Latest news with #JenniferHermoso
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Euro 2025: Spain team guide – have things finally settled for the World Cup winners?
The 2022 European Championship sparked a crisis in Spanish football. The team went to their debut Euros with certain expectations, including a hope of winning their first competition or, at least, going far. But they were eliminated in the first round of the knockout stages by England in extra time. It proved to be the last straw for many players. Advertisement The reckoning was less about losing to England — the eventual winners — and more about Spain's best generation of footballers being let down by a coach who could not help them in certain matches. While off the field, the players felt that the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) did not support them enough or provide them with the professional tools that other countries had. It sparked the 'Las 15' movement, with 15 players refusing to return to play for the RFEF until conditions changed. Only three of the 15 played in the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which Spain won. That final was marred by the non-consensual kiss from Luis Rubiales to Jennifer Hermoso during the celebrations. It also ended with the dismissal of the then-coach, Jorge Vilda, along with Rubiales. Who is the manager? Montse Tome was Vilda's assistant coach and, following his dismissal, she was appointed head coach in September 2023. Her first roster was limited by players protesting Rubiales' non-consensual kiss. Advertisement At her first press conference, ahead of the UEFA Nations League qualifiers against Sweden and Switzerland in September 2023, Tome said she had spoken to all of the players who had declared themselves ineligible as a group. But the players said they had not spoken to the coach. As a result, RFEF and the team's captains met for a long meeting that lasted until the early hours of the morning. The result was a restructuring of the federation. Over time, tensions have settled, but Tome is a coach that many still see as part of Vilda's staff. Despite her saying 'I am not Jorge Vilda' on several occasions, Tome has not managed to fully win the trust of the dressing room and her future with the team after the Euros is uncertain. How do they play? Spain play in a style very similar to Barcelona. In a 4-3-3 formation, they want to dominate the ball, be offensive through possession and position, and get a lot out of their midfield while playing out of defence. Advertisement In terms of selection, the defence and midfield are set, with perhaps the only question mark being whether Olga Carmona or Leila Ouahabi will play at left-back. Up front, there is an excess of attacking options. Mariona Caldentey has been playing as a right-winger, Esther Gonzalez has returned to the national team in fine form, having scored four goals in the last three games, and Real Madrid's Athenea del Castillo is also in the mix. Another big question is whether Salma Paralluelo or Claudia Pina will play on the left wing, as both have been selected in the squad. Pina has had a great season, but Spain seem to prefer her as a substitute. Who are their most influential players? The midfield trio of Patri Guijarro, Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas is the key to Barcelona's — and Spain's — success. Mariona Caldentey, of Arsenal, provides a bonus to this setup. Advertisement Caldentey was the Women's Super League (WSL) player of the season and won the Champions League with Arsenal, playing a key role in the final win over Barcelona, her third consecutive Champions League title. Although it is not her ideal position, Tome plays Caldentey as a right-winger. Guijarro has returned to defensive midfield after two years playing in the attack, and this is where she shines most. The 27-year-old organises the team, provides balance between attack and defence, and is the compass for her side. Bonmati was considered one of the top players in the Champions League, but she did not have her best season in Liga F. The 27-year-old still has the ability to shine in big games and is the one who sets the tempo for the team. Putellas is back to form after an ACL injury suffered the day before the start of Euro 2022, which prevented her from performing at her prime in the World Cup and the following season. This season in Liga F, she has been Barcelona's top assist provider and second-highest goalscorer behind Ewa Pajor. The 31-year-old gives the team vision and is a player who tends to make good, quick decisions. What is their biggest strength? An ability to link up well. The World Cup winners know how to play an attacking and entertaining style of football thanks to the talent of one of the best generations of players the national team has ever had. Advertisement It also helps that the core of the team is made up of Barcelona players, who are used to playing together. What weakness might other teams be able to exploit? Teams that sit back in a defensive block are Spain's biggest weakness. Due to their attacking style of play, they can leave themselves exposed at the back and can be hurt by quick counter-attacks. Any notable absences? Jennifer Hermoso and Misa Rodriguez. Both were singled out by Tome for what she considered to be bad behaviour that did not help the team after the Olympic Games, where the team failed to collect a medal. What is their strongest starting XI? How have they performed over the past 12 months? The last Olympic Games were the first time Spain's women had played in the Games, and they were left disappointed. Advertisement The players expected the organisation to be on a par with the European Championship or the World Cup, but what they found surprised them. The players felt far removed from what the Olympic Games were about, spending little time in the athletes' village. 'Did I take anything away from the Olympics? The shirt, nothing else,' Caldentey explained in her book, released earlier this year. On a sporting level, it didn't end as they had hoped either. They started as favourites, but Brazil beat them 4-2 in the semi-finals. They then lost 1-0 to Germany in the bronze medal match. After the Olympics, Spain drew with Italy and Canada (both 1-1). Since then, they have scored 30 goals in eight games and conceded 10. They collected seven wins and only one defeat (1-0 at Wembley against England in February). Advertisement They beat the Lionesses 2-1 in their last game in Barcelona, which gives them confidence for what lies ahead. What are they expected to achieve at these Euros? Spain and England have been locked in a battle since Euro 2022, and if the two teams meet in the knockouts, it could be quite the rematch. The fact that Spain won the last match in Barcelona, which qualified them for the Nations League semi-final, gives them a boost of confidence. But the memory of the match played at Wembley remains fresh in their minds, as does the fact they have always found it difficult to beat the Lionesses. The group they have been drawn into is manageable: Portugal, Belgium and Italy. They faced the first two opponents in the first phase of the Nations League, beating Portugal 7-1 and 4-2 over two matches. They beat Belgium 5-1 and 3-2 over their two fixtures. In October, they drew 1-1 with Italy, the only opponent who could complicate things. Advertisement Many are focusing on the semi-finals, where they could face England, though the teams from northern Europe also command a certain amount of respect. Did you know? In Spain's last starting 11 against England in the Nations League, which will likely be the one Tome will use for the Euros, nine of the 11 players were from Barcelona or had played for the club at some point. Laia Aleixandri played in the club's youth teams and Mariona Caldentey played there until last summer when she signed for Arsenal. Carmona signed with Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in June. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Spain, UK Women's Football, Women's Euros 2025 The Athletic Media Company
New York Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Euro 2025: Spain team guide – have things finally settled for the World Cup winners?
The 2022 European Championship sparked a crisis in Spanish football. The team went to their debut Euros with certain expectations, including a hope of winning their first competition or, at least, going far. But they were eliminated in the first round of the knockout stages by England in extra time. It proved to be the last straw for many players. Advertisement The reckoning was less about losing to England — the eventual winners — and more about Spain's best generation of footballers being let down by a coach who could not help them in certain matches. While off the field, the players felt that the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) did not support them enough or provide them with the professional tools that other countries had. It sparked the 'Las 15' movement, with 15 players refusing to return to play for the RFEF until conditions changed. Only three of the 15 played in the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which Spain won. That final was marred by the non-consensual kiss from Luis Rubiales to Jennifer Hermoso during the celebrations. It also ended with the dismissal of the then-coach, Jorge Vilda, along with Rubiales. Montse Tome was Vilda's assistant coach and, following his dismissal, she was appointed head coach in September 2023. Her first roster was limited by players protesting Rubiales' non-consensual kiss. At her first press conference, ahead of the UEFA Nations League qualifiers against Sweden and Switzerland in September 2023, Tome said she had spoken to all of the players who had declared themselves ineligible as a group. But the players said they had not spoken to the coach. As a result, RFEF and the team's captains met for a long meeting that lasted until the early hours of the morning. The result was a restructuring of the federation. Over time, tensions have settled, but Tome is a coach that many still see as part of Vilda's staff. Despite her saying 'I am not Jorge Vilda' on several occasions, Tome has not managed to fully win the trust of the dressing room and her future with the team after the Euros is uncertain. Spain play in a style very similar to Barcelona. In a 4-3-3 formation, they want to dominate