We have the weapons to beat England, says Italy's Soncin
Soncin and his squad have spoken of their big dreams at this tournament and how overcoming adversity has brought them closer together, and they are confident they can beat Sarina Wiegman's side and secure a first appearance in the final since 1997.
"We have done very well in this event. There is a lot of courage, awareness and serenity. That is what has accompanied us throughout the whole event," Soncin told reporters on Monday.
"We are convinced that we have the weapons to win the game, and we have the utmost respect for the quality of the English players and their international experience."
England survived a heart-stopping penalty shootout that saw only five of 14 spot-kicks scored as they beat Sweden 3-2 in their quarter-final, and Soncin said that it was virtually impossible to replicate the pressure of a shootout in training.
"I don't believe that there is a specific way to train the penalties in a training session because there is the emotional aspect and also the physical aspect that come into play, but especially the emotional aspect which is not the same during a training session," he explained.
"Of course we, like everybody, we try to ... also train penalties so that we're ready for everything, our objective is to reach the final."
Soncin and Italy defender Cecilia Salvai, who also attended the media conference, offered their support to England's Jess Carter, who has withdrawn from social media due to the racial abuse she has received during the tournament.
"It is a cultural campaign (against racism), a cultural battle we have to fight all together. I don't know whether taking the knee is enough to change this, but for sure there is maximum solidarity from our side, we are ready to take part in any campaign to avoid this abuse," Soncin said.
"I hope she can play this game 100 percent because this is a semi-final, so I hope she can try to detach a bit from this episode. Of course, she's not the first one who's been victim of this abuse and we have the greatest solidarity for her," Salvai added.
Germany take on Spain in the other semi-final on Wednesday. REUTERS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
24 minutes ago
- Straits Times
England's Agyemang leads youthful charge at Women's Euros
OBERENTFELDEN, Switzerland - In a few short years, striker Michelle Agyemang has gone from being a ball girl at Wembley to scoring vital goals for England that will see them contest the Women's European Championship final on Sunday as she leads the charge for young players in Switzerland. The 19-year-old came off the bench to score two crucial equalisers in the knockout stage against Sweden and Italy that helped them into the decider against Spain, playing with a youthful freedom and swagger that has lit up the competition. "What a tournament from Michelle, especially coming in with the seniors just a couple of months ago ... what a great player, what a bright future she's got," England defender Lucy Bronze said. "She's a little bit of the unknown and she brings something different ... I think it gives her a lot of confidence and the team give her a lot of freedom," Bronze added. Unburdened by expectations, young players like Agyemang may be able to play freely but there is still pressure, with Norway's Signe Gaupset telling Reuters that playing with the likes of Ada Hegerberg and Caroline Graham Hansen took some getting used to. "They were like my idols when I was young, and it's really cool to play with them now in the national team and look up to them. What they are doing is so great, (showing us) how to be a professional athlete, everything they are doing to be as good as possible, it's great," Gaupset said. The 20-year-old Gaupset was one of the breakout stars in the group stage, scoring two goals and creating two more as her side beat Iceland in their final group game that catapulted her into the starting team for their quarter-final against Italy, which they lost by a last-minute goal. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore SMRT to pay lower fine of $2.4m for EWL disruption; must invest at least $600k to boost reliability Singapore MRT service changes needed to modify 3 East-West Line stations on Changi Airport stretch: LTA Asia Live: Thailand-Cambodia border clashes continue for second day Singapore Vapes: The silent killer hiding in the pocket Singapore Vape disposal bins at 23 CCs for users to surrender e-vaporisers without facing penalties Singapore Fine for couple whose catering companies owed $432,000 in salaries to 103 employees Singapore Tipsy Collective sues former directors, HR head; alleges $14m lost from misconduct, poor decisions Singapore Kopi, care and conversation: How this 20-year-old helps improve the well-being of the elderly Despite being only 21, Switzerland's Smilla Vallotto has already amassed 27 caps for her country, most of them in the midfield engine room, where she has had plenty of support from more senior players. "Lia Waelti means a lot to me, she helps me both on and off the field, she is always there to discuss different situations, but also to just talk about life. She is 100% someone who has been important to me in this championship," she told Reuters. Vallotto, who is making a move from Swedish club Hammarby to German side VfL Wolfsburg, said she had learned a lot over the course of her first major tournament. "The international level of football is a bit different than playing in Hammarby, but I've had a very good season in Sweden and I've played in Europe, so I feel very comfortable there," she said. Whether she starts Sunday's final up front or on the bench, Agyemang will enjoy similar support in the England squad. "I think she's quality. I think what she brings, she's a nightmare to play against," England and Arsenal defender Leah Williamson said. "I'm glad she's my teammate at club and country. She deserves her flowers. I hope she gets them ... I hope she's ready to go at the weekend." REUTERS
CNA
