Latest news with #Swedes
Metro
a day ago
- Sport
- Metro
Chloe Kelly can win the BBC SPOTY award after penalty heroics
Chloe Kelly's glorious penalty which nailed England's shootout victory against Spain as they successfully defended their Women's European Championship crown has catapulted her to the top of the betting for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The winger was already as short as 12/1 with bet365 before the Lionesses roared to victory and has been a class act throughout the tournament, picking out team-mates with precise crosses, including two off the bench in the quarter-final win against Sweden, then in the final when she teed up Alessia Russo's towering header for the equaliser in the 57th minute. Kelly, who famously scored the extra-time winner in the 2022 Wembley final against Germany, was cut to 7/2 to be named the sports personality of the year after the final whistle at the St Jakob-Park stadium in Basel and has been further backed into as short as 6/4 with Betway and 888Sport and no better than 2/1 with BoyleSports. On the face of it she looks a shoo-in but England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton will also receive loud cheers when the Lionesses hold a victory parade around London after saving two of Spain's three missed penalties as Sarina Wiegman's side won the shoot-out 3-1. Hampton made a series of superb stops in the final and was one of the heroes en route to the decider, especially against the Swedes when she again thwarted the opposition by saving penalties after extra-time, and she is 13/2 with William Hill, bet365 and Betfred to land SPOTY. Kelly and Hampton fully deserve their positions as second and third favourites respectively in the market but are their amazing achievements better than Rory McIlroy's Masters victory at Augusta in April, which means he has now won all four majors in a dazzling career? Hmmm, good question. Rory remains the 6/5 favourite with Ladbrokes, Coral and Sky Bet but what about Luke Littler, who has become only the fifth player to win darts' triple crown after adding the World Matchplay at Blackpool to his world championship and Premier League titles? He has to be in with a decent shout at 14/1 with Coral and Ladbrokes. There are other contenders waiting in the wings and if Finn Russell produces another kicking masterclass and the British & Irish Lions complete an historic whitewash against Australia in Sydney on Saturday, his long odds of 150/1 with Hills would surely shrivel while the 14/1 with Betfred and bet365 for Lando Norris to clinch the award will swiftly shrink if he wins this year's Formula One plaudits. Jack Draper's odds will also plunge to single digits from the 66/1 with Ladbrokes and Coral if he wins the US Open in September so while classy Chloe would deserve the SPOTY crown there's a lot of sport still to be played this year. Prices on the team Alexander Isak will be scoring goals for after the transfer window closes have flip-flopped over the past couple of days with Liverpool cut from 4/1 to a current 2/5 with Ladbrokes and Coral after the Sweden striker was left out Newcastle's pre-season tour while the Magpies have drifted from 1/3 to 11/4 with bet365 to retain his services. The Premier League champions are selling Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich for £63m and Darwin Nunez could also be heading for the Anfield exit for a similar fee with clubs in Italy lining up bids, which will pave the way for a blockbuster raid for Isak. More Trending Newcastle are no bigger than 1/2 with Bet Victor to replace Isak with Benjamin Sesko with Arsenal ending their interest in the RB Leipzig marksman after capturing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting. Joseph O'Brien's Masoun has won his last two starts at the Curragh and Leopardstown and can get punters off to a winning start at Glorious Goodwood with a strong show in the opening race, the Chesterfield Cup. Back the four-year-old bay gelding each-way at 12/1 with Paddy Power, Betfair, Betfred, Bet Victor and StarSports. Dorset can land the Vintage Stakes for Aidan O'Brien at 2/1 with Coral while Noble Champion won the Jersey Stakes and Royal Ascot, handles racing well on the Sussex Downs and is worth siding with at 6/1 with Ladbrokes, Coral and William Hill in the Lennox Stakes. MORE: 'The Lionesses have transformed women's football – here's how we continue their work' MORE: Inside England Lioness Chloe Kelly's marriage to husband Scott Moore after unlikely first date MORE: England hero Chloe Kelly criticised for 'cocky gesture' during Euro 2025 final
Local Sweden
3 days ago
- Business
- Local Sweden
Inside Sweden: What does an 80s finance minister have to do with Sweden's work permit plans?
