Relive the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup final, when England defeated Canada to put an end to a run of three final defeats in a row.
On BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app, watch England v. Canada play in the women’s rugby world cup final on Saturday, September 27 at 15:00 BST.
The clock is running for five minutes. The ball is at the goalkeeper’s feet. He hits it long rather than pass it to a defender. A flick-on is given to the big striker. On goal, a forward chases it down and makes it happen.
It resembles vintage football.
No, this is not Chelsea versus Manchester United in the Premier League on September 20, 2025.
It seems like we have already been there, especially now that modern coaches are putting more emphasis on set pieces and “going long,” and they have abandoned a possession-based game.
Bolton Wanderers was led by Sam Allardyce from the second tier to Europe before taking over a number of other clubs, including Newcastle, Blackburn, and West Ham, with a style of football that is once again a fixture in the Premier League.
Allardyce tells BBC Sport, “We faced a lot of criticism at the time.” However, many people, especially at the larger clubs, or even the press, were not overly positive about our performance because we were ahead of the game.
He didn’t get suspended; instead, he opted to sit in the stands and watch the game.
The Spaniard claimed, “I’ve been watching rugby coaches analyze matches from above for a long time.” I’m always open to anything that can enhance our performance, he says.
Rewind 25 years and Allardyce was one of the few coaches who preferred the stands over the touchline.
He claims, “You have the bigger, better overview.” You lack emotional ties.
Allardyce saw the value in his assistants, the sports scientist, the physio, and the fitness coach in his interaction with the bench, as well as his walkie-talkie.
“Anything I wanted to show the players I could actually show them directly rather than just talking in the dressing room.”
He states, “I did Blackburn in the stand, Newcastle in the stand, and Bolton in the stand.”
Why, then, did he stop acting?
What is the manager doing in the stand and not yell at the players when I visited West Ham in 2011?
“Why are you doing that?” asked the directors,” not just the fans.
The pressures on his seating arrangements were severe from the outside.
I ultimately gave up on it. I occasionally returned to it, but never as frequently as I did at those three clubs.
You need to give your home fans the right environment to see that you’re doing what you should, even though I didn’t think it was.
A big man was liked by his system, and so did Mark Viduka, Andy Carroll, and Christian Benteke-Allardyce, too.
They played a crucial role in a football tactic that placed an emphasis on the first pass going forward.
Some notable summer signings include those made by Manchester United, Newcastle signed Thierno Barry, and Newcastle signed Ben Sesko (6’5″), while Erling Haaland (6’5″) has continued to excel at Manchester City since joining in 2022.
The choreography of expertly woven passes from the back seems to have lost its relevance as a result.
Allardyce says it’s great to see forwards playing as the frontman for a change.
“For the past three or four years, they have been sat in the middle and said, “When am I going to get a kick?” “
Frontmen will no longer be as bored as they have been in four years. The frontman will understand that because he enjoys being forced to either hold the game up or down the channel.
Are we seeing the end of what Allardyce refers to as a “pandemic” of playing out from the back as Manchester United and Manchester City discard goalkeepers brought in as much as their ability with their hands as their feet?
He claims that “it’s changing once more.” The negative statistics are that giving the ball away in your own half more frequently results in goals for the opposition when they are defending themselves and scoring.
Allardyce led Sunderland to Premier League safety in 2015 after taking over the club that was 19th in October and without wins in eight games.
Although having a striker like Jermain Defoe who scored 15 goals for the Black Cats was undoubtedly helpful, set-pieces were unlikely to be their weapon.
“Corners and free kicks are very important,” said one journalist. Use long throws, of course. You don’t use a player if they don’t feel comfortable. However, Allardyce cautions against doing so.
No team scored more goals than Sunderland in dead-ball situations during the same season, with the exception of penalties. By two points, they managed to avoid being dropped.
According to Allardyce, “in my time, our players’ overall goals would be trying to be greater than the average Premier League stats were.”
We had to be better than the rest of the bottom eight, if not in open play but with set-pieces, to score more.
More than any other Premier League campaign this year, set-pieces have been the cause of 27.7% of non-penalty goals so far this season than any other campaign.
The Premier League team’s most potent scorer in this area over the past two seasons, set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, was even honored with a fan-painted mural close to Emirates Stadium.
Allardyce considers the Frenchman and his fellow dead-ball trainers to be cutting-edge.
The 70-year-old continues, “There are more and more set-play coaches than ever before.”
“Arsenal have done very well on that,” they said. Because everyone had to work hard to stop them against that particular corner, they have slightly changed this year.
However, how can you make the most of a corner?
Who puts the ball in the box is what makes it beautiful. Nearly all of Arsenal’s players “put the ball in the right places,” says Allardyce.
Allardyce never shied away from challenging himself, and his advice to any aspiring coach who is hesitant to test their own tactical innovation is simple: be different.
He claims that the practice of “you can only play this way,” which has been around for a while, has spooked coaches, especially young coaches.
