Women’s Football

Georgia Stanway extends Bayern Munich contract until 2026, making a home away from home in Germany.

Title: England Captain Millie Bright Raises Concerns Over Hectic Fixture Schedule and Player InjuriesIn the world of women’s football, concerns are mounting over the relentless fixture schedule and its potential impact on player welfare. England captain Millie Bright has voiced her apprehensions, fearing that unless changes are made to the international schedule, standards may suffer, and injuries may become more prevalent among players.The backdrop to Bright’s concerns lies in the demanding schedule that many women’s football players face. Some members of the Lionesses had a mere six days off after competing in the Women’s World Cup final this summer. Shortly thereafter, they were thrust back into action, facing off against Scotland and the Netherlands in the Nations League, just a month after their World Cup journey concluded.It’s really hard for us as players at the moment because nothing’s changing. We just have to get on with it, Bright expressed candidly.The Women’s Super League, a cornerstone of women’s football, is set to return for the 2023-24 season. The season opener sees Aston Villa hosting Manchester United at Villa Park this Sunday. However, with the grueling schedule ahead, the concern for player welfare looms large.Bright acknowledges the challenges ahead and emphasizes the need for players to prepare diligently, rest when possible, and make intelligent decisions about their participation. Yet, she hopes that this issue will be a subject of discussion and that players will have a platform to express their views.We understand not every club and federation is in the same position, so I think everyone just needs to be on the same page so we can move forward in the best way possible for the game, Bright stated. She emphasized the ultimate goal of providing fans with exciting football while maintaining high standards and minimizing injuries.In the past year, Women’s Super League powerhouse Arsenal has seen five players suffer anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, including England internationals Leah Williamson and Beth Mead. This string of injuries raises alarm bells about the physical toll of the sport.Bright herself, along with defender Lucy Bronze, underwent knee surgery before the World Cup, while midfielder Fran Kirby was ruled out of the tournament due to a knee issue. Such incidents highlight the strain on players’ bodies.England manager Sarina Wiegman has recognized the need to protect players during such a grueling schedule, as evidenced by the decision to rest Arsenal striker Alessia Russo against Scotland.However, Bright stressed the importance of football governing bodies, including Uefa and Fifa, engaging directly with players to address these concerns. She acknowledged her privileged position, benefiting from club manager Emma Hayes and England boss Wiegman’s consideration for player welfare. Yet, she emphasized that these concerns extend to the entire women’s football community.In conclusion, Millie Bright’s candid remarks shed light on the challenges facing women’s football and the pressing need to address the issue of player welfare in the face of a hectic fixture schedule. While the desire to provide fans with thrilling football remains paramount, ensuring the well-being of players should be equally prioritized. Bright’s call for open dialogue and collaboration between players and governing bodies underscores the urgency of these concerns in the world of women’s football.

Millie Bright: England Skipper Expresses Astonishment Over Lack of VAR in Netherlands DefeatIn a Women’s Nations League showdown that left England captain Millie Bright and her team flabbergasted, the Netherlands clinched a 2-1 victory thanks to Renate Jansen’s 90th-minute goal. However, it wasn’t the scoreline that had everyone talking; it was the absence of the video assistant referee (VAR) that left Bright and her squad utterly bewildered.Let’s rewind a bit. The Netherlands had previously secured European Championship glory in 2017, while England claimed the same title in 2022. But on this fateful day in Utrecht, the absence of VAR was the focal point of conversation.The controversy arose when midfielder Danielle van de Donk seemed to be offside when Lieke Martens put the hosts ahead. Millie Bright minced no words in expressing her frustration, stating, There is no consistency.The England captain continued, It is always frustrating [to not have VAR]. I think we push the level of the game to be so high and professional, yet we sometimes have VAR, sometimes don’t, sometimes have goalline technology… By no means is that an excuse. We put ourselves in that position – not clearing the ball, not getting out of pressure. But yeah, they are the differences in games as well, and it is really unfortunate that these are still huge decisions that are incorrect. That’s where we as players have to keep speaking about it, we have to step up, we have to demand better and demand more. This is international football, and we do not have VAR in a competitive international game, which is mind-blowing.To put this in context, England had triumphed over Scotland 2-1 in their first match of the Women’s Nations League tournament, but their opponents felt they should have had a penalty for a shove on striker Martha Thomas by Bright. Furthermore, England saw two goals disallowed for offside, again without VAR to confirm the decisions.The use of VAR in the group stages of the competition is not mandatory and is at the discretion of each host. England boss Sarina Wiegman, returning to her home country, was not pleased, saying it was frustrating to see an obvious offside goal given in the defeat.I think the whole stadium thought it was offside, she added. When you talk about VAR, of course it would have taken away that goal. I think we need consistency in VAR. Either you have VAR or you don’t have VAR.As England vies for a chance to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games on behalf of Team GB, midfielder Georgia Stanway emphasized the importance of consistency: We are competing to go to an Olympics here, yet things like that are the difference. There is not much you can say apart from there is still work to be done in the women’s game and for VAR to be at every single game.This loss marked only the third defeat for the Lionesses under manager Wiegman and leaves them third in their four-team Women’s Nations League group. The performance against Scotland had already raised eyebrows, and the lack of fluidity and intensity was evident once again.Wiegman lamented the defeat, saying, It was hard to take, especially because it was so unnecessary. We really gave it away in the last few minutes. That’s the most disappointing thing.In the end, the absence of VAR cast a shadow over the match, leaving both players and fans wondering if it’s time for greater consistency in the use of this technology in women’s football. Netherlands boss Andries Jonker summed it up well, We knew England didn’t look that strong, and we were convinced that we should be able to play a good match. We think we can beat everybody in women’s football, but we have to be on top of our game.In a world where technology plays an increasingly significant role in sports, the absence of VAR can indeed leave both players and fans scratching their heads, as Millie Bright’s mind-blowing reaction aptly illustrates.

