Ayari scores again as Albion continue pre-season programme
Ayari was set up by Matt O'Riley for the opener in a 2-0 victory over Coventry City behind closed doors at Lancing.
Abdallah Sima, back in training at Lancing after his season on loan at Brest, added the second.
Playing time for most starters was upped to 63 minutes after the 45-minute allocations in the first three friendlies.
Among the players to come on 18 minutes into the second half was Ferdi Kadioglu, playing his first minutes since suffering injury at Liverpool last October.
Kadioglu trained with the group during their recent trip to Marbella.
Jeremy Sarmiento, who was not involved in the trip to Spain, also had some playing time.
O'Riley teed up an open goal for Ayari in the friendly win over Las Palmas and this time his cross was headed home by the Sweden midfielder.
Ayari has shown a good ability to get deep into the opposing penalty area and he arrived at the far post for a simple finish after O'Riley was released by Brajan Gruda.
An offside flag denied O'Riley what would also have been a second goal in as many games.
He also shot narrowly wide in the second half.
Sima scored late in a competitive tussle after a cut-back by Andrew Moran.
Adam Webster (knee) and Facundo Buonanotte (ankle) were among those who did not take part as Albion assess injuries.
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Diego Gomez had only a brief participation against the Sky Blues for reasons which have not been communicated.
The Seagulls visit Southampton and host Wolfsburg, both in front of fans, on the next two Saturdays.
Albion: Steele; Wieffer (Veltman 63), Dunk (Simmonds 63), van Hecke (Coppola 63), De Cuyper (Kadioglu 63); Ayari (Milner 46), Hinshelwood (Yalcouye 63); Gruda (Oriola 63), O'Riley (Sarmiento 63), Mitoma (Gomez 46, Moran 63); Rutter (Sima 63).
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Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
England hero Kelly overcomes 'dark moments' on way to Euro 2025 glory
England penalty hero Chloe Kelly said Sunday she had been unable to hold back the tears after finishing a roller-coaster year in her career by scoring the spot-kick that allowed the Lionesses to beat Spain in the Women's Euro 2025 final. The 27-year-old's penalty sealed a 3-1 shoot-out victory for England against Spain after the match in Basel had finished 1-1 at the end of extra time. She had earlier come off the bench late in the first half in place of the injured Lauren James with England trailing 1-0, and crossed for Alessia Russo to head in her team's equaliser. "I just came on the pitch and wanted to make something happen," said Kelly, who has made a habit of being a super-sub during the tournament. The Arsenal player came on as a substitute against Sweden and helped England recover from 2-0 down in a quarter-final they eventually won on penalties -- Kelly scored in that shoot-out too. Then she scored the winner late in extra time in the semi-final against Italy, following in to net after her penalty had been saved. "I know Alessia's strengths and I just tried to put the ball on her head, and then taking the penalty," Kelly said. "I actually missed three penalties in training yesterday but I think it's the belief in this squad, all 23 players and the people that you don't see behind the scenes, the staff members, to get us through this tournament. "I am proud to be part of an amazing group of girls." It is a familiar feeling for Kelly, who scored the extra-time winner when England beat Germany 2-1 in the Euro 2022 final in front of over 87,000 fans at Wembley. In between she was unable to change the game from the bench in the 2023 World Cup final, which England lost 1-0 to Spain in Sydney. - 'Tough times don't last' - Just a few months ago it seemed Kelly might not even make Sarina Wiegman's squad for the tournament in Switzerland, given her situation at club level. In January she asked to leave Manchester City, where she had been used sparingly in the first months of the season. Kelly wrote on social media that people at City had been trying to "assassinate my character" and said her mental wellbeing had been affected. She then joined Arsenal on loan until the end of the campaign, and went on to play for them as they beat Barcelona in the Champions League final in May. "There were a lot of tears at full-time especially when I saw my family because those are the people who got me through those dark moments," Kelly said on Sunday. "I am so grateful to be out of it but if that is a story to tell someone who maybe experiences something the same, then tough times don't last," she added. "Just around the corner was a Champions League final -- I won that, and now a Euros final I have won that, so thank you to everyone who wrote me off. I am grateful." Kelly recently signed permanently for Arsenal, where she also played earlier in her career, and will return to North London as a European champion at club and international level. "Every player has their own story, and I think every story is incredible on its own, but her story is unbelievable," said England coach Sarina Wiegman. "I am so happy for her too. She has been fighting to come back to her highest level. "She loved this moment, she just really wanted to take the penalty -- to be able to score that penalty under that pressure is very impressive too." as/gj
