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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

☆ Spain down England to win Women's World Cup for first time
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-20 | 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: +5 min

[1/11] Soccer Football - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Final - Spain v England - Stadium Australia, Sydney, Australia - August 20, 2023 Spain players celebrate with the trophy after winning the World Cup REUTERS/Carl Recine Acquire Licensing RightsSYDNEY, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Spanish technique overcame English resilience as La Roja put aside months of turmoil and division to win their first major title with a 1-0 victory over England in a hardfought Women's World Cup final at Stadium Australia on Sunday. Vilda became only the second male coach to win a major women's tournament - the World Cup, the Olympics and the Euros - since 2000. The first Women's World Cup final not to feature either the United States or Germany started at quite a pace with England just about enjoying the upper hand in the battle of two first-time finalists. Spain took the lead in the 29th minute after England were dispossessed in midfield. "I think everyone has seen an incredible game, very open game, both teams who want to play football," said Wiegman, who was also the losing coach when in charge of her native Netherlands in the 2019 World Cup final.

Persons: Carl Recine, Roja, Captain Olga Carmona, Jorge Vilda, Aitana Bonmati, Teresa Abelleira, Mary Earps, Bonmati, Vilda, Sarina Wiegman, Millie Bright, Lauren Hemp, Salma Paralluelo, Alba Redondo's, Mariona Caldentey, The, Paralluelo, Wiegman, Lauren James, Alessia Russo, vociferously, Keira Walsh, Tori Penso, Earps, Jennifer Hermoso's, James, Cata Coll, Ona Batlle, Coll, Nick Mulvenney, Christian Radnedge, Adam Millington, Alasdair Pal, Fernando Kallas, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, England, REUTERS, Rights, Australia, Sunday, Olympics, Caldentey, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Spain, Australia, Sydney, Spanish, England, United States, Germany, Carmona, Earps, Netherlands, Madrid

☆ Spain wins its first Women's World Cup title, beating England 1-0 in the final
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-20 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Spain won its first Women's World Cup title less than a year after a player rebellion, holding off England 1-0 on Sunday after Olga Carmona's first-half goal. Spain is the fifth winner in nine editions of the Women's World Cup and joins Germany as the only two nations to win both the men's and women's tournaments. The Lionesses were trying to bring a World Cup back to England for the first time since 1966, but fell just short. Three of those players — Ona Batlle, Aitana Bonmatí and Mariona Caldentey — reconciled with the federation and were at the World Cup. England coach Sarina Wiegman was the first coach to take her teams to back-to-back World Cup title matches.

Persons: Olga Carmona's, Millie Bright, Bright, Carmona's, Carmona, Carli Lloyd, Jenni Hermoso's, Mary Earps, — Ona Batlle, Aitana, Caldentey —, Leah Williamson, Fran Kirby, Beth Mead, Sarina Wiegman, She's, Lauren James, Michelle Alozie, James, Wiegman, Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp's, Salma Paralluelo, couldn't, Earps, Alba Redondo's, Jorge Vilda, Bonmati, Paralluelo, Keira Walsh's, Vilda, Ballon, Alexia Putellas, Putellas, Billie Jean King Organizations: Spain, England, La Roja, World, Australia, Chelsea, Sweden Locations: Spain, Germany, Spanish, England, Sweden, Netherlands, United States, Codina, Georgia

☆ Spain wins Women's World Cup for the first time, beating England in Sydney
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-19 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Against the odds and amid a backdrop of turmoil, Spain reached the pinnacle in Sydney on Sunday, beating England 1-0 to win the Women’s World Cup for the first time. Spain could even afford to miss a second-half penalty as La Roja became only the second country, after Germany, to win both the men’s and women’s World Cups. But there is some solace for England which, like Spain, was competing in a Women’s World Cup final for the first time, because the team has progressed further than ever before in this competition. !”Spain is the reigning Women's World Cup winner at Under-17, Under-20 and senior level. Spain has become a world champion without some of its best players, talents who are the finest in the world in their respective positions.