the ball, be offensive through possession and position, and get a lot out of their midfield while playing out of defence. In terms of selection, the defence and midfield are set, with perhaps the only question mark being whether Olga Carmona or Leila Ouahabi will play at left-back. Advertisement Up front, there is an excess of attacking options. Mariona Caldentey has been playing as a right-winger, Esther Gonzalez has returned to the national team in fine form, having scored four goals in the last three games, and Real Madrid's Athenea del Castillo is also in the mix. Another big question is whether Salma Paralluelo or Claudia Pina will play on the left wing, as both have been selected in the squad. Pina has had a great season, but Spain seem to prefer her as a substitute. The midfield trio of Patri Guijarro, Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas is the key to Barcelona's — and Spain's — success. Mariona Caldentey, of Arsenal, provides a bonus to this setup. Caldentey was the Women's Super League (WSL) player of the season and won the Champions League with Arsenal, playing a key role in the final win over Barcelona, her third consecutive Champions League title. Although it is not her ideal position, Tome plays Caldentey as a right-winger. Guijarro has returned to defensive midfield after two years playing in the attack, and this is where she shines most. The 27-year-old organises the team, provides balance between attack and defence, and is the compass for her side. Bonmati was considered one of the top players in the Champions League, but she did not have her best season in Liga F. The 27-year-old still has the ability to shine in big games and is the one who sets the tempo for the team. Putellas is back to form after an ACL injury suffered the day before the start of Euro 2022, which prevented her from performing at her prime in the World Cup and the following season. This season in Liga F, she has been Barcelona's top assist provider and second-highest goalscorer behind Ewa Pajor. The 31-year-old gives the team vision and is a player who tends to make good, quick decisions. An ability to link up well. The World Cup winners know how to play an attacking and entertaining style of football thanks to the talent of one of the best generations of players the national team has ever had. It also helps that the core of the team is made up of Barcelona players, who are used to playing together. Teams that sit back in a defensive block are Spain's biggest weakness. Due to their attacking style of play, they can leave themselves exposed at the back and can be hurt by quick counter-attacks. Jennifer Hermoso and Misa Rodriguez. Both were singled out by Tome for what she considered to be bad behaviour that did not help the team after the Olympic Games, where the team failed to collect a medal. The last Olympic Games were the first time Spain's women had played in the Games, and they were left disappointed. The players expected the organisation to be on a par with the European Championship or the World Cup, but what they found surprised them. The players felt far removed from what the Olympic Games were about, spending little time in the athletes' village. Advertisement 'Did I take anything away from the Olympics? The shirt, nothing else,' Caldentey explained in her book, released earlier this year. On a sporting level, it didn't end as they had hoped either. They started as favourites, but Brazil beat them 4-2 in the semi-finals. They then lost 1-0 to Germany in the bronze medal match. After the Olympics, Spain drew with Italy and Canada (both 1-1). Since then, they have scored 30 goals in eight games and conceded 10. They collected seven wins and only one defeat (1-0 at Wembley against England in February). They beat the Lionesses 2-1 in their last game in Barcelona, which gives them confidence for what lies ahead. Spain and England have been locked in a battle since Euro 2022, and if the two teams meet in the knockouts, it could be quite the rematch. The fact that Spain won the last match in Barcelona, which qualified them for the Nations League semi-final, gives them a boost of confidence. But the memory of the match played at Wembley remains fresh in their minds, as does the fact they have always found it difficult to beat the Lionesses. The group they have been drawn into is manageable: Portugal, Belgium and Italy. They faced the first two opponents in the first phase of the Nations League, beating Portugal 7-1 and 4-2 over two matches. They beat Belgium 5-1 and 3-2 over their two fixtures. In October, they drew 1-1 with Italy, the only opponent who could complicate things. Many are focusing on the semi-finals, where they could face England, though the teams from northern Europe also command a certain amount of respect. In Spain's last starting 11 against England in the Nations League, which will likely be the one Tome will use for the Euros, nine of the 11 players were from Barcelona or had played for the club at some point. Laia Aleixandri played in the club's youth teams and Mariona Caldentey played there until last summer when she signed for Arsenal. Carmona signed with Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in June.
