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☆ Luis Rubiales: Regional presidents of Spanish FA request Luis Rubiales to resign immediately
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-29 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The regional presidents of the Spanish Football Association have requested the immediate resignation of Luis Rubiales. "We will urge the corresponding bodies to carry out a deep and imminent organic restructuring in strategic positions of the Federation to give way to a new stage of management in Spanish football. "Once FIFA has suspended Mr Luis Rubiales, the Federation's internal protocols have been activated as a result of the suspension. "The RFEF maintains its commitment to continue implementing its investment, as well as equality policies for the development of women's football. Rubiales was widely expected to resign from his role as Spanish FA president on Friday but instead made a defiant speech, claiming he was the victim of a witch-hunt by "false feminists".

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso, Mr Luis Rubiales, Pedro Rocha, Hermoso Organizations: Spanish Football Association, England, Spanish, Regional, Territorial, Federation, FIFA, UEFA Locations: Spain, Spanish

☆ Spanish prosecutors investigating soccer president who kissed World Cup player
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( David K. Li | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales announces he will be staying as president during the meeting, August 25, 2023..Spanish prosecutors opened an investigation of the nation's soccer federation chief, officials said Monday, in connection to his kiss on the lips of a player shortly after winning the World Cup. The national prosecutors also invited the player, Spain's team captain Jennifer Hermoso, to reach out to them in the next 15 days to report herself as a possible victim of sexual aggression by federation president Luis Rubiales, officials said. Béjar took refuge in the church of the Divina Pastora de Motril on the southern Spanish coast and defended her son. The sport's international governing body, FIFA, on Saturday suspended Rubiales from all soccer activities for 90 days. The kiss has marred what had been joyous national celebration of La Roja's first time lifting the Women's World Cup trophy.

Persons: Royal Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Luis Rubiales, Rubiales, Hermoso, Ángeles, Béjar, Motril, EFE, He's, Vanessa Ruiz Béjar, soccer's, — Rima Abdelkader, Max Burman Organizations: Royal Spanish Football Federation, England, FIFA, AFP, Associated Press Locations: Sydney, Spanish, Spain, United States, Germany, Japan, Norway

☆ Spanish soccer president refuses to resign despite kissing a player on the lips at Women’s World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Facing his possible removal from office, the president of the Spanish soccer federation refused to resign Friday despite an uproar for kissing a player on the lips without her consent after the Women's World Cup final. The president of Spain's women's league, Beatriz Álvarez, told Spanish state broadcaster RTVE that she was not surprised because Rubiales' "ego is above his dignity." The only relevant institution to remain silent has been European soccer body UEFA, for which Rubiales is a vice president. Rubiales, who led the Spanish players' union for eight years before taking over as federation president in 2018, is currently heading the UEFA-backed bid to host the men's World Cup in 2030. "The speech by Mr. Rubiales before the general assembly of the Spanish soccer federation is absolutely incompatible with representing Spanish sports and with the values of an advanced society like Spain's," Spain's Higher Council for Sports said.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Jorge Vilda, Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso, Luis de la, Hermoso, Relevo.com, Alexia Putellas, Ballon, Yolanda Díaz, Díaz, Spain's, Beatriz Álvarez, Álvarez, Pedro Sánchez, Queen Letizia, Sofía, Iker Casillas, Borja Iglesias Organizations: Spanish Royal Football Federation, Spain women's, football team's, La, —, Spanish, Spain, England, men's, Luis de la Fuente, Associated Press, RTVE, UEFA, FIFA, Higher, of Sports, Court, Sports, Council, Rubiales, Real Betis, Spain's Locations: Spain, Madrid, BARCELONA, Spanish, Sydney, Australia, Barcelona, Portugal, Morocco, Ukraine, Spain's, Netherlands, Vilda

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ 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

SYDNEY, Aug 20 (Reuters) - England and Spain go head-to-head in the final of the Women's World Cup on Sunday, capping off a tournament that has broken attendance and TV records and raised hopes of a surge in interest for the women's game. The last Women's World Cup in France four years ago attracted more than 1.1. million fans to 52 matches with an average crowd of 21,756. "We need funding in our development, we need funding in our grassroots," she said. "We need funding, you know, we need funding everywhere." The Matildas' standout World Cup campaign has led to calls for more support to women's soccer in Australia, where it lags more popular football codes like rugby league and Australian rules.

