Alex Morgan's goal celebration in the USA's semi-final win over England has been one of the main talking points going into Sunday's final against the Netherlands LYON: The United States head into the women's World Cup final against the Netherlands on Sunday seemingly in such rude health that the biggest controversy surrounding the holders in recent days has been Alex Morgan's tea-sipping goal celebration against England.Morgan, one of the faces of the USA side that has made history by reaching a third consecutive final, has been at the centre of a veritable storm in a tea cup since using the celebration to mark her winner in Tuesday's semi-final. Whether it was an attempt to wind-up the English for their love of the drink, or something more innocent, the 30-year-old has been struck by the level of media attention. "You see men celebrating all around the world in big tournaments, grabbing their sacks or whatever it is, when I look at sipping a cup of tea, I'm a little taken … [Read more...] about USA hoping for more celebrations in World Cup final
Womens world cup final time
Dutch upstarts bid to shock mighty US in World Cup final
LYON, France: The Netherlands will bid to begin a new era in women's soccer in Sunday's World Cup final when they try to stop the all-conquering United States team from claiming a record fourth crown.It is almost a classic David v Goliath clash, although the Dutch did produce a major shock two years ago when, ranked 12th in the world, they won the European Championship on home soil to lift their first trophy.The Netherlands have utilized technically-gifted players, like former world player of the year Lieke Martens, to reach the final against the most dominant team in women's football history.Both sides are managed by women, Sarina Wiegman coaching the Dutch and Jill Ellis leading the U.S. Of the 24 teams competing at the World Cup, only nine were coached by women.The U.S., seeking to retain the trophy they won comfortably in Canada four years ago, have been severely tested in this tournament with Ellis saying it has been their hardest ever route to a final.The Americans were indebted … [Read more...] about Dutch upstarts bid to shock mighty US in World Cup final
Netherlands to face USA in World Cup final
Jackie Groenen scored the extra-time goal that takes the Netherlands through to a women's World Cup final against the United States. LYON: An extra-time strike by Jackie Groenen saw the Netherlands edge out Sweden 1-0 in a gruelling women's World Cup semi-final in Lyon on Wednesday, taking the European champions through to this weekend's final against the United States.After a goalless 90 minutes, midfielder Groenen -- a former judo European Championship bronze medallist as a youth who recently agreed a move to Manchester United -- broke the deadlock in the 99th minute of a tense contest in Lyon, breaking Swedish hearts in the process. When Danielle van de Donk's pass was touched into her path by Swedish defender Linda Sembrant, Groenen sent a low shot from 20 yards beyond the reach of goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl and into the far corner. Having knocked out former winners Japan and then Italy in the previous two rounds, the Dutch are now just one game away from adding a first … [Read more...] about Netherlands to face USA in World Cup final
Pay dispute resurfaces as US women prepare for World Cup final
Sport With the United States preparing to play in the women's World Cup final the team's fight for pay equity resurfaced on Wednesday with the Democratic Women's Caucus demanding answers from U.S. Soccer chief Carlos Cordeiro. 03 Jul 2019 11:31PM Bookmark REUTERS: With the United States preparing to play in the women's World Cup final the team's fight for pay equity resurfaced on Wednesday with the Democratic Women's Caucus demanding answers from U.S. Soccer chief Carlos Cordeiro.The U.S. national team's dispute with the U.S. Soccer Federation over pay parity has simmered in the background of the month-long tournament which will reach a climax on Sunday in Lyon when the U.S., coming off a tense 2-1 semi-final win over England, will face the Netherlands or Sweden.Players have said repeatedly their lawsuit against U.S. Soccer has not been a distraction but the dispute was front-and-centre again as the Democratic Women's Caucus sent Cordeiro a letter expressing its "deep … [Read more...] about Pay dispute resurfaces as US women prepare for World Cup final
US reach World Cup final with dramatic win over England
Sport Defending champions United States reached the women's World Cup final for the fifth time after an incident-packed 2-1 win over England, who missed a late penalty, on Tuesday. 03 Jul 2019 05:01AM Bookmark LYON, France: Defending champions United States reached the women's World Cup final for the fifth time after an incident-packed 2-1 win over England, who missed a late penalty, on Tuesday.Christen Press, in for the absent Megan Rapinoe, put the U.S. ahead in the 10th minute with a fine header but the Lionesses fought back, levelling nine minutes later with Ellen White's sixth goal of the tournament.The U.S. restored their advantage in the 31st minute through Alex Morgan's header from Lindsey Horan's perfectly floated ball - a goal which Morgan, on her 30th birthday, celebrated with a mocking 'sip of tea' gesture.England thought they had levelled in the 69th minute, through another excellent White finish, but the goal was ruled out for offside by VAR video review.VAR … [Read more...] about US reach World Cup final with dramatic win over England