The Local Sweden's editor Emma Löfgren rounds up the biggest stories of the week in our Inside Sweden newsletter. Advertisement Hej, In 1983, the Swedish parliament voted to introduce employee funds (löntagarfonder), an attempt to challenge private ownership of companies by taxing profits and putting them into special funds controlled by the unions. It was a highly controversial scheme, and even Finance Minister Kjell-Olof Feldt's heart wasn't really in it, but the unions were too strong and so the Social Democrats managed to win the vote in parliament and introduce the funds. They were later scrapped after the conservatives won the election in 1991, and the Social Democrats have never attempted to bring them back ever since. But the reason why most Swedes remember them is completely different. During the parliamentary debate about their introduction, photographer Paolo Rodiquez from local newspaper Stockholms-Tidningen managed to snap a picture of Kjell-Olof Feldt, who spent the debate penning a poem. Löntagarfonder är ett jävla skit, men nu har vi baxat dem ända hit, read the first line on a scrap piece of paper on Feldt's desk. Or, in English: "Employee funds are a piece of crap, but we've lugged them all the way to where we're at." I was reminded of this story when immigration and relocation expert Lena Rekdal quoted Feldt's poem on LinkedIn, in the context of the plans to raise the work permit salary threshold to 100 percent of the median, with exemptions. The list of 152 job titles which could be exempted from a higher salary threshold was published by the Migration Agency this week (although The Local was able to reveal the full list a few days earlier), but there have been few signs from the government that they're actually moving forward with it. Advertisement It's hard to find anyone who's fully in support of the whole thing. Businesses worry a higher threshold will make it harder to recruit and don't want to rely on a list of exemptions based on very clunky metrics, relocation experts warn it's going to slow down permit processing times, and you barely even have to read between the lines to be able to tell that the Migration Agency itself thinks it's all just too much of a hassle for something that won't yield a lot of results. And if exemptions are needed for, potentially, 152 jobs out of the 429 jobs on Sweden's official list of job titles, that means that the higher salary threshold is unsuitable for over a third of Swedish job titles. What's the point, then? Even the government itself seems to be hesitating, as the higher salary threshold plus exemptions were supposed to have come into force earlier this summer, but haven't yet made their way into a draft bill. So is this going to be something that gets quietly buried and forgotten about, or will it become another piece of jävla skit that the government thinks it may as well push through now that it has lugged it all the way to where we're at? We'll see. I probably won't be here for it, though, as I'm writing this Inside Sweden on my last day before I go on maternity leave until spring. I'll hopefully be in touch with you again next year, but until then, it will be my Deputy Editor Becky Waterton and Nordic Editor Richard Orange manning the fort. In other news Sweden's security checks are likely to slow down the processing of citizenship applications further than previously estimated, a new forecast suggests. Advertisement Summer in Sweden is special: on that our readers are agreed. When we asked, they praised the days that stretch past 10pm, the natural, uncrowded beaches and lakes, berries, and locals who are suddenly carefree and smiling. Swedish summers are often wet, as some of you may have noticed this week, with downpours more common during the warmer months. Who is responsible if your home floods, and what can you do to prevent damage? The European Commission has laid out the start date for the long-delayed biometric passport checks known as the Entry & Exit System. Differing interest rates between Sweden's banks mean that mortgage holders could save thousands of kronor by switching banks or negotiating a new rate. Thanks as always for reading and take care, Emma Inside Sweden is our weekly newsletter for members which gives you news, analysis and, sometimes, takes you behind the scenes at The Local. It's published each Saturday and with Membership+ you can also receive it directly to your inbox.