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
England's epic Euro 2025 final penalty shootout: Notes under sleeves, a retaken kick and ice-cold Kelly
You could argue that there was no other way England could have concluded their historic, victorious European championship run than in the most dramatic of styles. They have become accustomed to coming back from behind in a game; today's final against reigning world champions Spain was their third comeback win in this campaign, all of which were during the knockout stage. The team spent less than five minutes in a leading position across all three knockout stage games, including stoppage time. Once again, they came back after conceding the opening goal to equalize and managed 120 minutes of play to make it to the penalty shootout. And England's successful penalty shootout seemed an accurate depiction of the Lionesses' run to the top, a combination of bad luck, intense preparation and disciplined nerves of steel in big moments. The Athletic breaks down the events exactly as they unfolded. As both teams retreated to their huddles to prepare, England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was seen rolling up one of her long green sleeves to reveal what appeared to be a strip of tape scribbled with notes circling her forearm. Written reminders of which way a player might shoot are nothing new in these moments, but goalkeepers tend to fix them to their water bottles, as Swedish keeper Jennifer Falk did against the Lionesses in their quarterfinal penalties. It felt like a promising start for the Lionesses. However, Beth Mead slipped during her penalty attempt, and although it went in on the first try, she had to retake it. It was a heart-sinking moment for the forward, followed by a wave of relief. That relief was short-lived, though, after the ref motioned for Mead to return to the penalty line. Video Assistant Referee ruled out Mead's first attempt because the slip forced an irregular touch. Her second attempt was saved by Spain's Cata Coll, who dove to the right both times. What proved to be the losing side of a mind game for England could have been a boost of confidence for Spain. Or, just maybe, the early disappointment was what the Lionesses needed in this penalty shootout. After all, we can't forget their Euros campaign started with a 2-1 loss to France in Group D. England teammate Grace Clinton was there to walk Mead back to the line with words of encouragement while Spain stepped up to the spot next. In terms of her standing among the titans of Spain's midfield, this was a big moment for Patri Guijarro, who some believe should be next in line for a Ballon d'Or. Knowing England were down a goal adds a surprising degree of pressure to the first penalty taker on the other side. However, Guijarro handled the moment with ease, timing her strike just after Hannah Hampton showed the faintest motion to her left. Guijarro's driven ball went down the middle, but by then Hampton was already out of reach. Before entering the penalty box and situating the ball on the spot, Greenwood bounced it with her hands three times. England head coach Sarina Wiegman has oscillated the defender between center and left back throughout the tournament. Greenwood held her own against the onslaught of offense from the Spanish front line from the latter position throughout regulation and extra time on Sunday. Greenwood is known as a set-piece specialist on the team, though her last penalty in England's quarterfinal match against Sweden was saved by Jennifer Falk. This time, against Coll, Greenwood was more decisive, her left-footed shot low and well-placed beyond the Spanish goalkeeper's outstretched hands despite her correct guess as to where Greenwood was going. It would have been poetic if Mariona Caldentey had converted her spot kick. She scored the opening goal of the night, heading in a cross from Ona Batlle in the 25th minute. A goal in this moment would have been redemption for her missed penalty against Switzerland in Spain's quarterfinal. Maybe a goal in this moment could have carried Spain to another major international title as well. But Caldentey's slow walk to the penalty line proved deadly – either this limited the power behind her attempt or it gave Hampton all she needed to predict where the ball would go. In the end, Hampton's quick hop to the right was all she needed to hammer another nail in the World Cup winner's coffin. England defender Niamh Charles entered the match in the 105th minute to replace Lucy Bronze, who, after an agonizing handful of minutes desperately pushing through injury, had to be subbed off. The Chelsea fullback settled into the game quickly, picking up where Bronze left off with sturdy defending, and was a portrait of calm before her penalty: hands on her hips, eyes fixed on the ball to deny Coll any chance of visual intimidation or other mind games. What a shock it must have been to Coll, then, when center official Stéphanie Frappart blew the whistle and Charles sped toward the ball, running through it to give it plenty of pace. She struck it with her instep, but with such force that it whipped away from Coll and curled to Charles' left. Hers was easily the best shot in the series up to that point and wound up being the best of the whole affair. As she jogged back to her teammates, Charles could not help but try to hide a grin. There wasn't a bigger moment in this penalty shootout than the next Hampton save. Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati carried Spain into this final with her late-game heroics against Germany, finding the dangerous space between goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger and her post at what seemed a near-impossible angle. Bonmati's brilliance was still there, though. Her penalty attempt was strong, and precise. But Hampton's brilliance in this moment shone brighter. The Chelsea keeper dove to her right at the exact moment she needed to, blocking Bonmati's crisp attempt. This will be a moment in the 24-year-old goalkeeper's career that will distinguish her as one of the best keepers of her time, despite her having almost no depth perception. Captains are expected to come up big in moments like this, but Leah Williamson's tentative steps toward the spot exposed her. She cast her gaze just left of goal as she waited for the whistle, and while she deserves credit for what appeared to be an attempt to switch up the pattern of shots up to that point — none had exceeded waist-level height, and Williamson opted for something higher — it didn't quite reach top bins and was ultimately saveable. Coll dove correctly to her left and pawed the ball away with relative ease with her right hand. Salma Paralluelo had big shoes to fill when she subbed on for eventual Euro 2025 Golden Boot winner Esther González in the 89th minute. The Barcelona striker's profile is vastly different from that of González. From the moment Paralluelo entered the pitch, she shone, combining with fellow substitute Vicky Lopez to create fresh, inventive chances for Spain. However, her penalty shot did not have the same effect. She looked focused in the lead-up, eyebrows furrowed on the ball, but her decision to approach it with her shoulders nearly parallel to the end line may have tricked her into overcompensating with her hips. Hampton guessed correctly, but a more precise shot into the side netting could have still beaten her to it. Paralluelo's miscalculation, however, dragged hers wide. It had to be ice-cold Chloe Kelly. She delivered England's second goal in their semifinal win against Italy, following through after her missed penalty, scoring in the 119th minute. She was England's hero then, and she was England's hero again against Spain. Kelly was summoned onto the pitch by Wiegman earlier than anticipated, coming on for an injured Lauren James in the 40th minute. It took only 17 minutes for Kelly to deliver for England, this time in the form of a cross to Alessia Russo, who scored England's equalizer. It was fitting, then, that the 27-year-old Arsenal forward walked up to the penalty line, with the trophy also on the line. She tokk a deep breath, lifting her left knee towards her chest. Then, proceeded with her signature hop, before drilling a 100 km/h ball past Coll. This was the fastest goal of the entire tournament, according to the connected ball technology in Adidas' Konektis match ball. It was also the second consecutive Euros where Kelly scored England's tournament-winning goal. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. England, Spain, International Football, Women's Soccer, Women's Euros 2025 The Athletic Media Company
Hamilton Spectator
22 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
The Latest: Cool Kelly seals the win for England
BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — Defending champion England has won the Women's European Championship after defeating Spain in the final in a penalty shootout. Here's the latest: Cool Kelly seals the win Chloe Kelly says she was confident she would score on England's last spot kick. She stepped up as England's fifth shooter with a chance to decide the final after Salma Paralluelo's shot went wide for Spain. Kelly drew a deep breath, took three strides and blasted the ball into the top of the goal. 'I was cool, I was composed, and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net,' Kelly told Fox's broadcast. England wins on penalties England has defended its European title by defeating Spain in a penalty shootout. The game was tied at 1-1 after extra time. England won the shootout 3-1 with Chloe Kelly scoring the winning penalty kick. Extra time It's 1-1 at full time and the players are coming off the pitch for a quick break. Then it's extra time: two times 15 minutes to break the deadlock. England equalizer England equalized when Alessia Russo made it 1-1 in the 57th minute. Chloe Kelly whipped one of her trademark crosses into the box from the left and Russo rose above the defense to make it 1-1. Spain leads 1-0 at halftime Spain heads into the break in the lead after Mariona Caldentey's goal in the 25th. Both teams traded