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Sweden beat Japan to set up semi-final showdown with Spain - https://lnkd.in/gFZrg3iZ overpowered Japan 2-1 on Friday to reach the semi-final at the Women's World Cup.Amanda Ilestedt opened the scoring in the 32nd minute and a Filippa Angeldal penalty shortly after the restart put the Scandinavians in control of the quarter-final clash at Eden Park in Auckland.And they rode their luck as Japan started to increase the pressure.Riko Ueki's penalty in the 76th minute crashed off the underside of the bar and away to safety but 11 minutes later Honaka Hayashi halved the deficit.Despite 14 minutes of stoppage-time, Sweden held on for a victory meaning a new name will adorn the trophy on 20 August.Since its inception in 1991, the United States, Germany, Japan and Norway have won the crown.Sweden - the highest ranked team left in the tournament - will take on Spain on 15 August in the first semi-final.The contestants in the second semi-final on 16 August will be decided on Saturday when Australia take on France in Brisbane and England play Colombia in Sydney.Originally published on RFI Source

The outcome may cause some measure of disappointment and even a sense of injustice and angst for neutral observers, but credit still goes to South Africa for winning the Rugby World Cup. It has not been a pretty final as New Zealand and South Africa battled it out in the last game of the tournament. Long stretches of the game were also staid and boring. New Zealand were probably the favoured team by most observers, including me, due to its legendary All Blacks, charismatic Haka war dance, and attacking style of play mixed with individual flair. Alas, we don't always get what we want in life. South Africa were the more compact and disciplined team, and its defensive solidity successfully repelled wave after wave of New Zealand attacks. It also demonstrated a resilient and winning mindset, as well as intelligence in playing the rules to its advantage, by scoring its points when it mattered, even if they did not come from the more traditional tries. That it won by a solitary point was also a result of design rather than accident, as the final marked South Africa's third game in a row when it prevailed by that same razor-thin margin in the score-line. Hard work, discipline, fierce determination, resilient mindset, and game intelligence were the key ingredients to South Africa's historic fourth Rugby World Cup victory. Hence, there is something I can grudgingly learn from the South African win after all. To be sure, we have not been entertained by the spectacle. But the Springboks would retort that they were paid not to entertain, but to win. And win they did. #rugby #rugbyworldcup2023 #springboks (Image: Reuters)

The Rugby World Cup 2023 has been won by South Africa! Surprising many, as none of the pre-tournament winner predictions foresaw this outcome. This victory makes South Africa the second nation to win back-to-back titles and the only nation to win 4 rugby titles! From South Africa's remarkable journey to win the tournament, I draw the following key takeaways: * Always play to win, regardless of the circumstances. Maintain unwavering focus on the immediate goal and keep the end result in sight. * Even when facing unfavorable odds, refuse to be defeated. Find inner motivation to persevere until the end. * Remember, it's not over until it's truly over. * Consistently show up, as commitment is a vital part of success. * Teamwork makes the dream work! As the year draws to a close and year-end fatigue sets in, it's essential to recognize that the final stretch is critical for ending the year on a high note. Despite the uncertainty and challenges that may surround you, take a moment to reflect on how you want to conclude the year and the narrative you wish to craft for yourself. During this period, focus on the aspects you can control and maintain a "play to win" attitude, because remarkable achievements often result from unwavering determination against all odds. The Springboks stand as a true testament to this philosophy. #MakeMiracles #DiscoverExtraordinary #WeNeverSettle #SanofiStories

⚽ Even if you're not interested in football, you can't help but notice all the hype surrounding Euro 2024 in past month. 👓 With the final round approaching, we decided to share some fun facts about Euro 2024 that we found interesting. ❔ What are your predictions on who will win the championship? My tip is - Spain 🟡🔴 🌞 Have a nice weekend! #profectabdi #litranslators #weekendvibes #translation #localization #EURO2024