Persons: Spain, Roja, Olga Carmona’s, La Roja, Prince William, Rafael Nadal, Amanda Perobelli, Jorge Vilda, ”, Vilda, Spain's Eva Navarro, Quinn Rooney, Bonmati, Salma Paralluelo, Ballon d’Or, Alexia Putellas, Lauren Hemp, Mary Earps, Alba, Carmona lazering, Spain’s, Lucy Bronze’s, upfield, Irene Paredes, Paralluelo’s, Jennifer Hermoso, Keira Walsh, Lauren James, Cata Coll, “, we’ve, England’s, Sarina Wiegman Organizations: CNN, England, La, Australia, WORLD, Reuters, Spanish, World, peerless, Sweden, Barcelona Locations: Spain, Sydney, European, Germany, England, Marca, Spanish, Barcelona, Earps, Netherlands

☆ Clash of styles as England, Spain eye Women's World Cup summit
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-19 | 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

SYDNEY, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Women's football will crown a first-time champion on Sunday when the ninth Women's World Cup concludes with England and Spain, both proud footballing nations, facing off in an intriguing final in Sydney. For all the excitement that accompanied Australia's run to the semi-finals and Japan's brilliance in the early rounds, the consensus is that England and Spain are worthy first-time finalists. "I think it's going to be a brilliant game," England captain Millie Bright enthused on Saturday. "This was a game we know were on top of, but it's the result that counts," said Spain coach Jorge Vilda. Our team has evolved, our team has grown in this World Cup and mentally we've taken a step up."

Persons: Australia's, Millie Bright, Aitana Bonmati, Salma Paralluelo, Lauren James, Lauren, England's standouts, Jorge Vilda, Sarina Wiegman, Wiegman, Nick Mulvenney, Peter Rutherford Organizations: SYDNEY, Japan, England, Australia, Spain, Sweden, Thomson Locations: England, Spain, Sydney, Australia, New Zealand, United States, Germany, Norway, Japan, Nigeria, Brighton

☆ Spain’s women make history at the Women’s World Cup against a backdrop of turmoil and dispute
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-19 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

CNN —Spain has thrilled its fans and neutrals alike with some scintillating performances en route to a historic Women’s World Cup final against England on Sunday. Prior to this tournament, Spain had never won a knockout match at a Women’s World Cup. Spain has won three knockout matches for the first time at the Women's World Cup. But Spain, nevertheless, went on to make history at this World Cup. Alex Grimm/FIFA/Getty ImagesIn 2022, Spain won both the Under-17 and Under-20 Women’s World Cup.

Persons: Jorge Vilda, Spain’s, Alexia Putellas, Spain's Salma Paralluelo, Andrew Cornaga, Irene Paredes, Jennifer Hermoso, Vilda, ”, Mariona, Aitana, Ona, Saeed Khan, Sandra Paños, Mapi Leon, Patricia Guijarro, El Periodico, Leon, ’, Rafael del Amo, Angel Vilda, Molly Darlington, Luis Rubiales, Alex Grimm, Salma Paralluelo, we’ve, “, Virginia Torrecilla, Abbie Parr Organizations: CNN, England, Vilda, Spanish national, Getty, The Athletic, Diario de Navarra, Spanish, Real, Barcelona’s, League, FIFA, Sweden, AS, Spain, Spain’s, Twitter, ” Locations: Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Barcelona, Japan, La, Ona Batlle, AFP, The, Real Madrid, Marca

☆ A Year After a Players’ Mutiny Against the Coach, Spain Is in the Women’s World Cup Final
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-18 | by ( Rachel Bachman | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

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Persons: Dow Jones Organizations: womens Locations: spain, england

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ 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

CNN —Not many would have predicted it before the tournament kicked off, but Spain became the first team to book its place in the Women’s World Cup final on Tuesday. Spain’s women had never progressed further than the last-16 before this year but are now just one win away from lifting a first ever World Cup trophy. “To the final!” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. World Cup winner and Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta took to social media to call the players “giants” after their victory against Sweden. Despite the noise surrounding preparations for the World Cup, the Spanish players have showed no signs of being bogged down and are now one step away from sporting immortality.