early blows but Spain looked stronger after the goal. La Roja kept most of the possession and did not allow England to threaten much. England also trailed at halftime in the quarterfinal against Sweden and semifinal against Italy, but still won both games. Spain takes the lead Mariona Caldentey has made it 1-0 for Spain in the 25th minute. Ona Batlle whipped in a cross from the right, after good work by Aitana Bonmati, and Caldentey headed it powerfully home. Closing ceremony Swiss former player Lara Dickenmann carried the trophy out onto the field after the closing ceremony of Euro 2025. A large circular banner was unfurled in the center of the field in tribute to the host nation, while smaller banners were displayed nearby with 'Thank You' in Switzerland's four official languages —Italian, French, German, and Romansh. Two large Alpine-inspired shapes were then carried onto the field, with the England flag on one and Spain's on the other. Nearly 30,000 inflatable clappers had been distributed to the fans beforehand, while 40 members of the closing ceremony cast also had them on the field. The Asturia Quartet, an all-female string ensemble, performed the national anthems. Del Castillo starts for Spain In somewhat of a surprise change, Athenea Del Castillo has been named in Spain's starting lineup in place of Claudia Pina. Del Castillo's only other start in the tournament was in the final group-stage match, against Italy, when many regular starters were rested with Spain already through. The Real Madrid forward scored one and set up another. She also scored the opener in the quarterfinal win against Switzerland just four minutes after coming onto the field. Pina was decisive the last time Spain played England, scoring twice to help her team to a 2-1 comeback victory in the Nations League last month. The only other change to Spain's lineup from its semifinal victory over Germany is the return of defender Laia Aleixandri from suspension, with María Méndez dropping back down to the bench. Spain's lineup: Coll; Batlle, Paredes, Aleixandri, Olga; Bonmatí, Patri, Putellas; Mariona, González, Del Castillo. James is back for England Lauren James has recovered from injury and starts for England with coach Sarina Wiegman making just one change. James had to come off at halftime in England's semifinal victory over Italy on Tuesday with an ankle problem and was seen applying ice to her injury during the match. James has started all five of England's games at Euro 2025 and has been named in the lineup for the final. Defender Jess Carter returns after being omitted from the starting lineup for the first time against Italy, for tactical reasons, two days after revealing she was the target of racist abuse online during the tournament. England's lineup: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Carter, Greenwood; Toone, Walsh, Stanway; James, Russo, Hemp. St. Jakob-Park is filling up Basel's soccer stadium has a capacity of 34,250 during Euro 2025 and no empty seats are expected at the final. With an hour to go until kickoff, thousands of fans have already taken their seats. Even before the final, the tournament has broken the total attendance record for a Women's European Championship. A total of 623,088 spectators have attended the 30 matches so far, surpassing the previous total attendance record of 574,875 from Euro 2022. Skies clear up after heavy rain in Basel There have been intermittent torrential showers and thunderstorms but that has not dampened the spirits of thousands of Spanish and England fans that have been gathering in the fan zones in Basel. The rain teemed down about two hours before kickoff but the sun came out shortly afterward and the skies above St. Jakob-Park have cleared up for now. Defending champions did it the hard way England got off to a rough start with a 2-1 defeat to France, becoming the first reigning champion to lose its opening match at a women's Euros. The team bounced back with a 4-0 victory over the Netherlands and a 6-1 thrashing of Wales. Then came the craziness of its quarterfinal against Sweden when it was trailing 2-0 with 12 minutes to go before equalizing and taking the match to extra time and a penalty shootout. There were nine failed penalty attempts before England finally triumphed 3-2. England left it even later in its semifinal against Italy. Teenager Michelle Agyemang leveled in stoppage time to force extra time and fellow substitute Chloe Kelly scored in the 119th minute to secure a 2-1 win, just as it appeared another penalty shootout was looming. (Almost) smooth sailing for Spain Spain swept through the group stage, winning all three matches against Portugal, Belgium and Italy — scoring 14 goals and conceding three. Spain found it tougher to get past Switzerland in the quarterfinals but finally broke the resistance of the host nation with two quickfire goals midway through the second half. Spain also missed two penalties and hit the woodwork three times. Like England, its semifinal lasted 120 minutes. It took a moment of magic from two-time Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí in the 113th minute to secure a 1-0 win over Germany. ___ AP soccer:
