Latest news with #Berne
The Guardian
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
‘We have a good feeling': Switzerland confident in plan to shock Spain in Euros quarter-final
The Switzerland coach, Pia Sundhage, has said that she and her players watched clips from when the Swiss men's team beat Spain in the 2010 World Cup for inspiration before the countries meet in the Euro 2025 quarter-final in Berne on Friday. Gelson Fernandes scored the only goal of the game in Durban 15 years ago to produce the first shock of that tournament and Sundhage believes her team can repeat the upset. 'We watched that game together because we wanted to share that piece of history with them,' she said. 'Johan [Djourou, who was part of the 2010 men's World Cup squad and is a member of Sundhage's coaching team] spoke very emotionally about what it was like. Sharing stories brings us together and gives us strength.' The Switzerland defender Noelle Maritz said that watching the footage had given her goosebumps. Sundhage did not dwell on the fact that Spain went on to win the 2010 World Cup while Switzerland were knocked out in the group stage, focusing on the here and now and describing the game as the biggest of her career. The 65-year-old, who won Euro 84 as a player with Sweden and triumphed at two Olympics when in charge of the United States, said: 'It is the biggest game ever [for me]. It is against the world champion, it is at home and it is a quarter-final. This is the moment.' The hosts have grown into the tournament after an underwhelming opening defeat, against Norway. They then beat Iceland 2-0 before a late equaliser against Finland from Riola Xhemaili sent the Stade de Genève crowd into raptures and Switzerland into the knockout stage. Spain are clear favourites to reach the semi-finals, having won their three group games, scoring 14 goals in the process, but the atmosphere around the home team has been building and the Swiss believe that support can carry them far. Switzerland 1-5 Spain, 5 August 2023, AucklandOn the way to their maiden World Cup triumph in New Zealand, a ruthless Spain put five past Switzerland in the round of 16. Aitana Bonmatí's fifth-minute opener was quickly cancelled out by a freakish Laia Codina own goal from near the centre circle. Alba Redondo restored their lead, Bonmatí struck again and Codina made amends for her error. Jennifer Hermoso then added a fifth, showing Spain's strength in depth. 'We proved we are a team of 23 players,' said Spain's coach, Jorge 5-0 Switzerland, 26 September 2023, CordobaThe world champions were greeted by a record 14,914 fans for their homecoming match at the Nuevo Arcángel stadium. Before kick-off both teams held up a banner reading 'Se Acabó (it's over) Our fight is the global fight' in reference to Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales's resignation for forcibly kissing Hermoso on the lips. On the pitch, it was a routine Nations League group win for Spain with Lucía García, Bonmatí (twice), Inma Gabarro and Maite Oroz on the 1-7 Spain, 31 October 2023, ZurichSwitzerland suffered their third heavy defeat in as many months to La Roja at Stadion Letzigrund, though this time they managed a consolation from Alayah Pilgrim when trailing 4-0, courtesy of goals from Oihane Hernández, Alexia Putellas (with two) and María Méndez. The substitutes Athenea del Castillo (two) and Oroz added three more to cap off another Nations League thrashing. Ervin Ang 'The support we have had is impossible do describe,' the Aston Villa defender Maritz said. 'We all thought that there would be a good atmosphere at a home tournament … but on this scale? It gives you a lot of energy when you see the fans marching towards the stadium. You saw it at the Finland game – and to be able to share that success with the fans was really something.' Sundhage's side have improved substantially since the 2-1 loss to Norway, with the midfielder Géraldine Reuteler in outstanding form and the 18-year-old Barcelona forward Sydney Schertenleib coming in to give the attack a new dimension. And now there is real belief. Sundhage said they 'will need a bit of luck' to beat Spain but that they could force that luck with the way they play. Maritz was more bullish, saying they would stick to their gameplan and 'walk off as winners'. Sign up to Moving the Goalposts No topic is too small or too big for us to cover as we deliver a twice-weekly roundup of the wonderful world of women's football after newsletter promotion 'We are very much looking forward to the game,' she said. 'We know that it will be hard but we also believe in our qualities. We have had a lot of meetings, have watched a lot of clips and have a good gameplan.' Maritz, who played for Arsenal between 2020 and 2024, also spoke of the excellent team spirit that has developed. 'You can see that in the last few weeks and the last few games we have grown into a stronger unit. We have a super team spirit and have been able to take a lot of positive energy from the past two games. We have a good feeling about this game.' The Spain defender Irene Paredes said the world champions would have to be calm in the face of the home support. 'We need to be patient,' she said. 'They will have the crowd behind them, so they will come out very strong. 'They're a team who know exactly what they're about. They defend in great numbers and also get a lot of their players into the box to attack. They have very direct players and their midfielders love to keep the ball. Like I said, we'll have to be very alert.'
