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WOMEN'S WORLD CUP

Calls for Spanish coach’s exit after World Cup flop

Spanish players have called for long-time coach Ignacio Quereda to be sacked after their first Women's World Cup campaign ended in an early exit.

Calls for Spanish coach's exit after World Cup flop
Quereda speaks to his players during the recent defeat to South Korea at the Women's World Cup. Photo: Nicholas Kamm / AFP

Spain finished bottom of Group E following a 1-1 draw with Costa Rica after losing to Brazil 1-0 and South Korea 2-1.
   
“It's obvious that World Cup preparations weren't correct, inexistent friendlies, poor acclimatisation, analysis of rivals and how to prepare for matches insufficient and this has long been the case. We believe that it’s time to turn the page and changes are needed,” the 23 players said in a statement.

Captain Veronica Boquete had earlier slammed the coach on Spanish radio. “We didn't achieve more because we didn't have the support we needed and the preparation required,” said the 28-year-old striker.

Spain arrived in Canada four days before their first game without playing a match in more than two months.

“Since the end of the game (against Korea) we have not had any conversation or any contact with the president of the Federation, nor the coach, nor the head of the expedition,” she said.

“We have been representing our country at the highest level and there are things that have not been done well and I think it's time to reflect, to think, and see where we go and how,” added Boquete, who won the Champions League title with Frankfurt a few months ago and recently joined Bayern Munich.

Quereda, 64, has coached Spain since 1988.

FOOTBALL

Semi-final clash with US ‘like a final’

Ahead of Tuesday's semi-final clash against the Unites States in the Women's World Cup, Germany coach Silvia Neid warned that her team would not be relinquishing their status as the world's number one team yet.

Semi-final clash with US 'like a final'
Germany coach Silvia Neid. Photo: DPA

“I know the United States would like to be number one but we are still number one and we would like to show tomorrow that it's our position to keep.”

Germany advanced to the semi-finals by beating France 5-4 on penalties, after playing 1-1 over 120 minutes.

“We had a little trouble getting into the match against France,” said Neid.

We want to do better, want to be more agile, be braver, we just want to leave a good impression.”

“After the 120 minutes against France everybody was really tired,” said forward Alexandra Popp.

“We needed to regenerate, now we're ready to go.”

US striker Alex Morgan described Tuesday's clash as “almost like a final.””It's the number one and the number two team (in the world). It's almost like a final in itself,” said 25-year-old Morgan.

“Germany have had a great run in this tournament, we've done pretty good as well and have been continuing to get better and better.

“It's going to be a great game for the fans. We've been watching Germany this tournament a lot knowing that we could well meet them in the semi-final and the day has come, tomorrow, and we'll be ready.”

US coach Jill Ellis said the “Stars and Stripes” were ready for a battle.

“It's going to be a physical battle on the ground and in the air. It has been a good test for our players to come through against Nigeria and Sweden and teams like this to be prepared for tomorrow.”

Germany are a “tremendous team,” Ellis continued, adding: “I'm still ambitious enough to think our best game is ahead of us.”

Germany, winners in 2003 and 2007, play the United States, champions in 1991 and 1999, in Montreal. 

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