Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh: It appears women's sport in Ireland is blamed for all its ills – exhilarating Euros shows how that can change
Máire Treasa Ní Ceallaigh
One of the more fun aspects of living on an estate for a nosy individual like me is that you get to see what people are watching on TV as you drive by. This week I went past one home, then another, and another – all tuned in to a ding-dong of a battle as Portugal and Italy faced off in the Euros.
As I was turning my key in the door I was greeted by a shout from the sitting room and told to hurry up and sit down. I was immediately captivated. The tension reverberated around the stadium in Geneva and on to screens around the world as Portugal's Diana Gomes scored an 89th-minute equaliser, keeping her country's Euro ambitions alive.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
a day ago
- RTÉ News
Swedes sweep past Germany as both make last eight
Sweden made the most of Germany defender Carlotta Wamser's dismissal to sweep to a 4-1 win and secure top spot in their Group C clash on Saturday, with their opponents also going through to the quarter-finals as runners-up. The Swedes finished top of the group with a perfect nine points from their three games and will take on the runners-up in Group D - which features France, England, Netherlands and Wales - with the Germans taking on the winners of that group. Friday's encounter was the first time the Germans conceded four goals at a Women's Euros and the Swedes were good value for their win, punishing virtually every mistake the Germans made. Germany got off to a flying start, slicing Sweden open through the middle as Wamser slid the ball into the path of Jule Brand, who managed to slip it past Jennifer Falk despite the Swedish keeper getting a touch. The Swedes struck back within five minutes, striker Stina Blackstenius expertly timing her run in behind the defence and latching on to Kosovare Asllani's ball before flashing a shot past Ann-Katrin Berger to level. Though the Germans looked dangerous every time they crossed the halfway line, it was the Swedes who took the lead through Smilla Holmberg in the 25th minute, the fullback marauding into the box before losing control and then steering an attempted clearance into the net from a tight angle. Germany's challenge fell apart in the 32nd minute when Wamser was shown a straight red card for a deliberate handball, and Fridolina Rolfo scored from the spot to make it 3-1 in her 100th international. Though the Germans made the odd dangerous foray in the second half, the Swedes exploited their numerical advantage and substitute Lina Hurtig put the game beyond reach with a close-range finish in the 80th minute.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Transfer news LIVE: Newcastle ANNOUNCE £55m Elanga, Chelsea set HUGE Jackson asking price, Galatasary bid for Osimhen
THE thrills and spills of the summer transfer window are well underway with some huge deals in the pipeline over the next few weeks! Newcastle have announced the £55million signing of Nottingham Forest winger Advertisement In other news, Elsewhere, Galatasary have sent a fresh bid for Follow ALL the latest news , moves and completed deals with our live blog below... Advertisement By Madueke set to be announced Enzo Maresca has revealed that Arsenal are set to announce the signing of Noni Madueke. The Chelsea manager said: "Noni is in contact with the new club and I guess he is going to be [announced] in the next hours." The winger could be revealed as a Gunner TODAY following his £52million switch from the Blues. Copy link Copied By Nwaneri contract Arsenal have reportedly made progress on renewing Ethan Nwaneri's contract. There had been speculation that the winger could be on his way out of the club. However, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that he will be staying put as he is close to signing a new deal. The report claims that the Gunners showed the Under-21 Euros winner their vision for the upcoming years and his game time. Copy link Copied By Mbeumo 'joining' Man Utd next week Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo is expected to link up with Manchester United next week. That is according to The Telegraph, who report Mbeumo will arrive at United in time for next week's pre-season tour. The same source claims a "breakthrough in negotiations" is expected in the coming days. Man Utd are set for their first pre-season friendly next Saturday against Leeds in Sweden. Copy link Copied By Gibbs-White left out of Forest squad Morgan Gibbs-White hasn't been included in Nottingham Forest's team for their first pre-season friendly. Forest visit Chesterfield at the Technique Stadium as they gear up for another exciting season that will see them return to Europe for the first time in 30 years. However, Nottingham might be without star man Gibbs-White, 25, who is close to moving to Tottenham during the summer transfer window. And the playmaker has been left out of Nuno Espirito Santo's squad for the friendly in Chesterfield. This comes as Evangelos Marinakis' club Copy link Copied By Bryan Mbeumo update Manchester United may have suffered a blow in their attempts to land Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo. The Bees may not feel the pressure to cash in following transfer developments of their own. Christian Norgaard has left for Arsenal in a £10million deal, while Nottingham Forest and Tottenham are both interested in Yoane Wissa. Wissa could be sold in a deal worth £40m, this added money means Brentford may not be in desperate need of the £60m that Mbeumo's exit would command. Copy link Copied By Gyokeres' 'revenge mission' Viktor Gyokeres is on a 'revenge' mission to cause mayhem in the Premier League. The Sporting Lisbon striker is still hoping to push through a £69milion move to Arsenal although the two clubs are currently at a stalemate. Gyokeres, 27, has refused to train with Sporting while Arsenal are currently £4.3m short of the Portuguese club's valuation. Gyokeres failed to make a single Premier League appearance in three years at Brighton and then had two successful seasons at Coventry. It's one of the biggest leagues in Europe. I spent several years there without being able to play a single match. So, of course, it's something I'd like to do. It would be great revenge. Maybe [he'll return to the Premier League]. That's football, you never know. I don't think about it; we'll see what happens. If something happens, it will. The most important thing for me is to play for a club that really wants me. Viktor Gyokeres L'Equipe Copy link Copied By Man Utd target wonderkids Manchester United are holding talks to land two of the country's best teenage talents. According to Fulham ace Ridgeon, 16, has already played for the club's Under-21s despite his young age. The attacking midfielder is also the captain of England's Under-17 side. Noubissie, 16, is set to depart Manchester City after finding opportunities limited. The versatile midfielder, who can play as a No6 and No8, joined City from Leicester two years ago in a £1million deal. Copy link Copied By Elanga Newcastle deal DETAILS Anthony Elanga has officially joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest. Elanga joined the Mapies after a £55million deal with Forest. The winger signed a five-year deal with the Toon to become the club's first summer signing. The Georgies failed in an effort to bring the Sweden international to St James' Park last year and then had a £45m bid rejected last month. Copy link Copied By Fenerbahce making moves Fenerbahce in Turkey are on the cusp of completing a few deals. Firstly, Arsenal's Leandro Trossard is set to depart for Turkey, with the Belgian looking more and more likely to leave The Emirates this summer. Next, they are close to securing a deal for Marco Asensio from PSG, who spent part of last season on loan at Aston Villa. Furthermore, they are in the hunt for Archie Brown from KAA Gent. However, they face stiff competition from AC Milan for Brown, although at this stage are more likely to match his wage demands than the Italian side. Copy link Copied By Spurs remain interested in Wissa Tottenham have been making some serious moves in the transfer market recently. According to reports, Yoane Wissa remains a target, despite Spurs and Brentford being a way off in their valuation of the striker. According to reports, Spurs have bid £20m, with Brentford holding out for closer to £50m. Moreover, it seems unlikely that Brentford would part ways with both Wissa and Mbeumo in the same summer, so they may be racing against the Man Utd clock as well. Copy link Copied By Big day in the Gyokeres saga Viktor Gyokeres is set to report for Sporting CP training TODAY. However, the Swedish striker has already made it clear to the club that he will NOT be returning for pre-season, ahead of a move away. The Gunners are currently the favourites for his signature, and are the only side Gyokeres wants to join - according to David Ornstein. The Portuguese side may be forced to deal with Arsenal under the threat of Gyokeres not returning to training. Copy link Copied By Chelsea's HUGE asking price According to reports, Chelsea have set a HUGE £100 MILLION asking price on Nicolas Jackson, making a U-turn on his future. Reports had suggested Jackson would be allowed to leave the club this summer, but now the Blues are less interested in selling! Chelsea see Joao Pedro as cover for the entire front three, rather than an out-and-out striker, leaving them with just Jackson and Delap. It now seems as though Jackson will STAY at Chelsea. Copy link Copied By Osimhen update Victor Osimhen's future has been plunged into doubt after Galatasaray failed with another bid for him. Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Turkish side's £60million bid has fallen short of Napoli's £65m valuation. It remains to be seen if Galatasaray return with a third offer but the door could be open for Premier League sides to poach the Nigerian. Copy link Copied By Maresca on Madueke Enzo Maresca has opened up on Noni Madueke's imminent exit from Chelsea. The manager has insisted that the decision was solely the player's and it was not from the club. He said: "If a player wants to leave, then in the end it is difficult for the club and manager. "And yes, Noni decided to leave. "No one said to Noni that he has to leave. It was his own decision. If he is happy, we are happy." Copy link Copied By United hold up Former Manchester United player Alvaro Carreras' could be getting annoyed at his old employers. This is because the Red Devils are reportedly holding up his move from Benfica to Real Madrid. The full-back moved to Portugal from Old Trafford last summer but could now be on his way to the Santiago Bernabau. However reports have claimed that the deal is being held up as Man United need to confirm their intention not to trigger a buy-back clause. Copy link Copied By Jackson price tag Nicolas Jackson's price tag has been revealed amid reports he could leave Chelsea. The striker has fallen down the pecking order following the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro this summer. However, if he is to leave Stamford Bridge, it will not be on the cheap. The Daily Mail have reported that the Blues have set his price at £100MILLION. Copy link Copied By Gyokeres expectation Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly been told he is expected back for pre-season training tomorrow. However, reports have claimed that he is not planning on going and is refusing. The striker is a summer transfer target of both Manchester United and Arsenal. Copy link Copied By DONE DEAL: Larsen IN Burnley have now announced the