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ouahabi helps Spain seal top spot in Group B at Euro 2025
City defender Leila Ouahabi played the full 90 minutes to help ensure Spain topped their Group B campaign at Euro 2025 thanks to a 3-1 win over Italy in Berne. In what proved one of the most absorbing and eventful games of the Switzerland showpiece to date, Italy were the first to threaten, mounting a series of early raids before captain Elena Linari saw a powerful eighth minute header cannon back off the Spanish crossbar. Advertisement But two minutes later the Italians did make the breakthrough. Spain failed to clear a low cross into the area and Italian winger Elisabetta Oliviero was first to react, slamming a low left-footed shot past Adriana Nanclares. In what was an end-to-end opening spell, the world champions then showed their class and composure by responding in thrilling style to draw level on 13 minutes. Athenea del Castillo executed a superb run through a sea of Italian defenders before playing a one-two with Alexia Putellas who then played an instant deft backheel to set up del Castillo. The Real Madrid star made the most of the opening, firing home first time from the edge of the box in sumptuous style for one of the standout goals of the tournament to date. Advertisement In a high quality and compelling affair, Spain dominated possession and territory but found Italy the toughest of opponents. And the Spanish were then fortunate to escape conceding a penalty three minutes from half-time. A low cross from Sofia Castore was misjudged by Irene Paredes who could only clear the ball with her hand when attempting to head clear in the centre of the box only for a VAR check to rule Italy were fractionally offside in the build-up. However, the world champions provided another reminder of their lethal quality four minutes after the restart when they took the lead through Patricia Guijarro after a mazy run from Athenea del Castillo had caused panic in the Italian ranks. Advertisement Italy kept pushing as they sought a leveller, but Spain sealed the deal - and with it top spot - two minutes into stoppage time. Substitute Esther Gonzalez converted from close range shortly after coming on as she latched onto another sumptuous Putellas assist to take her tally at Euro 2025 to four goals. It took Spain's number of goals at the tournament to 14, the joint highest tally by a side in the group stages along with England at Euro 2022. Spain's reward for finishing top is a quarter-final assignment with Switzerland in Berne, runners-up Italy will play Norway in Geneva.
The Guardian
06-07-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Switzerland keep Euro 2025 dream alive after Reuteler and Pilgrim knock out Iceland
Iceland will be leaving the party early but, after some initial wobbles, the hosts are still going strong. A quarter-final place beckons for Pia Sundhage's Switzerland after second-half goals from Géraldine Reuteler and Alayah Pilgrim finally settled a nation's nerves. Providing Sundhage's players do not stumble against Finland on Thursday in Geneva they should be on course to finish behind Norway in Group A and on course for a potential last-eight date with Italy or, more probably, Spain. Ultimately the night belonged to Switzerland and their excellent right-wing back Iman Beney in particular but Iceland almost scored inside the first minute when Ingibjörg Sigurdardóttir's half-volley struck the crossbar following her connection with a long throw. Almost immediately, a Swiss counterattack concluded with Julia Stierli shooting wide as heavy rain began lashing down on Berne. After more than a week of glorious Swiss summer sun, the heatwave seemed over and suddenly players from both sides were slipping and sliding on the pitch. From his vantage point on the edge of the technical area, Iceland's manager Thorsteinn Halldórsson was forced to keep wiping raindrops off his glasses. The veteran Sundhage is far too experienced to get wet needlessly and from her proffered vantage point sitting deep in the dugout she watched her team whip a corner in and Svenja Fölmi head goalwards. When the ball hit Glódis Viggósdóttir it flew into the back of the net and, almost everyone bar the 2,000 Iceland fans present in a near 30,000 crowd at a packed Stadion Wankdforf celebrated wildly. Or at least until VAR intervened to correctly disallow that effort for a foul in the preamble, namely Fölmi's overly aggressive block on Viggósdóttir. By now things had turned thoroughly niggly