Persons: Roja, Pedro Sánchez, “, ”, Andrés Iniesta, Dani Ceballos, Garbiñe Muguruza, Carlos Alcaraz, let’s, Molly Darlington, wasn’t, Antonio Banderas, –, Salma Paralluelo, Olga Carmona’s, Paralluelo, Phil Walter, ” Paralluelo, we’ve, “ We’ve, Jorge Vilda, Ballon d’Or, Alexia Putellas – Organizations: CNN, Sweden, Spain’s, Tuesday’s, ”, Real Madrid, Reuters, Spain –, Getty Locations: Spain, Spanish, Barcelona, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand

☆ 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

☆ 2023 Women's World Cup semifinals: Everything you need to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

With just two games standing between them and World Cup glory, let’s have a look at everything you need to know about the four semifinalists. SpainLa Roja’s run to its first ever Women’s World Cup semifinal hasn’t been a straightforward one and the road has been filled with highs and lows. SwedenSweden has shown remarkable determination to reach its second straight Women’s World Cup semifinal – and its fifth overall. Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Getty ImagesSo who is the favorite to win the Women’s World Cup? The lack of previous Women’s World Cup winning experience has made the semifinals and final even more exciting if that’s even possible.

Persons: Jorge Vilda, Ballon d’Or, Alexia Putellas –, Phil Walter, –, Salma Paralluelo, Zećira Mušović, Amanda Ilestedt, Mušović, Sweden's, Catherine Ivill, Australia It’s, Sam Kerr, Kerr, Anthony Albanese, “ I’ve, it’s, ” Albanese, ”, Tertius Pickard, Sarina, Lauren James, Colombia –, James, Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie, Mary Earps, Millie Bright, Kiera Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly, Bethany England, Lauren, Charlotte Wilson, what’s Organizations: CNN, Zambia, Roja, Putellas, Sky Sports, FIFA, Japan, Italy, Republic of Ireland, Canada, France, ABC, Australia, England England, Colombia, Chelsea, Brisbane Locations: Spain, Sweden, Australia, England, Spanish, Costa Rica, Zambia, Japan, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden Sweden, South Africa, Japanese, Swedish, Serbian, Republic of, Nigeria, Denmark, 7Plus, New Zealand, China, Nigeria’s, Georgia, Gracenote

☆ Spain reaches Women's World Cup final for the first time with a stunning win over Sweden
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Spain created more history at the Women’s World Cup, shocking favorite Sweden to reach the final for the first time thanks to a dramatic 2-1 win in Auckland, New Zealand. Competing at just its third World Cup, Spain is now within a game of winning the sport’s biggest prize having never before progressed beyond the round of 16. Sweden may have had the pedigree – only the US has appeared in more World Cup semifinals – but Spain had the creativity and the stardust. “To the final!” Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, while Spain’s men’s World Cup winner Andrés Iniesta called the players “giants.”Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas wrote on social media: “Bravo!!! With the opening goal, Paralluelo – who had scored the extra-time winner against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals – became the second-youngest player to score in a Women’s World Cup semifinal and also sparked a dull contest into life.

Persons: Salma Paralluelo, Rebecka, Olga Carmona, Paralluelo, we’ve, “ We’ve, La Roja, Hagen Hopkins, “, Pedro Sánchez, Spain’s, Andrés Iniesta, Antonio Banderas, Phil Walter, Jorge Vilda, Vilda, Ballon d’Or, Alexia Putellas, Putellas, Carmona, Aitana Bonmati, wasn’t, Alba, Fridolina Rolfö, Cata Coll, Paralluelo –, –, Blomqvist’s, de grâce Organizations: CNN, La, Sweden, Getty, Twitter, Spanish, Alba Redondo Locations: Spain, Sweden, Auckland , New Zealand, Australia, England, Sunday’s, Netherlands

☆ Sweden and Spain gear up for 'high pressure' World Cup semi-final
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"It's going to be a high-pressure Spain and high-pressure Sweden," Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson said. Sweden are the highest-ranked nation remaining - at world number three - and are appearing at their fifth World Cup semi-final. Sweden won all three group games this tournament and dispatched two World Cup winners - the United States and Japan - in the knockouts. Spain are winless in 11 meetings against Sweden - none of which were at a World Cup - and have lost seven of those games. "It gives you goosebumps thinking about how close we are to the final ... Spain will come out more determined than ever.