Toronto Sun
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Jenni Hermoso left out of Spain's squad for Women's European Championship after kiss controversy
Published Jun 10, 2025 • 2 minute read Luis Rubiales kisses Jennifer Hermoso of Spain during the medal ceremony of FIFA Women's World Cup on Aug. 20, 2023. Photo by Eurasia Sport Images / Source: Getty Images AsiaPac Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Spain's squad for the Women's European Championship does not include Jenni Hermoso, the player who was kissed without her consent by the former president of the Spanish soccer federation in the awards ceremony of the 2023 World Cup. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The kiss led to a guilty verdict for sexual assault for Luis Rubiales earlier this year. Spain stars Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati were among the 25 players called up by coach Montse Tome on Tuesday ahead of the tournament in Switzerland. The training camp will begin next Thursday in Spain, with players from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid — who participated in the final of the Copa de la Reina on Saturday, due to report Sunday. The team will play a friendly against Japan near Madrid on June 27, and two days later will travel to Switzerland ahead of its Euro debut against Portugal on July 3. The final roster will be 23 players. The other nations in Spain's Euro 2025 group are Italy and Belgium. The 35-year-old Hermoso, who plays for Mexican club Tigres, has not been called up for national duty since friendlies against Italy and Canada last October. She had played in the Olympic tournament in Paris, when Spain finished fourth. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'The questions about Jenni are recurrent, and I've always answered them with great respect,' Tome said. 'We had a conversation when she came to the first FIFA break and didn't have many minutes. We've assessed what she's done with her club, just like we did with the rest of the players, and we've spoken with her coach. There's a lot of competition in her position … I think we've conducted a very professional analysis.' Hermoso, the all-time leading scorer for Spain's national team with 57 goals in 123 matches, was left out of the squad right after the scandal broke, when Tome said she was protecting the player. Hermoso was back with the squad after that, but the coach had said after the Olympics that a new cycle was beginning in the national team. In addition to winning the World Cup in 2023, Spain also won last year's Nations League title. In February, a Spanish court ruled that Rubiales had sexually abused Hermoso when he kissed her without consent. Spain's National Court ordered Rubiales to pay more than 10,000 euros ($10,400 then) in fines and prohibited him from getting within 200 meters of Hermoso or communicating with her for a year. Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Blue Jays NHL Columnists World
Forbes
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
4 Ways Fans Can Go Green For UEFA Women's EURO 2025
TOPSHOT - Spain's midfielder #10 Jennifer Hermoso celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Women's ... More Euro 2025 group A qualifying round day 2 football match between Spain and Czech Republic at El Plantio stadium, in Burgos on April 9, 2024. (Photo by CESAR MANSO / AFP) (Photo by CESAR MANSO/AFP via Getty Images) There are just 50 days until the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 soccer tournament kicks off in Switzerland. Whether you are one of the 550,000 people who have bought tickets to attend a match or are hosting a watch party at home, there are easy ways to reduce your environmental footprint, from how you travel, to what you eat and reducing waste. This year's tournament is expected to break records for attendance and viewership, riding the momentum of women's sports' rapid global growth. Larger numbers mean a bigger environmental footprint, and organisers will publish data on this 100 days after the final match. UEFA have highlighted environmental sustainability as a key factor to the tournament's success. Many players agree, as we have seen them take accountability for their carbon footprint to tournaments, push back on heavy-carbon sponsors and research the impacts of climate change on the women's game. Alongside organisers and athletes, fans also have the opportunity to step up to help ensure that the beautiful game doesn't come at the planet's expense. Fan travel is frequently cited as the largest environmental impact from a soccer match, so working to reduce these emissions is vital. On Women's EURO 2025 match days, tournament