Latest news with #AnitaAsante
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Key stats, star players and favourites - meet Euro 2025 final four
The Euro 2025 semi-finals are decided - defending champions England will take on Italy on Tuesday before Spain meet Germany on Wednesday. But how did they get here? Which players have stood out? And what are their chances of lifting the trophy in Basel on 27 July? BBC Sport takes a look. Italy Goals scored: Five Goals conceded: Five Wins: Three Best Euros performance: Runners-up, 1993 and 1997 Chance of winning Euro 2025 (Opta): 8.9% Italy are the lowest-ranked team left in the tournament at 13th in the Fifa world rankings but after their impressive performance against Norway in the last eight it would be foolish to underestimate them. They failed to qualify for four successive World Cups between 2003 and 2015 and have flown under the radar in Switzerland to reach a first European semi-final since 1997. Progressing behind Spain in Group B they were the underdogs heading into the quarter-final against two-time European champions Norway, but they impressed with their pace, control in possession and natural width. Key player: Captain Cristiana Girelli scored both goals in the 2-1 victory with the crucial winning goal a dramatic stoppage-time header. Former England defender Anita Asante said it was "special" for a "senior veteran in the team" to deliver in that moment. "They're reflecting the growth of Italian women's football. Italy found a bit of quality when it really mattered and capitalised," she said. What the pundits said: Former Lionesses captain Steph Houghton said defending champions England will need to be "mindful" of Italy's underdog status. "Knocking out Norway, who were higher ranked than them, that probably was not the expectation from the outside," she said. "They have experience in their team. They have some threats, especially in wide areas, and really good midfielders. "This is monumental for them. They've made another historic progression so they're going to be well up for it." Standout stat: At the age of 35 years and 84 days, Girelli became the oldest ever player to score more than once for a European nation in a single match at a major tournament. How history-chasing Italy can threaten England at Euro 2025 England Goals scored: 13 Goals conceded: Five Wins: Three Best Euros performance: Winners 2022 Chance of winning Euro 2025 (Opta): 36.5% Defending champions England booked their place in the semi-finals with victory over Sweden but did things the hard way. The Lionesses came from 2-0 down to force extra time and then penalties. Of the 14 penalties taken, five were scored, six were saved and three were missed. It summed up England's tournament so far with the Lionesses not fully firing but still finding a way to win. What the pundits said: "The mentality of those players to step up. Even those who missed, the mentality to still put your hand up and say I want to take a penalty [is so strong]," said Houghton. Former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis added: "These girls just keep making history. To come back from 2-0 down in the knockout stages, to come back and show the resilience and determination, the never-say-die attitude." When it comes to who has stood out, consistency has been somewhat lacking but goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, veteran defender Lucy Bronze and winger Lauren Hemp have all enjoyed big moments. Key player: Chelsea forward Lauren James has long been predicted to be a top player for England and at this tournament she has once again shown why that is the case. She stepped up in the 4-0 group-stage thrashing of the Netherlands following criticism in the opening-game defeat by France, then impressed again against Wales. "There's no ceiling on her talent - we're looking at a potential global star," England and Brighton forward Nikita Parris said. Standout stat: England became the first team to progress from a knockout tie at the Women's European Championship having trailed by two or more goals. How Kelly's happiness saved England's Euros Resilience, luck and subs - England's winning formula Spain Goals scored: 16 Goals conceded: Four Wins: Four Best Euros performance: Third, 1997 Chance of winning Euro 2025: 31.1% Spain are aiming to add European glory to their 2023 World Cup triumph. Surprise winners in Australia two years ago, they have since emerged as the dominant force in the women's game - adding the Women's Nations League to their trophy cabinet last year and looking like the team to beat in Switzerland. Their quarter-final victory over the host nation was uncomfortable at times but they ultimately found a way to win. What the pundits said: "Any time you stay in possession like they do in the final third, it's impossible not to score," Parris said. "The amount of chances that they create, the possession, the intricate play and the comradery and connectivity this team has is something special. I think they will break many teams down." With an abundance of talent at their disposal it is difficult to pick out just one key player. Key player: Forward Esther Gonzalez, who leads the race for the Golden Boot, three-time Champions League-winning midfielder Aitana Bonmati