Esports 'scandal' as FIFAe World Cup ends in penalty controversy
We've all seen controversial penalty shootouts – but never quite like this. The FIFA esports World Cup has ended in scandal this week after a penalty shootout which was branded a “disgrace” by the losing side. K esports organisation Futwiz lost the tournament’s grand final after their player’s controller overlay was shown on the main screen during the shootout, meaning everybody could see which way he was aiming. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Futwiz’s Australian player, Mark11, raised his arm several times to let officials know about the situation. However, the issue wasn’t resolved and he lost 5-4 overall, with admins deciding not to retake the penalties. Mark11 received the $150,000 second-place prize and his opponent, Team Gullit’s Dutch player Bachoore, left with the $300,000 top prize. Dan Bellis, the CEO of Futwiz, told Esports News UK: “The players are instructed to raise their hand if there’s an issue and it will be dealt with – but to keep on playing until then (stopping the game results in a disqualification). “In the 2v2 Club World Cup Semi-Final one of our players’ console was freezing after kick off – he raised his hand and the game was nullified and restarted. The protocol is communicated to the players and they’ve bottled it in the biggest occasion. “Just to clarify – this is nothing to do with EA, the world finals (for the last time as the partnership is ending) are handed over to FIFAe and the agency they use – ‘The eSports Company’.” A spokesperson for FIFA said: “All players have been informed at the start of the FIFAe World Cup 2023 that if they actively decide themselves to show the input overlay, it might be displayed on broadcast and in the arena. “Throughout the entire competition, the feed of the home console was visible on the stream and within the arena. This also included games with the input overlay. “The same situation occurred during the semi-finals including a penalty shootout and no further concerns have been raised by the players prior to the start of the final. After thorough review of the footage, we can also confirm that no player received a competitive advantage as the opposite team only watched their own screen.” But fellow esports players did not agree. British FIFA pro player Tom Leese described it as “the lowest day in FIFA esports history”. Pro FIFA player for Burnley, Jack Sharp added: “You’ve got a guy who’s communicating to the refs multiple times that something isn’t right and he’s being ignored? Scandalous.” Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-07-20 17:46
Australia star Sam Kerr ruled out of Women’s World Cup opener after injury blow
Australia star Sam Kerr has been ruled out of her country’s first two matches at the Women’s World Cup in what is a huge blow to the tournament co-hosts. The Chelsea striker suffered a calf injury in training the day before the start of the tournament. Australia play their opening match against the Republic of Ireland in Sydney on Thursday night, while Kerr has also been ruled out of their Group B clash with Nigeria next week. The 29-year-old, who is the face of this year’s Women’s World Cup, will be assessed before Australia’s final group game against Olympic champions Canada. A statement from the Matildas confirmed the news an hour before their opening match. “Sam Kerr is unavailable tonight after she picked up a calf injury at training [on Wednesday]. “Sam will be unavailable for the next two matches with the Matildas Medical Team to re-assess her following our second group stage match.” "Unfortunately I sustained a calf injury yesterday in training,” Kerr said in a statement. “I wanted to share this with everyone so there is no distraction from us doing what we came here to achieve. “Of course I would have loved to have been out there tonight but I can’t wait to be a part of this amazing journey which starts now.” Australia play their opening match of the World Cup in front of what is expected to be a record-breaking crowd at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium, while Ireland will be making their first appearance at the tournament. Read More Women’s World Cup 2023 LIVE: New Zealand open tournament against Norway before Australia host Ireland England World Cup Fixtures: Full Lionesses schedule and route to the final How to watch every Women’s World Cup match on TV
2023-07-20 17:26
Wilkinson's goal gives New Zealand a 1-0 win over Norway in an emotional Women's World Cup opener
Hannah Wilkinson has scored to open the second half and New Zealand has beaten Norway 1-0 for its first-ever win at the Women’s World Cup as the nation reeled from a tragic shooting in downtown Auckland earlier in the first day of the tournament
2023-07-20 17:26
Australia star Sam Kerr ruled out of opening Women's World Cup game with injury
Sam Kerr has been ruled out of Australia’s opening game of the Women’s World Cup against Ireland
2023-07-20 17:24
Burnley FC uses The Teletubbies to unveil new signing in another incredible parody
Burnley FC's latest signing announcement has attracted the attention of football fans (no matter what club they support), after the team went to the effort of creating a Teletubbies reboot. As the iconic characters line up, Tinky Winky's tummy screen begins to light up, exciting the other Teletubbies. Then, on the screen, the new signing is revealed as none other than 22-year-old Switzerland forward, Zeki Amdouni, from Basel. It's not their first exciting transfer announcement either. In the past, they've treated fans to parodies using the likes of Shrek and Gavin and Stacey. Sign up to our new free Indy100 weekly newsletter
2023-07-20 16:54
Women's World Cup starts with ceremony focused on First Nations
The Women’s World Cup has opened with an elaborate greeting from the Maori people of New Zealand and the First Nations people of Australia