Persons: Sam Kerr, Anthony Albanese, Albanese, Jorge Vilda, Alasdair Pal, Edmund Klamann Organizations: SYDNEY, Australia, England, Seven Network, FIFA, White Ferns, GAP, Sweden, Australian, Sunday, Spanish, Thomson Locations: England, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Sydney, France

Soccer Football - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Final - Fans in London watch Spain v England - BOXPARK Wembley, London, Britain - August 20, 2023 England fans react after England lose the world cup final Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge Acquire Licensing RightsLONDON, Aug 20 (Reuters) - England soccer fans went home in bitter disappointment on Sunday after losing the Women's World Cup final 1-0 to Spain, but in defeat many of them also found inspiration and hope for future generations in the sport. "They might have not won, and it's so sad, but they've done so much for women's football, and that's what matters," said Jennifer Maidment, a 25-year-old student who watched the game in London. The scale of the national excitement reflected the growing public profile of women's soccer in England, where the team's run to the final built on their victory at the European Championship last year. "We never had any role models as girls when we were younger, so to have role models now is amazing. For older generations, the progress since the first England women's international match in 1972 was clear.

Persons: Andrew Couldridge, Jennifer Maidment, Kaitlin Howard, Pat Davies, Ben Makori, Hannah Ellison, William James Our Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, England, Wembley, of England, European, Woking Football Club, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, London, Spain, Britain, England, Sydney

☆ Carli Lloyd: The 13-minute ‘out of this world’ World Cup final hattrick
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-19 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —In a frenetic Women’s World Cup final, Carli Lloyd pounced on a loose pass midway inside her own half. Lloyd got the US off to a perfect start in the 2015 World Cup Final. In the 2011 World Cup final, Lloyd blasted a spot kick over the bar. Dennis Grombkowski/Getty ImagesThe aftermathAs unlikely as it may seem, being the star player in a World Cup final has its downsides. Andrew Kelly/ReutersThe World Cup final hat trick has become synonymous with Lloyd’s career – a brilliant player, capable of producing brilliant moments on the biggest stage of all.

Persons: Carli Lloyd pounced, Lloyd, ” Lloyd, “, Ayumi Kaihori, Carmen Jaspersen, hadn’t, ”, Shannon Boxx, Tobin Heath, Marcio Jose Sanchez, Bob Frid, Dennis Grombkowski, Lars Baron, –, Andrew Kelly Organizations: CNN, Japan, US, National, CNN Sport, ‘, FIFA Locations: Japan, Brazil, France, New Jersey, Canada, Australia, Sweden, Nigeria, Colombia, China, Germany, Vancouver, New York, U.S, doesn’t

☆ Women’s World Cup: Capturing Brandi Chastain’s iconic penalty
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

The US Women’s National Team (USWNT) was on the cusp of winning its second Women’s World Cup – this time in front of a sell-out home crowd. The 1999 Women’s World Cup was a turning point for the women’s game, particularly in the US, and pictures of Chastain’s celebrations are synonymous with the surge of success for soccer in the States. The final of the tournament also still holds the record for the biggest attendance for a Women’s World Cup game. “[The 1999 tournament] is why I’m here, it’s why I’m in the US and playing for the US,” 2015 Women’s World Cup winner Sydney Leroux said according to FIFA. Then President Bill Clinton congratulates the US squad at the White House after winning the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Persons: Brandi Chastain, juxtaposing, Chastain, Chastain jogged, Gao Hong, Hector Mata, Mark J, Terrill, ” Mata, Mata, Robert Beck, Sydney Leroux, ” “, Carli Lloyd, Lars Baron, it’s, Chastain’s, ” Chastain, “, ”, Bill Clinton, Vincent Laforet, David Madison Organizations: CNN, US Women’s National, Rose, CNN Sport, Sports, FIFA, 99ers, White House, US National Team, Getty Locations: China, Los Angeles, States, America, United States

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ World Cup fuels surge in women's sports betting, but early kick-offs weigh
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Yadarisa Shabong | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Entain (ENT.L), owner of Ladbrokes and Coral brands, said it saw "exponential growth" in betting on the sport and a record number of women globally placing bets. The first three England games saw one-fifth of bets placed by women, it said. Betting on the co-host and semi-finalist Australia saw a 200% increase, fuelled by the Matildas strong run. Soccer leads the way in terms of the number of people betting and placing bets, and the number of women betting on women's soccer has doubled annually, the study said. Entain did not immediately disclose the number of bets placed on the World Cup.