Local Sweden
3 days ago
- Climate
- Local Sweden
Why Swedes stay home in summer (and it's not for the rain)
This week: 'Cloudburst-like rain' and what to do if your house is flooded, why Swedes stay home in summer, and having babies. For Membership+ subscribers: the jobs that might be exempted from work permit salary requirements, and summer drownings. Advertisement In this week's episode we talk about 'cloudburst-like rain' and what to do if your house is flooded. We talk about why Swedes tend to stay home in the summer. And we talk about what it's like to have a baby in Sweden. For Membership+ subscribers, we reveal the jobs the Swedish Public Employment Service has suggested could be exempted from a future new salary threshold for work permits. And we talk about why there's been a spike in drowning and whether better swimming lessons could be the solution. Host Richard Orange is joined this week by regular panelists Becky Waterton and Emma Löfgren. Here are links to some of the topics discussed in the episode: Floods Swedish summer Having babies Work permit salary exemptions Drowning You can listen to the free episode here: Or follow Sweden in Focus wherever you listen to podcasts. Advertisement Get Membership+ to listen to all The Local's podcasts Sign up now and get early, ad-free access to a full-length episode of the Sweden in Focus podcast every weekend, as well as Sweden in Focus Extra every Wednesday. Please visit the link that applies to you and get a 40% discount on Membership+ Read more about Membership+ in our help centre. Already have Membership+ but not receiving all the episodes? Go to the podcast tab on your account page to activate your subscription. More
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Cross or shot? Hibs Euro goal hero reveals all about wonder strike
Second qualifying round tie finely balanced at 1-1 ahead of Easter Road return leg Sign up to our Hibs football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hibs Europa League goal hero Jamie McGrath insists he was DEFINITELY aiming for goal with his wonder free-kick that earned David Gray's men a battling 1-1 draw away to Midtjylland. And the Irishman has warned his team-mates that their European fates can turn in the blink of an eye, as they prepare to welcome the dangerous Danes to Easter Road for the second leg next week. McGrath's early opener caught Midtjylland keeper Jonas Lossl napping, the veteran goalie left out of position and unable to prevent the attacking midfielder's delivery – from way, way out on the left wing – swinging in and over the line at the near post. The home side at the MCH Arena equalised with a late free-kick of their own, with the help of a minor deflection. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Keeper caught out by audacious effort McGrath, part of the Aberdeen team who saw a 2-2 away draw with BK Hacken blown away by a 3-1 home loss to the Swedes at precisely this stage of Europa League qualifying two seasons ago, laughed in response to gaffer Gray joking that his strike on goal had been intended as a cross, saying: 'Me and Jordan Obita stood over the ball, and we just had a brief chat. We kind of spotted the keeper cheating a little bit. 'I was like: 'Yes, I'll whip it in to the near post.' Worst case scenario, keeper catches it, but best case, we obviously scored.' David Gray's men seek improvement in return leg Insisting that Hibs will have to up their performance levels to progress to the third qualifying round at Midtjylland's expense with a home win next Thursday night, McGrath said: 'Yes, of course. It's only halfway, both teams feeling each other out as well. 'It's going to be a completely different game next week as well. We know that. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We can't get too high or too low. We have to address it the same way as we addressed it this week. 'But we have that little edge with the home fans on our side next week. A quick mention to the travelling fans, they were unbelievable. 'We sensed it on the drive to the stadium; you see them all outside the window. They got here early, and that buzz in the warm-up kind of spurred us on as well. 'We know they spent a lot of money and time coming over here. It was nice to give them a bit of a result to go back to Scotland next week. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Early alarm call from travelling Hibs fans 'Yeah, there were a few in the hotel waking us up! You could hear them outside the window all day. 'I don't know if there's much to do around here, but they've been brilliant. Hopefully they'll have a good night tonight and get back safe tomorrow. 'Like I said, Easter Road will be jammed next week. I'm really looking forward to it now.' Aberdeen experience shows danger of Euro foes Referencing his own experience with the Dons against Hacken, McGrath cautioned: 'That's the thing, Europe can change in the flick of a switch. We know we have to address it like we have done this week. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We know in Europe if you switch off for a minute you get punished. We're going to have to be on our A game next week to give ourselves a chance to get through. 'But I think overall we defended the box really well. We kind of limited them to a moment of magic that obviously equalised the game. 'I think if we were a little bit tidier on transitions, we could have maybe capitalised on that a bit better, especially in the second half. Martin Boyle was very close to being onside as well. I didn't see it back, but he obviously was offside if VAR gave it. 'But, of course there's positives to be taken from the first leg. We're going back to a home game next week. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I think that's what we aim to do, is bring it back there. But it's only halfway, we can't get too excited.' As a dead-ball expert himself, you might imagine McGrath to have recognised a fellow connoisseur in Midtjylland scorer Amil Simir. Maybe in time, he'll find something to admire about the opponent's equaliser … 'No, I never admire it,' he said with a grin. 'You're just thinking: 'Oh no!' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'There wasn't much we could have done about it. Maybe foul the player a bit earlier in that attack. It's always when you look back, you can change different things. 'The pleasing thing was how we defended the box. From the front, I thought we defended really well. The two boys up top worked their socks off and the boys that came in as well carried on the trend. 'I think probably a draw was a fair result. But yeah, they're used to being in the Champions League - so we probably would take a draw going into next week.' McGrath, whose last European goal was a free-kick against PAOK for Aberdeen just under two years ago, had joked on the eve of the Midtjylland game that he needed to contribute something in Denmark – if only to counter the good-natured stick he's taken from team-mates since joining Hibs. Having signed a pre-contract agreement midway through last season, McGrath was then part of the Dons squad who pulled off a shock Scottish Cup win over Celtic – 'stealing' the guaranteed European group stage football prize that would otherwise have gone to Hibs, as third-placed finishers in the Scottish Premiership. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I had to make it up to them some way!' said the former St Mirren star. 'It was obviously a nice start, nice to get my first competitive goal.' 'Yes, my last goal in Europe was a free kick as well. It is a nice trend. Hopefully we get a free kick next week! 'It's obviously nice to help the boys out. Like I said, we started the game brilliantly. 'From the kick-off, we looked threatening. I think they took over a bit towards the end of the first half, but we defended our box brilliantly. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The boys at the back were immense. Smudger (Jordan Smith) in goal as well, he was brilliant all night coming for crosses. 'He tie is still alive. We'll bring it back next week and give ourselves a chance.'