2023-07-20 16:29
Women’s World Cup opener ‘proceeds as planned’ despite fatal Auckland shooting
The Women’s World Cup opener in Auckland “proceeded as planned” after a shooting in the city’s central business district on Thursday morning left three people dead. Co-hosts New Zealand and Norway observed a moment of silence for the victims before the tournament kicked off at Eden Park at 0800BST. New Zealand Police said they contained what they believe was an “isolated incident” and “not a national security risk”. A FIFA statement revealed the decision was made to move forward with the match after consulting with New Zealand authorities and the participating teams, who have both confirmed players and staff are safe. The FIFA release read: “FIFA extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following the incident which occurred this morning in Auckland/Tamaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand, and our thoughts and prayers remain with those who have been injured in this tragic incident. “Immediately following the incident, President Gianni Infantino and FIFA Secretary-General Fatma Samoura were in communication with the Aotearoa New Zealand authorities. FIFA has also been in constant contact with the participating teams affected by this incident. “FIFA has been informed that this was an isolated incident that was not related to football operations and the opening match tonight at Eden Park will proceed as planned. “The opening hours of the FIFA Fan Festival in Auckland/Tamaki Makaurau city centre will be confirmed in due course. The participating teams in close proximity to this incident are being supported in relation to any impact that may have taken place.” New Zealand Police on Thursday morning shared via their official Twitter account that in addition to the three deceased – among them the person they believe to be the male offender – an officer and four members of the public were injured in the incident which took place at a building under construction in the lower Queen Street area. New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins also addressed the match, telling a press conference: “Clearly with the FIFA World Cup kicking off this evening there are a lot of eyes on Auckland, the government has spoken to FIFA organisers this morning and the tournament will proceed as planned. “Aucklanders and those watching around the world can be assured that the police have neutralised the threat and they are not seeking anybody else in relation to the incident. “New Zealanders’ safety and the safety of our visitors is our first priority. “We have been in regular contact with FIFA, they are proceeding as planned, there will be an increased police presence obviously around Auckland to provide public reassurance, but the police have indicated that they don’t think there is an ongoing security or safety risk.” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement: “We appreciate the collaboration with the New Zealand authorities from the earliest moment of this tragic incident. “We have been involved in ongoing communication from the outset, and we have also received the necessary reassurances from Minister for Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson in relation to the safety and security of the participating teams and fans at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.” Both teams involved in Thursday’s contest assured the public that their players and staff were safe. Norway’s team hotel is located about 300-400m from where the shooting took place, but a team spokesperson told the PA news agency that everything was calm in the Norwegian squad and preparations for the match were proceeding as normal. Captain Maren Mjelde, through a statement, said: “Being informed about the consequences, the Norwegian team’s thoughts are with those affected and their families. “Everyone probably woke up quite quickly when the helicopter hovered outside our hotel window and a large number of emergency vehicles arrived. “At first we didn’t know what was going on, but eventually there were updates on TV and the local media. We felt safe the whole time. FIFA has a good security system at the hotel and we have our own security officer in the squad. “Everyone seems calm and we are preparing as normal for the game tonight, then we may have to adapt if there are any instructions from the authorities.” New Zealand Football tweeted: “New Zealand Football are shocked by the incident in Auckland CBD this morning. “We can confirm that all of the Football Ferns team and staff are safe but we will not be able to comment further while details are still emerging. “Please refer to New Zealand Police for further information. Preparations for the game tonight at Eden Park will continue as planned.” The United States women’s national team, who are also based in New Zealand, responded in a tweet posted to their official account, saying: “US Soccer extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims who were killed in the shooting in downtown Auckland today. “We are saddened by the inexcusable loss of life to gun violence and our thoughts are with the people of Auckland/Tamaki Makaurau and Aotearoa New Zealand.” A previous US tweet read: “Regarding the incident in downtown Auckland, all of our USWNT players and staff are accounted for and safe. Our security team is in communication with local authorities and we are proceeding with our daily schedule.” The Philippines national team also confirmed via social media that all members of their delegation were safe. An Eden Park statement read: “Eden Park Trust extends its deepest condolences to the Whanau of the victims in the incident which took place in Auckland’s CBD this morning. It is a sad day for Auckland on what should be a day of celebration. “Eden Park has been working with all relevant agencies regarding this morning’s incident and the impact on services and staffing.”