Persons: Alishia, William Hill, Lee Phelps, Entain, Dominic Grounsell, Yadarisa, Conor Humphries Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Australian High Commission, Australia, England, REUTERS, German Sport University Cologne, Soccer, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, London, Australia, Britain, Bengaluru

That's down from 13% of Nike's women's team products which sold out during the same tournament in 2019, the data shows. For that reason, marketers must bear in mind the risk that the growing fanbase could see their support for women's soccer as disingenuous. To recognize the impact grassroots teams have in creating excitement about women's soccer, Adobe's ad also featured London-based community women's soccer clubs Peaches FC and Baesianz FC, said Sabina Strasser, Senior Director, Brand Experience EMEA at Adobe. Sporting goods retailer Fanatics has more than 475 U.S. women's team products for sale this year, up from about 175 in 2019, the company told Reuters. As of Monday, the generic Adidas Women's World Cup soccer ball was among its top sellers in FIFA World Cup Gear.

Persons: Sam Kerr, Carl Recine, Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Grace Geyoro, Martine Rose, Nike's, Jan Runau, Yvonne Henderson, Bob Dorfman, England's Lionesses, Mary Earps, Bjorn Gulden, Sabina Strasser, Amy Tennery, Sheila Dang, Kate Masters, Shri Navaratnam Organizations: Soccer, Nike FC, REUTERS, Adidas, misstep, U.S, Nike, FIFA, Sporting Goods, Women's, Asisat, United States Women’s, Pricing, In, Pinnacle Advertising, Germany's Bayern Munich women's, Peaches FC, Baesianz FC, Brand, EMEA, Adobe, Sporting, Reuters, U.S ., Thomson Locations: Sydney, Australia, AUCKLAND, New Zealand, DICK's, U.S, French, Barcelona, England, Sweden, Spain, Tuesday's, Germany, London, Auckland, Dallas , Texas, New York

☆ New Zealand keen to host men's World Cup with Australia
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

We’ve shown what we always knew - that we would host the best ever Women’s World Cup. "It's only natural that at some time in the future we would host a men's World Cup. Football Australia boss James Johnson has repeatedly said Australia would like to host the men's World Cup but will need stadiums that meet FIFA requirements. "From our experiences with FIFA in this World Cup, they are willing to work with you and be flexible." The next men's World Cup in 2026 will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Persons: Kai Pfaffenbach, Andrew Pragnell, Pragnell, We’ve, James Johnson, Ian Ransom, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA World, Qatar, Lusail, New Zealand, New, FIFA, Football Australia, Thomson Locations: Argentina, France, Lusail, Qatar, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Pacific, Eden, United States, Canada, Mexico, 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

☆ US lawmakers call on FIFA to recognize exiled Afghanistan women's soccer team
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( Moira Warburton | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

WASHINGTON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers called on FIFA to recognize the exiled Afghanistan women's soccer team, in a letter sent to the sport's international governing body on Friday. The Afghan women's team launched a petition at the end of July, calling on FIFA to recognize them as representatives of their country. The Afghan men's team continues to be recognized by the organization. The letter comes as the FIFA Women's World Cup enters its final weeks, the highest attended in the organization's history. Reporting by Moira Warburton in Washington; additional reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Toby ChopraOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Don Bacon, Darin LaHood, Kathy Castor, Rick Larsen, Moira Warburton, Amy Tennery, Toby Chopra Organizations: FIFA, Afghanistan women's soccer, Taliban, Congressional Soccer Caucus, Republican, Afghan, Thomson Locations: U.S, Afghanistan, Australia, Washington, New York

☆ Trump mocks Megan Rapinoe, blames Biden for USWNT's historic early World Cup elimination: 'Nice shot Megan, the USA is going to Hell!!!'
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Former President Donald Trump mocked US soccer star Megan Rapinoe for missing a crucial penalty kick. Trump said that USWNT's historic World Cup elimination was an example of "WOKE EQUALS FAILURE." The former president and other conservative commentators have long had a tortured relationship with the women's national team. The US women's team was coming off two-straight World Cup wins that had bolstered their legacy as the world's most dominant squad. @USWNT, you've made your country proud," Biden wrote on Twitter.

