Football

Aitana Bonmati, the Barcelona and Spain star, has etched her name in the annals of women's football by winning her second consecutive Ballon d'Or. The 26-year-old playmaker joins her teammate Alexia Putellas as the only women to have won the prestigious award twice since its inception in 2018.Bonmati's triumph is a testament to her exceptional talent and the remarkable season she had with Barcelona. The Catalans dominated the domestic and European scene, winning the Spanish league, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de Espana, and the Women's Champions League. Bonmati was the driving force behind their success, scoring crucial goals and providing countless assists.Her performance in the Champions League final against Lyon was particularly impressive. Bonmati scored a goal and was named player of the match as Barcelona secured their third title in four seasons. "It's the first time we've beaten Lyon. I'm proud of the team, and we know that with these fans we have, we can't fail," she said after the match.Bonmati's influence extended beyond Barcelona. She was instrumental in Spain's victory in the inaugural Women's Nations League, scoring the opening goal in the final against France. Her performances earned her the UEFA Player of the Finals award.The diminutive midfielder's success is a reflection of her hard work and dedication. A product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, Bonmati has consistently raised her game to new heights. She is a role model for aspiring footballers, both on and off the pitch.Bonmati's Ballon d'Or victory is a fitting recognition of her exceptional talent and the impact she has had on women's football. She is an inspiration to young players and a symbol of the growing popularity and recognition of the women's game.

Odisha FC's AFC Women's Champions League campaign came to an abrupt end on Wednesday as they suffered a disappointing 1-3 defeat to hosts Ho Chi Minh City FC in Vietnam. The loss marked the Kalinga Warriors' second consecutive defeat in the tournament, effectively eliminating them from contention for the knockout round.From the outset, Odisha FC found themselves on the back foot as Ho Chi Minh City FC seized the initiative. Within the opening minute, Nguyen Thi Kim Yenfrom capitalized on a corner kick to give the hosts an early advantage. The home side continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded in the 42nd minute when Odisha failed to clear a cross from Huynh Nhu, allowing Ho Chi Minh City to extend their lead to 2-0 heading into the break.Determined to salvage their chances, Odisha FC emerged from the interval with renewed vigor. They created several promising counter-attacking opportunities, and their persistence paid off in the 63rd minute when Malati Munda initiated a swift attack that culminated in Jennifer Yeboah's powerful finish.However, Ho Chi Minh City FC extinguished Odisha's hopes of a comeback in stoppage time. Ngo Thi Hong Nhung delivered the decisive blow, securing the hosts' passage into the knockout round. The victory also ensured the progression of Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies, who will face Ho Chi Minh City FC on Saturday to determine the Group C winners.Odisha FC will now face Taichung Blue Whale in their final group match, with both teams seeking a victory to end their respective campaigns on a positive note.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Santosh Kashyap as the new head coach of the national senior women's team, replacing former international player Chaoba Devi. Kashyap's first assignment will be the SAFF Women's Championships to be held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from October 17 to 30.Kashyap, a former India international, brings almost a decade of coaching experience in the I-League, having managed clubs like Mohun Bagan, Aizawl FC, and Mumbai FC. The 58-year-old has also served as assistant coach of NorthEast United FC and Odisha FC in the Indian Super League.Kashyap will be assisted by Priya PV and Raghuvir Pravin Khanolkar as goalkeeper coach. "Coaching the National Team is always an honor," said Kashyap. "I am grateful to the AIFF President, Shri Kalyan Chaubey, the technical committee, the technical department, and other senior members of the federation for providing me the opportunity to coach the senior national women's team."Kashyap expressed confidence in the current squad, stating, "I have full faith in the current set of players in the team. They are all bright players. But what we require to improve is technically. I am confident that I can give the needed input to the team members during the national camp."Regarding the SAFF Women's Championships, Kashyap said, "I am aware that our result in the previous SAFF Championship didn't meet the expectations. But this time, with the right tactics, approach, and decision-making ability, we can regain the title.""Football has become an extremely competitive sport, especially at the international level. So, we shouldn't take any team lightly. SAFF is only the first step. Thereafter, I have a bigger plan in mind. I am sure, this team is capable of delivering the goods."