Spain’s dominance was on full display as they secured a resounding 5-0 victory over Switzerland in Cordoba, marking their first home match since becoming Women’s World Cup champions. This triumphant performance was not just about the scoreline but also about the symbolic messages conveyed by both teams amidst a football scandal that has rocked Spanish football.In a gesture of solidarity, both sets of players held a banner reading se acabo, which translates to it’s over in English, a phrase that has gained traction on social media in response to the scandal. This powerful message echoed their united front in addressing the issues plaguing Spanish football.The game itself witnessed La Roja continuing their winning streak in Group A4 of the Women’s Nations League. The scoring opened with a mistake by Switzerland’s goalkeeper, Elvira Herzog, allowing Manchester United’s Lucia Garcia to put Spain on the board. Notably, this match also boasted a record attendance of 14,194 fans, illustrating the growing enthusiasm for women’s football in Spain.Aitana Bonmati, the recipient of the Golden Ball for the best player at the World Cup, played a starring role in this victory. She netted two goals, the second of which came just before half-time, and the third was a result of a brilliant assist by her Barcelona teammate, Alexia Putellas. Substitutes Inma Gabarro and Maite Oroz added the fourth and fifth goals, respectively, sealing the comprehensive win.But it wasn’t just about the goals; there was a festive atmosphere to welcome the world champions back home. Prior to kick-off, Putellas and her teammate, Irene Paredes, proudly paraded the World Cup trophy in front of the jubilant fans. It was a moment of celebration and recognition for their remarkable achievement.This victory and the celebratory ambiance were a stark contrast to the recent turmoil that had engulfed Spanish football. It all began with a controversial kiss between former RFEF president Luis Rubiales and player Jenni Hermoso during the World Cup trophy presentation. Hermoso’s subsequent claims of non-consent set off a chain of events that saw Rubiales resign, World Cup-winning manager Jorge Vilda sacked, and Spain’s players threatening to boycott their game against Sweden.The boycott was narrowly averted only two days before the Sweden match when the players and the RFEF reached an agreement promising immediate and profound changes. As the scandal unfolded, Rubiales faced legal repercussions, including a ban from approaching Hermoso within 200 meters, following her legal complaint. He denied the allegations of sexual assault when he appeared in court on September 15.In conclusion, Spain’s 5-0 victory over Switzerland not only showcased their football prowess but also symbolized their unity in addressing the issues within the sport. With a record crowd in attendance and the World Cup trophy on display, it was a day of celebration for the champions. However, the shadow of recent controversies still looms over Spanish football, reminding us that the game is not just about what happens on the pitch but also the values and principles it upholds off it.