24 minutes ago
- CNA
England's Agyemang leads youthful charge at Women's Euros
OBERENTFELDEN, Switzerland :In a few short years, striker Michelle Agyemang has gone from being a ball girl at Wembley to scoring vital goals for England that will see them contest the Women's European Championship final on Sunday as she leads the charge for young players in Switzerland. The 19-year-old came off the bench to score two crucial equalisers in the knockout stage against Sweden and Italy that helped them into the decider against Spain, playing with a youthful freedom and swagger that has lit up the competition. "What a tournament from Michelle, especially coming in with the seniors just a couple of months ago ... what a great player, what a bright future she's got," England defender Lucy Bronze said. "She's a little bit of the unknown and she brings something different ... I think it gives her a lot of confidence and the team give her a lot of freedom," Bronze added. Unburdened by expectations, young players like Agyemang may be able to play freely but there is still pressure, with Norway's Signe Gaupset telling Reuters that playing with the likes of Ada Hegerberg and Caroline Graham Hansen took some getting used to. "They were like my idols when I was young, and it's really cool to play with them now in the national team and look up to them. What they are doing is so great, (showing us) how to be a professional athlete, everything they are doing to be as good as possible, it's great," Gaupset said. The 20-year-old Gaupset was one of the breakout stars in the group stage, scoring two goals and creating two more as her side beat Iceland in their final group game that catapulted her into the starting team for their quarter-final against Italy, which they lost by a last-minute goal. Despite being only 21, Switzerland's Smilla Vallotto has already amassed 27 caps for her country, most of them in the midfield engine room, where she has had plenty of support from more senior players. "Lia Waelti means a lot to me, she helps me both on and off the field, she is always there to discuss different situations, but also to just talk about life. She is 100 per cent someone who has been important to me in this championship," she told Reuters. Vallotto, who is making a move from Swedish club Hammarby to German side VfL Wolfsburg, said she had learned a lot over the course of her first major tournament. "The international level of football is a bit different than playing in Hammarby, but I've had a very good season in Sweden and I've played in Europe, so I feel very comfortable there," she said. Whether she starts Sunday's final up front or on the bench, Agyemang will enjoy similar support in the England squad. "I think she's quality. I think what she brings, she's a nightmare to play against," England and Arsenal defender Leah Williamson said.
Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Straits Times
Chicharito regrets 'confusion or discomfort' caused after fine for sexist remarks
Find out what's new on ST website and app. FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Mexico - Liga MX - Cruz Azul v Guadalajara - Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, Mexico City, Mexico - March 2, 2024 Guadalajara's Chicharito during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Raquel Cunha/File Photo Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez said he regrets "any confusion or discomfort" his words may have caused, after being fined by the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) for making sexist remarks on social media. In a joint statement released on Wednesday by FMF along with Mexico's top men's and women's leagues — Liga MX and Liga MX Femenil — officials said the 37-year-old striker's remarks were in violation of their gender and diversity policies and constituted a form of media violence. The football bodies added that Hernandez made statements on social media that "promote sexist stereotypes". FMF imposed a financial fine and issued a warning, and said more severe sanctions could follow if Hernandez repeats such behaviour. "I deeply regret any confusion or discomfort my recent words may have caused; it was never my intention to limit, hurt or divide...," Hernandez posted on social media on Thursday. "I am listening, reflecting, and committed to expressing myself with greater clarity and sensitivity, especially on such sensitive issues. I believe that change begins with oneself. "I will take this opportunity to understand, grow, and continue working to be a better version of myself, based on honesty, love for my family, my values, and love for all of you..." Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore MRT service changes needed to modify 3 East-West Line stations on Changi Airport stretch: LTA Singapore HDB resale price growth moderates in Q2, more flats sold Singapore Etomidate found in blood of 2 people involved in fatal Punggol Road accident in May: HSA Asia Live: Thailand-Cambodia border clashes continue for second day Business Microsoft Singapore managing director Lee Hui Li dies while on sabbatical Singapore Private residential home prices up 1 per cent in Q2: URA Life Navigating tight carparks in bigger and bigger cars Singapore Kopi, care and conversation: How this 20-year-old helps improve the well-being of the elderly Hernandez posted videos over the weekend in which he called on women to "let themselves be guided by a man" and accused women of "eradicating masculinity". Hernandez, Mexico's all-time leading scorer, also said society had become "hypersensitive" and questioned feminist views on domestic roles. The remarks were widely criticised as sexist and out of touch with contemporary society, prompting condemnation from fans and public figures including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Hernandez rejoined boyhood club Guadalajara last year after playing for several top European teams including Manchester United, Real Madrid and West Ham United. REUTERS
