The Dubai-born talent says he’s excited for the next rounds at Landings Golf & Athletic Club, Deer Creek, Georgia and is loving the challenge of competitive golf
sports1 day ago
Coach Jorge Vilda said the turmoil that had threatened to torpedo Spain's Women's World Cup "made all of us stronger" after they beat Sweden 2-1 on Tuesday to reach the final for the first time.
Spain's preparations were thrown into disarray in September last year when 15 players sent an email to their football federation saying they did not want to be considered for selection.
Their protest was aimed chiefly at Vilda and his methods, including complaints that he was too strict.
Vilda held on to his job and only Mariona Caldentey, Aitana Bonmati and Ona Batlle were among the rebels who ended up returning for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
Others including Barcelona stars Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro stuck to their positions and are missing from the squad.
Now Spain are just one step away from Women's World Cup glory after their dramatic win over Sweden on Tuesday.
"The support of Luis Rubiales, the president of the federation, and everyone at the federation, means so much and will always stay with me, as well as that of my family because they have suffered this year," said Vilda after Olga Carmona's late goal secured a dramatic 2-1 win at Eden Park in Auckland.
"At the end of the day it has been a learning process, and I think it has made all of us stronger.
"Now we can file it away and put it behind us and think about the future, and think that we deserve to be where we are."
Goalless for 80 minutes, a cagey affair at Eden Park looked to be drifting towards extra time but sparked to life when substitute Salma Paralluelo put Spain ahead with nine minutes left.
Sweden equalised shortly after through Rebecca Blomqvist before Spain captain Olga Carmona struck an 89th-minite winner.
Spain's players were in tears at full-time and celebrated wildly on the pitch after reaching the final for the first time.
Spain, who had never previously won a knockout tie at a Women's World Cup before this year, now await the winner of the second semifinal between Australia and England.
"Everyone involved in Spanish football deserves this, all those who have been working so hard for so many years, from the players to the clubs and to the federation," said the 42-year-old Vilda, who became Spain coach in 2015.
"I am proud of the team, we are so happy, but we have a final ahead of us still. Tomorrow we go to Sydney and we want to win."
The final is on Sunday at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
ALSO READ:
The Dubai-born talent says he’s excited for the next rounds at Landings Golf & Athletic Club, Deer Creek, Georgia and is loving the challenge of competitive golf
sports1 day ago
A new Champion will be crowned at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club on Thursday
sports2 days ago
At the Jumeirah Golf Estates, Bertoche transformed the DP World Tour Championship's atmosphere into art
sports2 days ago
Host UAE’s Rayan Ahmed and Ahmad Skaik shine in second place as Adam Bresnusets the pace at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman
sports2 days ago
The Emirati golf icon recalls the emotional moment that brought back memories of a lifelong friendship with the Spanish great
sports2 days ago
Missed opportunities: 'The course was there for the taking If only my putting had been better,” admits the Dubai-born golfer
sports2 days ago
The top two finishers advance directly to the World Cup whereas those finishing in third and fourth in the group will go through further qualifying
sports2 days ago
Over 80 Players from 13 Nations Set to Compete in This Year’s Championships
sports3 days ago