Soccer Football – World Cup – Estadio Centenario, Montevideo, Uruguay – October 4, 2023 General view inside Estadio Centenario after it was announced that it will host the opening matches of the Morocco, Portugal and Spain World Cup in 2030 to mark the tournament’s centenary hosted for the first time in the stadium in 1930…. Acquire Licensing Rights
A day after Morocco and Spain were nominated as joint hosts of the 2030 World Cup – along with Portugal – there were signs of friction, with both countries laying claim to being the venue for the final.
Spain’s Sports Minister Miquel Iceta on Thursday on Onda Cero radio said that although “you can’t count your chickens before they hatch”, he expected the final to be held in Spain.
But Fouzi Lekjaa, head of Morocco’s football federation, said that the goal was for the final to be in Casablanca.
He hoped to see the country’s efforts “crowned – god willing – with celebrations in Casablanca stadium at a historic final,” he said on Radio Mars.
In a surprise announcement a year earlier than planned, FIFA allocated the 2030 World Cup to Morocco, Spain and Portugal on Wednesday and said Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will host three matches to mark the tournament’s centenary.
Argentina also weighed in, with government officials and the local football federation on Thursday saying the country would “go for more” games than the single opening match it has been allocated.
Relations between Spain and Morocco have for decades been marked by disputes over migration and territory.
There have been regular diplomatic crises over Spain’s enclaves in Africa and the arrival of thousands of illegal migrants in Spain each year through Morocco.
Ties improved last year after Madrid moved closer to Morocco’s policy on Western Sahara, a disputed territory that Rabat claims as its own but where the Algeria-backed Polisario Front is seeking independence.
Emergency services have warned the number of dead may rise as they search the site of the blaze in Murcia, southeast Spain.
At least 13 people have died in a nightclub fire in Murcia in southeast Spain, officials have said.
Rescuers are still searching for people unaccounted for after the blaze broke out in the early hours of the morning.
The fire tore through three adjoining nightclubs.
Pic: X/@BomberosMurcia
Four people were injured and the number of dead could rise, Murcia’s emergency services said.
Video posted by Murcia’s fire service on X, formerly Twitter, showed firefighters working to control flames inside the nightclub.
The fire had destroyed part of the roof, the footage showed.
Diego Seral, of Spain’s National Police, told reporters the collapse was making it difficult to locate victims, and it was hard to pinpoint yet where exactly the fire started.
The identification of the bodies would take time, he said.
Outside the club, young people hugged, looking shocked as they waited for information about those missing.
“I think we left 30 seconds to one minute before the alarms went off and all the lights went out [and] the screams saying there was a fire,” one survivor, who was not identified, said.
“Five family members and two friends are missing.”
Pic: X/@BomberosMurcia
A spokesperson for the Teatre nightclub, Maria Dolores Albellan, told reporters the fire originated in the neighbouring club, Fonda Milagros, before spreading to the two adjoining clubs.
Spanish media reported several birthday celebrations were taking place at the time.
Murcia mayor Jose Ballesta said they were working to establish the cause of the blaze.
“We are devastated,” he said on Spanish TV channel 24h.
Tennis – Davis Cup – Finals – Australia v Britain – AO Arena, Manchester, Britain – September 13, 2023 Britain’s Jack Draper celebrates winning his match against Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Britain battled to victory over last year’s Davis Cup runners-up Australia in their Finals group stage opener on Wednesday, while Spain and Italy both suffered chastening defeats at home in the premier men’s team competition.
Debutant Jack Draper repaid Britain skipper Leon Smith’s faith in him by giving the hosts a superb start, as he came from behind to seal a 6-7(6) 6-3 7-6(4) win over Thanasi Kokkinakis in front of the partisan home crowd at the Manchester Arena.
“There’s nothing better, a real battle and a massive crowd here,” Draper said. “It’s amazing to play my first Davis Cup tie in the UK in this sort of arena. I’m so grateful to be here and I’m happy Leon trusted me and put me out here today.