Persons: Donald Trump, Megan Rapinoe, Trump, Biden, Crooked Joe Biden, Megan, MAGA, Rapinoe, Max Miller, Clay Travis, you've, Piers Morgan, that's, Morgan Organizations: Service, US Women's Soccer, U.S, Women's Soccer Team, women's, Ohio Republican, Twitter, US Women's National, US, The New York Locations: Wall, Silicon, Sweden, America, USA, Ohio, American

☆ Atlas Lionesses: The Moroccan soccer revolution and the players inspiring a generation of girls
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Alasdair Howorth For Cnn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Morocco players celebrate after advancing to the knock out stage of the Women's World Cup. Her impact on the Moroccan women’s team has been equally dazzling. Chebbak’s legend has only grown this summer in leading the Atlas Lionesses at their first ever World Cup. Frustrated with the lack of women’s soccer, Illa and a few friends set up a team of their own. Nouhaila Benzina, pictured alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, has become a history maker during the Women's World Cup.

Persons: Ghizlane Chebbak, Mohammed VI, King, Chebbak, –, Prince Moulay Abdallah, King Mohammed VI, Cheebak, Khadija Illa, “, Alex Grimm, Larbi Chebbak, Ghizlane, didn’t, Misr El, Paul Kane, ” Chebbak, ”, Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, Morocco’s, Morocco's, Reynald Pedros, Gary Day, Illa, Colin Murty, Fouzi Lekjaa, Nouhaila, Gianni Infantino, Harold Cunningham Organizations: CNN, of Nations, Morocco women’s, National Women’s Football League, FIFA, Moroccan, Rabat’s AS, AS, CAF Champions League, Confederation of African Football, South, Chebbak, Getty, Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Women’s Football League, CAF Women’s Champions League Locations: Morocco, South Africa, Sahara, Egypt, Germany, South Korea, Colombia, France, Laâyoune, Rabat, soccer, AFP, Moroccan

☆ United States' World Cup dynasty ends along with myth of supremacy
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-06 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The U.S. suffered their earliest elimination at the World Cup by far, having never failed to reach the semi-finals in all eight previous tournaments. We run it," twice World Cup winner Brandi Chastain said in a pre-World Cup promotion for the NWSL. Injuries undoubtedly made their World Cup mission tougher, with captain Becky Sauerbrunn and forward Mallory Swanson ruled out of the squad. Yet, the U.S. never looked like World Cup winners when the tournament kicked off. The World Cup exit leaves U.S. women's soccer at a cross-roads, and pondering a way out of the mire.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Asanka Brendon Ratnayake MELBOURNE, Jill Ellis, Vlatko, Megan Rapinoe's, Brandi Chastain, Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd, Becky Sauerbrunn, Mallory Swanson, Lloyd, Ian Ransom, Clare Fallon Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, World, peerless, Lyon, Women's Soccer League, Champions League, Loyal, Tokyo Olympics, England, debutantes, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Sweden, United States, Melbourne, Australia, U.S, France, Netherlands, Europe, Spain, Germany, debutantes Portugal, Portugal

☆ Megan Rapinoe's World Cup career comes to tearful end
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-06 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Renowned for her reliability as a penalty taker, Rapinoe said missing one in the final moment of her career felt like "a sick joke". 'THE PLATFORM'Rapinoe plans to finish her club season with National Women's Soccer League side OL Reign before retiring and shows no signs of retreating from public life after a career spent championing social causes. Looking back at the 2019 tournament, Rapinoe saw her on-field achievements as being inextricably entwined with her advocacy. Without the winning, you don't get the media, you don't get the eyes, you don't get the fans." In 2022, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest United States' civilian honour, alongside gymnastics Olympic gold medallist Simone Biles.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, Rapinoe, I've, It's, Abby Wambach, Donald Trump's, Colin Kaepernick, Simone Biles, Amy Tennery, Ed Osmond Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, REUTERS, Swedes, Fox Sports, d'Or, U.S, National Women's Soccer League, Republican, Soccer, NFL, United States, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Sweden, United States, Melbourne, Australia, Auckland, Brazil

