UEFA European Women's Championship

[Tricky Trevor]

I think Diana Ross took a better penalty in the World Cup in 94 than some of the professionals today

An old quiz question.
Who was first to miss a penalty at a World Cup?

[Somethingfishy]

I don’t know any of the stats behind this, but from watching 10 minutes of that, I’d suggest Lucy Bronze is possibly one of our best 5 penalty takers. What was she on, 7th or 8th?!

She was carrying a knock. Thigh injury. She still hit it harder than the rest of them.

[Mattster]

So many posts in here whining about quality, being "gaslit", comparisons to mens game, female commentators etc.

Seriously, if you can't enjoy being 2 goals down, levelling it up with 2 quickfire goals, players getting injured, bloodied noses, strapping up their own legs and then winning it on penalties just don't bother watching because nothing they do is going to cut it for you.

[Wile E Coyote]

no issue with inclusivity, but its a spectacle that once the mainstream media decided was worthy of trumpeting, we as a potential audience are expected to elavate it into normality.
the reality is it is weak and insipid. free tickets and BBC obsession cant paper over this . It should grow naturally over decades, then perhaps there will be something genuinely marketable.

[Ric_C]

So many posts in here whining about quality, being "gaslit", comparisons to mens game, female commentators etc.

Seriously, if you can't enjoy being 2 goals down, levelling it up with 2 quickfire goals, players getting injured, bloodied noses, strapping up their own legs and then winning it on penalties just don't bother watching because nothing they do is going to cut it for you.

It reminded me of watching a tv series that you suddenly realise is very average, but you need to watch the rest of it to see what happened.

[CoolClaret]

So many posts in here whining about quality, being "gaslit", comparisons to mens game, female commentators etc.

Seriously, if you can't enjoy being 2 goals down, levelling it up with 2 quickfire goals, players getting injured, bloodied noses, strapping up their own legs and then winning it on penalties just don't bother watching because nothing they do is going to cut it for you.

I'm evaluating it on its own merits, and it simply doesn't justify this level of hype or platform. Countless exceptional women athletes and sports receive far less promotion, and that shootout was laughably amateur.

[NewClaret]

If your enjoyment of sport is solely about the quality on display, you’ll be forever disappointed with women’s football.

They’ll never be as good as men.

I can still enjoy a game of amateur football, kids football, women’s tennis, an F2 race or a Championship game, even though the levels are way below the best standard in that sport. In fact, sometimes I enjoy them more.

That was an exciting game capped by the most ridiculous penalty shoot out I’ve ever seen, which made it all the more entertaining. Way more entertaining than the bore fests played out by the men’s team.

[NewClaret]

no issue with inclusivity, but its a spectacle that once the mainstream media decided was worthy of trumpeting, we as a potential audience are expected to elavate it into normality.
the reality is it is weak and insipid. free tickets and BBC obsession cant paper over this . It should grow naturally over decades, then perhaps there will be something genuinely marketable.

To be honest, I think it’s just the only sport the BBC can afford now!

[Karhu_Claret]

I watched the game in the fan zone in Geneva. One of my favourite England experiences for a long time. Were the penalties terrible? Yes. Did that matter when they eventually won? Did it hell. Fantastic comeback and a performance that showed real resilience. Roll on the semi final!

[Mattster]

I'm evaluating it on its own merits, and it simply doesn't justify this level of hype or platform. Countless exceptional women athletes and sports receive far less promotion, and that shootout was laughably amateur.

"I'm evaluating it on it's own merits", immediately proceeds to compare to other sports

But go on, such as? What are these "countless" sports which you clearly watch regularly and are more popular than football?

[box_of_frogs]

If your enjoyment of sport is solely about the quality on display, you’ll be forever disappointed with women’s football.

They’ll never be as good as men.

I can still enjoy a game of amateur football, kids football, women’s tennis, an F2 race or a Championship game, even though the levels are way below the best standard in that sport. In fact, sometimes I enjoy them more.

That was an exciting game capped by the most ridiculous penalty shoot out I’ve ever seen, which made it all the more entertaining. Way more entertaining than the bore fests played out by the men’s team.

Absolutely nailed it. Far more entertaining than anything shown by Southgate’s Snoreball. Was the standard equivalent to Ightenhill County Primary - yes. Was it entertaining - yes.

