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WWC 2023: Kerr calls for more funding for women’s game in Aussie

In the wake of Australia’s elimination from the Women’s World Cup, Matildas star Sam Kerr has called for more investment in Australian women’s football.

At the moment that the entire country connected with the Women’s World Cup and Australians rallied behind the Matildas, the team’s joyride at these finals came to an end with a 3-1 semi-final defeat to European champions England, but a sense of pride prevails and amid all the disappointment of not making a maiden World Cup final, Kerr demanded increased funding for the women’s game.

“I can only speak for the Matildas but, we need funding in our development, we need funding in our grassroots. We need funding everywhere,” said Kerr.

“You know, comparison to other sports isn’t really good enough. Hopefully, this tournament kind of changes that because that’s the legacy you leave, not what you do on the pitch. The legacy is what you do off the pitch. I think the way the country has got behind us and the television ratings, all of that, this isn’t a once-in-a-lifetime.”

In the 63rd minute, Kerr levelled the score in the first match of the tournament that she started. The striker’s fitness became the focal point of attention for weeks in Australia. As a talisman, her image fronted ads, buildings and other public places.

As her fitness gradually improved, she played an hour against France in the quarter-finals before delivering a sumptuous goal against the Lionesses that allowed Australians to dream of playing the tournament’s showpiece match against Spain. Ultimately, they were left to rue what could have been. In 2021, the Matildas reached the final of the Olympic Games, but lost against Canada.

Australia manager Tony Gustavsson said that his team and Australian football had “maximized” what they could do with the resources at their disposal. “It’s bigger than 90 minutes of football,” said Gustavsson. “We’re very disappointed that we lost, but hopefully we won something else. We won the heart and the passion for this team in this country.

“But I agree with the players. This is not the end of something, this needs to be the start of something. And with that comes money as well.”

England and Australia come from very different football backgrounds, but the success of the Matildas, Gustavsson and Kerr believe should prompt investment, be it from the government, corporate sponsors and broadcasters. Before the Women’s World Cup, Football Australia rolled out a legacy program that will entail $357 million to foster a better football environment across the board.

“We are right now maximizing the resources we have, whether it’s registered players or whether it’s the work we’re doing at clubs locally, whether it’s the grassroots football, whether it’s the return on investment. But let’s invest more and be genuine contenders for medals and tournaments moving forward as well. This is now the second semifinal, two tournaments in a row, the Olympic Games and this one. But right now we’re not happy about being in the semifinal. We’re disappointed not to be in the final.”

The legacy of the tournament will come into greater focus after the final whistle, but first, the Matildas will bow out of the finals in the third-place playoff against Sweden.

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Paul Pogba: “I’m Coming Back” – French Star Set Return Date

Paul Pogba: "I'm Coming Back" - French Star Set Return Date

Paul Pogba, the former Manchester United midfield maestro, has set tongues wagging with a tantalising hint about his imminent return to professional football following an 18-month hiatus due to a doping ban.

The French World Cup winner, who once graced the hallowed turf of Old Trafford with his flamboyant style and mercurial talent, found himself embroiled in controversy whilst plying his trade for Italian giants Juventus.

Pogba was initially slapped with a four-year suspension after traces of testosterone, a prohibited substance, were detected in his system. However, the midfielder’s unwavering assertion of innocence bore fruit as he successfully appealed the decision, resulting in a reduced ban of 18 months.

Pogba’s declaration that the incident “was not intentional” resonated with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), who ultimately sided with the player’s plea. This reduction in his ban has opened the door for the 31-year-old to contemplate a return to the beautiful game as early as March 2025.

As Pogba’s enforced absence from the pitch nears its conclusion, the football world has been abuzz with speculation regarding his next destination. The termination of his contract with Juventus has rendered him a free agent, allowing him to explore a plethora of options for the next chapter in his illustrious career.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the footballing community, Pogba took to Instagram on Saturday, 15 February, to share a series of images showcasing his rigorous training regime.

The slideshow, which depicted the midfielder pushing himself to the limit in the gym, was accompanied by a cryptic caption that read: “I’m coming back,” followed by a football emoji and a charged-battery emoji. This tantalising message has left fans and pundits alike pondering the possibilities that lie ahead for the enigmatic Frenchman.

Whilst rumours of a sensational return to Manchester United have circulated, with club legend Rio Ferdinand even entertaining the notion on his YouTube channel, stating, “I’d also have a look [if he’s in a position to be re-signed],” the likelihood of such a move materialising appears slim. Despite the current midfield conundrum facing United’s manager Ruben Amorim, a reunion between Pogba and the Red Devils seems improbable at this juncture.

Instead, the prevailing whispers suggest that Pogba’s future may lie across the Atlantic in Major League Soccer. Reports from Fichajes indicate that the Frenchman is engaged in advanced negotiations with Charlotte FC, a move that could potentially see him link up with another former United star, Wilfried Zaha.

As the football world eagerly anticipates Pogba’s return to action, questions abound regarding his ability to recapture the form that once made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in world football.

Will the enforced break have dulled his skills, or will it have reinvigorated his passion for the game? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Paul Pogba’s comeback will be one of the most intriguing storylines to follow in the coming months.

For Manchester United supporters, the prospect of Pogba donning the famous red shirt once more may be nothing more than a distant dream.

However, his impending return to football serves as a reminder of the indelible mark he left on the club during his time at Old Trafford. As he prepares to embark on the next phase of his career, the footballing world watches with bated breath, eager to see if the mercurial Frenchman can once again weave his magic on the pitch and remind us all of the prodigious talent that once made him one of the most exciting players of his generation.

redmancunian.com

 

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‘I’m Frustrated’ – Amorim Laments As Man Utd Lose Again

'I'm Frustrated' - Amorim Laments As Man Utd Lose Again

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim said his job is “so hard” after defeat at Tottenham left his side 15th in the Premier League.

The Portuguese coach oversaw an eighth loss in 12 league games as James Maddison’s 13th-minute goal gave Spurs victory.

The Red Devils once again struggled, although Amorim is having to contend with a 12-man injury list that led to him having to fill his bench with youngsters.

Amorim, 40, has provided a number of honest post-match news conferences since joining United and was once again in trademark form on Sunday.

“I have a lot of problems,” he told Sky Sports. “My job is so hard but I am here to continue my job to the next week with my beliefs and I will try to win again.”

Despite his side being behind for more than 70 minutes, Amorim did not make a change until the first minute of stoppage time, when he brought on 17-year-old Chido Obi.

The forward was one of eight teenagers on the bench and Amorim suggested after the game that he did not send more on during the game as he did not want to hinder their development.

“It is the hardest competition in the world,” he told BBC Sport.

“I am trying to be careful with them. I felt the team was pushing for the goal and I felt I don’t want to change. But they will play.

“I am here to help my players. I understand my situation, my job, I am confident on my work and I just want to win games.

“The place in the table is my worry, I am not worried about me.”

 

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What Danish-Nigerian wonderkid Chido Obi Said After Senior Debut For Manchester United

Denmark U17 international of Nigerian descent, Chido Obi took to social media to share his thoughts after making his official debut for Premier League giants Manchester United.

Wearing the number 56 on the back of his jersey, the Manchester United wonderkid entered he game as a substitute in the closing minutes, replacing Casemiro, as the visitors searched for an equalizer in a 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

By making his senior debut for Manchester United, Obi followed in the footsteps of Odion Ighalo and Shola Shoretire, players of Nigerian descent who previously played for the first team of the Red Devils.

The 17-year-old joined Manchester United last summer after rejecting a scholarship deal at Arsenal and went on to sign his first professional contract in November 2024.

Despite spending only three minutes on the pitch, Obi was praised by Manchester Unite manager manager Ruben Amorim after the game.

Sharing a post on Instagram, Obi thanked Manchester United and Ruben Amorim.

“Disappointed with the loss on a personal note thanks to the gaffer & the club for making a dream come true for me and my family,” he said.

Obi has been in impressive form for United’s youth teams this season, scoring fifteen goals in all competitions, including his recent hat-trick against Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup.

The dual-national forward is Manchester United’s 252nd academy graduate.

Allnigeriasoccer

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