Lionesses Suffer Late Defeat in Thrilling Netherlands ClashIn a nail-biting showdown on the football field, the Lionesses of England faced off against the Netherlands, and it was the Dutch who emerged victorious with a dramatic 2-1 win. The match had it all – controversy, intense action, and moments of brilliance, making it a must-watch for fans of the beautiful game.The Netherlands struck first blood with Lieke Martens finding the back of the net. However, it wasn’t without controversy, as her teammate Danielle van de Donk appeared to be in an offside position during the build-up. Unfortunately for England, there was no VAR to come to their rescue, leaving the Lionesses understandably frustrated.But as they say, it’s not over until the final whistle, and England proved this adage true. After a lackluster first half, the Lionesses roared back to life in the second. Alessia Russo was the hero of the moment, canceling out Martens’ opener with a sublime first-time strike. It was a glimmer of hope for England and a testament to their fighting spirit.The match was a rollercoaster of emotions. Lauren Hemp and Lucy Bronze tested Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar with a thunderous double save, and Rachel Daly even clipped the post, coming agonizingly close to giving England the lead. The Dutch, too, had their moments, with Lineth Beerensteyn striking the woodwork not once but twice. It was football at its most exhilarating.Sarina Wiegman, the manager who led the Netherlands to Euro 2017 glory and then Euro 2022 with England, had a homecoming she’d hoped would be special but ended up being a bit bittersweet. Her side struggled to match the intensity of the Dutch in the first half, which ultimately cost them.A tactical shift at halftime, transitioning to a back four, gave England more stability and increased their chances. But the Netherlands weren’t to be outdone, with Juventus forward Beerensteyn continuing to threaten and Hemp shining as England’s standout performer. The match was a showcase of talent and determination on both sides.The final twist came in the 90th minute when Renate Jansen fired home the winner for the Netherlands. It was a heartbreaking moment for England, who had fought valiantly to get back into the game. With this loss, England finds themselves in a tricky position in the group, and their qualification for the Olympics on behalf of Team GB now appears to be a challenging journey.As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, one thing is certain: women’s football continues to captivate fans worldwide with its skill, drama, and unpredictability. England may have fallen to the Netherlands on this occasion, but the Lionesses will regroup, and the journey is far from over. Football fans can look forward to more exciting clashes in the Women’s Nations League, where every match is an adventure waiting to happen.

Megan Rapinoe’s Farewell: USA soccer legend ends career with emotional win, reflecting on her journey and impact.

Spain Women’s Team Overcomes Controversy, Returns Stronger – Aitana Bonmati’s Inspiring Journey.

Title: Sheffield United Mourns the Loss of Maddy CusackIn a somber turn of events, Sheffield United and the entire football community bid farewell to one of their own, Maddy Cusack, a vibrant and cherished member of the club’s women’s team. The shocking news of her passing at the age of 27 sent ripples of sorrow through the football world, but amid the grief, there’s a reassurance from Derbyshire Police that her death is not being treated as suspicious.Maddy Cusack, a midfielder, had etched her name in Sheffield United’s history as the first player to achieve 100 appearances for the women’s team last season. Her untimely departure left a void that can never be filled, not only in the squad but in the hearts of fans and colleagues alike.The tragic incident unfolded last week when Derbyshire Police received a distress call from an address in Horsley, just after 18:35 BST on Wednesday. Despite their swift response, Maddy Cusack was pronounced dead at the scene. Now, as the investigation progresses, a file will be meticulously prepared for the coroner.Before Sheffield United’s Premier League match against Newcastle United, a poignant moment took place on the hallowed turf of Bramall Lane. Members of Maddy Cusack’s family, accompanied by United’s women’s captain, Sophie Barker, and former player Tony Currie, stood together in the centre circle. There, they laid a wreath in tribute to a player who had not only given her all on the field but also contributed to the club’s marketing department, showcasing her dedication to the Blades.The footballing world united in grief as a minute’s silence was observed before kick-off, followed by fans’ applause in the eighth minute of the match, symbolizing Cusack’s squad number. Signs and flags with her name adorned the stands, while the club’s flag flew at half-mast throughout the day, a poignant reminder of the void she leaves behind.The tributes extended beyond Bramall Lane, reaching the international stage. Before England faced Scotland at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, players from both teams wore black armbands, and a period of silence was held before kick-off to honor Maddy Cusack’s memory.In a heartfelt statement, Sheffield United expressed their devastation at her passing, a sentiment shared by the entire footballing community. Paul Heckingbottom, the men’s manager, underlined her significance within the club, highlighting that Maddy Cusack was not just a player but a big part of everything.As we mourn the loss of Maddy Cusack, her legacy as a passionate footballer and a beloved member of Sheffield United will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know her, both on and off the pitch.

Sheffield United mourns the loss of Maddy Cusack, a beloved midfielder and marketing executive, leaving a lasting legacy.

Exciting showdown: England vs. Scotland in Uefa Women’s Nations League opener with Olympic dreams at stake.