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☆ Rugby World Cup: After triumphing with the All Blacks, Malakai Fekitoa has found a ‘new purpose’ with Tonga
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Long before he had the chance to travel to New Zealand, Fekitoa set his sights on competing for the All Blacks – undoubtedly the most famous rugby team on the planet. “It was always a dream of mine to play for New Zealand, even though I was born and raised in Tonga,” Fekitoa tells CNN Sport. Fekitoa tries to force his way through a tackle during a Rugby Championship match between New Zealand and Argentina in 2014. The change has proved particularly beneficial for Tonga, which, as well as Fekitoa, has named former All Blacks Vaea Fifita, George Moala and Charles Piutau in its squad for the ongoing Rugby World Cup in France. After the rule change, he thinks more All Blacks players will follow his lead by swapping allegiances.

Persons: Fekitoa, ” Fekitoa, Jonah Lomu, Cameron Spencer, –, haven’t, Fifita, George Moala, Charles Piutau, Leon Lord, Adam Coleman, Israel Folau, “, ”, “ I’m, I’ve, Richard Heathcote, It’s, James Crombie, “ It’s Organizations: CNN, All Blacks, New Zealand, CNN Sport, Tonga, Wellington Sevens, Wesley College, Rugby, Blacks, Fiji, Getty, Australia, Ireland, Wasps, Gloucester, Tonga –, Rugby Championship, Nations, United Rugby, Munster, Romania, Tonga’s, Tongan, Kiwi, New Locations: Tonga, New Zealand, Australia, Auckland, Argentina, Europe, Monaco, France, AFP, New, England, Ireland, Italy, South Africa, Scotland, Samoa

☆ Man Utd sign Spain World Cup winner Guerrero from Atletico Madrid
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Guerrero, 26, was part of the squad that won Spain's first World Cup last month, making three substitute appearances. The central midfielder, who has 16 caps, joined Atletico in 2022 - winning the Queen's Cup last season. "Irene is a World Cup winner whose quality is an excellent addition to our team," United coach Marc Skinner said. We are delighted to bring a player of Irene's stature to Manchester United Women." United, who finished second in the league last year, open the new WSL campaign at Aston Villa on Oct. 1.

Persons: Spain's Irene Guerrero, Molly Darlington, Irene Guerrero, Guerrero, Spain's, Irene, Marc Skinner, Aadi Nair, Ken Ferris Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, North Harbour, Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, Super League, Atletico, Aston Villa, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Spain, Auckland , New Zealand, Bengaluru

From a survey data perspective, the countries’ moves up the Best Countries list come as they gained in some of the project’s 10 subrankings. In the Best Countries rankings, Neelam points to Australia performing well on an assessment of whether a country is perceived as corrupt. While she announced her resignation in January – before the Best Countries survey was fielded – Neelam says he “wouldn’t discount the Ardern factor” in New Zealand’s rankings rise. New Zealand does have other things going for it that mirror Australia in some ways. Murray, of Karamea, says the country – considered the most scenic among respondents to the Best Countries survey, with Australia at No.

Persons: Paul Murray, I’ve, he’s, ., –, Austin Billimack, he’d, “ Oz ”, ” Billimack, Zealand’s, Murray, Ryan Neelam, it’s, “, ”, Allan Behm, “ We're, Anthony Albanese, Scott Morrison, Albanese, Behm, Morrison, Morrison . New, Jacinda Ardern, – Neelam, Barack, Obama, Eric Crampton, Crampton, Ardern’s, Karamea Organizations: ” Global, U.S . News, FIFA, Australia, New Zealand, Lowy Institute, The Australia Institute, Labor Party, Best, New Zealand Initiative, Zealand Locations: Karamea, New, New Zealand, . Murray, Auckland, Wellington, Australia, Melbourne, Wisconsin, Australia’s, Oceania, Sydney, Australian, Canberra, Nauru, Morrison ., Christchurch , New Zealand, –, Canada

☆ New Zealand: 'Dinner plate sized' device found inside woman's abdomen 18 months after cesarean birth
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-04 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —A surgical tool the size of a dinner plate was found inside a woman’s abdomen 18 months after her baby was delivered by cesarean section, according to a report by New Zealand’s Health and Disability Commissioner. The AWR is a retractable cylindrical device with a translucent film used to draw back the edges of a wound during surgery. The woman suffered months of chronic pain and went for several checkups to find out what was wrong, including X-rays that showed no sign of the device. New Zealand’s Health and Disability Commissioner, Morag McDowell, found Te Whatu Ora Auckland – the Auckland District Health Board – in breach of the code of patient rights, in a report released on Monday. Dr Mike Shepherd, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand group director of operations for Te Toka Tumai Auckland, apologized for the error in a statement.

Persons: Alexis retractor, Morag McDowell, Te, Ora, cesarean, ” McDowell, Alexis Retractor doesn’t, McDowell, Dr Mike Shepherd, Whatu Ora, ” Organizations: CNN, New Zealand’s Health, Disability, Auckland City Hospital, Health, AWRs, Ora Health Locations: Auckland, Ora, Toka, Te Toka

☆ Why American families are leaving the US for Europe
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-02 | by ( Maureen O'Hare | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Editor’s Note: Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel’s weekly newsletter. Finally, Pennsylvanian Alan Andrew and his Belgian husband, Vincent Proost, bought a rundown farmhouse in the Alentejo region of Portugal. Young hearts run freeThere comes a day in all our lives when we’ve taken our final vacation, whether we realize it at the time or not. From next year, it won’t even be free to travel to Europe. The new ETIAS visa waiver program will allow entry into EU countries for fees starting at $7.70.

Persons: who’ve, Dawkins, Nadine, Kim, –, Alan Andrew, Vincent Proost, we’ve, Terry Ward, you’re, We’ve, It’s, CNN Riiya Shukla, Arabia ”, “, ” Organizations: CNN, Labor, Pearl, Auckland, Auckland Airport Locations: United States, Texas, Latronico, North Carolina, Umbria, Belgian, Alentejo, Portugal, Florida, Canada, Italy, Europe, Asia, Bhutan, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Tokyo, Kong’s, New Zealand, Norway, Arabia, Antalya, Instagram

☆ Auckland Airport hosts its first-ever proposal via PA system
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Lilit Marcus | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

“In Bollywood movies, I think eight out of 10 times, the couple would only come together at the airport,” Chhabra tells CNN Travel. Courtesy Auckland AirportShukla, an Auckland native, lives in Melbourne, Australia, where she works for the Victoria state government. So Chhabra hatched a plan: he’d arrange for their loved ones to be at the Auckland Airport when Shukla arrived for a visit. But it was when he finally connected with Laura Platts, the Auckland Airport communications manager, that everything began to fall into place. When she landed in Auckland, Shukla realized that her luggage hadn’t arrived.

Persons: Vash Chhabra, Riiya Shukla, Chhabra, Shukla, Laura Platts, Platts, hadn’t, “, ” Shukla, it’s, Melbourne, ” Organizations: CNN, “, CNN Travel, ”, Shukla, Auckland, Auckland Airport, Chhabra, Melbourne - Locations: Chhabra, Auckland, Melbourne, Australia, Victoria, New Zealand, Melbourne - Auckland, India, panicking, Punjab

Even as the import ban kicked in, tables were filled at Japanese restaurant Fumi in Hong Kong on August 24, 2023. Kathleen Magramo/CNNHours before China’s announcement, the Asian financial center of Hong Kong – a semi-autonomous Chinese city – imposed its own ban on aquatic product imports from 10 Japanese regions including Tokyo and Fukushima. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has reportedly “strongly” requested via diplomatic channels that China “immediately overturn” the ban. Still, Fei too thought that the bans from China and Hong Kong would have limited impact on Japanese trade. Consequently, even considering the reputational damage for Japanese seafood products, Japan’s overall exports will not be materially undermined,” Fei said.

Persons: “ It’s, ”, Thomason Ng, Fumi’s, “, Kathleen Magramo, Japan’s, Masanobu Sakamoto, Fumio Kishida, ” Sakamoto, –, Nigel Marks, there’s, CNN “ It’s, ” Marks, David Krofcheck, ” Krofcheck, Stefan Angrick, Angrick, That’s, China “, Fei Xue, Fei, ” Fei, restaurateurs, Hong Kong’s, Cara Man, we’ll Organizations: CNN, Hong Kong’s, East China, Fisherman’s Cooperative Association, ” “ Fishermen, Japanese, Tokyo Electric Power Company, TEPCO, Curtin University, University of Auckland, World Health Organization, Moody’s, Economist Intelligence Unit, “ Seafood Locations: Hong, Hong Kong’s Central, Fumi, Asia, Japan, China, Fukushima, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Weibo, East, Beijing, Australia, Ocean, South Korea, Taiwan, New Zealand, Japanese, Central, Japan’s Hokkaido, Kyushu, Kagoshima, Norway, Canada

☆ Why Korean Air will be weighing some passengers before their flights
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-24 | by ( Lilit Marcus | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Passengers flying with Korean Air in the next few weeks may be asked to take one additional step before boarding – getting on the scale. Korean Air is one of the many airlines around the globe that is required to periodically obtain plane weight data. If a passenger would prefer not to have their weight data collected, Korean Air confirms that they can opt out by letting a staff member know. No one can see your weight, not even us,” a representative from Air NZ, the country’s national carrier, said at the time. Once data is gathered, it helps airlines make decisions about fuel needs and weight distribution on board.

Persons: isn’t, “, ” Organizations: CNN, Korean Air, Gimpo International, Incheon International Airport, country’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, Air, Zealand, JFK, Air NZ Locations: Korean, Auckland, New

☆ Foster picks big guns in New Zealand team to face Springboks
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Coach Ian Foster has selected the same backline that helped beat the Springboks 35-20 during the Rugby Championship in Auckland last month. Foster is keen to give his team a good run ahead of their World Cup opener against France in Paris on Sept. 8 and this presents an excellent opportunity to do so against the old enemy and reigning world champions. "This is our final game before the Rugby World Cup and this test is critical in our preparation," Foster said. "With just two weeks to go, it’s an important opportunity to get us battle-ready for the start of the tournament. "These games (against South Africa) are always intense and physically challenging, and I’m sure this one will be no different."

Persons: Ian Foster, Russell Cheyne, Barrett, Luke Jacobson, Shannon Frizell, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Foster, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo'unga, Jordie Barrett, Telea, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett, Ardie, Sam Cane, Jacobson, Scott Barrett, Whitelock, Tyrel Lomax, Ethan de Groot, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa'i, Dalton Papali'i, Cam Roigard, Anton Lienert, Nick Said Organizations: Rugby Union, International, New Zealand, Murrayfield, REUTERS, Rugby, South, Twickenham, Springboks, France, Blacks, Australia, Argentina, Pool A . New Zealand, Brown, Thomson Locations: New, Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain, Zealand, South Africa, Auckland, Paris, Coles, France, Italy, Uruguay, Namibia, Pool A . New

☆ 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

☆ Coco Gauff continues excellent preparation for US Open with third title victory of the season
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-21 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Coco Gauff continued her excellent preparation for this month’s US Open with victory at the Western & Southern Open on Sunday. “I’m really happy with how I was able to manage this week,” Gauff said after becoming the tournament’s youngest ever winner. I wasn’t really serving as good as I did against Iga. I’m glad I was able to push through.”Gauff is still searching for her maiden grand slam title having reached the final of the French Open last year. She won in Auckland in January and Washington two weeks ago, and victory in Cincinnati on Sunday was her fifth career title.