“I’m playing for my country so I had to put everything on the line… the team’s dialled in this year, we want to get to the Finals after a tough run last year.”
Britain, bidding to reach the quarter-finals from Group B after missing out for the first time since 2018 last year, then completed the victory when an inspired Dan Evans beat world number 12 Alex de Minaur 6-1 2-6 6-4.
In Valencia, the Czech Republic took an unassailable 2-0 lead over hosts Spain, who were missing Carlos Alcaraz after the world number two decided to pull out of the squad to recover following his U.S. Open semi-final defeat.
Soccer Football – Spanish Soccer Federation Meeting – Ciudad Del Futbol Las Rozas, Las Rozas, Spain – August 25, 2023 President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales announces he will be staying as president during the meeting RFEF/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo Acquire Licensing Rights
Spanish soccer star Jenni Hermoso has lodged a criminal complaint over the unsolicited kiss by football federation boss Luis Rubiales after Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup, the national prosecutor’s office said on Wednesday.
Hermoso gave her testimony on Tuesday and the complaint will be processed “as soon as possible”, the prosecutor added.
With the complaint, Rubiales could face criminal charges in addition to the ongoing inquiry by Spain’s top sport court for “serious misconduct” and an investigation by world soccer governing body FIFA, which has provisionally suspended Rubiales from office for 90 days.
Neither Hermoso’s representatives nor Rubiales were immediately available for comment.
Rubiales grabbed Hermoso’s head and kissed her on the lips during the medal-giving ceremony that followed Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final on Aug. 20.
Late last month, the prosecutor for Spain’s High Court said Rubiales could face a sexual assault charge, which carries a prison term of between one and four years, if Hermoso, who lives and plays in Mexico, were to file a complaint.
The High Court has jurisdiction over the case as the incident took place abroad – in Sydney, Australia.
Hermoso said she did not want to be kissed, and that she felt “vulnerable and a victim of an aggression”. Rubiales, who has so far refused to resign despite heavy pressure, said the kiss was “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual”.
Rubiales’ behaviour has sparked outrage in Spain and abroad. He also grabbed his crotch while standing close to Spain’s Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter during the final.
Luis Rubiales insists he won’t step down after he grabbed player Jennifer Hermoso and kissed her on the lips during the trophy presentation ceremony. The head of Spain’s Sports Council is seeking Rubiales’ removal and says “we want this to be a ‘Me Too’ of Spanish soccer”.
Spanish World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso says “in no moment” did she consent to a kiss from the country’s football federation president Luis Rubiales – as the players announced a boycott over the controversy.
Hermoso said she was “vulnerable” and “the victim of an aggression”, as she and the rest of the Spain team revealed they will not play any further matches until the “federation leadership is removed”.
A total of 56 players, including all of the 23-strong World Cup-winning squad, signed the joint statement after Mr Rubiales refused to resign following his controversial kiss at the final.
England’s Lionesses – who were defeated by Spain in the World Cup final – backed the players’ boycott, saying: “Unacceptable actions allowed to happen by a sexist and patriarchal organisation. Abuse is abuse and we have all seen the truth.
“The behaviour of those who think they are invincible must not be tolerated and people shouldn’t need convincing to take action against any form of harassment.
“We all stand with you, @jennihermoso and all players of the Spanish team.”
The Spanish government has started legal action in a bid to suspend Mr Rubiales from his post – and the head of Spain’s women’s football committee has quit his role.
Mr Rubiales, 46, grabbed player Ms Hermoso and kissed her on the lips during the awards ceremony following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England on Sunday in Sydney, Australia.
In a statement on Friday night, Ms Hermoso, a 33-year-old forward and key contributor to Spain’s victory, said “in no moment” did she consent to the kiss.
Spain beat England 1-0 in a tight Women’s World Cup final in Australia on Sunday.
Spain’s victorious Women’s World Cup side parade the trophy through the streets of Madrid on an open-top bus
Spain began their reign as Women’s World Cup champions by arriving home to a hero’s welcome on the streets of Madrid.