2023-07-20 16:22
Watch live: Fans arrive in Sydney for Australia v Ireland at World Cup 2023
Watch live as fans arrive at Stadium Australia for the Group B Australia v Ireland match in the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Thursday, 20 July. The Matildas host the Republic of Ireland side in front of a sold-out 80,000 crowd in Sydney. Ireland got the better of Sweden, Finland and, in a dramatic play-off, Scotland to reach the finals of a major tournament for the first time. Their group includes top-10 sides Australia and Canada, as well as Nigeria. “We are very realistic, otherwise you cannot succeed, but the key thing everybody will feel is we have no fear of failure,” Ireland boss Vera Pauw said ahead of the tournament. Australia’s record goalscorer Sam Kerr has insisted that she is used to the pressure of having to deliver on the big stage as her side target World Cup glory. “I guess for me the expectation has been growing over four years so it’s been something I’ve learned to deal with. “I think I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m really proud we have a home World Cup, and to be part of this journey is amazing. I’m really excited for it,” the forward said.
2023-07-20 15:45
Sinclair seeks elusive Women's World Cup title in 6th appearance for Canada
Christine Sinclair hopes her sixth appearance at the Women's World Cup will finally land Canada the elusive title
2023-07-20 15:22
Women’s football world rankings: Who could take No 1?
The United States remain the team to beat ahead of the Women’s World Cup and the two-time defending champions remain number one in the Fifa rankings ahead of the tournament. The USA are looking to become the first country to win three World Cups in a row and have held top spot since 2017. But the tournament in Australia and New Zealand could bring a shake-up to the order. Europe is catching up and the likes of England, Germany, France and Spain will be coming for the USA’s crown. Zambia come into the World Cup as the lowest-ranked team at the tournament, which is hosting 32 teams for the first time. Fifa women’s world rankings (Teams in bold are competing at the World Cup) 1. United States 2. Germany 3. Sweden 4. England 5. France 6. Spain 7. Canada 8. Brazil 9. Netherlands 10. Australia (hosts) 11. Japan 12. Norway 13. Denmark 14. China 15. Iceland 16. Italy 17. Korea Republic 18. Austria 19. Belgium 20. Switzerland 21. Portugal 22. Republic of Ireland 23. Scotland 24. Russia 25. Colombia 26. New Zealand (hosts) 27. Czech Republic 28. Argentina 29. Finland 30. Wales 31. Poland 32. Vietnam 33. Ukraine 34. Serbia 35. Mexico 36. Costa Rica 37. Chinese Taipei 38. Romania 39. Slovenia 40. Nigeria 41. Chile 42. Hungary 43. Jamaica 44. Thailand 45. Northern Ireland 46. Philippines 47. Slovakia 48. Paraguay 49. Uzbekistan 50. Myanmar 51. Venezuela 52. Panama 53. Haiti 54. South Africa 55. Papua New Guinea 56. Cameroon 57. Belarus 58. Ghana 59. Croatia 60. India 61. Iran 62. Greece 63. Turkey 64. Uruguay 65. Bosnia and Herzegovina 66. Cote d’Ivoire 67. Ecuador 68. Israel 69. Fiji 70. Equatorial Guinea 71, Albania 72. Morocco 73. Jordan 74. Peru 75. Trinidad and Tobago 76. Tunisia 77. Zambia 78. Hong Kong 79. Azerbaijan 80. Algeria The full Fifa rankings can be found here Read More Women’s World Cup enters new era as stars and storylines take centre stage Who are the threats to the Lionesses at the Women’s World Cup? The inspiration behind Australia’s shot at home World Cup glory Today at the Women’s World Cup: Co-hosts play in opening games How to watch every Women’s World Cup match on TV FIFA Women’s World Cup fixtures and full schedule
2023-07-20 14:56
Pakistan beats Sri Lanka by 4 wickets to win the 1st of 2 tests between south Asian rivals
Pakistan made it a difficult chase at times but the visitors completed a four-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first cricket test
2023-07-20 14:45
The 10 best Women’s World Cup goals ever
The major football tournament of the summer is upon us, with the Women’s World Cup set to take place in Australia and New Zealand. It’s the pinnacle of the women's game, with a bigger spotlight than ever before shone on the best players in the world as millions tune in to watch. Sarina Wiegman’s England side are looking to add the World Cup to their collection after victory in the Euros in 2022, but they’ll have to do so despite a number of injuries to key players in the squad. England fans are still hoping they'll be in the mix as the tournament progresses, and all eyes will be on the final when it eventually takes place on August 20. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter With anticipation higher than ever, we’re taking a moment to look back at some of the greatest moments from tournaments gone by. Here are our selections for the 10 greatest goals scored at the Women’s World Cup over the years, in no particular order. Marta – Brazil vs USA 2007 Brazil Marta Amazing Goal vs USA (World Cup China) www.youtube.com Widely recognised as the finest player in the history of the women’s game, Marta has an incredible 17 goals at world cups – and this is her finest. This solo goal against the USA, one of the most perfect demonstrations of her talent, sees her pick the ball up on the left side of the pitch without many options in front of her. Rather than knock the ball back, she pulls off a ridiculous flick over the defender and cuts past a defender in the box before firing low past the keeper. It’s Brazilian samba at its best, and a clear indicator of just why Marta is so highly regarded in the context of the game’s greats. Carli Lloyd – USA vs Japan 2015 Carli Lloyd hattrick vs japan www.youtube.com Everyone loves a goal from the halfway line, don’t they? Carli Lloyd put the 2015 World Cup final beyond the reach of Japan by scoring a blistering hat-trick in the space of just the first 16 minutes, but it was the long-range third goal that will live longest in the memory. Clearly full of confidence from the first two goals, Lloyd charged forward before thumping the ball into the net from halfway up the pitch. It’s a great goal, made all the more aesthetically pleasing by a despairing dive from the backpedaling keeper. It helped the USA to a commanding 5-2 win, securing the USA their first Women’s World Cup since 1999. Nahomi Kawasumi – Japan vs Sweden, 2011 Kawasumi's goal against Sweden www.youtube.com When you first start watching this clip, you see the ball being rolled out to the centre back, and assume it’s going to be a team goal consisting of patient build-up play and endless passing. Only, it’s not that at all – instead, the ball is played up the pitch direct, before being cut off by the onrushing keeper. It then lands at the feet of Nahomi Kawasumi, who takes one perfect touch, before showing outstanding technique and volleying it high into the vacant net. Hege Riise – Norway vs Germany, 1995 We particularly like this goal because it’s the kind you’d dream about scoring in the playground at school, and there’s a purity about the eagerness to break through the defence with the dribble that we’re really into. Yes, there’s a little luck involved to get past the first defender, but Hege Riise tricked her way past a succession of oncoming challenges before slotting home astutely past the keeper to provide one of the best goals of the Women’s World Cup in the 90s. Erika – Brazil vs Equatorial Guinea 2011 Amazing Goal Érika Cristiano Dos Santos www.youtube.com Perhaps we’re just buying into cliches here, but there’s an exuberance about this goal that feels like it could only have been scored by a Brazilian side. First off, there’s a lovely ball bent out to the winger with the outside of the foot, before some great work out wide. But it’s all about the exquisite touch over the defender’s head from Erika, before unleashing an unstoppable effort into the bottom corner on the volley. Rarely do you see so much showboating at major tournaments. Ingrid Johansson – Sweden vs USA 1991 This is the kind of goal that can be appreciated at any level of football, in any context. After all, what’s not to like about a total thunder b**tard from about 40 yards out? Swedish midfielder Ingrid Johansson unleashed an unstoppable effort against the USA at the 1991 World Cup finals which deserves to be remembered as one of the best ever scored at the finals. There could have been two keepers in goal and they wouldn’t have got a glove on it. Outstanding stuff. Maren Mjelde – Norway vs Germany, 2015 We’ve watched this clip dozens of times now, and we still can’t work out how Norway’s Maren Mjelde manages to get the ball up and over the wall here. The precision it takes to clip the ball perfectly into the postage stamp from all of 12 yards is impressive in itself, and you can almost hear the ball fizzing with spin by the time it goes in. The fact it just clips the bar on its way in somehow makes it all the more pleasing too. Lucy Bronze – England vs Norway, 2019 This thunderous strike from England’s star player Lucy Bronze nearly cut the keeper in half during the Lionesses’ game with Norway back in 2019, such was the force it hit the back of the net with. A simple, but well-worked free-kick routine saw the ball dragged back to an unmarked Bronze on the edge of the area. There, the marauding right-back caught the ball cleanly, first time, thumping it through a wall of players and giving the keeper no chance. Could it be England’s best goal in major tournaments? Quite possibly. Ajara Nchout – Cameroon vs New Zealand 2019 Forwards sending defenders for hotdogs with well-timed cutbacks will always be a pleasing thing to watch – especially if the end result is a goal as good as Ajara Nchout’s effort against New Zealand in 2019. The strike came in stoppage time and was enough to send Cameroon to the Round of 16, and the celebrations show exactly what the goal meant to the entire squad. Mizuho Sakaguchi – Japan vs The Netherlands 2015 As silky as they come, this wonderful effort from Mizuho Sakaguchi captures a snapshot of a team in perfect understanding with one another. An intricate move culminates in a pass being played in square from the left edge of the box. There, Sakaguchi’s teammate steps over the ball, leaving it for her to bend a stunning effort round the defenders and into the corner. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-07-20 14:22