and scrappy. Far too many cheap concessions of possessions, snide fouls, substandard set pieces and disappointing final balls dictated the match failed to fulfil its early potential. Admittedly Barcelona's Sydney Schertenleib had the crowd on the edge of their seats whenever she ran at Iceland's back line but her final decision persistently let the exciting 18-year-old down. Although another 18-year-old, Manchester City's impressive Beney went close from distance at the end of the first half and it was becoming increasingly apparent that the game's very real intensity was no substitute for the absence of quality. Perhaps attempting to raise the tone, Karólina Vilhjálmsdóttir grazed the top of the crossbar with a 20-yard free-kick at the start of the second half. It was the second time the woodwork had saved Switzerland and seemed to inspire Beney to step up her attacking efforts. Sign up to Moving the Goalposts No topic is too small or too big for us to cover as we deliver a twice-weekly roundup of the wonderful world of women's football after newsletter promotion Indeed Beney probably represented Sundhage's biggest goal threat, something she emphasised when directing a looping header fractionally wide as Switzerland assumed increasing dominance. Possession can, of course, be overrated, and, refusing to fold, Iceland continued to attempt to undo the tournament hosts on the counterattack, with those long throws a persistent source of hope. It faded considerably in the 74th minute when Schertenleib emphasised her potential by cueing up a perfectly poised Reuteler to unleash up for a beautifully weighted low shot that would condemn Iceland to an earlier than hoped flight back to Reykjavik. What a moment for the increasingly influential Reuteler to advance from her deep-sitting midfield role and create the platform for a swashbuckling Swiss finale, crowned by substitute Pilgrim's fabulous 90th minute finish from just outside the area following the interception of an Icelandic throw.
The 42
06-07-2025
- Sport
- The 42
A day at Randwick, the most famous rugby club in Australia
IT'S JUST BEFORE midday and the winter sun is shining at Coogee beach in Sydney. Or 'County Coogee' as it's known due to the many Irish accents around the place. That Irish lilt is noticeable across the road at the Coogee Oval, home to Australia's most famous rugby club. Randwick has a central role in Aussie rugby. Even at this relatively early hour, the club is abuzz. The third grade team are into the second half of their clash with Sydney University. The fourth grade sides from both clubs are already finished, having kicked off at 10.25am. Rap tunes are blaring from the changing rooms, letting you know that Randwick's second grade side are getting ready for their game at 1.05pm. And the first grade players are milling about the place, with the main event to come at 3.05pm. This is how things work in Aussie rugby. One club hosts all the teams from the other. The U20 sides are playing in the nearby Nagle Park, with the first of the three games at that level kicking off as early as 9.45am. Everyone eventually gathers at Coogee Oval and the whole atmosphere builds towards the first grade clash in the Shute Shield, the annual club competition in New South Wales made up nearly exclusively of Sydney clubs. The rivalries are ferocious. Bragging rights are on the line, with the overall tallies of wins across the day watched closely. 'I don't know why they don't do this in Irish rugby,' says Randwick first grade head coach Shaun Berne, who played for Leinster from 2009 until 2011 and then started his coaching career in Ireland. 'By the time second grade's kicking off, fourth grade are having a drink, watching their mates, cheering their club. The opposition's doing the same thing. 'All their friends and family are turning up, there's the old old boys coming in. And then by 3 o'clock, all of a sudden there's a crowd to support the first grade game.' Randwick head coach Shaun Berne. It's a special thing to witness, particularly in a place like Randwick. This club has a rich history, having produced coaches like Michael Cheika, Eddie Jones, Ewen McKenzie, Bob Dwyer, Alan Gaffney, and over 100 Wallabies players, including the three Ella brothers. Randwick took on the All Blacks here in 1988. Cheika played in that game, then brought his Argentina side to play the 'Wicks at the Coogee Oval in a warm-up match before the 2019 World Cup. Jones visited Randwick with the Japan U23 side back in April, with Berne's men winning that