TheNewsGuru

Tag: Fifa

  • Swiss brush up attacking plan for knockout game against Spain

    Swiss brush up attacking plan for knockout game against Spain

    Coach Inka Grings says the Swiss Women Football team have worked intensively this week on the offensive part of their game.

    Switzerland kept a clean sheet through the group stage of the Women’s World Cup but only scored two goals through three games.

    “This was definitely one of our focus points this week . . . it was something that we analysed intensively.

    “We talked through with the team and also take the offensive players, assertive players, bring them more into the team,” Grings told a news conference on Friday.

    Switzerland take on Spain in a FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16 game at Auckland’s Eden Park on Saturday.

    Grings’ 20th-ranked squad topped Group A in their second World Cup appearance, with a 2-0 win over the Philippines and scoreless draws with Norway and New Zealand.

    “Of course we have to be more assertive in that run towards the goal,” Grings said.

    “We have really understood that message and we have helped to convey that with videos.

    “I can also read from the body language from the players that it’s been quite an intensive week.”

    Sixth-ranked Spain, considered the favourites on Saturday, albeit in a tournament of numerous upsets so far, kicked off their campaign by beating Zambia and Costa Rica by a combined score of 8-0.

    But Japan ran roughshod over La Roja in a 4-0 victory to cap the group stage.

    “(Spain) have shown us weaknesses that we have analysed intensively with our team, however (Saturday) of course is a different match,” Grings said.

    “Spain has very strong players. We don’t want to focus and shouldn’t focus on just one player. We look at them as a compact and strong team.”

    The Swiss were ousted in the round of 16 in their only other World Cup appearance in 2015.

    The winner of Saturday’s match will play the winner of the Netherlands and South Africa next Thursday.

  • FIFA to pay Super Falcons through NFF under strict monitoring – Falode

    FIFA to pay Super Falcons through NFF under strict monitoring – Falode

    Nigerian Women’s Football League chairperson, Aisha Falode, has shed more light on FIFA paying Nigeria’s Super Falcons directly.

    Falode cleared the air that world governing body (FIFA) will still run the payment through Nigeria Football Federation.

    Recall that the secretary-general of FIFA, Fatma Samoura following the qualification of Super Falcons to the second round of the Mundial, reportedly said the world’s football governing body would send unpaid allowance to the country’s women’s football team to the players directly.

    FIFA had announced that every player participating in the World Cup group stage will earn $30,000.

    The match bonuses will increase to $60,000 in the second round of the competition.

    By this virtue, each player of the Nigerian team is expected to earn at least $60,000 for reaching the round of 16 in Australia and New Zealand.

    Falode made the clarification on a sports show on Lagos talk 91.3 fm on Wednesday in Lagos.

    She said that the World Cup prize money will be “ring-fenced” to ensure it gets to the players without interference from a third party.

    She noted that Falcons’ prize money from the ongoing World Cup will still be routed through the NFF.

  • W/World Cup: Germany crash out after draw with Korea Republic

    W/World Cup: Germany crash out after draw with Korea Republic

    Germany were sent crashing out of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup following a frustrating 1-1 draw with Korea Republic in Brisbane on Thursday.

    The Taeguk Ladies took the lead after just six minutes through Sohyun Cho, only for Alex Popp to level late in the first half.

    Very shortly after, though, Morocco took the lead in their game against Colombia.

    This meant Germany needed to find a goal which never came – therefore condemning the Europeans to a first-ever group-stage exit.

    Korea Republic came flying out of the traps and almost took the lead in the opening minutes.

    This was when Casey Phair was sent through, but she saw her effort turned on to the post by Merle Frohms.

    Die Nationalelf didn’t heed that warning, though, and just minutes later,  Cho was put clear via a defence-splitting pass from Youngju Lee and made no mistake in finding the bottom-left corner.

    Germany, knowing they were heading home as it stood, were dragged level late in the first half by inspirational captain Popp.

    This was after she rose highest from a deep Svenja Huth centre to nod a textbook header beyond Jungmi Kim.

    While that goal temporarily had Germany going through, an even later first-half strike for Morocco against Colombia sent them back down into third and needing another goal to advance.

    Popp thought she had found it just after the break but saw her brave header ruled out for offside, before she sent another one crashing off the bar moments later.

    Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s side continued to press, but neither they nor Colombia could find the net, as group-stage elimination was confirmed for the two-time world champions.

  • We’ll pay World Cup prize money directly to players because of Super Falcons – FIFA

    We’ll pay World Cup prize money directly to players because of Super Falcons – FIFA

    World football governing body, FIFA, says the prize money for the ongoing 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will be paid directly to the players without interference from a third party.

