Latest news with #Women'sEuro2025
The Star
16 minutes ago
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Spain set sights on England as they chase elusive European crown
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Semi Final - Germany v Spain - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 23, 2025 Spain players pose after the match REUTERS/Matthew Childs/File Photo ZURICH (Reuters) -Spain's remarkable run in international competitions reaches another high on Sunday when they take on England in the final at the Women's Euros in Basel, playing in their first European decider in only their fifth appearance at the tournament. The reigning world and Nations League champions will be looking for a repeat of their defeat of England in the 2023 World Cup final as they seek to add the European crown to their trophy cabinet. "Now we'll start looking at England more closely, although our analysts have already been watching them live and studying their performance in this Euro," Spain coach Montse Torme told reporters after her side's 1-0 semi-final win over Germany on Wednesday. "We're going to dive deeper into their game, and we're going all-in." For all their dominance in recent years, Spain are still relative newcomers at the top table in women's soccer, and their only previous visit to the semi-finals at the Euros was in 1997. They followed that up with quarter-final exits in 2013, 2017 and 2022. By contrast, Germany, whom they had never beaten at a major tournament before Wednesday, won the tournament five times since 1997. "It's an incredible joy to be in the final, to have beaten Germany for the first time — a great team. I think we knew how to compete in this match. I'm very happy for the players, the staff, and everything we are building here in Switzerland," Torme said. For long-serving captain Irene Paredes, success at the Euros is another welcome milestone in her side's progress towards being the kind of dominant team the Germans once were. "It's incredible. We're making history," she told reporters. "This is what we wanted. It's been tough, but we're in the final." (Reporting by Philip O'Connor; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
From hospital bed to EURO 2025 hero: Aitana Bonmati back to her decisive best for Spain
'You could write a book about this,' said Aitana Bonmati on Wednesday as she reflected on the last few weeks in her life after scoring the goal which took Spain into the final of the Women's Euro 2025. At the end of June the world's leading women's footballer was lying in hospital with viral meningitis and it looked like she might not be able to play for Spain at the tournament in Switzerland. Now she is preparing to lead her team into Sunday's final against England in Basel, in a rematch of the 2023 World Cup decider which Spain won, after converting the only goal of the last-four clash with Germany late in extra time. 'When the ball went in I started running around like a crazy person. I didn't know where to go,' a smiling Bonmati said as she spoke to media at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich after collecting the trophy for player of the match. Spain's Aitana Bonmati, background right celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the Women's Euro 2025 semifinals match between Germany and Spain. | Photo Credit: MICHAEL BUHOLZER/AP 'It is so special to score in games like these and if I can help the team to keep making history that is very special indeed.' Barcelona midfielder Bonmati, who has won the Ballon d'Or in each of the last two years, was taken into hospital at the end of June after reporting feeling unwell. Tests confirmed that she was suffering from a bout of viral meningitis and Bonmati could only watch from bed as her teammates beat Japan in a friendly. Viral meningitis is less serious than the rarer bacterial variant, which can lead to death within 24 hours, but it still seemed like a long shot for her to recover in time for the Euros. Growing rivalry Yet she did recover, and appeared as a late substitute in Spain's opening game at the tournament, a 5-0 win over Portugal in Bern on July 3. The 27-year-old was back in the starting line-up for Spain's final group match, a 3-1 victory over Italy, and retained her place for the quarter-final against the host nation before scoring the winner against Germany. 'I don't believe in destiny, just in hard work and in my own mentality. I can only thank everyone who has supported me because it has not been easy,' Bonmati admitted. 'She didn't have an easy start to the Euros but she has managed to overcome her health problems and has worked hard to get fit again,' remarked coach Montse Tome. Spain is now into its first-ever senior women's European Championship final, two years after winning the World Cup for the first time. Bonmati was one of the stars of that superb team which defeated England in Sydney, and is now dreaming of another title. ALSO READ | Spain reaches final after 1-0 extra-time win over Germany La Roja are the favourites, even if England is the defending continental champions, for the latest instalment in a growing rivalry between the nations. As well as the 2023 Women's World Cup final, Spain beat England in the final of the men's Euros last year in Berlin. In late May an Arsenal side featuring several members of Sarina Wiegman's current England squad defeated Barcelona in the final of the Women's Champions League. Seven of the players who started for Barcelona that day in Lisbon also started against Germany on Wednesday, among them goalkeeper Cata Coll who made several vital saves before Bonmati got the winner. 'Cata played really well, with some big saves when we were suffering,' Bonmati said of Coll, who missed all of Spain's three group games due to tonsilitis. 'Neither of us had the start we wanted at this Euros due to illness but we are lucky to be here today. 'It shows what can happen in life. In the end we have had good news.'