[agreenwood]

I'm evaluating it on its own merits, and it simply doesn't justify this level of hype or platform. Countless exceptional women athletes and sports receive far less promotion, and that shootout was laughably amateur.

It’s “platform” is probably based on the fact that female football is now the most played and watched female sport in the UK.

The relative skill attainment at this time in other female sports may or may not be higher, but I’m assuming there’s a reason why broadcasters choose not to put them on TV as often and it’ll be largely based on how interested their viewers have been when they’ve tried.

I’m not sure there any grand conspiracy here. Lots of people like women’s football and the numbers are growing. I quite like it when someone succeeds despite being told they aren’t good enough to merit the attention or the plaudits.

[GetIntoEm]

Never understood why people try to compare to men's football, it's the same in any sport, Tennis, boxing, basketball, all sub par compared to the mens versions.

Doesn't stop me enjoying it though. Well done lionesses.

[bobinho]

"I'm evaluating it on it's own merits", immediately proceeds to compare to other sports

But go on, such as? What are these "countless" sports which you clearly watch regularly and are more popular than football?

No he didn’t.

If you are going to debate this with him, stop making stuff up and then debate what he’s actually said, not what you want him to have said.

[martin_p]

If your enjoyment of sport is solely about the quality on display, you’ll be forever disappointed with women’s football.

They’ll never be as good as men.

I can still enjoy a game of amateur football, kids football, women’s tennis, an F2 race or a Championship game, even though the levels are way below the best standard in that sport. In fact, sometimes I enjoy them more.

That was an exciting game capped by the most ridiculous penalty shoot out I’ve ever seen, which made it all the more entertaining. Way more entertaining than the bore fests played out by the men’s team.

Was about to post exactly the same thing. This notion that entertainment is directly proportional to quality seems to be a relatively modern thing, a.though people seem especially keen to employ it when it comes to the women’s game. Give me a close run game between any two teams over a Pep style team passing it round the back for ages before deciding to have an attack and still winning 5-0.

[martin_p]

no issue with inclusivity, but its a spectacle that once the mainstream media decided was worthy of trumpeting, we as a potential audience are expected to elavate it into normality.
the reality is it is weak and insipid. free tickets and BBC obsession cant paper over this . It should grow naturally over decades, then perhaps there will be something genuinely marketable.

But it’s clearly marketable, some massive companies (certainly in the country) have Lionesses promoting their goods.

[Big Vinny K]

Suppose an element of comparison is inevitable if you watch a lot of the same sport

As said it is possible to enjoy both men’s and women’s football or to just enjoy one of these or one more than the other etc…..no wrong answer here !

There’s also nothing wrong at all with the increased attention and coverage womens football is receiving. I cannot understand anyone’s criticism of this when you see how positive a thing it is for any society for more people to be participating and watching any sport. The English women’s team has had a very positive impact in this country and you can see that in many other countries too with their national teams.

The penalty shootout last night was poor - maybe it was nerves or fatigue but I was surprised at just how bad it was. It was entertaining though but it is difficult to sit there after following the men’s game for so long and to not compare the quality and standard when you are talking about something so basic as a penalty and then seeing how so many of them were struck with such poor technique.

But a lot of people will not care 2 jots about the quality of the penalties - there’s plenty wrong with the men’s game so it’s easy to see why some enjoy the women’s game more and there’s nothing wrong with that whatsoever. No different to a person liking rugby better than football (even though obviously they are clearly wrong !!)

[NottsClaret]

Women’s football is a huge participation sport now, look at the number of girls playing every week. It’s great. The standard - compared to where it is now, not compared to men’s football which is an entirely different sport - will only improve. When the current Lionesses were juniors they were likely the only kids in their school playing. There’s dozens in every school now.

As for it being hyped or promoted on the BBC.. it’s an international tournament, it’s going to be on terrestrial TV. The BBC will show any sport that’s either free or cheap. I doubt they’re ideological about showing indoor bowling or skiing either. They can afford it, that’s why it’s on.

[Bacchus]

So many posts in here whining about quality, being "gaslit", comparisons to mens game, female commentators etc.

Seriously, if you can't enjoy being 2 goals down, levelling it up with 2 quickfire goals, players getting injured, bloodied noses, strapping up their own legs and then winning it on penalties just don't bother watching because nothing they do is going to cut it for you.

