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CNA
4 days ago
- Sport
- CNA
Spain feeling the love ahead of England showdown in Women's Euro final
BASEL, Switzerland :The Spain soccer squad has been riding an unprecedented wave of support ahead of their Women's Euro final against England on Sunday, where they will attempt to add the European crown to their world and Nations League titles. Competing in the final for the first time, the Spaniards are enjoying every moment as fans pack the stands at the Swiss stadiums and fill the town squares back home, watching the team's games on big screens. "What we feel is that love, we are thankful, it's very exciting. In the recent past, we couldn't imagine that. Now (the fans) can (help us) win a game, they can send the game to extra time," team captain Irene Paredes told reporters at a media conference on Saturday. "Some people may like us or not, but the reality is that when there's a game on public television, people are there... and to those followers, thank you, and please continue supporting us, because what we get here is lovely. We feel it, and that helps a lot," she added. It's a far cry from the fractured squad that won the World Cup in 2023, despite several key players boycotting the tournament due to a dispute with the Spanish football federation and the team's coaching staff. "What we get from Spain is love and support, we get the different provinces where the final will be shown, we get all those vibes, it's a support we have always felt," coach Montse Tome said of her current squad. "I don't know if responsibility is what we feel - we feel motivation, we are very happy and it's clear for us that our heads, our focus will be tomorrow on the task every player has to do. We'll put our energy there tomorrow," she added. Tome's side's recent successful run suffered a blip at the 2024 Olympics when they lost the bronze medal game to Germany, but they got their revenge against the Germans with an extra-time win in the semi-finals, and they are keen to continue adding to their trophy cabinet. "I think during the whole tournament we've been writing history, entering the semi-finals for the first time, going to the final for the first time as well, beating Germany for the first time and I feel we've been accomplishing objectives," Tome said. "We are playing six games (at the Euros), and what I believe is that England defends the title - they are the current champions and we will play them again, we will compete, we will enjoy the game and, of course, we want to win."
Reuters
4 days ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Spain feeling the love ahead of England showdown in Women's Euro final
BASEL, Switzerland, July 26 (Reuters) - The Spain soccer squad has been riding an unprecedented wave of support ahead of their Women's Euro final against England on Sunday, where they will attempt to add the European crown to their world and Nations League titles. Competing in the final for the first time, the Spaniards are enjoying every moment as fans pack the stands at the Swiss stadiums and fill the town squares back home, watching the team's games on big screens. "What we feel is that love, we are thankful, it's very exciting. In the recent past, we couldn't imagine that. Now (the fans) can (help us) win a game, they can send the game to extra time," team captain Irene Paredes told reporters at a media conference on Saturday. "Some people may like us or not, but the reality is that when there's a game on public television, people are there... and to those followers, thank you, and please continue supporting us, because what we get here is lovely. We feel it, and that helps a lot," she added. It's a far cry from the fractured squad that won the World Cup in 2023, despite several key players boycotting the tournament due to a dispute with the Spanish football federation and the team's coaching staff. "What we get from Spain is love and support, we get the different provinces where the final will be shown, we get all those vibes, it's a support we have always felt," coach Montse Tome said of her current squad. "I don't know if responsibility is what we feel - we feel motivation, we are very happy and it's clear for us that our heads, our focus will be tomorrow on the task every player has to do. We'll put our energy there tomorrow," she added. Tome's side's recent successful run suffered a blip at the 2024 Olympics when they lost the bronze medal game to Germany, but they got their revenge against the Germans with an extra-time win in the semi-finals, and they are keen to continue adding to their trophy cabinet. "I think during the whole tournament we've been writing history, entering the semi-finals for the first time, going to the final for the first time as well, beating Germany for the first time and I feel we've been accomplishing objectives," Tome said. "We are playing six games (at the Euros), and what I believe is that England defends the title - they are the current champions and we will play them again, we will compete, we will enjoy the game and, of course, we want to win."
The Guardian
03-07-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Aitana Bonmatí's return lifts Spain in pursuit of Euro 2025 dream
If Spain required any form of pick-me-up before a summer that many assume will bathe them in gold, it came in the sight of Aitana Bonmatí appearing at their second training session in Switzerland. She tuned up on an exercise bike during the first part of Tuesday's warm-up before later working with the ball. If the sighs of relief were audible from Madrid, Barcelona and beyond, the Spanish football federation's accompanying statement resembled a giant exhalation of its own. 'With Aitana back, the entire group is now at their base camp in Lausanne, ready to take on the European dream,' it said. Bonmatí's bout of viral meningitis had been the worst possible pre-tournament news, primarily because of the ramifications for the two-time Ballon d'Or winner's health. It is impossible to know how her fitness may be affected, but what a boost it would be if an expectant crowd in Bern are treated to even the briefest of cameos on Thursday. Spain will seek to make an early statement against Portugal at a European Championship where the sense of opportunity is tantalising. If they meet expectations, they will surely rubber-stamp their status as the greatest international team of the modern era. This is not the same squad that swept all before them in Australia and New Zealand. Twelve World Cup winners will not be present for various reasons and there was tension in the air last month when Jenni Hermoso, Spain's record goalscorer, blasted the head coach, Montse Tomé, on social media after being omitted Hermoso, dragged so appallingly into the Luis Rubiales scandal two years ago, referenced removing 'environments with such a bad energy from my life'. Tomé had explained that her conscience was clear after leaving the 35-year-old out. Should Spain go all the way, such disputes will matter little. They would love to claim their first continental title without the kind of cloud that engulfed them in Sydney. A huge chunk of joy was taken away from them. It does no harm they have been dealt the kindest possible landing in Group B, particularly when Bonmatí will clearly require easing in. Portugal, Belgium and Italy will not offer much of a challenge for first place; their biggest difficulty may be ensuring that cruising through those assignments does not leave them undercooked. Sign up to Moving the Goalposts No topic is too small or too big for us to cover as we deliver a twice-weekly roundup of the wonderful world of women's football after newsletter promotion In April, Spain beat their Iberian rivals 7-1 and 4-2 in Nations League ties; a month later they hammered Belgium 5-1. The hope for neutrals will be that their opponents rise to the stage, perhaps with help from a swathe of the 255,000 Portuguese nationals who live in Switzerland. Spain will have to switch on to ensure they are not caught cold in the quarter-finals, where they are likely to face the hosts or an improving Norway. That is one reason the captain, Irene Paredes, who will be suspended from the Portugal game after a red card in the qualifier against Czech Republic last July, preached caution when assessing their prospects this week. Maybe it helps that Spain, for all the galaxy of talent at their disposal, are no strangers to disappointment. They finished outside the medals at Paris 2024, losing to Germany in the tussle for bronze. Tomé came under fire but it felt, at times, as if the emotional weight of the previous 12 months had contributed to their mini-slump. Paredes referred to the intense frustration of missing out last summer, a fate confirmed when Alexia Putellas failed to convert a late penalty against Germany. At least Putellas, back from her most recent injury hell, will grace the Swiss stage. Perhaps the reminder that other contenders pack a punch will keep the favourites keen in a schedule that may not overexert them until the last four. Maybe the fact 10 of their squad were badly bruised by Barcelona's Champions League final defeat by Arsenal will add a further sense of scores to settle. Spain were given a useful test by Japan in Leganés before leaving home. A 3-1 win offered plenty of encouragement while leaving space to correct errors; it also highlighted once again the gifts of Clàudia Pina, their match-winner against England last month and a lethal operator in the box. 'When you see her with the ball you sense danger,' Tomé said. The problem for Spain's opponents is that Pina is hardly alone in delivering that. Should Bonmatí hit her stride quickly then that threat will increase. 'She's so eager – we have to hold her back a bit – but according to the medical staff, her progress is positive,' Tomé said. 'Health comes first and she's been able to complete all the tasks required.' If Spain can set down a marker they will be a step closer to realising all those confident predictions of their supremacy and, perhaps, affording themselves the unfettered celebrations they were denied two years ago. The dream is within touching distance for Tomé and a team with few parallels.
Rhyl Journal
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Aitana Bonmati back with Spain Euros squad after treatment for viral meningitis
Bonmati, who has won the Ballon d'Or for the past two years, was absent for her country's 3-1 friendly win over Japan on Friday as she received treatment at a Madrid hospital. She was discharged on Sunday. The Spanish Football Federation shared photos on social media of the 27-year-old arriving at the team hotel late on Monday. 🌜 Y cuando creíamos que el día lo había dado todo de sí…@AitanaBonmati 𝘀𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮 𝗮 𝗹𝗮 @sefutbolfem 𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝘇𝗮. 🙌 ¡Qué alegría tenerte de vuelta, Aita! 🙌#WEURO2025 | #JugarLucharYGanar — Selección Española Femenina de Fútbol (@SEFutbolFem) June 30, 2025 A post on X read: 'And when we thought the day had given its all… @AitanaBonmati trains again with @sefutbolfem in Switzerland. What a joy to have you back, Aita!' The arrival of Bonmati, who has scored 30 times in 78 matches for her country, will be a big boost for the world champions, but it remains to be seen when she will be available to play. Spain begin their Euros campaign in Bern on Thursday with a Group B fixture against Portugal. They will then face Belgium in Thun on Monday before concluding the group phase against Italy back in Bern.
Leader Live
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Aitana Bonmati back with Spain Euros squad after treatment for viral meningitis
Bonmati, who has won the Ballon d'Or for the past two years, was absent for her country's 3-1 friendly win over Japan on Friday as she received treatment at a Madrid hospital. She was discharged on Sunday. The Spanish Football Federation shared photos on social media of the 27-year-old arriving at the team hotel late on Monday. 🌜 Y cuando creíamos que el día lo había dado todo de sí…@AitanaBonmati 𝘀𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮 𝗮 𝗹𝗮 @sefutbolfem 𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗶𝘇𝗮. 🙌 ¡Qué alegría tenerte de vuelta, Aita! 🙌#WEURO2025 | #JugarLucharYGanar — Selección Española Femenina de Fútbol (@SEFutbolFem) June 30, 2025 A post on X read: 'And when we thought the day had given its all… @AitanaBonmati trains again with @sefutbolfem in Switzerland. What a joy to have you back, Aita!' The arrival of Bonmati, who has scored 30 times in 78 matches for her country, will be a big boost for the world champions, but it remains to be seen when she will be available to play. Spain begin their Euros campaign in Bern on Thursday with a Group B fixture against Portugal. They will then face Belgium in Thun on Monday before concluding the group phase against Italy back in Bern.