Fans packed the streets of the Spanish capital on Monday night as the victorious La Roja paraded through with the trophy on an open-top bus.
The players later got off the bus and took to a stage, where match winner and captain – who scored the only goal in a narrow 1-0 win over England in Australia on Sunday – was tossed up in the air by teammates.
The side had earlier touched down at Barajas international airport, where star defender Ivana Andres lifted the trophy as she walked off the plane from Australia.
It is the first time Spain has won the competition since its inception in 1991.
Spain’s Ivana Andres lifts the trophy. Pic: APPic: AP
Spain won the Women’s World Cup for the first time after defeating England’s Lionesses 1-0.
England’s Lionesses have missed out on glory at the Women’s World Cup after being beaten 1-0 by Spain.
Closely missing out on repeating their success at Euros 2022, Sarina Wiegman’s team fought to the very end at a packed-out Stadium Australia in Sydney.
But a first-half goal by Spain’s Olga Carmona, who shot across Mary Earps into the far corner in the 28th minute, broke England’s hearts.
It is Spain’s first major international trophy and makes them the first European team to win the Women’s World Cup since Germany in 2007.
England had come close to taking the lead themselves in the 15th minute when Lauren Hemp’s shot hit the bar.
A shot from England’s Lauren Hemp, right, hits the crossbar. Pic: APSpain’s goal by Olga Carmona
Two changes at half-time saw Lauren James and Chloe Kelly replace Rachel Daly and Alessia Russo for the Lionesses, as they tried to turn the game around.
Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso then missed a chance to double her side’s lead from a penalty – granted after a handball by Keira Walsh – after a heroic save by Earps, who dived to her left to save in the 69th minute.
James then forced a save from Spain’s goalkeeper from a tight angle a few minutes later, as England pushed for an equaliser.
Earps even went up to attack a corner in the dying moments for England.
But sadly, it wasn’t to be, as the Lionesses fell short at the final hurdle.
Earps saved a Spanish penalty. Pic: AP
Play was also briefly disrupted during the first half after a protester entered the pitch before an England free kick. The man was swiftly removed by stewards.
‘Absolutely heartbroken’
Captain Millie Bright said the team were “absolutely heartbroken” at the defeat.
“We can say hand on heart we gave everything. Sometimes football goes for you, sometimes it goes against you,” she said.
Complimenting Spain as a “fantastic team” she said: “A lot of emotion… but I’m really proud of the team. To come this far, to play in the World Cup final, not many get to do that.
Olga Carmona, who plays her club football for Real Madrid, played a starring role in Spain’s World Cup campaign by scoring the winning goals in the semi-final and final.
Olga Carmona kisses the World Cup trophy after the game
The Spanish star who scored the match-winning goal against England in Sunday’s World Cup final found out her father had died after the game.
Olga Carmona’s 29th minute strike was all that separated the sides in Sydney, securing a 1-0 win.
The Spanish FA has announced she found out about the death of her father following the full-time whistle.
“We send out most sincere hugs to Olga and her family in a moment of deep pain,” it said on X, formerly Twitter.
“We love you, Olga, you are the history of Spanish football.”
⚫️ PÉSAME | La @RFEF lamenta profundamente comunicar el fallecimiento del padre de Olga Carmona. La futbolista ha conocido la triste noticia una vez concluida la final de la Copa del Mundo.
Mandamos nuestro abrazo más sincero a Olga y a su familia en un momento de profundo… pic.twitter.com/BSe2XmUrVF
The 23-year-old Real Madrid star wheeled away in delight when her precise left-footed shot found the corner of Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps’s net.
She lifted her shirt to reveal the message “Merchi” on her compression top, which was reportedly a tribute to a friend whose mother recently passed away.
The defender, who scored a late winner in the semi-finals against Sweden, was named player of the match.
Real Madrid said the club’s “condolences and love” were with Carmona, her family and friends.
Spanish team ‘had something special’
Carmona took part normally in the post-match celebrations with her teammates on the Stadium Australia pitch; dancing, getting her medal and kissing the trophy.