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Women's Euros the gift that keeps on giving
Opinion Both semi-finals at the 2025 Women's European Championship went into extra time. Two matches required penalties in the quarterfinal round. That's two thirds of the knockout games going past the 90 minutes. At no point was it tedious. Quite the contrary, in fact. JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS England's Michelle Agyemang (17) scored England's opening goal on Tuesday against Italy. It was Agyemang's second heroic goal of the tournament. This Euro, set to finish Sunday in Basel, Switzerland (11 a.m., TSN), has been compelling from the very first kick, the sort of event where looking away — even for a moment — invites the risk of missing something important. Thought England and Italy were bound for a shoot-out on Tuesday? Hopefully you didn't go to the kitchen or check your phone, because Chloe Kelly knew that the 119th minute was still within the 120. Quite incredibly, it looked as though Italy was headed to a first tournament final, only to concede to Michelle Agyemang in the sixth minute of stoppage time. It was the 19-year-old's second heroic moment in five days, the first coming in the form of an 81st-minute equalizer against Sweden. Her surname means 'saviour of the nation,' which might be the most poetic thing in a competition that's written more than a few stanzas. Having gone on to beat the Swedes on penalties and then the Italians with mere seconds left on the referee's watch, the Lionesses are back where they were three years ago: in a continental final. They beat Germany that night at Wembley to win their first major trophy. Thirteen months later they came close to winning a second, only to collide with Spain — the sport's latest superpower and Sunday's other finalist. Loaded with star players and brimming with the confidence of a world champion, Spain beat their group stage rivals (Belgium, Italy and Portugal) by a combined score of 14-3. Esther González scored in all three matches, and resurgent former Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas tallied in two. After seeing off Switzerland in the quarterfinals, they had to suffer through extra time against Germany and even looked to be flagging late on. That's when the world's top footballer finally came good. Latching onto Athenea del Castillo's pass after Ona Batlle had done well to win the ball on the right-hand side, Aitana Bonmatí split the German defence before beating goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger from what seemed an impossible angle. Few players would have even attempted such an audacious shot, but the reigning two-time Ballon d'Or winner is not just any player. And as if her 113th-minute winner wasn't impressive enough in its own right, it was all the more meaningful given her recent hospitalization with viral meningitis. Discharged mere days before the tournament began, she was nearly left off the national team and started the first two matches on the bench. In that context, it's remarkable that La Roja were able to so easily dispatch their opponents without the full contribution of their best player. But now, as she rounds into form at exactly the right time, Spain can finally deploy the one-two punch of Bonmatí and Putellas that's deprived them since the latter sustained a serious knee injury ahead of Euro 2022. It's a combo that'll have England boss Sarina Wiegman deliberating over her line-up into Sunday morning. That Spanish midfield, which also includes the superb Patricia Guijarro (she, Bonmatí and Putellas are club teammates at Barcelona) will inevitably control the centre of the park. To avoid being completely overrun, which they were against France, the Lionesses could well sacrifice Lauren James in favour of Grace Clinton. Weekday Evenings Today's must-read stories and a roundup of the day's headlines, delivered every evening. England has shown they can outlast the opposition, suffering through the balance of a match before striking quick with Kelly or Agyemang. It'll likely be their approach on Sunday. Which means the European Championship final could well extend beyond the 90 minutes. Here's hoping it does. Because the only way this tournament can get better is by having even more of it. jerradpeters@