    Fatma Samoura, FIFA secretary-general who made the disclosure in a viral video, noted on Wednesday that the decision is due to the unpaid allowance issues involving the Super Falcons of Nigeria.

    Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum, disclosed in the lead-up to the World Cup, that some players are owed “per diem and bonuses” from two years ago.

    Samoura, in the video, acknowledged that “things have been tough” for the Falcons, adding that FIFA will for the first time monitor that match bonuses get to the players directly.

    “I know that things have been tough. We have to face the realities of Nigeria.

    “It pains me a lot. It is because of you [the Super Falcons] that, for the first time, the prize money has been ring-fenced in the history of FIFA to ensure that it goes to you,” Samoura said.

  • Ligue 1: PSG to report Real Madrid to FIFA over Kylian Mbappe

    Ligue 1: PSG to report Real Madrid to FIFA over Kylian Mbappe

    Paris Saint-Germain have threatened to report Real Madrid to FIFA over what they deem a potential illegal tapping up of Kylian Mbappe, reports UK Telegraph.

    Mbappe is unwilling to extend his contract with PSG  beyond 2024 when his current contract expires.

    The extension clause that exists in the 24-year-old’s current contract expired on July 31.

    As things stand, Mbappe will become a free agent in the summer of 2024.

    There have been suggestions that Madrid already have an agreement in place with Mbappe, which will see the player pocket a €160million signing on fee if he joins the LaLiga giants.

    Such agreements are banned by FIFA as they require a player to have been approached without the blessing of his current employers being sought first

    Meanwhile, Mbappe has been excluded in PSG pre-season activities and may be suspended from the team.

  • FIFA Women’s World Cup: Super Falcons Coach Waldrum reacts to draw against Ireland

    FIFA Women’s World Cup: Super Falcons Coach Waldrum reacts to draw against Ireland

    Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum on Monday said the team was disappointed not to have won against Ireland in their last group game of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

    Coach Waldrum, however, praised the Super Falcons for the doggedness to qualify for the Round of 16 of the tournament.

    “You know, I was actually disappointed in the second half because we could have won the match. So, it almost feels disappointing that we didn’t get the result, the three points.

    “But all of us would have taken this result before we started the match just to know we got through,” he said.

    The nine-time African champions will now face Group D winners, in either European champions England or Denmark in the Round of 16.

    “If it’s England, it’s the European champions. We’ve already played the Olympic gold medallists (Canada). We’ve already played the host nation (Australia).

    “So, it’s just going to be another one of those matches that we’ve already been playing in,” Waldrum said.

  • BREAKING: Canada crash out as Nigeria progress in 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

    BREAKING: Canada crash out as Nigeria progress in 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup

    Canada crashed out on Monday while the Super Falcons of Nigeria pulled a brilliant performance to make progress in the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Super Falcons of Nigeria drew 0:0 against the Republic of Ireland to emerge in second position in Group B.

    In the second match of Group B, played at the same time as the Republic of Ireland vs Nigeria encounter, co-hosts Australia thrashed Canada by four goals to eliminate the North Americans.

    The Super Falcons thus have confirmed their place in the Round of 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

    Nigeria, therefore, ended the Group phase with five points, while Australia topped the Group with six points. Canada crashed out with four points while Ireland were only able to secure one point.

    Meanwhile, Nigeria and Australia will have to wait for their opponents in the Round of 16.

  • FIFA Women’s World Cup: Super Falcons team list released for Ireland cracker

    FIFA Women’s World Cup: Super Falcons team list released for Ireland cracker

    Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has released the team list to square up with the Republic of Ireland today in the last game of Group B in the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Super Falcons of Nigeria will take on the girls in green from Ireland, at 11 am (WAT), in a tricky final Group B match in Brisbane.

    The fearless Super Falcons produced the first major shock of the tournament after stunning co-hosts Australia 3-2, to shoot to the top of the group, level with Canada on four points.

    They had opened their campaign with a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Olympic champions Canada.

    The starting eleven sighted by TNG has Nnadozie, Alozie, Plumptre, Ohale, Demehin, Payne, Avinde, Ucheibe, Ajibade, Oshoala and Kanu.

    On the bench are Oluehi, Ogbonna, Ebi, Oparanozie, Monday, Ordega, Echegini, Imuran, OKoronkwo, Balogun and Onumonu.

    TNG reports the Nigerian girls will have to avoid complacency and what has been termed the Irish banana peel, if they are to seal passage to the round of 16.

    Already eliminated Ireland who narrowly lost their first two matches in the group will be seeking redemption against the Super Falcons in a bid to get their first World Cup win.

    Nigeria are ranked 40th while Ireland is 22nd in the latest FIFA world ranking, but the Super Falcons have re-emphasised the fact that rankings don’t count much when the chips are down.

    Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum on Sunday, ahead of the match said his team will continue to show that they are better than their current ranking.

    “We have shown we are a better team than number 40 (ranking) in the world. I would say that we were underestimated and underappreciated.

    “Hopefully we’ve proven that to the world right now that we belong in a higher place (than 40th).” he said.

    The coach said the team would approach the ‘very difficult’ Ireland match with all the seriousness it deserves, to avoid any slips

    “It is going to be a very difficult game. People may think I am crazy for saying this, but I think it could be our hardest match.

    “Ireland have been a bit unlucky in the first two matches and could have got a result.

    “We are not expecting them to lay down because they are going home already, I am expecting to get the best from them and have been very impressed with their team and their organisation.” he said.

    Analysts have stressed the need for the Super Falcons to go for an outright win, so as to top the group, regardless of the result from the dicey Australia vs Canada match.

    Nigeria should advance to the last-16 if they avoid a defeat against the hungry Irish, while a loss would leave them scrambling for a favourable result from the other group game between Canada and Australia.

    Only the top two teams from each group will qualify for the round of 16.

  • FIFA Women’s World Cup: Super Falcons captain says team positive ahead of Ireland clash

    FIFA Women’s World Cup: Super Falcons captain says team positive ahead of Ireland clash

    History-making captain Onome Ebi says the Super Falcons are gingered and in a super positive mood ahead of Monday evening’s Group B cracker against the Republic of Ireland at Brisbane’s Lang Park.

    The 40-year-old became one of the oldest women to have featured at the FIFA Women’s World Cup when she was introduced into the game against co-hosts Australia at the same venue on Thursday.

    She’s also one of the few women, and the only one from the African continent, to have played in six finals, alongside Brazil’s Marta and Canada’s Christine Sinclair.

    “We are very positive and looking forward to the match. The mood in camp is great and everyone is in high spirits. The win against Australia has given us the belief and the confidence to face any team. We will play for a win.

    “We want Nigerians all over the world to continue to support us and believe in the team. That alone gives us great motivation. We have won one match and drawn one. We want to set the record of not losing any match in the group phase and topping our group.”

    When the Falcons reached the knock-out rounds in the USA in 1999, the team lost to hosts USA before defeating North Korea and Denmark to make the quarter-finals. Mercy Akide and Rita Nwadike scored in the 2-1 win over North Korea, while Akide and Nkiru Okosieme scored in the 2-0 win over Denmark.

    In 2019, when they reached the Round of 16, the nine-time African champions lost 0-3 to Norway and 0-1 to hosts France, on either side of a 2-0 defeat of South Korea, with Asisat Oshoala scoring after an own goal by the Koreans.

    “We know we still have a job to do; we are not deterred. We simply go in there and play for a win,” Ebi added.

    The Falcons, top of the pool with four points, take on the ‘Girls in Green” on Monday night starting from 8pm Australia time (11am Nigeria time) with the Irish already eliminated from the tournament.

    Co-hosts Australia tackle Canada in the other match of the group that will be played simultaneously. The Canadians are also on four points, with the Matildas on three.

    With a win in mind, Nigeria could start with a forward-line of record-breaker Asisat Oshoala, and Uchenna Kanu (who scored the first goal against Australia), with Rasheedat Ajibade and Ifeoma Onumonu operating from the wings.

  • #FIFAWWC: FG reacts over Super Falcons performance

    #FIFAWWC: FG reacts over Super Falcons performance

    The Federal Government has charged the Super Falcons to continue to raise the country’s flag high at
    the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia, New Zealand.

    Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development gave the charge on Thursday in Abuja in a statement by  Mohammed Manga, Director Press in the ministry.

    Abubakar congratulated the team for putting up a superlative performance to defeat co-hosts Australia 3-2 in Brisbane at the ongoing mundial.

    He stated that Nigerians have been following the games with keen interest and delighted at their display of skill and team work since the beginning of the Competition.

    “We have followed your games and want to thank you for doing the nation proud, thus putting a smile on the faces of Nigerians.

    “We commend you, your coaches and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for the good job done so far,” he said.

    The permanent secretary urged the team to take their last group game even more seriously to ensure qualification for the knock out stage.

    “You cannot afford to rest on your oars, take the next game against the Republic of Ireland with full determination to succeed as you took your first two games.

    “Give it your very best,  which is your 100 per cent assurance to win. We are solidly behind you,” he said.

    Abubakar assured  that the ministry will continue to create an enabling environment for sports development in the country so as to enable its athletes excel at the international stage.

    The Super Falcons on Thursday shocked co-hosts Australia 3-2 in an highly entertaining match, in their second Group B game.