According to the Spanish FA, Carmona’s father, who had been fighting a long illness, died on Friday – before the final got under way.
However, Spanish media outlet Relevo reported that family and friends decided not to tell her the news, so that she could focus on the match.
Carmona’s mother and brothers had rushed back to Spain – having originally been in New Zealand for the group stages – but arrived in Australia on Saturday to support her in the final.
It’s the first time Spain have won the competition.
“We felt this team had something special,” she said after the game.
Before news of her father’s death, the Spanish FA had said title celebrations would take place in Madrid when the squad return home on Monday.
It was written in the script that this semifinal would be settled by a decisive set piece. The twist in the tale, however, was that it was scored by Spain, rather than Sweden, to secure La Roja’s first Women’s World Cup final appearance.
By doing so with their 2-1 win at Eden Park, Spain sent a message to their potential opponents in the final on Sunday — the winners of Wednesday’s semifinal between England and Australia — that their supposed weaknesses are no more. This Spain team is the real deal.
“The feeling is just happiness,” coach Jorge Vilda said. “We picked ourselves up again after [Sweden] equalised, but with soul, with magic, the team keeps overcoming [hurdles].”
Vilda’s players had already banished the question marks hanging over their credentials prior to Olga Carmona’s 89th-minute winner, which crashed in off the underside of goalkeeper Zecira Musovic’s crossbar. But by sealing the win with a clever dead-ball routine, they also beat Sweden at their own game.
Sweden’s ruthless ability to capitalise on set pieces dominated the buildup to this match. Their top scorer in this competition is Amanda Ilestedt — a centre-back with four goals. Vilda was asked how his side would deal with a team that had scored the bulk of their goals in this tournament from free kicks and corners, while his counterpart, Peter Gerhardsson, appeared irritated by the inference that his side were nothing more than one who expertly played a game of percentages from dead balls.
But in the end, the team that made the set piece count most of all was Spain, when Teresa Abelleira spotted Carmona unmarked on the edge of the Sweden penalty area and played a short corner to the full-back, who took a touch to control before scoring from 20 yards.
“I am euphoric,” Carmona said. “I can’t wait for the final. I have never experienced anything like it in football.”
Just 94 seconds earlier, Sweden’s two late substitutes had combined to cancel out Salma Paralluelo’s 81st-minute opener, when Lina Hurtig headed down for Rebecka Blomqvist, seemingly taking the game into extra time. But Spain showed grit and determination by bouncing back immediately. It was a deserved winner. They had been the better team, the one that dominated possession, and they also created 13 chances to Sweden’s five.
Yet Spain’s 4-0 group-stage defeat against Japan, and the fallout from last October’s squad mutiny, when 15 players wrote to the Spanish Federation demanding changes behind the scenes, had left a cloud of doubt over this team as to whether they really had the ability to win against a team as strong — tactically and physically — as Sweden.
Sweden aren’t easy on the eye, but they are supremely well drilled. Had they won, it would have been a victory of steel over style, but Spain had too much for them and they will go into Sunday’s final as the favourites, no matter who they face. That’s because they showed they can not only control the game against more imposing teams, but they are also able to withstand the challenges that teams like Sweden, England and Australia can pose.
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list was just released in Valencia, Spain. Here are the restaurants that took the top spots — start scouting reservations and booking flights.
PHOTO: KEN MOTOHASI
At a ceremony in Valencia, Spain, Central in Lima was today named the best restaurant in the world by 1,080 restaurant industry experts in the annual World’s 50 Best Restaurants rankings.
Central, by chefs Virgilio Martinez and Pía Léon, edged out Barcelona’s Disfrutar and brought the top prize down to South America following Copenhagen’s recent claims to the crown with Noma, in 2021, and Geranium, in 2022.
PHOTO : GUSTAVO VIVANCOPHOTO : DANIEL SILVA
Copenhagen only showed up once in the top 50 this year, with Alchemist at No. 5, known for lengthy meals served in what feels like an immersive art exhibit.