IRL WORLD RANKINGS: SERBIA, PHILIPPINES, WALES THE BIG MOVERS Serbia have climbed into the top 10 in the men’s IRL World Rankings, while Philippines have reaffirmed their aspirations to become the first Asian nation to compete at a Rugby League World Cup in 2029 after a significant rise in the women’s standings. The White Eagles and Sampaguitas are the biggest movers in the latest IRL World Rankings, while Wales has leapfrogged Australia as the third ranked wheelchair team after winning the Celtic Cup in June. Serbia are now the 10th ranked men’s team, while Philippines are 14th in the women’s rankings. Although there was limited international action in the six months up to June 30 following the World Cup at the end of last year, the results of the rankings are significant for future funding and on-field ambitions of nations such as Serbia, Philippines and Wales. The Serbian Rugby League Federation received increased government support after their last upward movement in the World Rankings and Philippines National Rugby League officials hope the rise of the Sampaguitas will also result in greater funding. Full article: bit.ly/43K6Mhj

It’s both fitting and problematic that South Africa and New Zealand will be playing each other in the Rugby World Cup final tonight. No country outside these two have won the world cup since 2003. Out of the 10 World Cups that have been held, these two nations have won 7. So, tonight’s final encapsulates the world of rugby over the past 15 – 20 years, for better or worse. As the last global sport to go professional in 1995, rugby has taken great strides to expand globally over the past 25 years. However, to expand further in a meaningful way, the huge gap between the top tier and second tier nations must be narrowed. Unfortunately, due to the physicality of the sport, upsets like 2015’s Japan v South Africa have not and will not happen too often. Rugby is a glorious sport, but without a certain level of competition and unpredictability, it will always lag behind the other two global big field sports, football and cricket in terms of global appeal. #rugbyworldcup2023 #rwc2023

Sri Lanka rout India after sluggish start to qualifiers for Rugby Asiad. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports Editor) Five years in Rugby wilderness did have an impact on Sri Lanka’s standards, but they steadied to rout India 45-10 at the Asian region top tier Rugby qualification at the Racecourse ground in Colombo.  Political interference and issues off the field relegated Sri Lanka Rugby to the sidelines while the country struggled for redress. With the air cleared now, they have to qualify to play in the Asiad featuring powerhouses Japan, Chinese Taipei, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and other top nations in the region. The win over India catapulted them into the final with Kazakhstan and indications suggest that Sri Lanka, who has been a fierce competitor in the past, can regain their lost mojo in the fifteen man game. Political interference and power struggles with administrators in sport is now commonplace in the beleaguered Island nation pushing them back when in full stride. This setback was no different, ending in the former Sports Minister being sacked to restore normalcy or whatever it means in that part of the sporting world. Read More : https://lnkd.in/gmkQN2NM  #CharithaChaturanga, #FulasthiDassanayake, #MurshinZubair, #Rugby, #SriLankaRoutIndia, #TarindaRatwatte 

