Latest news with #Caldentey
News18
5 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Euro 2025: Spain ruthlessly ends Switzerlands spirited run in quarterfinals
Agency: PTI Last Updated: Bern (Switzerland), Jul 19 (AP) Spain ended Switzerland's dreamy midsummer run through its home Women's European Championship in a 2-0 win in the quarterfinals despite missing two penalty kicks. Swiss resistance was broken by the world champion's two goals in a five-minute spell midway through the second half on Friday. Athenea Del Castillo slotted in a shot from Aitana Bonmatí's flicked assist in the 66th, just four minutes after coming off the bench, and Clàudia Pina curled a shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 71st. Spain will play France or Germany in the semifinals next Wednesday in Zurich. The winner will face defending champion England or Italy in the July 27 final at St Jakob-Park, Basel. Spain has a tournament-leading 16 goals yet could not score from the spot. Mariona Caldentey skewed her penalty badly wide in the ninth minute and Alexia Putellas' shot was saved by Livia Peng in the 88th. Switzerland's spirited young team gave its noisy home fans hope of a stunning upset, even more so after Caldentey's bad miss was greeted by a grateful roar by the sold-out Wankdorf Stadium. Spain also struck the posts of Switzerland's goal three times including in back-to-back chances in a frantic scramble at a corner in the 60th. Switzerland defender Noelle Maritz was sent off in stoppage time for a foul as the last defender. Spain defender Laia Aleixandri is suspended for the semifinals after her second yellow card of the tournament, for a first-half foul on Iman Beney. Spain has reached the semifinals for the first time since 1997. It lost to the Swiss in the quarterfinals at Euro 2022, played in England. Poor penalties ========= The quality of penalty kicks taken in these quarterfinals has been shockingly bad. Spain's Caldentey joined Norway captain Ada Hegerberg in placing her spot kick low and wide. Hegerberg's miss came when Norway trailed 1-0 in a 2-1 loss to Italy on Wednesday. With Caldentey off the field, Putellas struck Spain's second penalty hard though at a good height for Swiss goalkeeper Livia Peng to dive to the left and push away. Just five of 14 penalties were scored on Thursday in the shootout between England and Sweden. England won the shootout despite four saves by Sweden goalkeeper Jennifer Falk. Sweden struck a post and sent two over the crossbar, including Falk's kick that would have won the game. Sundhage's surprises ============= Switzerland veteran coach Pia Sundhage delivered on a promise to surprise with her starting lineup. Iman Beney, the 18-year-old wing back, played as a lone striker with pace, often supported in attack by Sydney Schertenleib, also 18. Sundhage brought back her third 18-year-old Noemi Ivelj for a start in midfield. All-time Switzerland record goal-scorer Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic, the former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid forward, was moved to right back to use her experience against the strong Spain left flank threat. It worked in as much as Spain was shut out in the first half for the first time at Euro 2025. AP SSC SSC view comments First Published: July 19, 2025, 09:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Metro
5 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Former Lioness blasts Spain during Euro 2025 quarter-final win over Switzerland
Former England midfielder Izzy Christiansen aimed a dig at Spain during their 2-0 quarter-final victory over Switzerland at Euro 2025 on Friday. Spain secured their spot in the last four thanks to goals from Athenea del Castillo and Claudia Pina, with Switzerland reduced to 10 players late-on following a red card for Noelle Maritz. Montse Tome's side, who beat England in the 2023 World Cup final and are the main favourites to win Euro 2025, got the job done despite Mariona Caldentey and Alexia Putellas both missing penalties at Stadion Wankdorf. Spain were hugely frustrated in the first half and it wasn't until the 66th minute they broke the deadlock – the longest they've had to wait for a goal at Euro 2025 – scoring before the 22nd minute in their three group games. Christiansen, on commentary duties for the BBC, called out Spain's players in the opening 45 minutes for trying to trick the referee into giving fouls. The former Lioness also mentioned Arsenal's win over Barcelona in the Champions League final last term – in which the Spaniards were 'bullied'. 'The Spanish players are starting to act like they did in the Champions League final, the ones that played for Barcelona,' Christiansen said. 'Arsenal bullied them. I'm starting to see bits of negative body language, appealing for fouls that the referee isn't giving – and they aren't fouls.' Christiansen also blasted Caldentey and Putellas for failing to score their penalties for Spain in the ninth minute and 99th minute respectively. The ex-England star, capped 31 times, described Caldentey's penalty as 'really poorly executed' and Putellas' spot-kick as 'terrible'. Speaking after the match, Christiansen added: 'Based on tonight's performance, I don't think Spain would [get to the final] because France and Germany would [have beaten them]. 