PHOTO : COURTESY OF ALCHEMIST
Spanish restaurants had a strong showing on the list, including the introduction of Valencia’s own Restaurante Ricard Camarina at No. 96, and the re-addition of chef Albert Adria’s Enigma at No. 82. Since Enigma first opened in 2016, with the idea of taking diners on a culinary journey between futuristic cooking stations serving oysters in Iberico pork fat and barnacles with barnacle juice, it’s repeatedly reinvented itself throughout COVID-19, now refocused on seasonal tapas. Although the crown for the country’s finest tapas belongs to Barcelona’s Disfrutar, which ranked No. 3 last year and today moved one place closer to perfection. Total perfection was achieved by chef Antoni Luis Arduiz who received the Icon Award for his lifetime of work at San Sebastian’s Mugaritz and Madrid’s Diverxo. The latter restaurant ranked No. 3 in the world, and in-house sommelier Miguel Angel Millan took home the prize for Best Sommelier in the World.
Other notable additions to this year’s full list include Mauro Colagreco’s Ceto, which only opened two years ago at the new Maybourne Riviera in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France, just east of Monaco. Colagreco’s Le Mirazur, in nearby Menton, claimed the top slot on the list in 2019. Not every chef wants the pressure of climbing the list for a second time with a completely new concept, but Colagreco tells Travel + Leisure he was eager for the challenge.
“It was very important for me to propose another vision of fine dining, and highlight a more creative way to cook fish and pay tribute to the Mediterranean Sea,” he says. “It’s also a source of pride for me and for my team to be awarded such a recognition after two years. When we decided to create Ceto, it was a risk because of the geographic proximity of the two restaurants, but Ceto is a totally different concept than Mirazur even if it highlights the same terroir.”
Ceto is one of the few hotel restaurants on the list, in addition to a new entry at No. 36, Sezanne, at the Four Seasons Tokyo at Marunouchi; their inclusions today may foreshadow those properties appearing on the inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels list, which will be revealed later this year in London. So might this week’s appearance of the legendary chef Alain Ducasse, who in the days leading up to this year’s World’s 50 Best ceremony, joined his executive chef, Jean-Philippe Bondet in a collaborative dinner at Valencia’s La Salita. The pair is representing, among other things, their new collaboration restaurant at London’s newly revamped The Dorchester.
Of course, there is plenty of room on the World’s 50 Best list for restaurants that defy the most identifiable trappings of old-school white tablecloth haute cuisine, and no city better represents that casualness than Berlin. Here, the intentions of restaurants like the eight-seat counter Ernst, ranked at No. 55, and Nobelhart & Schmutzig, at No. 45, focus all their efforts on playfully elevating hyper-local ingredients from lobsters to lard.
At Nobelhart, the communal dining counter is anchored by a record player where owner Billy Wagner feels comfortable listening to whole albums of his choosing while handing out stacks of vintage books for customers to read between nightly specials of unpretentious decadence. (That means chef Micha Schafer’s plump pork fat schnitzel, sourced from milk-fed pigs at a nearby family farm, and paired with a spread made of even more pork fat.) There’s also an inches-thick award-winning wine list to distract, just one of the lo-fi charms that makes the restaurant’s strict no-phone policy seem less enforced.
“Today’s greatest luxuries are time and the ability to savor true craftsmanship undisturbed. That is why we have decided to ban photos and videos inside the restaurant,” Wagner explains to T+L, explaining that he got the idea from Berlin’s nightlife culture where phone and photo bans continue to be enforced at venues like the infamous Berghain.
The most ambitious American asterisk to the list was Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi, which opened late last year at New York’s Lincoln Center and has already received three stars from The New York Times. Onwuachi received the special One To Watch award, for his menu highlighting the down-to-earth flavors of Onwuachi’s childhood in the Bronx. It features decadent reinterpretations of dishes like Hot Pockets, here stuffed with pepperoni cacciatore and smoked mozzarella, and the Bodega Special, a dessert inspired by Little Debbie brownies and donuts.
