The Spanish national team began its campaign in the inaugural season of the European Nations League with a 3-2 victory over the Swedish national team, on Friday, after the players decided to end the boycott.
The Swedish team opened the scoring through Magdalena Eriksson, but Athena Castillo equalized the score for the Spanish team, before Eva Navarro scored the second goal. The Swedish team was able to equalize the score through Lita Hurtig, but Mariona Caldinetti scored the winning goal for the Spanish team in stoppage time of the match.
The Spanish national team poses with wristbands reading “It’s over” before the match against Sweden (AFP)
Spain’s female players had previously announced a boycott of the national team in support of world champion Jenny Hermoso, who was kissed on the lips by Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Federation at the time, during the cup handover ceremony following the 1-0 victory over the England national team in Sydney last month. Hermoso said more than once that the kiss was not consensual.
Many players, including all those who participated in the World Cup, stated that they would not play for Spain as long as Rubiales remained president of the federation.
Rubiales resigned last week, after initially refusing to resign, but the players continued to boycott and demanded changes in the federation’s employees. However, the new coach, Montserrat Toumi, who took over the national team’s position to succeed Jorge Villeda, who was dismissed from his position, included the striking players in the Nations League matches. The strike ended after negotiations led by the Supreme Sports Council in Spain.
Sophie Svava, the Danish national team player, gave a remarkable performance during the match against the German national team (EBA)
At the same time, the German national team lost to its Danish counterpart 0 – 2, with Amalie Vansgaard scoring both goals for the Danish national team.
The German national team played the match without its coach, Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, who is recovering from an illness that was not announced. Assistant coach Britta Carlson is currently leading the team.
The heartbreak of German Katherine Hendrich after their loss to Denmark (AP)
Vos-Tecklenburg’s contract extends until 2025, but she is under great pressure after the German team’s first exit from the group stage of the Women’s World Cup, which was held in Australia last month.
Germany will host Iceland next Tuesday, while the Spanish national team will host its Swiss counterpart.
2023-09-23 19:08:17
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