one. But this lovely winter's day is all about how the 'Galloping Greens' fare against Sydney Uni. Walk in the gate and the first person to say hello is Alex Molloy, who has shone for Old Wesley in the All-Ireland League in recent years but recently moved to Sydney. Molloy just made his debut for 'the 4s', coming on for the last few minutes as he returned from injury. He is the first of many Irish faces in Randwick. That 4s team also included former Clontarf man Ed Brennan. Standing alongside Berne up in the stand is Donegal man Campbell Classon, who played for Terenure in the AIL up until moving to Sydney a year ago. He's part of the Randwick first-grade team and works in construction. Mark Harrison, the club's general manager, is floating around making sure everything is running smoothly. He played for Randwick during their glory days in the 1980s when they won seven of their overall 32 Shute Shields. It was hard to get in the first grade team then and it remains so even now. With the smell of burgers and brisket wafting in the air and cans of beer being dished out of the well-organised club shop, the second grade sides have kicked off. The quality is good, with a huge amount of running rugby. This is the Randwick way. 'There's no kid who grows up and wants to just be part of a box kick,' says Berne, who was a creative centre or out-half, playing more than 65 first-grade games for the Wicks and captained them to the 2004 Shute Shield. His pro career involved time with Bath, the Waratahs, and Calvisano, as well as Australia A. Advertisement 'That kid wants to pick up the ball and try to score a try, and run over there and find space.' Former Clontarf man Mick Courtney is on the wing for the 2s and nearly scores a wonder try. Perhaps the pick of the bunch of tries in Randwick's win sees Irish out-half Callum Smith find Irish loosehead prop Emmet Burns with a slick inside pass before Burns offloads for a brilliant score. Burns, who overcame cancer a few years ago, used to play for UCD, while Smith was once part of the Ulster set-up and then starred for Terenure in recent years. The out-half is just coming back from a serious injury. 'They're called frenemies here,' says Berne with a smile. 'You're the enemy on the other side of the world in Dublin or in Ireland, then they become friends here.' While the Irish lads are weaving magic on the pitch, first grade captain Joel Ellis is explaining that Randwick is a core part of his life. He grew up a few 100 metres from the Coogee Oval and has played for the club since leaving school eight years ago. Every team in the club trains on Tuesday and Thursday nights, with the 1s also gathering on Mondays for video review and skills. 'We're like an AIL Division 1A team,' says Berne. Gym work is done in their own time because the vast majority of them have day jobs. Ellis is part of the family plumbing business. 'Joel works hard Monday to Friday doing that,' says Berne later. 'And then he has to turn up on Tuesday and, you know, bash heads with blokes and then Saturday, he goes out and gets his body sore. He wakes up Sunday, has a day to himself, then does it all again.' Ellis points to scrum-half Tas Smith on the second grade team. Smith has just played a full season of Major League Rugby for LA, coached by Randwick man Stephen Hoiles, Berne's predecessor. Ellis considered going over to the US but is sticking with the Wicks for now. As Ellis and his team-mates head off to prepare for the main event, the atmosphere is building. By now, the 3s, 4s and U20s are gathering in their special stand on the far side of the pitch, seated around a big Esky cooler full of beers. They're ready to make some noise. Tucked away in the office at the top of the stand is Chris Fraser, the timekeeper and scoreboard operator for every single game. He's the kind of friendly, long-serving volunteer that makes any sports club possible. More fans are flowing in, some recognisable faces among them. There's Hoiles, just back from the States. Ex-Wallaby centre Morgan Tirinui, now a pundit on Stan Sport, is here too. Tirinui's son, Felix, delivered a classy crossfield kick for the winning try against the Japan U23s in April. Omar Hassanein, the CEO of International Rugby Players, is gathered in the old boys' corner beside the beer stand on the beach side of the pitch. He grew up close to the Oval and is meeting his former Randwick team-mates to watch the rugby. The Randwick community is tight-knit and the network is strong. They lean on each other. 