☆ United States meet Sweden in heavyweight World Cup last-16 clash
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The Americans topped their group in 2015 and 2019 but this year they finished behind the Netherlands after two draws. They were also nearly eliminated in stoppage time of their final group game when debutants Portugal hit the post in a goalless draw. For Sweden, the Americans are familiar foes but this marks the first time the two heavyweight sides, ranked number one and three in the world, face each other in the knockouts. The Netherlands, 2019 runners-up, have an easier game on paper against South Africa, who reached the knockout stages for the first time. Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: David Rowland, Vlatko Andonovski, Peter Gerhardsson, that's, Gerhardsson, Andries Jonker, Desiree Ellis, Ellis, Rohith Nair, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, United, REUTERS, U.S, Tokyo, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Portugal, United States, Eden, Auckland , New Zealand, States, Sweden, Netherlands, Rio, South Africa, African, Italy, Bengaluru

☆ Natalie Portman says "theatre" of soccer perfect venue to fight for gender equity
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Lori Ewing | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Cast member Natalie Portman poses. Israeli-American Portman is the co-founder of National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team Angel City and is in Australia for the ongoing Women's World Cup along with many of the club's co-owners and staff. And it was really the female players being such icons and heroes... "I could like barely walk across the street without tripping, so this is definitely an unusual, unexpected turn of events in my life - my love for (soccer)," Portman said. "It was the fact that it was Natalie Portman, you know, queen of Star Wars, first female Thor, and I thought, well, if Natalie thinks it's possible, maybe it's possible," Nortman said.

Persons: Natalie Portman, Sarah Meyssonnier, Oscar, Portman, Julie Foudy, Mia Hamm, General Fatma Samoura, Kara Nortman, Star, Thor, Natalie, it's, Nortman, Angel, Lori Ewing, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Cannes, National Women's Soccer League, Angel City, Angel, Equity Summit, Sydney Opera House, FIFA, Hollywood, Star Wars, Thomson Locations: France, Angel, Australia, U.S, Angel City, Harare, Zimbabwe

☆ Surprise winners, shock losers in 32-team World Cup group stage
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Lori Ewing | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The stunning upsets sent twice German champions packing in their first exit from the group stage in nine editions of the World Cup. Revived Norway were a big group stage winner, brushing off a turbulent two weeks to squeeze into the knockout rounds on goal difference over New Zealand. Norway's advancement sealed New Zealand's fate, despite the Football Ferns having edged the Norwegians 1-0 for their first win at a World Cup at the tournament's opening match. South Africa are not used to dominating outside their own continent and the nation erupted in celebration after the Banyana Banyana knocked out Italy, quarter-finalists four years ago, to progress with their first ever World Cup win. China's Steel Roses, once titans of women's soccer with silver medals from the 1996 Olympics and 1999 World Cup, were shock losers in the group stage, bowing out in a 6-1 thumping by England.

Persons: Deneisha Blackwood, Read, Lorne Donaldson, we'll, Anissa Lahmari, Marta, Canada's, Christine Sinclair, Sam Kerr, Matildas, Tony Gustavsson, Kailen Sheridan, Winger Caroline Graham Hansen, Hege Riise, Banyana, Cyril Ramaphosa, Shui Qingxia, Shui, Lori Ewing, Michael Perry Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Jamaica, Brazil, Melbourne, Australia, New Zealand, Colombia, ARM, Olympic, Football Ferns, U.S, United, debutants, England, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Jamaica, Brazil, Melbourne, Australia, SYDNEY, Morocco, South Africa, Norway, Germany, Canada, China, Perth, South Korea, Brisbane, Korea, New, Eden Park, Portugal, United States, debutants Portugal, Italy, England

☆ End of an era for Brazil as Marta bows out of sixth World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Group F - Jamaica v Brazil - Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, Australia - August 2, 2023 Brazil's Marta with Jamaica's Vyan Sampson after the match REUTERS/Hannah MckayMELBOURNE, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Brazil exited the World Cup on Wednesday hoping a new generational talent will emerge as Marta's sixth and final Women's World Cup ended with a 0-0 draw against Jamaica that sent the Caribbean side to the last 16. Having won virtually every individual award in women's football, Marta missed out on the World Cup she had craved, and Brazil's wait for a first goes on. Sundhage said she had no idea whether Marta wanted to play on for the national team but suspected she would because of her love of the game. "Whether she’s good enough to be called up to the national team, let’s see," said Sundhage. "As long as I am coaching the national team, I am going to do a lot of work to find new players.

Persons: Brazil's Marta, Jamaica's Vyan Sampson, Hannah Mckay MELBOURNE, Marta, Pia Sundhage, Sundhage, Ian Ransom, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Jamaica, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Jamaica, Brazil, Melbourne, Australia, Caribbean

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