and Claudia Pina have all impressed. But two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas has stood out having missed the 2022 tournament after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The Barcelona midfielder has been making up for lost time on the European stage, scoring three goals and assisting four more. "It is her goal involvements," said former England captain Steph Houghton. "She missed the last Euros through injury and she's really taken hold of the Spanish team in the group stages. She's been a standout." Standout stat: Spain have scored 16 goals at Euro 2025 - only England in 2022 (22) and Germany in 2009 (21) have netted more in a finals. Four standout players from Spain's perfect start to Euro 2025 Germany Goals scored: Six Goals conceded: Six Wins: Three Best Euros performance: Eight-time champions Chance of winning Euro 2025: 23.5% Beaten finalists in 2022 when they lost to England, Germany are eight-time European champions but last won the title in 2013. It has been a disrupted campaign in Switzerland, with inconsistent results. Victory over Poland in their opening match was marred by a tournament-ending injury to captain Giulia Gwinn before they had to come from behind against Denmark. A 4-1 thrashing by Sweden saw Carlotta Wamser sent off in the 31st minute, while another red card in the quarter-final against France - this time for Kathrin Hendrich in the 13th minute - set the tone for a chaotic encounter. Despite having to play the rest of the 90 minutes plus extra time and penalties with 10 players, Germany showed togetherness to get the job done and secure a semi-final meeting with Spain. What the pundits said: "Germany will take such confidence in the resilience and the response since going down to 10 players, which can be a psychological uplift. If I was Spain I would probably want to play France," said former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley. "For Germany it's about mindset, self belief and using the confidence that you have built by getting through that game, and using it," she said. Key player: Jule Brand is Germany's top goalscorer with two goals and two assists, but goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger got the plaudits for their quarter-final win. She made nine saves against France, including stopping two penalties in the shootout, as well as scoring what proved to be the winning penalty. Standout stat: Germany have led for just 82 minutes across their four matches at Euro 2025. Berger's journey from cancer to shootout hero Euro 2025 fixtures and group standings
DW
6 days ago
- Sport
- DW
Euro 2025: Is ethnic diversity an issue? – DW – 07/17/2025
Women's football champions tolerance, yet many Euro 2025 squads lack the ethnic diversity usually found in top-level football. Matches at Euro 2025 in Switzerland have largely been sold out, with swelling crowds cheering on global stars they recognize from Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. At first glance, women's football has never been closer to men's football. Beyond the ongoing battle for equal pay, there is however another glaring and striking difference between men's and women's international football in Europe. Most women's teams are significantly whiter than their male counterparts. While fans, players and football institutions strive to make the women's game inclusive, limited access to football in certain communities means Euro 2025 – at least on the pitch – doesn't really reflect many of the nations being represented. According to football fan research company Two Circles, European fans of women's football tend to be younger and more female than men's football. An open, comfortable atmosphere in the stands and outspoken players is a big part of the draw. "I think it's a more inclusive environment in women's football. It's much friendlier. It doesn't feel as intimidating," Seray, an England fan visiting Switzerland from London, told DW. Many fans want the diversity of the crowds and the inclusive nature of women's football to expand to the social and cultural backgrounds of the women playing the game at the highest level. Just three years ago, hosts and winners England faced institutional criticism from prominent former players like Anita Asante and Alex Scott for failing to bring non-white players into the fold. That squad had just three players of Black ancestry, totalling just 13%. Three years on, that number has risen only slightly to 17%, according to Show Racism the Red Card. That is drastically less than the 64% that makes up the England men's squad. Germany, where more than one in four people is either an immigrant or a descendant of an immigrant, had just a handful of players with immigrant roots even before Sara Doorsoun retired from international football and Nicole Anyomi was cut from the Euros to access mean England's team is significantly less diverse than it could be. They also mean that Germany's tournament squad, like many in the competition, looks little like the country's broader population. "I'm here, I'm representing England, and I'm British Asian," one English fan in Zürich told DW. "I think diversity is very, very important." "My daughter plays football, we're into football," a French fan told DW prior to a