Exactly this. If you enjoy it for what it is, watch it. If you dont enjoy it, don't watch it. Either is fine.

The predictable misogynistic sneering from the usual man babies is tedious though. Not specifically on this thread or site (although it is clearly evident from some) but more generally. The amount of effort some people put into belittling something that they apparently don't care about is quite revealing and it isn't a great look.

[Mattster]

No he didn’t.

If you are going to debate this with him, stop making stuff up and then debate what he’s actually said, not what you want him to have said.

The very next sentence after "evaluating it on it's own merits" is referring to "countless exceptional women athletes and sports" that receive less coverage. That's making a comparison, it can't be said to be anything else other than a comparison.

Take your own advice and stop making stuff up.

[Mattster]

The amount of effort some people put into belittling something that they apparently don't care about is quite revealing and it isn't a great look.

I never understand the mindset of the person who goes out of their way to watch something to complain how rubbish it is and how it's rammed down their throats.

I have no interest in something, I don't watch it. You have to question the motives of someone who does this with women's football and wonder if they apply the same to other kinds of highly promoted programming. Are they going out of their way to watch Love Island just so they can say how rubbish it is? If not, why do they only do it with women's football and what does that say about them?

[GetIntoEm]

I never understand the mindset of the person who goes out of their way to watch something to complain how rubbish it is and how it's rammed down their throats.

I have no interest in something, I don't watch it. You have to question the motives of someone who does this with women's football and wonder if they apply the same to other kinds of highly promoted programming. Are they going out of their way to watch Love Island just so they can say how rubbish it is? If not, why do they only do it with women's football and what does that say about them?

You mean like lots of "Burnley" fans do on here regularly

[Mattster]

You mean like lots of "Burnley" fans do on here regularly

Complaining about a team you support and have supported for years is very different to going out of your way to watch and complain about a whole sport you insist you have no interest in.

[martin_p]

Women’s football is a huge participation sport now, look at the number of girls playing every week. It’s great. The standard - compared to where it is now, not compared to men’s football which is an entirely different sport - will only improve. When the current Lionesses were juniors they were likely the only kids in their school playing. There’s dozens in every school now.

As for it being hyped or promoted on the BBC.. it’s an international tournament, it’s going to be on terrestrial TV. The BBC will show any sport that’s either free or cheap. I doubt they’re ideological about showing indoor bowling or skiing either. They can afford it, that’s why it’s on.

Plus it also happens to be our national sport!

[NewClaret]

Suppose an element of comparison is inevitable if you watch a lot of the same sport

As said it is possible to enjoy both men’s and women’s football or to just enjoy one of these or one more than the other etc…..no wrong answer here !

There’s also nothing wrong at all with the increased attention and coverage womens football is receiving. I cannot understand anyone’s criticism of this when you see how positive a thing it is for any society for more people to be participating and watching any sport. The English women’s team has had a very positive impact in this country and you can see that in many other countries too with their national teams.

The penalty shootout last night was poor - maybe it was nerves or fatigue but I was surprised at just how bad it was. It was entertaining though but it is difficult to sit there after following the men’s game for so long and to not compare the quality and standard when you are talking about something so basic as a penalty and then seeing how so many of them were struck with such poor technique.

But a lot of people will not care 2 jots about the quality of the penalties - there’s plenty wrong with the men’s game so it’s easy to see why some enjoy the women’s game more and there’s nothing wrong with that whatsoever. No different to a person liking rugby better than football (even though obviously they are clearly wrong !!)

Exactly this. I understand why some people might not enjoy women’s football. I’m not offended if they don’t or consider them sexist, in the same way I wouldn’t be if they said they liked men’s tennis but not women’s. Each to their own. I just can’t understand:

1. The constant comparisons on quality. It’s never going to be the same. Ever. They’ll catch up a bit, I’m sure, but if you’re expecting it to be the same at any point in future you’re a bit daft, given the biological and physical differences between men and women.

2. People watching something they don’t enjoy and criticising it. I’d just switch over if the quality was so poor it damaged my enjoyment of it. Either enjoy it for what it is or switch off.