'I also think Laia Aleixandri was lucky to stay on the pitch. Spain will know they have to improve if they are to beat France or Germany. 'Spain will take confidence after being poor this evening and getting the job done.' Meanwhile, a number of former England players hailed Switzerland for their performance after the match despite their loss to Spain. Former England defender Anita Asante told the BBC: 'We knew it would be nothing short of a miracle for Switzerland to get a result tonight, but they can take heart and credit for their performance. More Trending 'This is a young team, they will bounce back and qualify for many competitions to come. They held Spain for about 60 odd minutes until they scored. That's incredible, they made it difficult, this is a world class outfit but they were frustrated by Switzerland.' Ex-England captain Steph Houghton added: 'Switzerland have done everyone proud. They're on their own journey to create a legacy. 'For those young players, it is an experience they can build on and get better.' MORE: Sweden coach slammed after England defeat at Euro 2025 over 'unfair' penalty taker choice MORE: England vs Italy: When is the Euro 2025 semi-final and how to watch on TV MORE: Sarina Wiegman responds to Lucy Bronze's iconic celebration in England's win over Sweden
San Francisco Chronicle
5 days ago
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Euro 2025: Spain ruthlessly ends Switzerland's spirited run in quarterfinals
BERN, Switzerland (AP) — Spain ended Switzerland's dreamy midsummer run through its home Women's European Championship in a 2-0 win in the quarterfinals on Friday despite missing two penalty kicks. Swiss resistance was broken by the world champion's two goals in a five-minute spell midway through the second half. Athenea Del Castillo slotted in a shot from Aitana Bonmatí's flicked assist in the 66th, just four minutes after coming off the bench, and Clàudia Pina curled a shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 71st. Spain will play France or Germany in the semifinals next Wednesday in Zurich. The winner will face defending champion England or Italy in the July 27 final at St. Jakob-Park, Basel. Spain has a tournament-leading 16 goals yet could not score from the spot. Mariona Caldentey skewed her penalty badly wide in the ninth minute and Alexia Putellas' shot was saved by Livia Peng in the 88th. Switzerland's spirited young team gave its noisy home fans hope of a stunning upset, even more so after Caldentey's bad miss was greeted by a grateful roar by the sold-out Wankdorf Stadium. Spain also struck the posts of Switzerland's goal three times including in back-to-back chances in a frantic scramble at a corner in the 60th. Switzerland defender Noelle Maritz was sent off in stoppage time for a foul as the last defender. Spain defender Laia Aleixandri is suspended for the semifinals after her second yellow card of the tournament, for a first-half foul on Iman Beney. Spain has reached the semifinals for the first time since 1997. It lost to the Swiss in the quarterfinals at Euro 2022, played in England. Poor penalties The quality of penalty kicks taken in these quarterfinals has been shockingly bad. Spain's Caldentey joined Norway captain Ada Hegerberg in placing her spot kick low and wide. Hegerberg's miss came when Norway trailed 1-0 in a 2-1 loss to Italy on Wednesday. With Caldentey off the field, Putellas struck Spain's second penalty hard though at a good height for Swiss goalkeeper Livia Peng to dive to the left and push away. Just five of 14 penalties were scored on Thursday in the shootout between England and Sweden. England won the shootout despite four saves by Sweden goalkeeper Jennifer Falk. Sweden struck a post and sent two over the crossbar, including Falk's kick that would have won the game. Sundhage's surprises Switzerland veteran coach Pia Sundhage delivered on a promise to surprise with her starting lineup. Iman Beney, the 18-year-old wing back, played as a lone striker with pace, often supported in attack by Sydney Schertenleib, also 18. Sundhage brought back her third 18-year-old Noemi Ivelj for a start in midfield. All-time Switzerland record goal-scorer Ana-Maria Crnogorčević, the former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid forward, was moved to right back to use her experience against the strong Spain left flank threat. It worked in as much as Spain was shut out in the first half for the first time at Euro 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Euro 2025: Spain ruthlessly ends Switzerland's spirited run in quarterfinals
BERN, Switzerland (AP) — Spain ended Switzerland's dreamy midsummer run through its home Women's European Championship in a 2-0 win in the quarterfinals on Friday despite missing two penalty kicks. Swiss resistance was broken by the world champion's two goals in a five-minute spell midway through the second half. Athenea Del Castillo slotted in a shot from Aitana Bonmatí's flicked assist in the 66th, just four minutes after coming off the bench, and Clàudia Pina curled a shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 71st. Spain will play France or Germany in the semifinals next Wednesday in Zurich. The winner will face defending champion England or Italy in the July 27 final at St. Jakob-Park, Basel. Spain has a tournament-leading 16 goals yet could not score from the spot. Mariona Caldentey skewed her penalty badly wide in