Rugby World Cup LIVE: South Africa v Tonga newest rating and updates as Springboks look to bounce again (Exportain.com) https://ift.tt/HqLbGE4 Eddie Jones loses endurance with reporters over fixed questions on Japan job interview South Africa meet Tonga in Marseille trying to full their Rugby World Cup Pool B efforts with a 3rd bonus level win. The Springboks suffered a set-back in opposition to Ireland in an exciting encounter final day out however are nonetheless nicely positioned to make the quarter-finals. Jacques Nienaber has made quite a few modifications to his group however will probably be cautious of a Tonga facet which can be higher than they’ve confirmed of their first two fixtures in France. While the absence of Vaea Fifita, suspended after his sending off in opposition to Scotland, is a blow, in Charles Piutau, Malakai Fekitoa and Ben Tameifuna, the Pacific Islanders nonetheless have actual expertise and high quality. For South Africa, there’s a return for World Cup successful fly half Handre Pollard, referred to as up after damage struck hooker Malcolm Marx earlier within the event and trying to stake a declare to regain the beginning ten shirt. Follow all the most recent from the Pool B match beneath. Get all of the Rugby World Cup odds right here, plus the most recent suggestions and free bets on the World Cup right here. South Africa vs Tonga LIVE: Rugby World Cup newest rating and updates Conversion! South Africa 21-3 Tonga – 32 minutes Pollard once more makes no errors so as to add one other two factors to South Africa’s whole, and they’re nearing half time with a wholesome lead. Sonia Twigg1 October 2023 20:37 Try! South Africa 19-3 Tonga – 31 minutes That was additionally kicked into contact and about as near the road as you may get, in nearly a carbon copy of two minutes in the past there’s a maul in direction of the road. But not like the final two this one is a attempt, to Deon Fourie! Sonia Twigg1 October 2023 20:36 South Africa 14-3 Tonga – half-hour Another line out for South Africa, once more near the attempt line. There’s one other maul in direction of the road, however Tonga are holding them again once more, and the ball is misplaced, however there will probably be one other penalty for the Springboks. Sonia Twigg1 October 2023 20:34 TMO: South Africa 14-3 Tonga – 29 minutes The TMO is simply taking a look at a sort out by Pulu from Tonga in opposition to South Africa’s Mapimpi. The English referee has had a glance however doesn’t imagine there’s sufficient contact for a yellow card and it’ll keep only a penalty. Sonia Twigg1 October 2023 20:32 South Africa 14-3 Tonga – 29 minutes South Africa have the penalty benefit however may not want it as first Pollard then Wiese look to drive in direction of the road. The ball goes again for the benefit and there’s a test for foul play. Sonia Twigg1 October 2023 20:31 South Africa 14-3 Tonga – 27 minutes Tonga this time with the scrum s...

Bryan Habana and Makazole Mapimpi are making global headlines! According to the Daily Mail, it was on Sunday night, following South Africa's dominant 76-0 victory over Romania in the Rugby World Cup, that Habana retold this heartwarming tale. The spotlight was firmly on Mapimpi, who had showcased his extraordinary talent by scoring three tries during the match. However, it's not just Mapimpi's remarkable rugby skills that have garnered attention; it's his journey, his background, and the immense heart that he brings to the game. For many South Africans, Mapimpi's story became widely known through the documentary "Chasing The Sun." Watch the video here (but get the tissues ready):

#worldcup2023 #decisionmaking #legacies Every World Cup begins with an unfortunate assumption which the media make: South Africa will choke when it matters.   To be honest, I consider this an extremely harsh and inconsiderate labelling of not just a group of individuals (which is inexcusable in itself), but also of an entire country. The players are different, and a few generations have passed, since that unforgettable moment, when Lance Klusener and Allan Donald, somehow managed to hand over victory to Australia, when lasting glory was just a run away for the Springboks.   It was a bad decision then, on the part of both batsmen.   Yesterday, a series of bad decisions left the Africans with a mountain to climb at the break. Electing to bat in overcast conditions, brought the Australian pacers into play, in a manner they had not featured in the tournament, since the opening game. De Kock’s rush of blood, denied them their best batter early on. When they had ploughed their way back just a little, Coetzee inexplicably refused to review the decision he got. Then, Maharaj tried a Viv Richards impression, sans the talent with the bat. Even the heroic Miller, could have just hung on a trifle more, to see out the end of the innings. A decision which could have added 15-20 runs to the total, albeit it would be difficult to expect more of him. But, just that little bit more, which might have made it more competitive.   That being said, they battled gamely to pull things back at a stage. But the Aussies, used to big moments and taking them head on, were always favourites to go through. An outcome which seemed quite apparent after the first few overs of the game. Even if South Africa fought to keep things interesting to the very end.   The final has two form sides clashing with winning streaks behind them.   As for the South Africans, a side which has given us incandescent talents who have transformed the game-like AB de Villiers and the aforementioned Klusener, to cite just two-the wait to shed that oppressive tag has been extended again.   It is about time they decided to do something with that.