Persons: Coco Gauff, Karolína, “ I’m, ” Gauff, “, she’s, It’s, I’m, Gauff, Matthew Stockman, Muchová, Bianca Andreescu, Caroline Wozniacki, Gauff –, – Organizations: CNN, & Southern, Sunday, Western & Southern, Women’s Tennis Association, Wimbledon Locations: Flushing Meadows , New York, Auckland, Washington, Cincinnati, Czech

☆ From cocktails to free rides, World Cup co-hosts fight to woo back tourists
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-19 | by ( Tara Subramaniam | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

In 2022, there were only about 1.4 million visitors, according to data provided by the government, still considerably below pre-pandemic levels. That’s why events like the Women’s World Cup are so important. Cities like Wellington and Auckland have catered to World Cup tourists by making public transportation free on game days for anyone with a match ticket. The extra effort has not gone unnoticed by tourists, especially those who have traveled to other World Cup events. Compared to the last Women’s World Cup in France, more businesses seem excited to welcome tourists, said US fan Carly Andler.

Persons: James Johnson, “, ” Johnson, ”, Monchy, CNN’s Richard Quest, Iain Walker, Chow Tory, Chow Tory's, Tara Subramaniam, Carly Andler, Andler, we’ve Organizations: Wellington CNN — Soccer, Football Australia, Tourism, Zealand’s Ministry of Business Innovation, New Zealand, Air New Zealand, FIFA, CNN, New Zealand’s Football Ferns, Wellington Chocolate Factory, Wellington City Council Locations: Australia, New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand, New, Tourism Australia, Cities, Wellington, Auckland, Dunedin, Hamilton, United States, Costa Rica, Spanish, Swedish, Italy, Japan, Rosebud, Bundaberg, Zealand, France

Sydney, Australia CNN —A Sydney court on Thursday acquitted the founder of global megachurch Hillsong of covering up child sexual abuse committed by his father in the 1970s. Brian Houston learned of the abuse decades later and informed Church leaders but did not tell police. His father admitted the abuse and was defrocked, but was never charged and died in 2004. He founded the Hills Christian Life Centre with his wife Bobbie in Sydney in 1983, which grew into the Hillsong megachurch. Houston stepped down as Hillsong’s global senior pastor in January last year after police charged him with concealing his father’s crimes.

Persons: Australia CNN —, Brian Houston, Brett Sengstock, I’ll, ” Houston, Gareth Christofi, Sengstock, ” Sengstock, Houston’s, Frank Houston, “ Frank Houston, Houston, Bobbie, “, ” Organizations: Australia CNN, Sydney, Hillsong, The Downing Centre Local, Christianity, Christian Life Centre, Hillsong megachurch, CNN Locations: Sydney, Australia, Auckland , New Zealand, United States, United Kingdom, Russia, Indonesia, Japan

☆ 4 Americans moved to New Zealand for safety, scenic hikes, and the small-town feel. "I just felt this calm, like, 'I'm home,'" one said.
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Jordan Pandy | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

He moved back to his home base of Irvine, California, in 2003 but always hoped to return to New Zealand. Four Americans who moved to New Zealand told Insider their reasons for departing the US. A Los Angeles resident visited for 20 years before making his move more permanentJon Kroll lived in Los Angeles for 35 years and visited New Zealand on and off for 20 years as a break from the congestion of Los Angeles. He downsized from his four-bedroom home in Los Angeles. Wellington, New Zealand, provides the small-town feel his family was looking forNative Wyomingite Ryan Rogers departed for New Zealand more than a decade ago for work.

Persons: Garvey Daniels, Daniels, Daniels —, —, they've, Garvey Daniels Daniels, he's, Jon Kroll, Kroll, WellingtonNZ Kroll, who's, I've, Heather Gadonniex, Gadonniex, Heather Gadonniex Matakana, she's, Wyomingite Ryan Rogers, Rogers, WellingtonNZ Rogers Organizations: Service, New Zealand, Stats NZ, New, NZ, Los, Auckland —, Zealand, CoreLogic NZ, Kiwis, San, San Francisco Bay Area Locations: New Zealand, LA, Wall, Silicon, Auckland , New Zealand, Irvine , California, California, New, Australia, Colorado, Los Angeles, Wellington, Auckland, Zealand, San Francisco Bay, Northern California, Matakana , New Zealand, Oakland, Bay, San Francisco, Wellington , New Zealand, London, Vancouver, Wyoming

☆ 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

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

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ Women's World Cup: Australia dares to dream of win as Matildas mania sweeps the country
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Hilary Whiteman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Sydney CNN —Two matches stand between Australia and a historic Women’s World Cup win, and the nation – perhaps prematurely – is debating the pros and cons of a national holiday should the squad defeat Spain on Sunday. Soccer mania has swept the country in a culture where rugby, cricket and the local “Aussie Rules” football usually dominates. Australia players celebrate after winning their quarterfinal match against France in Brisbane, August 12. Zara Borcak beams as she holds the jersey Sam Kerr gave her after Saturday's match against France, August 12, 2023. Maybe it’s because the last time the country came together to fight a common cause, they were desperately trying to stay apart.

Persons: Tertius Pickard, Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, Sam Kerr, “, ‘, ”, Zara Borcak, Selma Borcak, Anthony Albanese, Albanese, Andrew Cornaga, Ben Crowe, Crowe, Eleanor Roosevelt, Ash Barty, it’s, ” Mackenzie Arnold of Australia, Norvik, that’s, Mackenzie Arnold, I’ve Organizations: Sydney CNN, Spain, Sunday, England, Australia, France, FIFA, Reuters Sporting, – Basketball Australia, AFL, Australian Football League, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, ”, NRL, ’, Sweden, Wimbledon, Richmond AFL Locations: Australia, France, Australia’s, United States, Brisbane, Sydney, Green, Brazil, Zara, Spain, Eden, Auckland, Denmark, Melbourne

☆ 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

☆ 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

☆ Williams playing at a 'better level' after injury-hit start to season
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Aug 14, 2023; Mason, OH, USA; Venus Williams celebrates after beating Veronika Kudermetova during round one of the Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason Monday, August, 14, 2023. Mandatory Credit: Cara Owsley-USA TODAY Sports/File photoAug 15 (Reuters) - Seven-times Grand Slam champion Venus Williams says she is now playing at a better level than at the start of an injury-plagued 2023 season after sealing her first top 20 win in four years by beating Veronika Kudermetova at the Cincinnati Open on Monday. read more"I think I'm at a better level than I started the year, to be honest," Williams told reporters. I'm fine game-wise, but playing matches is a different ball game." Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter RutherfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Venus Williams, Veronika Kudermetova, Williams, Cara Owsley, old's, Roland Garros, Elina Svitolina, Camila Giorgi, Shrivathsa Sridhar, Peter Rutherford Organizations: & Southern, Lindner, Tennis Center, USA, Cincinnati, Auckland, Wimbledon, Birmingham, Thomson Locations: Mason, OH, USA, Cincinnati, Auckland, Bengaluru

☆ 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

☆ Spain Gets Last Word, and Reaches First World Cup Final
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Rory Smith | More About Rory Smith | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The players streamed from the substitutes’ bench and onto the field, the coaching staff not too far behind them, swarming around the teammates who had rescued their dream. At last, celebrating together, they could release all of the stress and strain of the last couple of days, the last three weeks of this World Cup, the last year or more. This time, though, it was not Sweden celebrating, but Spain. They had barely had the chance to relish the sensation of relief before it was extinguished, cruelly and instantly. It will be Spain, then, that takes its place in a maiden World Cup final — against either Australia or England — in Sydney on Sunday, thanks to a 2-1 victory in the mist and drizzle of Auckland.

Persons: Rebecka Locations: Sweden, Spain, Australia, England, Sydney, Auckland

☆ 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

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