'Earlier in the year when we had that Japan game, Eddie Jones came back and watched us play Parramatta, the Two Blues, that Saturday and he presented jerseys to the guys making their debut that day,' says Berne. 'Then recently, Emmet Burns and a few others were making their first-grade debuts and I called up Paul Cheika, Michael's brother. Paul was actually a better player, a prop and a hard man. Paul played 296 games for Randwick and was a Premiership-winning first-grade captain. 'So it just makes it special, that community feel.' It's nearly showtime, but first there's a ceremony to mark Indigenous Round in the Shute Shield. The Ella brothers – Mark, Glen, and Gary – are the most famous Indigenous Wallabies of them all and Randwick is deeply proud of them. Today, it's former Wallaby and Randwick man Lloyd Walker who leads the ceremony, a 20-minute celebration of Aboriginal culture. When the Randwick team are warming up, they wear a special Indigenous-themed jersey designed by Wallabies wing Dylan Pietsch, another Randwick man with Aboriginal ancestry. By now, the place is heaving, everyone kitted out in something that sports the Randwick logo. Young kids tear around the place with big bags, competing to collect the most empty beer cans in order to earn the top prize for cleaning up. And after Randwick and Sydney University line up for the national anthem, we're underway. Berne's men need a win to give their play-off hopes a major boost and they get it. It's a commanding 40-17 win in the end as their attractive brand of rugby proves too much for their Sydney rivals. The quality is high, with some excellent players on show. Terenure man Mick Melia is a key figure in the second row with his physicality and skills, having been pivotal when his Dublin club won the AIL in 2023. By now, there's a big crew of Terenure folk gathered on the touchline, all of them part of the Randwick family even if they don't play. They're heading onto the Lions' clash with the Waratahs after this. Colm de Buitléar, also part of that 2023 AIL-winning side, has been sidelined by injury this season, but he's a Randwick man and can enjoy watching the 1s rack up a crucial win over Sydney Uni. Front row Classon comes off the bench to show his silky handling, while former Leinster underage back row Matthew Bursey carries hard at number eight. The athleticism of these first-grade players is impressive, which is no surprise given that some of the Australians have professional aspirations. Out-half James Hendren is on the books with the Waratahs and spent the week helping them to prepare to face the Lions. 'James is a tallish, lanky sort of guy that runs a bit like a Stephen Larkham, covers the ground quickly and reads the game really well,' says Berne before the game. Hendren runs in a stunning solo try and kicks beautifully throughout. He hopes that playing for Randwick can launch him onto bigger and better things, like many players before him. The Shute Shield is also a great development ground for ambitious coaches. It has been the ideal place for Berne's re-entry into full-time coaching. He started off in Ireland with Coolmine RFC and St Mary's College, two different experiences which taught him that context is everything. He began working as an elite player development officer with Leinster in 2015 but returned to Australia two years later to join the Western Force staff and then move on to the Rebels. In 2019, Berne stepped up as a Wallabies assistant coach to Cheika for the World Cup following the departure of Stephen Larkham. With the Rebels disbanding, Berne left rugby a few years ago and was working with analysis software company Hudl until Randwick came calling. He's not sure where this role will lead – he has a 10-year-old daughter and eight-year-old twin sons to consider – but it's clear that he is loving being back home in Randwick. He's a happy man by the final whistle, a big bonus-point win lifting them above Sydney Uni into sixth in the ladder with five more regular-season rounds to go. Randwick have won just one Shute Shield in the last 20 years, but they always aim for the pinnacle. The players gather huddle up in their changing room under the stand and as darkness falls over Coogee Oval, they belt out the club song heartily. McNamara's Band is fitting. Oh, my name is McNamara I'm the leader of the band Although we're few in number We're the finest in the land Oh, Hennesy, Tennessy tootles the flute The music's something grand A credit to old Ireland Is McNamara's band Da da da da, da da da da Hey, up the Wicks!