Euro 2025 match. "It's important, especially to show every girl who wants to play football that they feel like they could be part of the French team." France is leaps and bounds above most European nations, boasting one of the tournament's most diverse squads. "It's a point of pride to represent your country, regardless of whether it's the men's or women's team. We're all proud to be here and be able to represent France," midfielder Grace Geyoro, who was born in the DR Congo and raised in Orleans, France, said at a press conference. French players expressed surprise when asked about the diversity in their squad, as many of them take it as a given and a simple reflection of French culture. "It's not really something you think about," said France attacker Clara Mateo. "It's true that there's lots of diversity in the various regions of France, and that we're all united on the pitch." According to the French FA, France has a dense web of clubs offering girls and women's football throughout the country, meaning an opportunity to play is never far. "We know football is extremely developed all over France, so this can bring diversity to the team. Above all, it's an asset that we can really use," Mateo continued. Many football associations are keen to make their football more accessible at the grassroots level, in the hope it will lead to more diversity at the elite level. The English FA, for instance, recently launched a four-year girls and women's football strategy where boosting diversity is a central plank. Euro 2025 host Switzerland have launched something similar. ZüriKick is a program in Zürich offering free weekly football training to girls at schools, with accessibility to the whole city a major tenant of the project. "One reason ZüriKick is built into the school program is to ensure easy access. Because sometimes its not so easy for girls with certain cultural backgrounds to just join a football club," Regula Schweizer, Project Lead for the Euros in Zürich, told DW. "But to do something in the school environment is much more approachable, so they have an entry point, they feel welcome, and they know their surroundings," Schweizer added. "It's very important everyone feels welcome in the program. Not everyone has to play football, but everyone should have the chance to try it out," she said.
New York Times
13-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
England vs Wales Euro 2025 odds, prediction: Lionesses in position to advance
One thing was certain for England ahead of their must-win clash against the Netherlands. With the team one defeat away from near-certain elimination, it was adapt or die. England were licking their wounds from an abject 2-1 defeat to France in their Euro 2025 opener last week following a disjointed display and chaos at the back. The objective was very simple for the Lionesses: They could not afford to reproduce the same performance against the Netherlands — and they didn't. Advertisement Instead, England turned on the style when it mattered most against a talented Netherlands outfit that had just thumped Wales. They overwhelmed the Dutch, outplayed them and outfought them — peppering their box with shots and outrunning them in midfield. It was the stars on the pitch that grabbed the headlines, led by Lauren James' brace, with Georgia Stanway netting a brilliant strike and Ella Toone also on target. But it was manager Sarina Wiegman who was the real architect of this victory, which sets up what should be a rudimentary affair against rock-bottom Wales, after tweaking her system. Former Lionesses star Anita Asante told the Daily Mirror: 'I think a lot of credit has to go to Sarina as well, because I think she's shown she does adapt and she can adapt. 'She has so much experience in these competitions. Putting Alex Greenwood as a left-back, Jess Carter in her normal centre-back role, even though Alex is really one of the best centre-backs in the country, recognising what the opposition give you and how you can gain advantages. That's what she did.' Wales are all but eliminated from Euro 2025 after their 4-1 thrashing by France, which means they have now let in seven goals in their first two games. They would need a miracle against England in the final match — needing to win by four goals and hope France beat the Netherlands in order to go through. Betfair have given Wales incredibly long odds to overcome the Lionesses this weekend, while England are heavy favourites to beat their rivals — while they have been backed at 5/1 to win the whole tournament at this stage. There was one positive from that defeat, however, with Jess Fishlock netting Wales' first goal at a major tournament — a moment that was special at the time, but one that likely won't be long remembered when the team are inevitably knocked out on Sunday night. Advertisement England have no injury worries ahead of the game and Wiegman could now opt to stick to her guns after making a tactical reshuffle against Netherlands that paid off, finding a system that works. Odds via Betfair Time: Sunday, 8 p.m. BST (3 p.m. ET) Venue: Arena St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland England 3, Wales 0 This one is fairly easy to predict given England are on such a high and have hit their stride in this tournament, while Wales have received two hammerings and are coming up against Wiegman's side at the worst possible time. Wales know that even if they were to win the game, it's unlikely they will be able to rack up the big win they need just to keep their hopes alive — and that should deflate them. England need to win to go through and they should be focused on getting an early goal that will calm the nerves. Betting/odds links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic. Restrictions may apply. The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication. (Photo of Lauren James: Alexander Hassenstein / Getty Images)
