Latest news with #penalties
BBC News
an hour ago
- Sport
- BBC News
'Tournament team' Germany believe they can shock Spain
"We call it German mentality."That is how Germany's gritty quarter-final triumph against France was summed up on social played for more than 100 minutes with 10 players after Kathrin Hendrich was sent off and conceded a penalty for pulling Griege Mbock by her hair in the Christian Wuck's side remained resolute as they held off France to force extra time and then reached Wednesday's semi-final against Spain when goalkeeper Ann Katrin-Berger capped a heroic performance by saving Alice Sombath's German newspaper called it "the miracle of Basel", referencing the 1954 men's World Cup final when West Germany fought back from two goals down to upset heavy favourites Hungary - who were unbeaten in five years - in defender Rebecca Knaak said the performance was the "perfect example for passion and mental strength".Sophie Affeldt, a reporter for German television channel Sport1, added: "The team showed the typical German mentality that has perhaps been somewhat lost in recent years."But what is German mentality and how did their monumental display against France change perceptions about their title hopes? 'So many unusual situations' Before the tournament started, Wuck said: "I am convinced we will have a good competition but it also depends on luck and staying injury-free."Germany have had neither a lucky or injury-free time in 40 minutes into their opening game against Poland, their captain Giulia Gwinn left the field in tears after suffering a serious knee injury that has ruled her out for the rest of the Sweden, Gwinn's right-back replacement Carlotta Wamser was sent off in the 31st minute, receiving a straight red for a goalline block with her went on to lose 4-1, with Sweden topping Group C ahead of them."In the group stage of the tournament the mental strength of the German team was often called into question, especially after the defeat against Sweden," said Charlotte Bruch, a reporter for German newspaper Gwinn out and Wamser suspended for their game against France, Sarai Linder was moved from her normal left-back role to play on the right - but that too was short-lived as she was hauled off after just 20 minutes with an ankle injury."It says a lot about the team that we accepted every situation as they came along," Knaak said."There were so many different and unusual situations and we adapted, we accepted those situations and we supported each other." Has 'epic game' changed perceptions? Under the new leadership of Wuck - who took charge in October - and a new-look youthful squad, Germany arrived at Euro 2025 with modest experts Opta said they, along with France, had a 15% chance of winning the title, with Spain and England listed as the favourites."Germany weren't seen as a title favourite due to the fact the team is in a state of upheaval," Affeldt added."After the disappointing result at the World Cup in 2023, leading players such as Alexander Popp have retired from the national team and there are also some new faces now like Franziska Kett, Rebecca Knaak or Giovanna Hoffmann."Bruch explained there were also concerns over Germany's defence and an apparent over-reliance on flair players like Jule Brand and Klara Buhl. Affeldt said fans had "lost faith" after Germany's defeat against Sweden, with many thinking it confirmed their pre-tournament doubts."But it has now been rekindled," she said. "Now many people think that winning the title might be possible after all, even if there are teams with even better players."Bruch agrees there is more belief among Germany fans, adding: "The belief in winning the title has grown significantly due to the way Germany performed, with this sheer willpower and great fighting spirit."It showed that Christian Wuck's team has developed a certain resilience, never gives up and is capable of turning a game around." 'Germany are always Germany' Of course, Germany are not strangers to major tournament women's team are eight-time winners of the European Championship and have their name etched on two World Cup men's team have enjoyed similar glory, triumphing at four World Cups and three Euros."In Germany we always say the German team is a 'tournament team' - they tend to play themselves into a flow and get better and better, especially when it counts," Affeldt added: "I think many players in Germany grow up with a certain 'winning mentality'. The success of the national teams - both men's and women's - shapes their self-image."However, the country has not won a major tournament in either men's or women's football in more than 11 Spain head coach Montse Tome is under no allusions about Germany's mentality."Germany are always Germany," she said. "Eight European trophies and their essence is the same regardless of who is leading the team."
France 24
2 days ago
- Sport
- France 24
France football boss backs coach despite 'cruel' Women's Euros elimination
Les Bleues lost on penalties to a Germany side who played with 10 women for almost all of a gruelling encounter which finished 1-1 after extra-time. But for Diallo there's no question of sacking Bonadei. "After the Olympics, we put our faith in Laurent until the World Cup (in 2027) with the aim of helping this team make the transition from one generation to the next," said Diallo. "With 11 consecutive wins and a successful group stage (at the Euros), there are positive things to remember. But with a lot of humility, we have to get back to work, and that will be with Laurent Bonadei," he added. However, the federation president made no attempt to play down the heartbreak of failing to progress past the quarter-finals despite being a goal and a player up in normal time. Diallo described the loss to Germany as "a cruel disappointment", adding "everything had been put in place for this team to go much further in the tournament". "It's a real setback, the eighth time in the last nine major tournaments that France have been eliminated at the quarters," he added. "We're going to have to think with the coach and those in charge of women's football at the FFF about how we can work better." Bonadei did not include former captain Wendie Renard and vastly experienced forward Eugenie Le Sommer in his squad. In the group phase, France beat reigning champions England 2-1 in their opening match before thrashing Wales 4-1 and outclassing the Netherlands 5-2.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
HMRC cancels record number of tax return penalties
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) cancelled a record 46,266 fines last year after penalising taxpayers who owed no tax. Taxpayers and businesses face an automatic fine if they miss the self-assessment or VAT deadline. However, they can appeal if they filed late through no fault of their own or if they have been mistakenly asked to complete a tax return. The number of penalties cancelled on appeal has surged 29pc year on year to 46,266, according to HMRC's latest annual accounts. HMRC said this was because it was now easier for businesses to appeal fines through their online accounts after the new penalty regime for VAT came into effect in January 2023 and had driven the surge in fines being overturned. However, Andrew Park, of Price Bailey, said banking delays, administrative failings by HMRC, and poor customer service were all factors that led to taxpayers filing late. The tax office did not pick up the phone to 35pc of callers in the first half of 2024-25, despite a target of answering at least 85pc of calls. However, figures show HMRC's customer service levels have improved since then, thanks to the deployment of extra customer service advisers. In addition, many fines may have been cancelled because the individual owed no tax. Mr Park said: 'Late filing penalties are disproportionately levied on people on low incomes, many of whom have no tax to pay.' It recently emerged that 600,000 penalties have been issued over the past five years to people earning less than the tax-free personal allowance. The think tank Tax Policy Associates, which obtained the data in a freedom of information request, has called on HMRC to scrap late penalties for those earning less than £12,570. HMRC has introduced a new points-based penalty system for taxpayers joining the Making Tax Digital programme. Under the system, there will no longer be an immediate £100 fine if the deadline is missed, and penalties will be capped at £200 per tax return. However, those with a lower income who are outside Making Tax Digital will continue to be assessed under the old regime. In total, the tax office issued nine million penalties, up from over eight million the year before. Missing the self-assessment deadline results in an automatic £100 penalty, with additional penalties rolling up over time. For businesses, failing to submit a VAT return on time results in a penalty point, with a £200 fine due once they reach their penalty threshold, set by their accounting period. Mr Park said many taxpayers might be unaware they could appeal a fine. 'When two-thirds of appealed penalties are overturned, yet only a small fraction of the nine million issued are challenged, it suggests a significant number of taxpayers may be paying penalties they could successfully contest.' HMRC asks those who no longer need to submit a tax return to inform them before the deadline on 31 January. Anyone who believes they have been incorrectly fined for filing late can appeal to HMRC within 30 days of the penalty notice being issued. A spokesman for HMRC said: 'Our penalty reforms enable customers to appeal easily and quickly online against both penalties and penalty points. Our new points-based system means only those who persistently miss deadlines will incur a financial penalty.'
CNA
3 days ago
- Sport
- CNA
Germans face race to recover after emotional Women's Euro win over France
Germany's players face a race to mentally recover for Wednesday's Euro 2025 semi-final against Spain after they were left drained following their epic 6-5 win on penalties against France on Saturday, when they had to fight back from a goal and a player down. With defender Kathrin Hendrich sent off in the 13th minute, Christian Wueck's side had to put in a Herculean effort to pull off a 1-1 draw after extra time. It set the stage for goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger's stellar shootout performance as she scored from the spot and saved two of France's penalties to send the Germans through. "We just have to shake this pain off, look at who we have as resources. We need to take action, the doctors, physical therapists and our staff have to intervene, and I hope we can recover the players within three days," German coach Wueck told reporters. "Of course, this game was very emotional because of our progression but in football, half of the worth is due to emotions and I think that's what decided for this game. Everybody who has enjoyed our win knows that." After suffering a blow by losing 4-1 to Sweden in their final group game, the enormous physical effort required to defeat the French left several players in Wueck's squad carrying knocks, bumps and bruises, and the 52-year-old coach said it was their mental strength that carried them into the last four. "We had enough time to be mentally fresh and recover, it was okay to have one day without football (after the Sweden game). The reaction that our team has shown is a performance level we have been able to maintain for more than 120 minutes," he said. "I always promised this to the team that mentality beats the rest, and this is what we have proven today." Germany take on Spain in their semi-final in Zurich on Wednesday, with reigning champions England facing Italy the day before in Geneva.
Reuters
3 days ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Germans face race to recover after emotional Women's Euro win over France
July 20 (Reuters) - Germany's players face a race to mentally recover for Wednesday's Euro 2025 semi-final against Spain after they were left drained following their epic 6-5 win on penalties against France on Saturday, when they had to fight back from a goal and a player down. With defender Kathrin Hendrich sent off in the 13th minute, Christian Wueck's side had to put in a Herculean effort to pull off a 1-1 draw after extra time. It set the stage for goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger's stellar shootout performance as she scored from the spot and saved two of France's penalties to send the Germans through. "We just have to shake this pain off, look at who we have as resources. We need to take action, the doctors, physical therapists and our staff have to intervene, and I hope we can recover the players within three days," German coach Wueck told reporters. "Of course, this game was very emotional because of our progression but in football, half of the worth is due to emotions and I think that's what decided for this game. Everybody who has enjoyed our win knows that." After suffering a blow by losing 4-1 to Sweden in their final group game, the enormous physical effort required to defeat the French left several players in Wueck's squad carrying knocks, bumps and bruises, and the 52-year-old coach said it was their mental strength that carried them into the last four. "We had enough time to be mentally fresh and recover, it was okay to have one day without football (after the Sweden game). The reaction that our team has shown is a performance level we have been able to maintain for more than 120 minutes," he said. "I always promised this to the team that mentality beats the rest, and this is what we have proven today." Germany take on Spain in their semi-final in Zurich on Wednesday, with reigning champions England facing Italy the day before in Geneva.