The Olympic women's football tournament is reaching its climax, with reigning World Cup champions Spain and four-time gold medallists the United States emerging as the favorites to face off in the final.Spain, led by Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati, will face surprise semi-finalists Brazil in Marseille. The Brazilians, despite missing suspended captain Marta, stunned hosts France in the quarter-finals.Meanwhile, a rejuvenated USA under new coach Emma Hayes will meet Germany in Lyon. Hayes, who took over in May, has guided the Americans to three group stage wins and an extra-time victory over Japan in the quarter-finals.The USA, who last won the Olympic title in 2012, are seeking to extend their record of five gold medals. They have already defeated Germany 4-1 in the group stage, giving them confidence heading into the semi-final.Germany, the 2016 gold medallists, finished second in their group behind the USA and edged out Canada on penalties in the quarter-finals. Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was the hero, saving two penalties and converting the winning kick.Spain, making their Olympic debut in women's football, are aiming to continue their impressive form after winning the World Cup last year. However, they nearly crashed out in the quarter-finals against Colombia, trailing 2-0 before equalizing late and winning on penalties.The semi-finals promise to be thrilling encounters, with Spain and Brazil facing off in a battle of contrasting styles, while the USA and Germany will renew their rivalry in a rematch of the 2016 final.

Barbra Banda, the Zambian striker, has cemented her status as one of the most prolific goal scorers in women's football. Her recent hat-trick against Australia at the Paris Olympics 2024 marked a historic achievement, making her the first player to score three hat-tricks in the tournament's history.Banda's remarkable performance comes as no surprise, given her impressive track record. At the Tokyo 2020 Games, she became the first player to record back-to-back hat-tricks, etching her name in the history books. Her tally of 53 goals in just 60 matches for Zambia makes her Africa's all-time leading scorer.In addition to her Olympic exploits, Banda has also made a significant impact in the National Women's Soccer League (NSWL) in the USA. After signing a lucrative $2.1 million deal, she joined the Orlando Pride in April and has already scored 12 goals in 12 games.Banda's success stems from her unpredictable nature and her ability to seize opportunities. "I feel when I'm given a chance, I have to utilize my chances very well," she said. "So when I get a spot, I think I have a chance to score. I just have to put it [in the back] of the net."Zambia will now face Germany in its final group-stage game on Wednesday, July 31. With Banda in their ranks, they will be hoping to continue their impressive run and make a deep run into the tournament.

India's women's football team suffered a disappointing 1-2 defeat to Myanmar in a friendly match in Yangon on Tuesday, extending their winless streak against their neighbors.Myanmar took the lead in the 14th minute through a set-piece goal by Win Theingi Tun, who plays for Indian club Odisha FC. India equalized in the 58th minute when Pyari Xaxa tapped in a loose ball, but Myanmar regained the lead in the 74th minute when San Thaw Thaw converted a free-kick from May Thet Mon Myint.India had a slow start to the match and conceded the opening goal from a corner kick. Myanmar continued to press and forced India goalkeeper Elangbam Panthoi Chanu into several saves. India improved in the second half and created more chances, but they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities.Myanmar's defense tightened up in the second half, and India's attackers were often caught offside. Myanmar got their second goal from another set-piece situation, with San Thaw Thaw scoring from a free-kick.This was India's fifth defeat to Myanmar in six matches. Their last meeting was a 3-3 draw in the AFC Women's Olympic Qualifiers in Mandalay in 2019. India will play a second friendly against Myanmar on Friday.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced a 23-member senior women's squad for two friendly matches against Myanmar in Yangon on July 9 and 12. The team will be led by head coach Chaoba Devi, who has expressed satisfaction with the squad's combination of senior and junior players.The goalkeeping department comprises Shreya Hooda, Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, and Maibam Linthoingambi Devi. The defense will be handled by Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, Hemam Shilky Devi, Sanju, Wangkhem Linthoingambi Devi, and Aruna Bag.The midfield includes Naorem Priyangka Devi, Sangita Basfore, Karthika Angamuthu, Neha, Nongmaithem Ratanbala Devi, and Mousumi Murmu. The forward section consists of Kajol Hubert Dsouza, Anju Tamang, Soumya Guguloth, Sandhiya Ranganathan, Karishma Purushottam Shirvoikar, Lynda Kom Serto, Pyari Xaxa, Jyoti, and Rimpa Haldar.Coach Chaoba Devi praised the team's fitness and preparation during the training camp at the National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata. She emphasized the importance of playing against higher-ranked teams like Myanmar, which is ranked 54th in the FIFA Rankings compared to India's 67th position.Chaoba Devi also credited the Indian Women's League (IWL) for helping in scouting new talents. She believes that more exposure tours and quality games will improve the team's performance.The friendly matches against Myanmar will provide the Indian team with valuable experience and help them prepare for future tournaments. The team's performance will be closely monitored as they aim to improve their FIFA ranking and establish themselves as a force in women's football.