BBC News
06-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Norway beat Finland to close on quarter-finals
Update: Date: 19:18 BST Title: Goodbye for now Content: Well that was quite fun wasn't it? Despite a lacklustre display Gemma Grainger's Norway side have put themselves on the cusp of the knockout stages after an entertaining battle with Nordic neighbours Finland. That's all we have to bring you on this particular live page. Bye for now. Update: Date: 19:15 BST Title: Post Content: FT: Norway 2-1 Finland In case you missed any of the action this evening here's a neat video summary. Make sure to pay close attention to the Finland goal, it was a great strike from Oona Sevenius. This video can not be played Graham Hansen scores late winner as Norway beat Finland Update: Date: 19:14 BST Title: Post Content: The Group A action continues at 20:00 BST as hosts Switzerland face Iceland in Bern. My colleague Neil Johnston is on hand to take you through that one, so go on, head over to that live page now. Update: Date: 19:11 BST Title: 'Finland deserved at least a draw' Content: FT: Norway 2-1 Finland Lindsay JohnsonEx-England defender on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3 Finland were positive, played with intent, played some really good football and deserved at least a draw out of the game in my opinion. Update: Date: 19:11 BST Title: 'You have got to be clinical' Content: FT: Norway 2-1 Finland Anita AsanteFormer England defender on BBC Two Finland did create chances, but at this level you have got to be clinical. I think Marko Saloranta should be really proud of his players today. Update: Date: 19:10 BST Title: Post Content: FT: Norway 2-1 Finland Spare a thought for Finland. They dominated every single metric in the game, apart from the only one that truly matters. They still have a chance at making the knockout stages but they will likely need to overcome hosts Switzerland in their last game to do so. Update: Date: 19:09 BST Title: 'Lucky' Content: FT: Norway 2-1 Finland Nikita ParrisBrighton forward on BBC Two Definitely lucky. Deep inside Norway will know that's a lot of relief to get the three points over the line. Sometimes it's not about the performance, it's about the result. Update: Date: 19:08 BST Title: Post Content: FT; Norway 2-1 Finland Update: Date: 19:07 BST Title: 'Hansen is comfortable under pressure' Content: FT: Norway 2-1 Finland Rachel CorsieFormer Scotland captain on BBC Two We all said it was a cross, but with players like this they do try these things. Caroline Graham Hansen is so comfortable under pressure. It feels like there was an element of fortune to that goal. Update: Date: 19:06 BST Title: Post Content: FT: Norway 2-1 Finland This video can not be played 'Jewel in the crown' Hansen puts Norway back in the lead Well when you've got a player with the talent and quality of Caroline Graham Hansen you will always have a chance to win. As well as scoring the game's winning goal she had more touches in the opposition's box (11) and completed more dribbles (5) than any other player in this match, while no Norway player won possession more times (8) or won more duels (6) than her. Update: Date: 19:03 BST Title: Norway in control of Group A Content: FT: Norway 2-1 Finland So here's how group A now stands after that battling win for Norway. They lead the way on six points from two games, while Finland have three points from two games. If Switzerland avoid defeat against Iceland later on the Norwegians will be confirmed as group winners. Update: Date: 19:00 BST Title: 'Performance wasn't there today but the result was' Content: FT: Norway 2-1 Finland Lindsay JohnsonEx-England defender on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3 Fantastic for Norway. The performance wasn't there today but the result was. They've won ugly, they've shown their resilience, their strong mentality. Caroline Graham Hansen, I think she was the only one today for Norway who stood up and said 'I'll take the game by the scruff of the neck' and she did. She was the catalyst and she got that winning goal. Update: Date: 18:56 BST Title: 'Norway will feel fortunate' Content: FT: Norway 2-1 Finland Gilly FlahertyFormer England defender on BBC Two Finland looked the stronger side, but when you have a player like Caroline Graham Hansen in the team - she's a match-winner. Norway will feel very fortunate. Update: Date: 18:54 BST Title: FULL-TIME Content: Norway 2-1 Finland Norway have done it! It wasn't pretty at times but they won't care. Caroline Graham Hansen's world class quality (and a whole chunk of luck) makes it two wins from two games. Finland