tickets will be valid for free second-class public-transport travel between any Swiss locality and the venue. Tram with special livery Uefa Women's Euro 2025 at tram station Schwamendingerplatz on a foggy ... More winter day. Photo taken February 2nd, 2025, Zurich, Switzerland. The organiser's goal is to sell all 673,000 available tickets and surpass the average match attendance of Women's EURO 2022. So far, 550,000 match tickets have been sold, to people from over 100 countries, with tournament organisers expecting around two-thirds of attendees to be Swiss. Matches are taking place in eight venues across Switzerland, from St Gallen to Geneva, leading to a lot of carbon emitted from international and national travel. Spectators heading to matches can take advantage of the inclusion of public transport in their ticket and avoid the stress of driving and parking, save money and get into the festival atmosphere with other travelling fans. Accommodation impacts the size of travel carbon footprint, so fans can look out for green credentials or certifications when booking their hotel to reduce this too. Tip: Plan your route in advance to see which trains, trams, and buses you need to reach the stadium or fan zone. Tournament organisers are prioritising the '4Rs' of reduce, reuse, recycle and recover when it comes to products and packaging at all games. It is up to the stadiums to ensure they reduce waste and recover materials and leftover food, but fans can help by properly disposing of waste at venues as part of recycling efforts. Many stadiums will be equipped with clearly marked recycling stations and sustainability reminders. Availability of vegan and vegetarian food options and products are part of UEFA's sustainability strategy for Women's EURO 2025, so look out for delicious food options that will slash your carbon footprint at concessions during games. Tip: Go for veggie food options, choose reusable cups and follow recycling rules at matches The first dedicated 'Fan Forum' for supporter representatives from all 16 participating nations was hosted recently, to help supporters' groups plan ahead. Topics included fan walks to stadiums, learning about fan zones and sustainability issues. UEFA Women's Euro 2025 Tournament Director Doris Keller gestures in Bern on March 8, 2024, during a ... More kick-off event 500 days ahead of the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 football tournament that will be played in Switzerland. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images) 'Having pre-tournament dialogue with the fans is essential for us, as this tournament is a celebration with and for the fans in a welcoming environment,' said Doris Keller, UEFA Women's EURO 2025 tournament director during the event. 24 green volunteers will also be deployed at tournament venues to assist fans. Tip: Contact your local supporter group to find out more about planned fan walks or to learn about sustainability efforts Global broadcast coverage, and streaming on are expected to deliver record media reach for Women's EURO 2025. Fans can watch for free, as part of the expected globally audience of 500 million viewers, in the comfort of their own home, and host a watch party with friends and family. Soccer fans cheering for German team at home. Sitting on sofa and having drinks. Evening or night ... More time. To make your watch party sustainable, avoid single use or plastic decorations that you will throw away after the tournament and ask friends to wear soccer shirts that they already own. From vegan tacos, loaded potato skins and plant-based pizzas, making lower-carbon delicious party-style food has never been easier. Remember to have some freezer space at the ready to save any leftovers and reduce food waste. Tip: Get into the spirit of the tournament by asking friends to bring a plant-based food option from the countries competing in the match you're watching Fans have a unique opportunity to champion sustainability alongside their team at this year's UEFA Women's EURO. Whether attending matches or hosting watch parties at home, supporters can make eco-friendly choices that align with the tournament's sustainability objectives. By embracing sustainable travel options, reducing waste, and engaging in community initiatives, fans can contribute to a tournament legacy that celebrates both the spirit of football and the health of our planet.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lizbeth Ovalle scores astonishing 'inverted scorpion' goal for Tigres Women
Lizbeth Ovalle surprised everyone using her backheel to score from a Jennifer Hermoso cross as Tigres beat Chivas 2-0 in the 2025 Liga MX Women Clausura.