To your point about fatigue, to my knowledge the women play on the same sized pitch over the same number of minutes. In women’s golf they play off a nearer tee. In tennis, fewer sets. Well done to women’s football for just going at it like the men, I say. But for reasons stated above, it’s no massive shock to me that they looked absolutely shot by the time it came to spot kicks. I won’t forget that shootout in a while though

[NewClaret]

Plus it also happens to be our national sport!

And the women, relative to their counterparts, seem better at it than the men having won more trophies in recent years.

[boatshed bill]

If you think that was bad try watching women's chess, they can hardly string two moves together

[Cooclaret]

no issue with inclusivity, but its a spectacle that once the mainstream media decided was worthy of trumpeting, we as a potential audience are expected to elavate it into normality.
the reality is it is weak and insipid. free tickets and BBC obsession cant paper over this . It should grow naturally over decades, then perhaps there will be something genuinely marketable.

I don’t particularly like Eastenders, I much prefer Emmerdale, the acting is better in my opinion.

I do not go on internet forums to berate the cast of Eastenders. I just quietly turn the channel over and watch something else.

It’s absolutely pathetic the responses on here. I am not singling out this post, it’s just the one I am replying to.

Any father who has a daughter cannot in sound mind belittle having positive (and bloomin hard as nails) role models on the TV for them to look up to.

This forum is mind boggling at times, but this is just a whole new level of boggle.

[Cooclaret]

Suppose an element of comparison is inevitable if you watch a lot of the same sport

As said it is possible to enjoy both men’s and women’s football or to just enjoy one of these or one more than the other etc…..no wrong answer here !

There’s also nothing wrong at all with the increased attention and coverage womens football is receiving. I cannot understand anyone’s criticism of this when you see how positive a thing it is for any society for more people to be participating and watching any sport. The English women’s team has had a very positive impact in this country and you can see that in many other countries too with their national teams.

The penalty shootout last night was poor - maybe it was nerves or fatigue but I was surprised at just how bad it was. It was entertaining though but it is difficult to sit there after following the men’s game for so long and to not compare the quality and standard when you are talking about something so basic as a penalty and then seeing how so many of them were struck with such poor technique.

But a lot of people will not care 2 jots about the quality of the penalties - there’s plenty wrong with the men’s game so it’s easy to see why some enjoy the women’s game more and there’s nothing wrong with that whatsoever. No different to a person liking rugby better than football (even though obviously they are clearly wrong !!)

We don’t agree on much, but on this we do. Great post.

[CoolClaret]

If your enjoyment of sport is solely about the quality on display, you’ll be forever disappointed with women’s football.

They’ll never be as good as men.

I can still enjoy a game of amateur football, kids football, women’s tennis, an F2 race or a Championship game, even though the levels are way below the best standard in that sport. In fact, sometimes I enjoy them more.

That was an exciting game capped by the most ridiculous penalty shoot out I’ve ever seen, which made it all the more entertaining. Way more entertaining than the bore fests played out by the men’s team.

I think that a tournament which is receiving this amount of media coverage, broadcast on national TV etc should be of a higher standard.

You are, in essence, suggesting that it may as well be Soccer Aid when it's meant to be a professional sport at the highest level.

Of course, one can be entertained by anything - I was very entertained by the penalty shootout (crying laughing to be honest), but was shocked that these are well-paid, full-time professionals.

[Bacchus]

I think that a tournament which is receiving this amount of media coverage, broadcast on national TV etc should be of a higher standard.

You are, in essence, suggesting that it may as well be Soccer Aid when it's meant to be a professional sport at the highest level.

Of course, one can be entertained by anything - I was very entertained by the penalty shootout (crying laughing to be honest), but was shocked that these are well-paid, full-time professionals.

It is of the highest standard. These are the best female footballers in Europe. If that's not enough for you to want to watch it then that's perfectly okay, but maybe you need to realise that the decision to broadcast it maybe wasn't made with you in mind.

Girls up and down the country will be inspired by what they are seeing, and encouraged to believe that they can pursue their sporting aspirations just the same as boys can. If you genuinely can't see the value in that then there is little point in trying to explain it any further.

[CoolClaret]

It is of the highest standard. These are the best female footballers in Europe. If that's not enough for you to want to watch it then that's perfectly okay, but maybe you need to realise that the decision to broadcast it maybe wasn't made with you in mind.

Girls up and down the country will be inspired by what they are seeing, and encouraged to believe that they can pursue their sporting aspirations just the same as boys can. If you genuinely can't see the value in that then there is little point in trying to explain it any further.

They maybe the best in Europe, still not of the highest standard when the technique on display is lacking.

In 2022 MinJee Lee was statistically better from the fairway in approach shot proximity than even the best guys on the PGA tour - that's a credit to the level of her technique and execution, genuinely elite...

Yeah, nothing against your last paragraph, all for that, especially funding grassroots level, but is that the sole purpose of the women's game?

Not sure why it has to be football specifically, mind - there are countless sports out there to play.

[NewClaret]

I think that a tournament which is receiving this amount of media coverage, broadcast on national TV etc should be of a higher standard.

You are, in essence, suggesting that it may as well be Soccer Aid when it's meant to be a professional sport at the highest level.

Of course, one can be entertained by anything - I was very entertained by the penalty shootout (crying laughing to be honest), but was shocked that these are well-paid, full-time professionals.

It is of the highest standard of women’s European football today. You might not like that standard or think it’s good enough to be on TV, or whatever, and that’s fair enough. As I said, I just see it as two comparable teams competing to win a game and enjoy it for what it is, mistakes and all.

On the point of quality, I think you have to be fair that the header from a tight angle was an excellent finish and our girls whipped in some wicked balls I would be happy to see us play!

The penalty shootout was a bit of an anomaly. Not disputing it was poor but I think the goal keepers contribution has been overlooked a bit in discussions. Our PK’s weren’t awful. They were all on target and in the corners. The keeper guessed the right way (good prep or good reading) and got off her line well (legally) to make decent saves.

Our first and fifth were excellent finishes. The ones Sweden smashed over were the worst ones, but it’s not as if we’ve never watched our men do exactly the same, is it?

[Big Vinny K]

They maybe the best in Europe, still not of the highest standard when the technique on display is lacking.

In 2022 MinJee Lee was statistically better from the fairway in approach shot proximity than even the best guys on the PGA tour - that's a credit to the level of her technique and execution, genuinely elite...

Yeah, nothing against your last paragraph, all for that, especially funding grassroots level, but is that the sole purpose of the women's game?

Not sure why it has to be football specifically, mind - there are countless sports out there to play.

No idea why you would even be watching the game with views like this. What were you expecting ? To say you were “crying laughing” during the penalty shoot out is embarrassing. You are going to end up down that Trafford rabbit hole again !

Seriously just don’t watch it - it’s weird that you choose to.

[NottsClaret]

Our first and fifth were excellent finishes. The ones Sweden smashed over were the worst ones, but it’s not as if we’ve never watched our men do exactly the same, is it?

You just know if it had been 8-7 on penalties, it'd have been a case of 'look how useless these women keepers are'.

A lot of people forgetting Italia 90 here. One of the best pen takers in the men's game smashes it straight at the keeper, and our world class winger pinged one to the moon. Plus our keeper didn't come close to saving anything.

[Mattster]

They maybe the best in Europe, still not of the highest standard when the technique on display is lacking.

They are the best women's football players in Europe as you seem to be acknowledging. Not sure what else you expect from UEFA Women's Euro 2025 football tournament

[ollieclarets8]

I rarely watch games on mute as there needs to be an atmosphere even if it's just the crowd, but I watched the game last night on silence due to the commentating and it was actually pretty peaceful. I think Spain will be far too much though if England get to the final. They look a level above.

[CoolClaret]

No idea why you would even be watching the game with views like this. What were you expecting ? To say you were “crying laughing” during the penalty shoot out is embarrassing. You are going to end up down that Trafford rabbit hole again !

Seriously just don’t watch it - it’s weird that you choose to.

I mean, I also cried laughing when Beckham skied his penalty (the one when the spot moved) ~ 20 yr ago.

I switched it on because multiple people said "you have to watch this", and I thought I'd give it a fair shot.

I'll give it another go at the next tournament and try to be objective about it!

[Big Vinny K]

I mean, I also cried laughing when Beckham skied his penalty (the one when the spot moved) ~ 20 yr ago.

I switched it on because multiple people said "you have to watch this", and I thought I'd give it a fair shot.

I'll give it another go at the next tournament and try to be objective about it!

‘You have to watch’ Love Island.
It’s one of the greatest pieces of creative art in the last 300 years.

[Bosscat]

I enjoyed watching last night and found the Pen shoot-out a hoot ...

https://x.com/i/status/1945965611521130585

[Wile E Coyote]

I don’t particularly like Eastenders, I much prefer Emmerdale, the acting is better in my opinion.

I do not go on internet forums to berate the cast of Eastenders. I just quietly turn the channel over and watch something else.

It’s absolutely pathetic the responses on here. I am not singling out this post, it’s just the one I am replying to.

Any father who has a daughter cannot in sound mind belittle having positive (and bloomin hard as nails) role models on the TV for them to look up to.

This forum is mind boggling at times, but this is just a whole new level of boggle.

well, as you conveniently did single this post out ,let me reply.

As a father of three daughters who have all participated in numerous sporting activities for years, one of whom competes at national level, we as parents have done our utmost to encourage them, travel with them and support all their struggles and efforts.
So less of the condescending tone as if somehow you are the arbiter of all things family and sport.

my point relates to a style of coverage reminiscant of the media attempts to push american football on an unwilling public in times past.
The cynic in me senses now as it did then it was a means to exploit the sports for profiteering whenever possible.
Rich pickings for advertising .
I have no axe to grind with women involving themselves in any sport, but in my view the almost manic approach to project the womens game as an event will inevitably draw criticism in some quarters.
Hundreds of other sports are devoid of serious financial backing or coverage , and no one seems to be championing them.

for a sport to have recognition and acceptance it must also be allowed to mature behind the scenes with appropriate backing and organisation. Not always necessary to have shouty style talk sport and tabloids milking it for all its worth, its distasteful

[CoolClaret]

The cynic in me senses now as it did then it was a means to exploit the sports for profiteering whenever possible.
Rich pickings for advertising .
I have no axe to grind with women involving themselves in any sport, but in my view the almost manic approach to project the womens game as an event will inevitably draw criticism in some quarters.
Hundreds of other sports are devoid of serious financial backing or coverage , and no one seems to be championing them.

1000% this. Spot on.

[Mattster]

my point relates to a style of coverage reminiscant of the media attempts to push american football on an unwilling public in times past.

Hundreds of other sports are devoid of serious financial backing or coverage , and no one seems to be championing them.

for a sport to have recognition and acceptance it must also be allowed to mature behind the scenes with appropriate backing and organisation. Not always necessary to have shouty style talk sport and tabloids milking it for all its worth, its distasteful

What is it about the coverage you dislike? Where is it being talked about/covered that you feel it shouldn't be?

And in terms of being "allowed to mature". What does that even mean, our women's football team has been competing for decades. They made the semi final of the Euros and quarter finals of the World Cup in 1995 to no acclaim. As the sport has "matured", the quality has improved, the following increased, the grass routes grown, it's received more coverage. We won the Euros 3 years ago, followed by being runners up in the World Cup 2 years ago. The coverage of the sport we're seeing now hasn't just been plastered up overnight.

The suggestion that women's football getting backing and coverage at the expense of other sports is a nonsense too, it's scrabbling for a justification of the kinds of views expressed in this thread (illustrated by CoolClaret clinging to your post). Football is our national sport, our women's team is competing at the top level for titles. Is it any surprise there is coverage? It's hardly being given it at the expense of the men's game is it, with there being no international football this summer. I'd be interested to hear what other sports you feel it's stealing backing from? And I'll assume we'll be able to find evidence of you banging the drum for those sports to get more coverage before, given you clearly feel very strongly about them... right?

[timshorts]

Another shite penalty. This time from Spain. Ha. Sure they will be able to fall over for a few more.

[Cooclaret]

well, as you conveniently did single this post out ,let me reply.

As a father of three daughters who have all participated in numerous sporting activities for years, one of whom competes at national level, we as parents have done our utmost to encourage them, travel with them and support all their struggles and efforts.
So less of the condescending tone as if somehow you are the arbiter of all things family and sport.

my point relates to a style of coverage reminiscant of the media attempts to push american football on an unwilling public in times past.
The cynic in me senses now as it did then it was a means to exploit the sports for profiteering whenever possible.
Rich pickings for advertising .
I have no axe to grind with women involving themselves in any sport, but in my view the almost manic approach to project the womens game as an event will inevitably draw criticism in some quarters.
Hundreds of other sports are devoid of serious financial backing or coverage , and no one seems to be championing them.

for a sport to have recognition and acceptance it must also be allowed to mature behind the scenes with appropriate backing and organisation. Not always necessary to have shouty style talk sport and tabloids milking it for all its worth, its distasteful

Touched a nerve.

What a plank. Do you also want to measure appendages?

Let’s be frank, the attitude of some on this board towards women’s football is horrible.

Condescending, bordering on worse.

The women’s game, deserves all the money and exposure it is getting. It should rightly be given the same respect that the men’s game has.

But, if you don’t like it, TURN OVER and watch something else. It’s that simple.

The fact that many feel empowered enough to spout the rubbish they do IS THE PROBLEM.

The women are more successful than the men, despite the underfunding, despite the men’s game dominating, despite the older generation progressing their misogynistic attitudes onto them.

Despite all that, they still are battling away.

I how they succeed.

[Cooclaret]

What is it about the coverage you dislike? Where is it being talked about/covered that you feel it shouldn't be?

And in terms of being "allowed to mature". What does that even mean, our women's football team has been competing for decades. They made the semi final of the Euros and quarter finals of the World Cup in 1995 to no acclaim. As the sport has "matured", the quality has improved, the following increased, the grass routes grown, it's received more coverage. We won the Euros 3 years ago, followed by being runners up in the World Cup 2 years ago. The coverage of the sport we're seeing now hasn't just been plastered up overnight.

The suggestion that women's football getting backing and coverage at the expense of other sports is a nonsense too, it's scrabbling for a justification of the kinds of views expressed in this thread (illustrated by CoolClaret clinging to your post). Football is our national sport, our women's team is competing at the top level for titles. Is it any surprise there is coverage? It's hardly being given it at the expense of the men's game is it, with there being no international football this summer. I'd be interested to hear what other sports you feel it's stealing backing from? And I'll assume we'll be able to find evidence of you banging the drum for those sports to get more coverage before, given you clearly feel very strongly about them... right?

Great post and a great observation about cronies!

[boatshed bill]

Touched a nerve.





The women are more successful than the men, despite the underfunding, despite the men’s game dominating, despite the older generation progressing their misogynistic attitudes onto them.

Why make the very comparison which most champions of the women's game (on here at least) are eager to avoid?

[CoolClaret]

The women are more successful than the men, despite the underfunding, despite the men’s game dominating, despite the older generation progressing their misogynistic attitudes onto them.

What do you mean by "despite the underfunding"?

The WSL isn't profitable - professional women footballers are earning a decent wedge in a loss-leading business.

Want to talk about underfunding? Christ, there are many, many sportsmen with elite performers (both men and women) up and down the country that have had grants/funding cut yet tough it out, taking odd jobs here and there etc etc to make it.

Stop being so hysterical.

[Cooclaret]

What do you mean by "despite the underfunding"?

The WSL isn't profitable - professional women footballers are earning a decent wedge in a loss-leading business.

Want to talk about underfunding? Christ, there are many, many sportsmen with elite performers (both men and women) up and down the country that have had grants/funding cut yet tough it out, taking odd jobs here and there etc etc to make it.

Stop being so hysterical.

Rich coming from you.

But, to address your point.

The women’s game is underfunded, the men’s game is bloated and becoming something vulgar.

There are many sports underfunded, I spent my life in one. But that’s not a comparison to make.

Football men’s and women’s is a direct comparison. Women’s is underfunded.


This isn’t my point though. The comments on here about the women’s game are unacceptable.

[CoolClaret]

Rich coming from you.

But, to address your point.

The women’s game is underfunded, the men’s game is bloated and becoming something vulgar.

There are many sports underfunded, I spent my life in one. But that’s not a comparison to make.

Football men’s and women’s is a direct comparison. Women’s is underfunded.


This isn’t my point though. The comments on here about the women’s game are unacceptable.

What makes you say that it's underfunded? I don't quite follow. Who do you want to fund it, and with what money?

I agree that the men's game is a joke, but that's only at the highest level, there are plenty of struggling, talented pro's that don't have anywhere near access to facilities that some WSL players have.

Which comments in particular? It's almost patronising I think the standard is poor, which is quite shocking to say that they are full-time, decently paid professionals.

We have to be able to call a spade a spade.