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Dress your dad in an outfit he'll actually wear this Father's Day
Fox News and its syndication partners may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom. For years, "dad fashion" might have conjured ideas of ill-fitting jeans and old t-shirts, but times have changed. The right outfit can provide the comfort and confidence they need to feel their best, from the office or job site to the backyard, golf course, kitchen, or the gym. We found these apparel pieces that your dad will actually wear. Whether your dad is an outdoorsman with a sense of adventure or prefers a quiet day on the golf course, he deserves an outfit that makes him look and feel great. This hooded jacket from Berne is a solid pick for work and leisure activities like hunting or fishing. The camouflage option is best for blending into your surroundings, while the brown, navy, green and black colors are ideal for everyday wear. It has a water-repellent finish, an insulated hood and knit storm cuffs to keep you covered. You might also consider this camo hoodie that's a little more lightweight. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Father's Day Gifts For Dads Who Love To Hunt Read On The Fox News App Original price: $55 Made from recycled plastic bottles and oyster shell powder, this sustainable t-shirt is moisture-wicking, odor-controlling and boasts UPF 50 sun protection. There's a range of sizes (S to 3XL) and seven colors to choose from. The shirt is versatile and looks just as good with hiking pants as it does with jeans. Teeing off or hitting the tiki bar has never been more stylish. This performance golf polo checks all the boxes: it has four-way stretch (meaning it moves with you, rather than against you), UPF 40 sun protection, moisture wicking technology and a breathable, wrinkle-resistant fit. It's only made better by the fact that the brand offers the shirt in kids' sizes for father-son matching. Rain or shine, these golf pants are an integral part of a day on the course. They're comfortable, breathable and stretchy enough to offer full range of motion, even when swinging a golf club. Take your pick between seven colors, each of which is made from water-resistant, wrinkle-free fabric. And if you're shopping for a golfer, you may want to consider throwing in a set of all-weather Callaway golf gloves. If your dad likes to be dressed up on the job, these shirts and trousers will fit the bill. They're rooted in durability, reliability and comfort – three elements dads value most. Designed for the guy who wants to look good but feel comfortable throughout the workday, Peter Millar's jersey polos are a must-have. Though the shirt has a collar (making it office, tennis court and golf course appropriate), it feels the opposite of stuffy. In fact, it features a stretchy, sweat-wicking and odor-resistant fabric. The brand also carries the polo with MLB teams embroidered on the chest, so dad can showcase team pride from the office to the stands. Original price: $149 A cross between chinos and suit trousers, these slim fit pants are cut from the same cloth as Charles Tyrwhitt's iconic suits. Easily dressed up or down, these stretchy pants feel good while dressing up the look much more than than a pair of khakis or jeans. They're also stain-repellent. Consider adding a belt for the full effect. 15 Father's Day Gifts For Difficult Dads Who Don't Want Anything Original price: $129 With a soft, flexible waistband and a stretchy fabric, these dress pants feel a lot like your favorite sweatpants. They have an athletic tapered fit that goes down to the shoe. Plus, they're spill-proof and moisture-wicking, making them practical for everyday life. Pair the pants with a linen shirt, and you've got yourself a comfortable outfit ready for anything. Available in 32 colors, four fit options (tailored, slim, standard and athletic) and three shirt lengths (regular, short and long) this short-sleeve shirt makes getting dressed very easy. It's constructed from cotton with a mechanical stretch, providing a lightweight, breezy feel. You can also find a similar option on Amazon. Father's Day Fitness Gifts Your Dad Will Love No matter what dad's workout of choice is, you'll want something sweat-wicking and breathable. Here are a few popular options for weight training, running, hiking and more. Original price: $89.97 With a snug fit through the arms and shoulder with roominess in the middle, these crew neck shirts enhance the male physique. The blend of cotton and polyester jersey feels soft against the skin and offers unmatched breathability during workouts. Speaking of comfort, the shirts have an itch-free tag, too. Pick up a three-pack of the brand's active quick-dry shorts to complete the workout wardrobe. For more deals, visit Original price: $23.99 It's easy to stay cool when running or hiking in these shorts from Amazon thanks to their breathable, sweat-resistant fabric. Thoughtfully designed to include zip pockets to keep your personal items safe and flat seams to reduce chafe, the shorts are well-made. The brand also makes pants in a similar article source: Dress your dad in an outfit he'll actually wear this Father's Day