Persons: Peter Gerhardsson, Kosovare Asllani, Jorge Vilda, Jenni Hermoso, Hritika Sharma, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: SYDNEY, England, Sweden, Spain, Thomson Locations: Sweden, Spain, Sydney, Australia, Germany, United States, Japan, Netherlands, Cordoba, Hyderabad

☆ Paralluelo's extra time strike powers Spain into World Cup semis
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"We went to extra time, but the team kept on believing," said coach Jorge Vilda. "It should have been a penalty after all, but it still doesn't mean that Spain didn't win deservedly," said Dutch coach Andries Jonker. "Had we made it, we'd have been convinced to make it through the semi-finals and make it to the final." Fifteen players declared themselves unavailable for selection in September, saying events with the national team had impacted their emotional and physical health. The Spanish federation backed the coach but only six of the mutineers returned to play at the World Cup.

Persons: Lynn Wilms, Spain's Salma Paralluelo REUTERS, Amanda Perobelli WELLINGTON, Salma Paralluelo, Paralluelo, Jorge Vilda, Salma, Mariona Caldentey, Spain's, Stefanie Van der Gragt, Van der, Daphne Van Domselaar, Alba Redondo's, Redondo, Esther Gonzalez, Irene Paredes barged Lineth, Andries Jonker, Beerensteyn, Lori Ewing, Nick Mulvenney Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Wellington Regional, Roja, United, U.S, Spain, Juventus, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Spain, Netherlands, Wellington , New Zealand, Barcelona, Dutch, Japan, Sweden, Auckland, United States, France, Germany, Canada, Brazil, Redondo, Spanish

☆ Vilda says Spanish team is 'united' despite controversy ahead of World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WELLINGTON, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Spain's build-up to the Women's World Cup was mired in an ugly player mutiny, but coach Jorge Vilda said there are no cracks in his squad ahead of their World Cup quarter-final game on Friday against the Netherlands. We have a group that competes and they are all fighting for the same objective, and they're very motivated," Vilda told reporters on Thursday. While only six of those players are at the World Cup, La Roja has already made history by qualifying for the quarter-finals for the first time in three appearances. We believe that we are a team, not only the players, but all the technical staff. The 42-year-old, who has coached Spain's senior team since 2015, praised how hard his players have worked at the World Cup.

Persons: Jorge Vilda, Vilda, Roja, Ivana Andres, Jorge, Egurrola, fabulously, Lori Ewing, Jamie Freed Organizations: WELLINGTON, Real Madrid, Spain, Spain's, Thomson Locations: Netherlands, Spanish, U.S, Dutch, Lyon, Japan, Sweden, Auckland

☆ Is Japan the Best Team Left in the World Cup?
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Jeré Longman | More About Jeré Longman | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Having wilted after winning the 2011 World Cup in a penalty kick shootout against the United States, Japan has bloomed anew with versatility to play the possession style of short passes known as tiki-taka or to launch searing counterattacks. After a blistering 4-0 loss to Japan during group play, Spain Coach Jorge Vilda said that his team’s defeat had been psychic as well as numerical. “They’re so disciplined and very structured in the way they play offense and defense,” Hansen said. Sweden has scored four of its nine goals on corner kicks, a total that nearly grew last Sunday as it packed the six-yard box against the United States like a crowded elevator. But the Swedes could not manage a goal in 90 minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of overtime before subduing the Americans, finally and microscopically, on penalty kicks.

Persons: Jorge Vilda, ” Vilda, Caroline Graham Hansen, “, ” Hansen, Zecira Musovic, Jonna Andersson, Trinity Rodman, Lynn Williams Organizations: Japan, Norway, Champions League, Barcelona Locations: United States, Japan, Spain, Norwegian, Sweden

☆ Spain Pounces on Switzerland to Grab Quarterfinal Spot
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-05 | by ( Andrew Das | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Image Aitana Bonmatí made it 3-1. Credit... Molly Darlington/ReutersWhen you think about it, even the own goal was impressive. Yes, Spain scored fives times in its 5-1 victory against Switzerland on Saturday to advance to the quarterfinals of the World Cup. OH NO, IT'S AN OWN GOAL FROM SPAIN 🤯 pic.twitter.com/eTfLdXfB1d — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 5, 2023 It was a self-inflicted wound, but not a deadly one. Aitana Bonmatí made it 3-1 with some wonderful footwork that left at least two Swiss defenders lying on the grass around her. That project now will continue for at least one more game, and with the players brimming with confidence.

Persons: Aitana Bonmatí, Molly Darlington, Spain, Laia Codina, Codina, ong, egan Organizations: Reuters, Switzerland, ust Locations: Spain

☆ Bonmati scores brilliant brace to lead Spain into quarter-finals
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The Spaniards will now play the winner of Sunday's round of 16 game between the Netherlands and South Africa. The 20th-ranked Swiss matched their best World Cup finish. They also bowed out in the round of 16 in their only other World Cup appearance in 2015. Spain finished second in Group C, beating Costa Rica and Zambia by a combined 8-0 before being run ragged in a surprise 4-0 loss to Japan on Monday. Bonmati netted her second in the 36th minute with some exquisite footwork that sent two defenders and keeper Gaelle Thalman the wrong way.

Persons: Switzerland's Lara Marti, Spain's Ona Batlle, David Rowland AUCKLAND, Aitana Bonmati, Bonmati, Alba, Laia Codina, Jenny Hermoso, Cata Coll, Jorge Vilda, Maria Rodriguez, Codina, Ona, Redondo, Gaelle, Hermoso, Gaelle Thalmann, Lori Ewing Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Spain, La Roja, Swiss, C, Roja, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Switzerland, Spain, Eden, Auckland , New Zealand, Spain's Ona Batlle REUTERS, Netherlands, South Africa, Costa Rica, Zambia, Japan, Coll, Swiss, Redondo, Hermoso, Sydney

☆ Spain prepare for Japan clash with fond memories of Palmerston North
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WELLINGTON, July 30 (Reuters) - The Spain squad had "great memories" of their training camp in the New Zealand town of Palmerston North and only moved to Wellington early for logistical reasons, coach Jorge Vilda said on Sunday. "We were delighted in Palmerston, both inside the hotel and outside," Vilda told reporters ahead of Spain's final Women's World Cup Group C clash against Japan on Monday. La Roja will aim to become only the 11th team to win all their group matches at Wellington Regional Stadium. While Spain will take confidence from their 1-0 friendly win over Japan in Seville last November, Vilda was looking nine years back to motivate his side. In 2014, his Spain team lost 2-0 to Japan in the under-17 Women's World Cup final, a match that featured several of the players from both sides who will play on Monday.

Persons: Jorge Vilda, Vilda, gunning, Janina Nuno Rios, William Mallard Organizations: WELLINGTON, Spain, Japan, Wellington Regional, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Palmerston, Wellington, Spanish, Spain, Costa Rica, Zambia, Seville, Japan, Mexico City

☆ Five-star Spain cruise into World Cup knockouts with thumping win over Zambia
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

That's the ambition I like to see in the team," Spain coach Jorge Vilda told reporters. Zambia had their chances on the counter-attack but failed to test Misa Rodriguez in Spain's goal with a number of wayward shots. "Spain are very experienced... we are just developing, we still need more experience," Zambia skipper Barbra Banda said. Sakala had the final say, however, when she made a string of saves to deny both Hermoso and Redondo from claiming hat-tricks. "Today's game, we actually played much better than we did the first game," Zambia coach Bruce Mwape said.

Persons: Jennifer Hermoso, David Rowland AUCKLAND, Teresa Abelleira, Alba Redondo, Jorge Vilda, Vilda, Alexia Putellas, Ballon, Abelleira, Hermoso, Ona Batlle, Salma Paralluelo, Eunice Sakala, Catherine Musonda, Redondo, Jeong Oh, Hyeon, Misa Rodriguez, Barbra Banda, Sakala, Bruce Mwape, they've, Rohith Nair, Toby Davis Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, REUTERS, debutants, Alba, Costa Rica, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Spain, Zambia, Eden, Auckland , New Zealand, debutants Zambia, Japan, Costa, Costa Rica, Spain's, Redondo, Bengaluru

☆ Putellas ready for Spain's second World Cup outing against 'dangerous' Zambia
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Twice Ballon d'Or winner Putellas came on as a second-half substitute in Spain's opening 3-0 win over Costa Rica last Friday as she continues her recovery from a serious knee injury. Vilda said the 29-year-old was "fine" but would not commit to starting her at Eden Park on Wednesday against the 77th-ranked Africans. I can't tell you who's going to play, or who's not going to play. "It's a very important game and I'm expecting a very dangerous Zambia. I'm expecting a team that's going to defend well and is going to be very, very dangerous on the counterattack," he added.

Persons: Alexia Putellas, Amanda Perobelli AUCKLAND, Jorge Vilda, Putellas, Vilda, she's, We're, Aitana Bonmati, Nick Mulvenney, Michael Perry Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Wellington Regional, Alba Redondo, Costa Rica, Costa, Barcelona, Japan, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Spain, Costa Rica, Wellington , New Zealand, Zambia, Eden, Hamilton, I'm

☆ Dominant Spain crush Costa Rica 3-0 in World Cup group opener
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Costa Rica goalkeeper Daniela Solera saved a first-half penalty, but Spain were never threatened at the other end and went top of their group ahead of Japan's game against Zambia on Saturday. There are tight results in the World Cup," she said. Costa Rica could have conceded more if not for the heroics of Solera in goal as she made timely interventions and reflex saves. Costa Rica had their opportunities on the counter-attack but they were quickly snuffed out and they managed only one shot compared to Spain's 45. "For 22 minutes we were compact but after the own goal the whole team lost concentration," Costa Rica coach Amelia Valverde said.

Persons: Casey Reibelt, Spain's Aitana Bonmati, Amanda Perobelli WELLINGTON, Bonmati, Esther Gonzalez, Daniela Solera, Jorge Vilda, Alexia Putellas, Esther, Alexia, Vilda, Putellas, Athenea del Castillo, Ivana Andres, Costa Rica's Valeria del Campo, smartly, deservedly, Solera, Gonzalez, Jennifer Hermoso's, Amelia Valverde, Rohith Nair, Peter Rutherford, Toby Davis Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Wellington Regional, Costa Rica, Zambia, Athenea, Spain, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Spain, Costa Rica, Wellington , New Zealand, Costa, Costa Rica's, Barcelona, Bengaluru

☆ Putellas fit and ready to go for Spain's World Cup campaign - coach
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

"All players are available to play tomorrow," Vilda said via a translator at a media conference in Wellington on Thursday. "In the case of Alexia, it's optimising all the training sessions that we've had to have Alexia with us. "We are very careful with everything that we do and we're trying every possible means so that Alexia would be in condition to play tomorrow." The Barcelona midfielder is expected to be a key cog in Spain's third World Cup campaign where they are favourites to top Group C ahead of Costa Rica, Zambia and Japan. Spain were eliminated in the last 16 by eventual champions, the United States, in France in 2019, four years after failing to reach the knockout phase on their World Cup debut in 2015.

Persons: Johan Cruyff, Sant Joan Despi, FC Barcelona's Alexia Putellas, Ballon, Albert Gea, Alexia Putellas, Jorge Vilda, Putellas, Vilda, Alexia, it's, we've, Ian Ransom Organizations: Soccer, League, FC Barcelona, Benfica, FC Barcelona's, REUTERS, Costa, eventual, Thomson Locations: Spain, AUCKLAND, Costa Rica, Wellington, Barcelona, Zambia, Japan, United States, France, Melbourne

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