arrival of Jacob Bruun Larsen on a permanent deal. The forward returns to Turf Moore after the club agreed a deal to sign him from Strasbourg. Copy link Copied By Diaz wanted Luis Diaz is reportedly wanted by Bayern Munich. Sky Germany have claimed that the Bundesliga giants want to offer him a deal that will run to 2029 or 2030. The report adds that the winger would be open to a move if he gets a "good offer". Copy link Copied By DONE DEAL: Elanga completes Newcastle switch Anthony Elanga has become Newcastle United's first summer signing in a £55million deal from Nottingham Forest. The Swedish international, 23, has penned a five-year deal on Tyneside as Eddie Howe finally got his man. Toon failed in an effort to bring the winger to St. James' last year and then had a £45m bid rejected last month for the star. But now Elanga will finally pull on the Black and White and he cannot wait to start providing the ammunition for his national team-mate Alexander Isak. Copy link Copied By Madueke expected for medical Noni Madueke is reportedly on his way to have his medical with Arsenal. The Chelsea winger is expected to complete a £52million move to the Gunners. Sky Sports have claimed that he has been granted permission by the Blues to travel for his medical. Copy link Copied By Gyokeres 'U-turn' Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly made a U-turn over his future amid a stall in his move to Arsenal. The in demand striker is wanted by the Gunners to bolster their frontline ahead of next season. However, the North London club are yet to firm up their interest and agree a deal with Sporting Lisbon. Now, local media have claimed that the prolific Swede is now reconsidering a move to Manchester United. A switch to Old Trafford would see him reunite with former manager Ruben Amorim. Copy link Copied By Petrovic exit close Djordje Petrovic is reportedly closing in on an exit from Chelsea. The Athletic have claimed that there is a "total agreement" for the goalkeeper to join Bournemouth in a deal worth £25million. He will have a medical with the Cherries next week. Copy link Copied By Clarets deal Burnley have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Stuttgart forward Jacob Bruun Larsen for an undisclosed fee. Sky Sports have claimed that the Dane has accepted a four-year contract offer to move to Turf Moor. Larsen spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Burnley when the club was last in the top flight. Copy link Copied By DONE DEAL: Forest add Cunha Nottingham Forest have confirmed the arrival of Jair Cunha from Botafogo. The Brazilian defender, 20, has signed a contract until 2030. Forest's chief football officer, Ross Wilson said: "Jair is a young talent who has shown quality during his time in Brazil, and we are happy to have secured his signature. "Jair has flourished in Brazil and now has new ambitions as he moves to the Premier League. "We know he will be warmly welcomed into the group here in Nottingham." Copy link Copied 1 …
The 42
2 days ago
- The 42
Italy join Spain in Euro 2025 quarter-finals
ITALY REACHED the quarter-finals of Women's Euro 2025 on Friday, despite losing 3-1 to Group B winners Spain, the Azzurre finishing ahead of rivals Portugal, whose tournament ended with a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Belgium. Athenea, Patri Guijarro and Esther Gonzalez scored the goals in Bern for Spain, who finished the group stage on a perfect nine points, five ahead of second-placed Italy, who will face Norway in the last eight on Wednesday. Spain, meanwhile, will take on hosts Switzerland in a week as they aim to follow up their World Cup win two years ago with a first-ever Euros triumph. Italy, who took the lead through Elisabetta Oliviero in the 10th minute, ended the group stage one point ahead of third-placed Belgium, who snatched a last-gasp win in Sion through Janice Cayman. Belgium were already eliminated before kick-off, and only Portugal had a chance of overtaking Italy heading into the final round of Group B fixtures. Advertisement But Andrea Soncin's Italy started the game knowing that a defeat would have likely been enough for a spot in the quarters, even if Portugal beat Belgium due to the significant goal difference gap between the two teams. Three points separated Italy and Portugal at kick-off, and Italian fans were able to relax when Tessa Wullaert stuck out her left leg to guide home Jill Janssens' low cross and put Belgium ahead in the third minute. Shortly afterwards, Elena Linari thumped a header against the crossbar from Manuela Giugliano's corner, and then Oliviero gave Italy a shock lead by pouncing on a loose ball in the penalty area after some poor defending from Spain. But Spain soon began to assert their dominance, and four minutes later Athenea brought them level with a wonderful goal, dribbling towards the edge of the area before exchanging passes with Alexia Putellas and curling home a superb finish. The Spanish continued to have the lion's share of possession, but Italy were dangerous on the break, with Martina Piemonte, up front in place of Cristiana Girelli, shanked wide when clean through on goal. And Barbara Bonansea headed over Sofia Cantore's cross two minutes before the break as Italy pushed to retake the lead. But Spain were deservedly in front three minutes after the break through Patri, whose sliced first-time finish crept past Italy goalkeeper Laura Giulinani. Spain poured forward and added a third in stoppage time through Esther Gonzalez. But it mattered little by that point as, even though Telma Encarnacao levelled late for Portugal, Cayman lashed home a loose ball in the 96th minute to give Belgium a thrilling win after they had two goals chalked off by VAR. Italy's players jumped and hugged once Belgium's success was confirmed, before basking in the applause of their travelling support. – © AFP 2025