the ninth minute and Alexia Putellas' shot was saved by Livia Peng in the 88th. Switzerland's spirited young team gave its noisy home fans hope of a stunning upset, even more so after Caldentey's bad miss was greeted by a grateful roar by the sold-out Wankdorf Stadium. Spain also struck the posts of Switzerland's goal three times including in back-to-back chances in a frantic scramble at a corner in the 60th. Switzerland defender Noelle Maritz was sent off in stoppage time for a foul as the last defender. Spain defender Laia Aleixandri is suspended for the semifinals after her second yellow card of the tournament, for a first-half foul on Iman Beney. Spain has reached the semifinals for the first time since 1997. It lost to the Swiss in the quarterfinals at Euro 2022, played in England. Poor penalties The quality of penalty kicks taken in these quarterfinals has been shockingly bad. Spain's Caldentey joined Norway captain Ada Hegerberg in placing her spot kick low and wide. Hegerberg's miss came when Norway trailed 1-0 in a 2-1 loss to Italy on Wednesday. With Caldentey off the field, Putellas struck Spain's second penalty hard though at a good height for Swiss goalkeeper Livia Peng to dive to the left and push away. Just five of 14 penalties were scored on Thursday in the shootout between England and Sweden. England won the shootout despite four saves by Sweden goalkeeper Jennifer Falk. Sweden struck a post and sent two over the crossbar, including Falk's kick that would have won the game. Sundhage's surprises Switzerland veteran coach Pia Sundhage delivered on a promise to surprise with her starting lineup. Iman Beney, the 18-year-old wing back, played as a lone striker with pace, often supported in attack by Sydney Schertenleib, also 18. Sundhage brought back her third 18-year-old Noemi Ivelj for a start in midfield. All-time Switzerland record goal-scorer Ana-Maria Crnogorčević, the former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid forward, was moved to right back to use her experience against the strong Spain left flank threat. It worked in as much as Spain was shut out in the first half for the first time at Euro 2025. ___ AP soccer:
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Euro 2025: Spain ruthlessly ends Switzerland's spirited run in quarterfinals
BERN, Switzerland (AP) — Spain ended Switzerland's dreamy midsummer run through its home Women's European Championship in a 2-0 win in the quarterfinals on Friday despite missing two penalty kicks. Swiss resistance was broken by the world champion's two goals in a five-minute spell midway through the second half. Athenea Del Castillo slotted in a shot from Aitana Bonmatí's flicked assist in the 66th, just four minutes after coming off the bench, and Clàudia Pina curled a shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 71st. Spain will play France or Germany in the semifinals next Wednesday in Zurich. The winner will face defending champion England or Italy in the July 27 final at St. Jakob-Park, Basel. Spain has a tournament-leading 16 goals yet could not score from the spot. Mariona Caldentey skewed her penalty badly wide in the ninth minute and Alexia Putellas' shot was saved by Livia Peng in the 88th. Switzerland's spirited young team gave its noisy home fans hope of a stunning upset, even more so after Caldentey's bad miss was greeted by a grateful roar by the sold-out Wankdorf Stadium. Spain also struck the posts of Switzerland's goal three times including in back-to-back chances in a frantic scramble at a corner in the 60th. Switzerland defender Noelle Maritz was sent off in stoppage time for a foul as the last defender. Spain defender Laia Aleixandri is suspended for the semifinals after her second yellow card of the tournament, for a first-half foul on Iman Beney. Spain has reached the semifinals for the first time since 1997. It lost to the Swiss in the quarterfinals at Euro 2022, played in England. Poor penalties The quality of penalty kicks taken in these quarterfinals has been shockingly bad. Spain's Caldentey joined Norway captain Ada Hegerberg in placing her spot kick low and wide. Hegerberg's miss came when Norway trailed 1-0 in a 2-1 loss to Italy on Wednesday. With Caldentey off the field, Putellas struck Spain's second penalty hard though at a good height for Swiss goalkeeper Livia Peng to dive to the left and push away. Just five of 14 penalties were scored on Thursday in the shootout between England and Sweden. England won the shootout despite four saves by Sweden goalkeeper Jennifer Falk. Sweden struck a post and sent two over the crossbar, including Falk's kick that would have won the game. Sundhage's surprises Switzerland veteran coach Pia Sundhage delivered on a promise to surprise with her starting lineup. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Iman Beney, the 18-year-old wing back, played as a lone striker with pace, often supported in attack by Sydney Schertenleib, also 18. Sundhage brought back her third 18-year-old Noemi Ivelj for a start in midfield. All-time Switzerland record goal-scorer Ana-Maria Crnogorčević, the former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid forward, was moved to right back to use her experience against the strong Spain left flank threat. It worked in as much as Spain was shut out in the first half for the first time at Euro 2025. ___ AP soccer:
