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The Star
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Brazil players slam CONMEBOL over Women's Copa America warm-up conditions
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - International Friendly - Women - Brazil v Japan - Neo Quimica Arena, Sao Paulo, Brazil - May 30, 2025 Brazil's Marta comes on as a substitute REUTERS/Jean Carniel/File Photo (Reuters) -Brazilian players, including six-time FIFA Player of the Year Marta, have criticised CONMEBOL and the organisers of the Women's Copa America in Ecuador for requiring teams to warm-up in confined indoor areas rather than on the pitch Images circulated on social media, before Brazil's dominant victory over Bolivia in their second Group B match on Tuesday, showed players from both teams warming up side-by-side in a confined area at the Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda Stadium. According to the tournament regulations, the measure was implemented to prevent damage to the pitch, which hosts two matches in a day during the group stage. Marta, who returned from international retirement to participate in the continental tournament, voiced her frustration over the situation. "It's been a long time since I played in a tournament here in South America, and we were saddened by these circumstances," the 39-year-old striker told Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte. "Athletes are expected to perform well and work hard, but we also have to demand a high level of organisation. "There wasn't enough space for both teams, but both wanted to prepare. I really don't understand why we can't warm up on the pitch. "This is a problem for us because it's very hot inside, on top of the altitude. We hope that CONMEBOL changes some things and improves the situation." Coach Arthur Elias echoed Marta's concerns, emphasizing that the conditions pose risks to players. "We shouldn't have to demand that those responsible for football do their job, just as the players do on the pitch and I do as a coach," he said. "The issue of warm-ups worries me a lot ... This is crucial for the players' health and for the match, because when both teams don't warm up on the pitch, they take longer to get going." Midfielder Ary Borges directed criticism at CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez, highlighting the disparity between men's and women's tournaments. "Even amateur matches are better organised than what we have here. Ask Alejandro if he could warm-up in a space measuring five or 10 metres and smelling of paint," she said. "I think we had an example of this with the Men's Copa America, with its huge infrastructure. Why is the women's tournament having to deal with this kind of thing? "This is something he needs to address, as president. I think we deserve better." CONMEBOL did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. (Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Brazil players slam CONMEBOL over Women's Copa America warm-up conditions
Find out what's new on ST website and app. FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - International Friendly - Women - Brazil v Japan - Neo Quimica Arena, Sao Paulo, Brazil - May 30, 2025 Brazil's Marta comes on as a substitute REUTERS/Jean Carniel/File Photo Brazilian players, including six-time FIFA Player of the Year Marta, have criticised CONMEBOL and the organisers of the Women's Copa America in Ecuador for requiring teams to warm-up in confined indoor areas rather than on the pitch Images circulated on social media, before Brazil's dominant victory over Bolivia in their second Group B match on Tuesday, showed players from both teams warming up side-by-side in a confined area at the Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda Stadium. According to the tournament regulations, the measure was implemented to prevent damage to the pitch, which hosts two matches in a day during the group stage. Marta, who returned from international retirement to participate in the continental tournament, voiced her frustration over the situation. "It's been a long time since I played in a tournament here in South America, and we were saddened by these circumstances," the 39-year-old striker told Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte. "Athletes are expected to perform well and work hard, but we also have to demand a high level of organisation. "There wasn't enough space for both teams, but both wanted to prepare. I really don't understand why we can't warm up on the pitch. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Driverless bus in Sentosa gets green light to run without safety officer in first for S'pore World US strikes destroyed only one of three Iranian nuclear sites, says new report Business 5 things to know about Kuok Hui Kwong, tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter and Shangri-La Asia head honcho Asia Air India probe into Boeing 787 fuel control switches finds no issues Singapore Man charged over manufacturing DIY Kpods at Yishun home; first such case in Singapore Singapore Sex first, then you can sell my flat: Women property agents fend off indecent proposals and harassment Singapore Two women jailed for submitting fake university certificates to MOM for employment passes Singapore Fatal abuse of Myanmar maid in Bishan: Traffic Police officer sentenced to 10 years' jail "This is a problem for us because it's very hot inside, on top of the altitude. We hope that CONMEBOL changes some things and improves the situation." Coach Arthur Elias echoed Marta's concerns, emphasizing that the conditions pose risks to players. "We shouldn't have to demand that those responsible for football do their job, just as the players do on the pitch and I do as a coach," he said. "The issue of warm-ups worries me a lot ... This is crucial for the players' health and for the match, because when both teams don't warm up on the pitch, they take longer to get going." Midfielder Ary Borges directed criticism at CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez, highlighting the disparity between men's and women's tournaments. "Even amateur matches are better organised than what we have here. Ask Alejandro if he could warm-up in a space measuring five or 10 metres and smelling of paint," she said. "I think we had an example of this with the Men's Copa America, with its huge infrastructure. Why is the women's tournament having to deal with this kind of thing? "This is something he needs to address, as president. I think we deserve better." CONMEBOL did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. REUTERS
The Star
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Brazil's Marta weighs motherhood against 2027 World Cup dream
Soccer Football - International Friendly - Women - Brazil v Japan - Neo Quimica Arena, Sao Paulo, Brazil - May 30, 2025 Brazil's Marta comes on as a substitute REUTERS/Jean Carniel (Reuters) -Brazil's 39-year-old forward Marta said it was 'too early to tell' whether she would play in her home 2027 World Cup, as the six-time FIFA Women's Player of the Year considers balancing her dream of becoming a mother with extending her career. Marta told Globo's Esporte Espetacular on Sunday that while playing in the tournament remains a possibility, her desire to have a child could ultimately decide her future. "I don't know whether I'll still be playing in 2027 or whether I'll be fit," Marta said. "It's too early to say that I'm definitely going to play, I still have a very strong desire to be a mother. So, I might wake up one day and decide to call my doctor to see if it's still possible. If it is, then bye, I have to go," she added. The veteran forward, who has played in six World Cups without winning the title, added that, regardless of her participation, she hopes Brazil will have a memorable tournament. "I hope that Brazil can uphold its tradition of throwing a beautiful party, enjoying the moment and welcoming people warmly. This competition is unique for our continent and South America." With her contract with the National Women's Soccer League side Orlando Pride running until 2026, Marta is currently focusing on helping Brazil win the Copa America. "Brazil is the favourite, and we know it. We know our responsibility to bring home the title. But it's no use just being the favourite if you don't perform and make things happen on the pitch," she added. Brazil, in Group B, will kick off their Copa America campaign against Venezuela on Sunday, seeking their ninth title. (Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico CityEditing by Toby Davis)
The Star
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Bigger stakes, rising stars and Marta's return set the stage for Women's Copa America
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - International Friendly - Women - Brazil v Japan - Estadio Cicero de Souza Marques, Braganca Paulista, Brazil - June 2, 2025 Brazil's Marta walks onto the pitch before the match REUTERS/Jean Carniel/File Photo (Reuters) -The best women's teams in South America will meet in Ecuador starting on Friday, when the 2025 Women's Copa America kicks off, with Olympic and Pan American qualification, regional glory and a shifting competitive landscape all on the line. Despite Brazil's historic dominance, the tournament is now far more competitive, an improvement that even the region's most iconic player acknowledged. Brazil great Marta, returning from international retirement for what could be her final continental appearance, said the level across South America has grown remarkably since she made her debut at 17. "Women's football in South America was less developed, but Brazil was already ahead," Marta said in a recent interview for CONMEBOL. "Now it's fast, demanding. These young players pull me forward — mentally and physically — and I love that." The record eight-time champions and reigning title holders arrive as favourites, with a squad filled with big names. None are bigger than Marta, who retired from international football after winning silver at the Paris Olympics and is preparing to lead the team one last time. "If this is my last tournament, it's even more important to stay focused, to savour each moment," said the 39-year-old, who has won three Copa America titles. "I want to make the most of this and, hopefully, win another one." Group B rivals Colombia will also be ones to watch, led by Real Madrid's Linda Caicedo and Chelsea's Mayra Ramirez — key figures in the team's 2022 final run and progression to the 2023 Women's World Cup quarter-finals. Argentina, in Group A alongside hosts Ecuador, boast unique bragging rights as the only nation to have beaten Brazil in a final, lifting the trophy in 2006. They are buoyed by the rise of their domestic league and veteran midfielder Florencia Bonsegundo, who said that growing coverage is inspiring a new generation. "Today there's more visibility, more girls who want to play. Before, we had (Lionel) Messi and (Juan Roman) Riquelme as role models. Today, the fact that girls have us is something beautiful," Bonsegundo told Argentine outlet DeporTV. HIGH STAKES, FAMILIAR RIVALS The tournament features 10 teams split into two groups where the top two sides from each group advance to the semi-finals. The two teams that finish third in each group will face off for fifth place and the final spot in the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima. The third and fourth-placed teams in the tournament will also secure their Pan American qualification, while the finalists earn a berth at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. If the Pan American hosts, Peru, finish between third and fifth place, the sixth-placed team will also earn a ticket to Lima 2027. Adding extra incentive, the continental champions will face the European winners in the second edition of the Finalissima next year in Los Angeles. CONMEBOL's move to make the tournament biennial — announced by president Alejandro Dominguez in 2020 — reflects a wider effort to grow the women's game in the region. While Brazil and Colombia have made significant progress, other nations remain in early development stages. With Olympic dreams and regional glory on the line, South America's finest are ready to deliver fireworks in Ecuador. (Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios and Angelica Medina in Mexico CityEditing by Christian Radnedge)
Straits Times
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Bigger stakes, rising stars and Marta's return set the stage for Women's Copa America
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - International Friendly - Women - Brazil v Japan - Estadio Cicero de Souza Marques, Braganca Paulista, Brazil - June 2, 2025 Brazil's Marta walks onto the pitch before the match REUTERS/Jean Carniel/File Photo The best women's teams in South America will meet in Ecuador starting on Friday, when the 2025 Women's Copa America kicks off, with Olympic and Pan American qualification, regional glory and a shifting competitive landscape all on the line. Despite Brazil's historic dominance, the tournament is now far more competitive, an improvement that even the region's most iconic player acknowledged. Brazil great Marta, returning from international retirement for what could be her final continental appearance, said the level across South America has grown remarkably since she made her debut at 17. "Women's football in South America was less developed, but Brazil was already ahead," Marta said in a recent interview for CONMEBOL. "Now it's fast, demanding. These young players pull me forward — mentally and physically — and I love that." The record eight-time champions and reigning title holders arrive as favourites, with a squad filled with big names. None are bigger than Marta, who retired from international football after winning silver at the Paris Olympics and is preparing to lead the team one last time. "If this is my last tournament, it's even more important to stay focused, to savour each moment," said the 39-year-old, who has won three Copa America titles. "I want to make the most of this and, hopefully, win another one." Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump's ambassador nominee Sinha sought to defend US' tariff policies at Senate confirmation hearing Singapore Singapore to hire more than 1,000 new educators annually in the next few years, up from 700 Singapore COE prices rise for all categories Singapore Govt watching job situation for fresh graduates closely, exploring further support: Gan Siow Huang Singapore Man who killed cats by throwing them off HDB blocks has jail term doubled to 27 months Singapore $43k fine for undischarged bankrupt doctor who failed to disclose assets worth over $4m Singapore Female primary school teacher charged over alleged sex acts with underage male student Singapore People working in air-conditioned spaces prefer 24 deg C and warmer: Survey Group B rivals Colombia will also be ones to watch, led by Real Madrid's Linda Caicedo and Chelsea's Mayra Ramirez — key figures in the team's 2022 final run and progression to the 2023 Women's World Cup quarter-finals. Argentina, in Group A alongside hosts Ecuador, boast unique bragging rights as the only nation to have beaten Brazil in a final, lifting the trophy in 2006. They are buoyed by the rise of their domestic league and veteran midfielder Florencia Bonsegundo, who said that growing coverage is inspiring a new generation. "Today there's more visibility, more girls who want to play. Before, we had (Lionel) Messi and (Juan Roman) Riquelme as role models. Today, the fact that girls have us is something beautiful," Bonsegundo told Argentine outlet DeporTV. HIGH STAKES, FAMILIAR RIVALS The tournament features 10 teams split into two groups where the top two sides from each group advance to the semi-finals. The two teams that finish third in each group will face off for fifth place and the final spot in the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima. The third and fourth-placed teams in the tournament will also secure their Pan American qualification, while the finalists earn a berth at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. If the Pan American hosts, Peru, finish between third and fifth place, the sixth-placed team will also earn a ticket to Lima 2027. Adding extra incentive, the continental champions will face the European winners in the second edition of the Finalissima next year in Los Angeles. CONMEBOL's move to make the tournament biennial — announced by president Alejandro Dominguez in 2020 — reflects a wider effort to grow the women's game in the region. While Brazil and Colombia have made significant progress, other nations remain in early development stages. With Olympic dreams and regional glory on the line, South America's finest are ready to deliver fireworks in Ecuador. REUTERS