News18
2 hours ago
- Sport
- News18
A Toast To The WSL! Alcohol To Be Permitted In Stands At Women's Super League Games
Last Updated: Alcohol will be allowed in the stands at select Women's Super League matches in England during the 2025–26 season, involving seven clubs after a successful pilot. For the first time in decades, alcohol will be allowed in the stands at select professional football matches in England—though only at Women's Super League (WSL) fixtures. The change, part of a controlled trial, will apply to seven top-tier women's clubs during the 2025–26 season. The longstanding ban on drinking alcohol in view of the pitch at men's matches, introduced in 1985 to combat hooliganism and stadium violence, remains firmly in place. However, the women's game—widely regarded as a more family-friendly and inclusive environment—has not been subject to the same restrictions. The WSL announced on Thursday that, starting next season, fans attending home games at Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, London City Lionesses, Manchester City, and Manchester United will be permitted to consume alcohol in the stands. The trial follows a successful pilot last season involving four second-tier clubs from the Women's Championship. Across 19 matches attended by approximately 51,000 fans, the WSL reported overwhelmingly positive feedback. According to the WSL, two-thirds of attendees supported the initiative, and 84% rated their personal safety between 9 and 10 out of 10. 'Players and match officials noted no change to fan behaviour," the WSL said in a statement. 'Average spending on food and beverages increased across these fixtures, and match attendances also rose." The decision reflects the consistently respectful and welcoming environment at women's football matches—markedly different from the historically volatile atmosphere of the men's game. Foul language and crowd disturbances are rare, reinforcing the family-oriented appeal of the women's league. The move also echoes the success of in-seat alcohol sales during the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 tournament, where fans enjoyed a similar experience without incident. The 2025–26 Women's Super League season is set to begin on September 6. (with Reuters inputs) view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
2 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Women's Euro 2025: England Reach Final After Dramatic Win Over Italy
Last Updated: England coach Sarina Wiegman felt "many emotions" after her team staged a dramatic 2-1 comeback against Italy in extra time, securing a spot in the Women's Euro 2025 final. England coach Sarina Wiegman expressed she felt 'many emotions" after her team staged another dramatic comeback to defeat Italy in extra time on Tuesday, securing their place in the final of the Women's Euro 2025. 'I have many emotions again. I feel relief, I feel happy — it feels a bit surreal but we are here and we are going to the final," Wiegman said following their 2-1 victory in Geneva, achieved through Chloe Kelly's goal in the 119th minute. Italy were mere seconds away from a stunning victory over the defending champions and a spot in the final, as they led deep into injury time thanks to Barbara Bonansea's 33rd-minute goal. However, substitute Michelle Agyemang equalised for England in the sixth minute of stoppage time, forcing extra time. Kelly, who also came off the bench, then scored the decisive goal after her penalty was initially saved, just as another shoot-out loomed. 'It does feel like a movie. When it finishes like that I am enjoying it but it was a little bit dramatic," Wiegman smiled. Her team had already staged a remarkable comeback against Sweden in the quarter-finals, trailing 2-0 before goals by Lucy Bronze and Agyemang in the space of three minutes late on forced extra time, leading to a victory on penalties. 'We know with the players we have in the squad that we can always score more because we have shown that multiple times," Wiegman added. 'At the end we did it and then we got extra time, and then we got the penalty. We were a bit lucky to score it in the second stage but we are through." A Hat-Trick England, who saw winger Lauren James exit at half-time with an ankle injury, will now head to Basel for the final on Sunday against either Spain or Germany — who meet in their last-four clash on Wednesday. It will be the third consecutive major tournament final for the Lionesses, who beat Germany in extra time in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley but lost to Spain in the deciding game at the following year's World Cup in Sydney. 'That is what happens when a great team comes together and makes things happen — three consecutive finals playing under an unbelievable manager in Sarina," said Kelly, the Arsenal forward who scored the winner in the 2022 Euro final. 'It is incredible to be part of this special team. I am so proud." She added: 'I can't believe what has just happened. The belief in the squad, the resilience and the togetherness in this group is just so special." Meanwhile, Italy coach Andrea Soncin stated he was proud of his team despite the heartbreak of falling just short of reaching their first final since the 1997 Euros. 'It hurts but we are very proud of all that we have done," said Soncin, who took charge of the team in 2023 and is now focusing on the 2027 World Cup. 'The fact we were just a minute away from the final can be encouraging for us. 'We will need a few days to get over this bitter moment but we will keep growing, and our future goal is to go to the World Cup in Brazil so we are already looking forward." With AFP Inputs Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
England face dark horses Italy
Having come back from the brink of elimination against Sweden in the last eight, England will hope to live up to their billing as favourites when they face Italy in the semi-finals of Women's Euro 2025 on Tuesday. The holders are tantalisingly close to another major tournament final, with a showdown next Sunday against either Germany or world champions Spain the reward for Sarina Wiegman's team should they get the better of the Azzurre in Geneva. The Lionesses could be forgiven for feeling that their name is on the trophy after the dramatic nature of their victory over Sweden in Zurich on Thursday. England were 2-0 down late on but two goals in the space of three minutes forced extra time before they eventually triumphed 3-2 in a remarkable penalty shoot-out. Now they find themselves in a sixth consecutive semi-final between Women's Euros and World Cups, and it would be a shock if they slipped up against Italy. Ranked 13th in the world, the Italians are surprise semi-finalists while England are where they were expected to be as they look to repeat their triumph at the last Euros on home soil in 2022. "I really had a sense throughout the game, even when we were down, that it wasn't our time to go," defender Esme Morgan told English media this weekend as she reflected on the unlikely comeback against Sweden. "I thought about three times we were out," admitted Wiegman, who remains on course to win a third consecutive Women's Euros having guided her native Netherlands to victory on home soil in 2017 before triumphing with England three years ago. England have been exposed against top-level opposition at this European Championship, having been defeated by France in their opening group game before being torn apart in the first half against Sweden. But the nature of their recovery in the latter match, inspired by substitutes Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly, will give them confidence and so can their recent record against Italy. Carter suffers racist abuse England won 5-1 when the nations last met in a friendly in Spain in February last year, and were 2-1 victors a year earlier in the Arnold Clark Cup in Coventry. Italy finished second in their group behind Spain but then got the better of Norway in the quarter-finals with veteran Cristiana Girelli scoring twice including a last-minute winner. Now they are in the semis of a major tournament for the first time since the 1997 Euros. "It's exciting because we are going to face the reigning champions," defender Martina Lenzini told AFP at the Italian team's base near Lucerne. "Getting to the semi-finals for us is a result in itself, a bit unexpected in the eyes of others and by everyone around us, but we believed we could do this. "We are always humble but we were aware that we could get to this stage and have the chance to face a team of this calibre." The holders' preparations for the match were rocked by revelations that defender Jess Carter had been the victim of racist abuse which led to the English FA alerting police. "From the start of the tournament I have experienced a lot of racial abuse," Carter, who has 49 caps, wrote on her social media accounts. "Whilst I feel every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance and result I don't agree or think it's OK to target someone's appearance or race." Meanwhile England have been hoping that captain Leah Williamson will be fit in time to feature after being forced off with an ankle injury against Sweden -- her fellow defender Morgan said over the weekend the team were "very optimistic that Leah will be fine".
