorge Vilda, Amanda Perobelli, Vilda, Luis Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso, He's, Jenni, Ian Ransom, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Spain Press, Eden, England, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Auckland , New Zealand, Spain, AUCKLAND, Sweden, Auckland, Spanish, France, Netherlands, Australia, Sunday's, Melbourne

☆ England relishing partisan atmosphere at World Cup semi-final
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-13 | by ( Christian Radnedge | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Quarter Final - England v Colombia - Stadium Australia, Sydney, Australia - August 12, 2023 England players celebrate after progressing to the semi finals of the World Cup REUTERS/Jaimi Joy/ File PhotoSYDNEY, Aug 13 (Reuters) - England players hold no fear about facing Women's World Cup co-hosts Australia in their semi-final on Wednesday, saying they welcome the vociferous atmosphere that will greet them at Stadium Australia. England striker Beth England, who came on as a substitute, said it proved that the team could thrive in an intimidating atmosphere. but I think you just relish it because (this is) the atmosphere you want from stadiums," England, 29, said. Australia have broken domestic records for women's soccer match attendances throughout the tournament, helping the team reach the semi-finals for the first time. "I couldn't even hear the person next to me," she added of the noise made by the fans.

Persons: Jaimi, Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo, Beth England, We've, Christian Radnedge, Jamie Freed Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, England, World, Australia, South, France, ITV, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Colombia, Australia, Sydney, England

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