Barcelona's women's team has reached the pinnacle of European football by claiming their third UEFA Women's Champions League title. The Catalan giants defeated eight-time champions Lyon 2-0 in a thrilling final at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain.The victory marks a historic moment for Barcelona, who had previously lost to Lyon in the 2019 and 2022 finals. This triumph completes a remarkable quadruple for the team, who have also won the Spanish Primera División, Copa de la Reina, and Supercopa de España this season.Aitana Bonmati opened the scoring for Barcelona in the 63rd minute, capitalizing on a clever pass from Mariona Caldentey. Substitute Alexia Putellas sealed the victory in stoppage time with a stunning strike into the top corner.Barcelona's victory is a testament to their dominance in women's football. The team has assembled a squad of world-class players, including Ballon d'Or winners Putellas and Bonmati. Their attacking prowess and defensive solidity have made them a formidable force in Europe.Lyon, who have been the dominant force in women's football for over a decade, were unable to match Barcelona's intensity and quality on the night. The French giants missed the services of star striker Ada Hegerberg, who was left on the bench due to injury.Barcelona's victory is a significant moment for women's football. It shows that the gap between the top teams in Europe is narrowing, and that Barcelona are now the team to beat. The Catalan giants will be looking to continue their dominance in the years to come and establish themselves as the undisputed queens of European football.

Aitana Bonmati, the reigning Ballon d'Or and FIFA Player of the Year, is a force to be reckoned with in the world of women's football. Her exceptional skills and unwavering ambition have earned her comparisons to legendary players like Xavi and Andres Iniesta.Bonmati's 2023 has been a year of triumph, with individual accolades and team victories. She attributes her success to the winning mentality and improved physicality of the Spanish national team. However, her hunger for more is insatiable."I want to be a better Aitana every year," she declares. Her sights are set on Olympic gold in 2024 and a record-breaking four titles for Barcelona in 2023-24.Barcelona's women's team has been on a roll, winning the Liga F, Champions League, and Supercopa de Espana in 2022-23. They currently lead the Liga F standings and are in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.While Bonmati acknowledges the team's success, she emphasizes the importance of creating space for teammates. "Football is more than moving on your own," she says. "It is also about creating space for your teammates."Beyond trophies, Bonmati aspires to leave a lasting legacy. She wants to be remembered for her impact on teammates and coaches. "One of the most important things I would like to have when I retire is what other players and coaches say about me," she reveals.Bonmati's newfound status as a global icon gives her a platform to advocate for women's football. She believes that institutions need to invest more in the sport to provide opportunities for growth."There is a lot to do and salary is just one of the things," she says. "I would like institutions to make a good investment in women's football so that it gives us an opportunity to grow."Bonmati hopes that one day, boys and girls will have women footballers as idols. "That didn't exist" in her time, she says. "I grew up idolising Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Lionel Messi for the way they took care of the ball."