are left wondering what might have been. Update: Date: 90+5 mins Title: Post Content: Norway 2-1 Finland One last long ball up the pitch but no one in white can bring it under control and it goes behind for a Norway goal kick. Update: Date: 18:53 BST Title: Post Content: Norway 2-1 Finland Gilly FlahertyFormer England defender on BBC Two I was thinking Anna Koivunen was going to go with her hands then! Update: Date: 90+3 mins Title: Post Content: Norway 2-1 Finland The corner comes in and Kouivunen is still in the final third here. She lays the ball down the line for Evaliina Summanen to cross but it's poor and the chance is lost. Finland's hopes of getting a draw here look to have gone with it. Update: Date: 18:52 BST Title: Post Content: Norway 2-1 Finland Anna Kouivunen runs up from the back but she's been told to head back to her goal. Update: Date: 90+ 2 mins Title: Post Content: Norway 2-1 Finland Finland continue to push forward for a late leveller here and they've got a corner. It's now or never. Update: Date: 18:51 BST Title: 'Finland have been the better side' Content: Norway 2-1 Finland Lindsay JohnsonEx-England defender on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3 I think Caroline Graham Hansen has probably been Norway's best player. The most dangerous player for them, she's looked dangerous on that right side, got some really good balls into the box. But really I think over the course of the game Finland have been the better side but haven't been able to get that second goal like Norway have at the moment.
Powys County Times
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Asante: Wales at the Euros can have similar public impact to Lionesses
Former England star Anita Asante believes everyone in Wales can be inspired by the performances and progression of the Cymru at the Euros this summer, even Lioness fans. Wales are making their tournament debut in Switzerland and face their neighbours England on Sunday July 13th. And just like the Lionesses Euros win in 2022 helped women's football across the UK explode, so too can Cymru's major championships bow in Wales. 'Any player across the UK can take a lot of inspiration from the Welsh players and the English players,' she said. 'Their stories are interconnected, a lot of us have experienced similar journeys and that is what it is all about. 'Wales is in a different period of time in terms of their development and growth overall within the game, but they have broken that first kind of challenge to get to a first major tournament which is probably the hardest step. 'Now they have done that, they have got the foundations in place, it is now how can they push on again. 'Lots of young players will be familiar with the likes of Jess Fishlock, Hayley Ladd, Sophie Ingle and Ffion Morgan because they have played for WSL clubs. 'They are players they have naturally gravitated towards anyway because they love their character, their style, their personality, which goes along way into impacting young girls.' Having represented England 71 times, Asante now lives in Wales, and her daughter is half Welsh, although she jokingly admitted she may need to cross back over the border when England play her adopted country. The former defender was speaking at the training base of Gwalia United, a Welsh club playing in the English system who have benefitted from £20,000 of National Lottery funding from Sport Wales. The Football Association of Wales has also received significant National Lottery support from Sport Wales for their grassroots women's and girls' football programmes. Over £300,000 of National Lottery funds was invested into FAW projects and initiatives in the 2024/25 season, with the FAW able to double its investment in women's and girls' football with National Lottery support. Additional National Lottery funding from Sport Wales includes £750,000 for the development of the National Football Centre in Cardiff and £250,000 for the Elite Centre in Wrexham (Colliers Park). And Gwalia United player Cori Williams-Morris hopes the investment will only continue as Wales gain tournament experience and England push for more trophies. She added: 'From a Welsh point of view it is the grassroots side of it. 'The more investment for Wales getting to a tournament will only better the younger teams of Gwalia which over time will help the first team. 'We are a bit of a mix being a Welsh club playing in the English system. With both Wales and England being there is the best of both worlds for us. 'We get the support from the FAW but also get the benefits of playing in an English league and the money and the funding that come from England doing well in major tournaments as well.' To support the legacy of the women's Euros the FAW are running free coaching workshops in July for people interested in getting into coaching and to help those already involved develop. It is part of Chwarae FOR HER, a week-long celebration that runs from the 5th of July until 13 July that highlights the power of football and aims to inspire women and girls across Wales to get involved. The National Lottery's ongoing investment—with players raising £30 million weekly for good causes throughout the UK—ensures that Wales's Euro 2025 debut is just the beginning of the story.
