logo
Spanish media hit out at England's Chloe Kelly for ‘unnecessary' and ‘cocky' celebration following penalty to win Euros

Spanish media hit out at England's Chloe Kelly for ‘unnecessary' and ‘cocky' celebration following penalty to win Euros

Kelly smashed home the decisive spot-kick in the shootout as England beat Spain to defend their European crown.
Three years after scoring the winner in the Euro 2022 final, Kelly wrote her name in history again as the Lionesses became the first senior English team to win a trophy on foreign soil.
It was a special moment for Kelly, who wanted to give up football at the start of the year after a toxic fall-out with Manchester City before she joined Arsenal in January.
But Spanish media have hit out at the Arsenal star for celebrating her penalty in front of Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll.
Spanish outlet Diario AS say Kelly purposely ran towards Coll after scoring her penalty.
In a comment with a video clip of the winning moment, they wrote: 'This is unnecessary, my friend: Kelly's cocky gesture to Cata Coll after scoring the decisive penalty.
'The England specialist changed her run during her penalty celebration to get past the goalkeeper she had just beaten.'
In their match report, Diaro AS stated England 'robbed' Spain as the Lionesses got revenge for their defeat against La Roja in the World Cup final in 2023.
'The dream ends in a nightmare,' they said. 'Spain lost the European Championship on penalties. England tied a match that Spain largely dominated.
'History is made by victories, and also by defeats. Spain fell in the European Cup final but left its name sealed in gold.
'England robbed them of their dream; the world champions couldn't close the circle they began to write two years ago in Sydney.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Funding gap forces Ireland's top para riders to fundraise to compete at European Championships
Funding gap forces Ireland's top para riders to fundraise to compete at European Championships

Irish Examiner

time5 hours ago

  • Irish Examiner

Funding gap forces Ireland's top para riders to fundraise to compete at European Championships

Ireland's top para riders, who face challenges most elite athletes don't, must now clear an unexpected financial hurdle that threatens their participation in the European championships next month. Despite having achieved the international qualification standards required to represent their country, the Irish para dressage team said 'unforeseen circumstances' have left a funding gap, which puts at risk their dream of competing at the European Para Dressage Championships. They have now launched a last-minute fundraising drive to ensure they can compete at the event at the National Equestrian Centre in Ermelo, the Netherlands, from September 3 to 7. The team, which includes Katie Reilly, 16, from Kildare, and Clodagh Walsh, 16, from Waterford, both of whom are ranked one and two in the world at under-18 level, and Angela Lyons, from Cork, are determined to make it. 'Finding out about the shortfall a month before the competition wasn't ideal,' Angela said. But we are going to do everything possible to turn this dream of competing in this competition into reality. We are not ones for giving up. 'Everyone's worked so hard to get to this level, and we are all doing our best to keep our training going, and to stay fit, so this funding shortfall is really the last thing we needed, but we are a determined bunch. 'We are very grateful for the support and help we have received to date, but we need to keep going.' Katie, the world number one in her category, and who will compete with Keystone Dawn Chorus, said: 'I was really proud and excited when I found out I was selected. My rider John helps get Lottie ready so I can focus on riding my best. I couldn't do it without my team.' Clodagh, the world number two in the same group, said: 'It's a great honour to represent Ireland. My support team helps me prepare and compete, and I'm very thankful for everything they do.' Dressage is one of the most technically demanding disciplines in equestrian sport, requiring absolute precision, mutual trust between rider and horse, and the ability to perform under immense pressure. Para dressage is for athletes with physical disabilities, with athletes competing in grades, ranked one to five, based on their individual physical abilities, with grade one for athletes with the most challenges. It is run under the same basic rules as traditional dressage, with riders performing a series of prescribed movements on their horses to demonstrate their horsemanship skills and the horse's training, with tests which include movements in straight lines, circles, and changes of gait. Para rider Katie Reilly on Keystone Dawn Chorus. She is ranked number one in the world at under-18 level. Riders can use compensatory aids or assistive devices like additional dressage crops, specially adapted reins, or special saddles. Para Equestrian Ireland, the charity which supports the athletes, said they ride not for financial gain or fame, but for pride, identity, and a belief in what is possible. 'It's not about medals, it's about meaning,' a spokesperson said. It is supporting the team's travel and competition expenses, but the money won't cover additional costs for accessible transport, specialist support and accessible accommodation, carers, therapy appointments, and personal care alongside training. Angela, who will compete with Tommy, said it's a huge honour to be picked to represent Ireland. 'Every time I ride, I remember why I do this. It's not just about competing but about showing what's possible,' she said. Para rider Clodagh Walsh on Chantal. She is ranked number two in the world at under-18 level. 'Everyone wants to show their ability. We all do it for the love of the sport, but also to prove to ourselves that we can do it.' The horses will depart for the Netherlands in late August to arrive in the Ermelo stables by September 1, ahead of the competition. If you or your company would like to support the athletes, email or donate directly on idonate.

Katie McCabe: 'I think that structure between 19s and the senior level is really key, so we don't continue to lose players'
Katie McCabe: 'I think that structure between 19s and the senior level is really key, so we don't continue to lose players'

Irish Examiner

time5 hours ago

  • Irish Examiner

Katie McCabe: 'I think that structure between 19s and the senior level is really key, so we don't continue to lose players'

For someone with a Champions League medal around her neck, Katie McCabe still has a sense of her original place. Arsenal's triumph is ending an 18-year wait for Europe's prize trophy had the Irish captain front and centre, the left-back playing the most minutes of any player in the competition. She became as famous for her celebrations back in London as the performance she delivered to help dethrone Barcelona in the May final in Lisbon. McCabe was excused for Ireland's subsequent transatlantic trip to USA for two friendlies, although she disagrees with the declaration by Carla Ward of her being burnt out. She was able to witness from her sun-lounger most of her fellow Gunners participate in the Euros, eventually leading to Leah Williamson, Chloe Kelly and bolter Michelle Agyemang lifting the trophy against Spain last Sunday. McCabe is one of the few players back in pre-season at Arsenal, mulling as to where Ireland fits into the international success her peers are rejoicing in. She dined at the top table of a World Cup two years ago in Australia at Ireland's first major tournament but, after missing out in the Euros, next up within their sights is the 2027 edition of the global showpiece in Brazil. Stressing Ireland are immersed in a transition since Ward was appointed in December, concerns exist about the generation seeking to fill the gaps created by a glut of retirements since the sojourn Down Under. What Ireland lacks compared to England – and even Scotland in recent years – is an U21 or U23 team equipping players with the skillset necessary to migrate into the senior fold. Finance has been blamed for the FAI's inability to add the team above their U19 level. Imminent staff cutbacks suggest that won't change, leaving them reliant on grants from Fifa to fund what's a vital component to bridging the gap. "We need to keep doing more,' noted McCabe, back in Dublin yesterday visiting patients at Crumlin Children's Hospital. 'In my opinion, I think that structure between 19s and the senior level is really key, so we don't continue to lose players. 'Maybe it's the Gaelic football - maybe they just stop playing - but it's a big issue for me. "I think an U21 team would be the end goal. The starting process would be to look at how we function through the four provinces - then structure it into a development squad, home-based training session, where you've got the best crop of Irish talent around the country. Let them train together and get exposed to senior level football with the manager. I think that needs looking at.' BRINGING SMILES: Republic of Ireland captain and Arsenal star Katie McCabe made a heartwarming visit to Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin, meeting patient Meddinah and creating unforgettable memories for young patients and their families. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile In the meantime, there's a playoff against Belgium on October 24 and 28 to determine which of the nations will contest next year's World Cup qualifiers in the top tier. Crucially, it guarantees a playoff route as fallback but Belgium are fresh from the Euros. Although they lost 6-2 against the Spanish, they beat Portugal and came out 1-0 losers in a tight contest against semi-finalists Italy. McCabe is due to win her 100th cap in the second leg held in Leuven, just outside Brussels. Putting Ireland in a stronger position for a second successive World Cup on the occasion of her personal milestone is of equal importance. 'Belgium are a serious, serious team,' warned the 29-year-old. 'I was watching them in the Euros over the summer and it's going to be difficult. 'This is a massive tie so we want the Aviva absolutely rocking on that Friday night. "Even if people are fans of the men's game but are football fans, we'd love for you to come and support us.' Meanwhile, McCabe's former Arsenal teammate and current goalkeeping coach with Ireland, Emma Byrne, has been appointed as manager of English third-tier club Lewes. Lewes operate in the FA Women's National League South, a tier below the Women's Super League 2. They confirmed Ireland's record caps holder will combine her new role with her FAI duties. "Emma will continue her role with the FAI and the Ireland women's national team, and we are proud to support her in balancing her dual responsibilities,' they said. 'Her presence at Lewes reflects the club's ambition to connect domestic development with the international game.'

Benjamin Sesko: I'm copying Erling Haaland's career path and now set to join Man Utd… but team-mates think I'm BETTER
Benjamin Sesko: I'm copying Erling Haaland's career path and now set to join Man Utd… but team-mates think I'm BETTER

The Irish Sun

time6 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

Benjamin Sesko: I'm copying Erling Haaland's career path and now set to join Man Utd… but team-mates think I'm BETTER

BOOKWORM Benjamin Sesko has been copying the Erling Haaland story so far — and could be about to replicate another chapter by moving to Manchester. Just like Manchester City striker ­Haaland, Sesko came to prominence at Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg — where team-mates remarked he may be even better than the ­Norwegian icon — before moving to the Bundesliga . Advertisement 4 Man Utd want to sign Benjamin Sesko Credit: Getty 4 The striker has followed a similar career path to Erling Haaland Credit: PA Play Dream Team now! Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season Free to play Over £100,000 in total prize money Play in Mini Leagues against your mates Submit a team for Gameweek 1 to enter £5,000 prize draw Now the 22-year-old could be heading to Manchester too, with City's arch-rivals United keen on signing the £70million-rated striker — along with Newcastle . The reasons Sesko has been compared to Haaland, 25, are obvious. Sesko is a powerhouse centre-forward, lightning quick, a bully in the air with a keen eye for goal. And at 6ft5, he stands an inch taller than his Salzburg ­predecessor. The Slovenian sensation, a keen reader of self-help books , used to study YouTube videos of Haaland, and views the Norwegian icon as an inspiration. Advertisement READ MORE ON MAN UTD Sesko was nicknamed 'the new Erling' at Salzburg. But he insisted: 'Such comparisons motivate me and give me energy . They do not represent pressure. 'I will listen and learn, so I can be even better than he is. 'My team-mates at the club tell me that Haaland and I are very similar, especially in terms of speed. Advertisement Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS 4 'Most of them even tell me I'm better than him!' One of Sesko's prized possessions is a Norway top handed over by Haaland after the pair faced off in a Nations League match in 2022. Advertisement Amorim refuses to guarantee Hojlund Man Utd future amid Sesko transfer push But another Scandinavian, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, was Sesko's hero growing up in the small town of Radece, about an hour-and-a-quarter's drive south-east of Slovenia's capital Ljubljana. After bouncing around a few Slovenian teams at youth level — scoring 59 goals in just 23 games for Krsko at Under-15 level — he made the move to Salzburg in 2019. Sesko is now one of the most highly-rated young players in world football . But back then, his agent Elvis Basanovic was doing his best to make people aware of his talents, apparently messaging scouts and directors that his client was 'the next goal machine'. Advertisement It took some time for that to show itself but a fruitful second season on loan at Austria second-tier side FC Liefering in 2020-21 kickstarted things. The following term he was banging them in for Salzburg. He winged it over to Red Bull's ­German club Leipzig in 2023. And there, Sesko became the top scorer of players aged under 23 over the last two seasons in Europe's top-five major leagues. His 39 strikes are better than Jude Bellingham (38), Florian Wirtz (34), Jamal Musiala (33) as well as Bradley Barcola , Advertisement Sesko's range of goals catch the eye too, with almost a quarter of his 27 Bundesliga strikes coming from outside the box. Harry Kane, one of only six forwards to score more in Germany's top flight over the last two campaigns , watched in disbelief as Sesko netted a stunner against his Sesko is well known for his hard work, both on and off the pitch. He told German newspaper Bild last year: 'In addition to my physical strength, it's very important that I'm mentally strong.' This includes reading self-reflection books such as Dr Joe Dispenza's 'Becoming Supernatural: How common people are doing the uncommon', and 'Total Meditation: Practices in Living the Awakened Life' by Indian author and spiritual doctor Deepak Chopra. Advertisement He also listens to podcasts on similar subjects and is close to Leipzig's psychologists, regularly going for coffee and meeting up to play PlayStation . Tech-savvy Sesko often uses a ­'Soccer Bot', a football simulator at Leipzig's training complex that can display real-game scenes on 360-degree screens. The tattoo-sleeved forward is a huge basketball fan and is handy at the sport, though as of August last year, he was yet to meet compatriot and NBA megastar Luka Doncic. 4 Advertisement Sesko's girlfriend Anita Vidovic, 27, is no stranger to football. Her brother Boris is a former semi-pro player, but now better known for going on his country's Love Island this year. Sesko has been desired by plenty of clubs over the last couple of years. Arsenal showed serious interest before turning their attention to Viktor Gyokeres. Advertisement The Gunners are believed to have seen £55million capture Gyokeres, 27, as ready for the here and now. Sesko is arguably more unproven, although his two seasons in Germany have showcased his frightening potential. Both Uniteds, Manchester and Newcastle, look ready to bring his talents to the Premier League. Old Trafford's director of recruitment is more than aware of Sesko's talents. Christopher Vivell worked as a scout for Salzburg between 2015 and 2020. Advertisement And was then Leipzig's technical director for the following two years. Vivell was with the Austrians when a deal was struck in 2019 to sign Sesko. It was in Vivell's final year with Salzburg that a move for Sesko was agreed, although he had left Leipzig for Germany . Vivell, 38, once said: 'Sesko is among the game's top young talents and has enormous potential to become a top player. His abilities make him a special player with a special profile.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store