Womens world cup betting

The Japanese have had precious little to cheer about over the past four months, so they could be forgiven for the enthusiasm with which they greeted a historic victory in a football match played in the dead of night thousands of miles and several time zones away. The celebrations began as soon as Saki Kumagai smacked the ball high into the net to seal victory over the USA in the Women's World Cup final in Germany in the early hours of Monday morning. Supporters filed out of bars in Tokyo and chanted the team's name on the streets in scenes reminiscent of the men's World Cup in South Africa last summer, when Japan confounded their critics and reached the knockout stage. Many more had set their alarms in time for the 3.45am kick-off, secure in the knowledge they could watch the match live and then go back to bed, as sunrise marked the start of a national holiday. For those who had chosen to sleep though the final, TV networks ran endless replays of the match's highlights, culminating in … [Read more...] about Women’s World Cup victory brings joy to Japan

Golden Boot, Golden Ball and the World Cup. Megan Rapinoe made her mark in style. With boos for Gianni Infantino, the Fifa president, echoing around the ground at the trophy presentation and chants of “equal pay” ringing loudest, the impact off the pitch after 52 games from the reigning champions was as big as the impact on it. A coolly taken Rapinoe penalty and beautifully worked goal from Rose Lavelle was all that was needed to fire USA to their fourth Women’s World Cup against a resilient Netherlands side held together by the outstanding, yet currently unsigned, Sari van Veenendaal in goal. Rapinoe tied up the Golden Boot ahead of her teammate Alex Morgan, having matched her for goals and assists but in fewer minutes on the pitch. USA’s co-captain slotted home the spot-kick on the hour, after Morgan had been fouled by Stefanie van der Gragt. Eight minutes later, Lavelle sealed victory with a fine solo effort. With USA having overcome the hosts, France, and … [Read more...] about Megan Rapinoe on the spot as USA beat Netherlands to win Women’s World Cup

Carli Lloyd won her second World Cup with the US women’s national team this summer but it’s safe to say she did not enjoy the experience as much as her teammates. The 37-year-old scored a hat-trick in the 2015 World Cup final but was relegated to a role off the bench this time around, and had to play as a forward rather than in her preferred position as an attacking midfielder. Lloyd appeared on ESPN’s Laughter Permitted with Julie Foudy podcast this week, and said the last three years were the worst of her career, as she coped with injuries and a diminished role with the national team. “I’m not going to lie and sugarcoat it,” Lloyd said. “It was absolutely the worst time of my life. It affected my relationship with my husband, with friends. It really was rock bottom of my entire career. But somehow, you see light at the end of the tunnel, and I can honestly say I’m having more fun now playing than I ever have in my career. I think I just … [Read more...] about Carli Lloyd says she hit ‘rock bottom’ during last World Cup cycle

The Rugby World Cup has exploded into life after Japan produced one of the greatest sporting upsets of all time, beating the two-time champions South Africa with the last move of the match. Prior to kick-off Zimbabwe had been the only side the Cherry Blossoms had beaten in the tournament’s history, at the second World Cup in 1991, yet anyone expecting them to wilt in the face of a mighty Springbok side boasting 851 caps between them was in for a shock. Coached by Eddie Jones, who was part of the Springboks’ staff during their 2007 triumph, Japan more than matched their illustrious opponents all over the pitch. Twice in the dying minutes, trailing by three points, they had the chance to secure a famous draw and twice they refused, choosing to go for glory instead. Four minutes into injury time they finally achieved it, as replacement wing Karne Hesketh dived into the corner to earn a stunning 34-32 victory. Sir Clive Woodward, former England player and coach, afterwards … [Read more...] about Rugby World Cup opens with biggest shock in game’s history

Sports legend Billie Jean King has defended the U.S. women's soccer team after they were slammed for wildly celebrating every goal in their 13-0 defeat of Thailand.  Tennis star King insisted that the criticism is 'ridiculous', hitting back at trolls saying: 'I don't think they would be doing that if they were men.'  King says she's 'ticked off' over the situation and feels that there are double standards regarding the way female and male soccer stars are treated. The 75-year-old also believes that the women's team have 'a lot of responsibility' on their shoulders so celebrating is a way of releasing the pressure. She told DailyMailTV: 'First of all, I think the criticism is ridiculous. I don't think they would do that if they were men. I think they would be celebrating them making all of those goals, so let's just put that in perspective.  Billie Jean King tells DailyMailTV that she supports the U.S. women's soccer team after they were slammed for wildly celebrating … [Read more...] about EXCLUSIVE: ‘The criticism is ridiculous!’ Billie Jean King defends the U.S. women’s soccer team’s ‘disrespectful’ World Cup celebration, saying there would be no backlash ‘if they were men’