Because of the criticism, not just from the fans, but also from some journalists, coaches are hesitant to use a great tool.
So could teams switching things up, using long throws, or simply throwing the ball straight out of the kickoff, another rugby-inspired tactic, be the new normal?
Everyone else on the pitch is aware of what’s coming after a few weeks. You begin the coaching process in that direction, Allardyce says.
“The surprise factor is enormous, particularly in the first fifteen minutes. When coaches haven’t yet developed our system, I’ve seen them jump and dance on the touchline.
We used that tactic for a number of results before going back to where we felt most at ease.
2025 Ryder Cup
Dates: September 26 through September 28th, 2018 Bethpage Black, New York
After all the talk of a Bethpage “bearpit” in the run-up to this week’s Ryder Cup, Monday’s opening exchanges between the captains in New York couldn’t have been more adorable.
Luke Donald and Keegan Bradley, both of whom are expected to bring a spikiness to Bethpage, will deliver the bonhomie.
They are founding partners in a nearby restaurant, live four miles apart in Florida, and are members of Jack Nicklaus’ “Bear’s Club.”
In his opening remarks, Donald mentioned their “strong friendship” and “deep, mutual respect” for one another.
“I’ve rooted for Kate,” Donald said. I would text him if he won or did well in a tournament. Sometimes we have dinner together or we practice together.
Bradley retorted, “Luke Donald is the only person in the golf world that I like more.”
Because we exchange texts and joke jokes, I consider it fortunate that Luke is on the other side. I enjoy drinking and hanging out with Luke Donald.
At Bethpage’s renowned Black Course, spectators were restricted access to the property until Tuesday, which echoed a surreal calm.
Donald’s dozen will then play all 18 holes of this hilly course on Long Island, about 40 miles east of Manhattan, giving Europeans a firsthand experience of the support provided by New York.
And the thousands of fans in the stand that encircles the first tee and the adjacent 18th green might “welcome” them. But will it be as enthralling as the nearly 5, 000-seat stand that horseshoed the first tee in Rome in 2023, creating a cauldron?
Rory McIlroy explained that Donald is taking no chances by providing his players with virtual reality headsets that can be programmed to mimic the ” sights and sounds” the away team are anticipating.
Before departing for a practice round, Bradley assembled his team on the first tee early on Monday and played the national anthem.
He said, “Every second the guys are together and can have a powerful moment, it brings them closer together.”
That was a lot of fun. For about a year, I had the idea of doing that, and the guys’ reaction to how emotionally charged they were.
Bradley chose not to be the US team’s wildcard pick despite placing 11th in the qualifying standings, which would have ended the debate over whether he would become the team’s first player-captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963.
And when he asked if he felt resentment toward his choice, he said, “I’ve given it a second.
“Sometimes I catch myself glancing down the fairway, admiring the men, and considering how badly I want to do that.
However, I feel like I should be working on a bigger goal: getting our guys ready to play at the highest level.
Both captains, of course, expressed their desire to win this week. After all, that’s what we’re here for. Will the US win a third straight away game to extend their winning streak at home, or will defending champions Europe win their first contest since 2012?
Donald said, “We haven’t even managed to win three of our previous four away Ryder Cups,” It hasn’t come very close. That gap needs to be filled, in my opinion.
However, both skippers are in agreement on how to end the week in harmony.
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati has made history by becoming the first player to win the women’s Ballon d’Or three times.
Bonmati, 27, took the award with her international team-mate, Arsenal winger Mariona Caldentey, coming second.
There were five England players in the top 10. Arsenal trio Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly and Leah Williamson came third, fifth and seventh respectively, with Chelsea duo Lucy Bronze and Hannah Hampton ninth and 10th.
Bonmati also won the award in 2023 and 2024. It means Barcelona players have won the honour in each of the past five years after midfielder Alexia Putellas earned the prize in 2021 and 2022.
The award, officially called the Ballon d’Or Feminin, recognises the best footballer of the year and is voted for by a jury of journalists.
Outside the top 10, Arsenal defenders Emily Fox and Steph Catley came 25th and 29th respectively, with midfielder Frida Maanum ending 27th. Chelsea pair Sandy Baltimore and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd finished 15th and 23rd, while former Blues midfielder Pernille Harder was 20th.
Scotland and Real Madrid midfielder Caroline Weir finished 30th in the vote.
After scoring Spain’s winning goal in their Euro 2025 semi-final against Germany, Bonmati said she could “write a book” about the weeks that had gone before it.
The 27-year-old was in hospital with viral meningitis just days prior to the tournament starting, her participation in significant doubt.
As it was, Bonmati’s remarkable return from her hospital bed to match-winner helped Spain all the way to the final, which they eventually lost on penalties to England.
“If Spain are going to win a game, it will be a player like Bonmati that is able to take the game by the scruff of the neck in these moments and get that goal,” former England midfielder Fara Williams said on BBC One.
Williams was right – Bonmati has always been a difference-maker. And that is why she has been crowned women’s Ballon d’Or winner for an unprecedented third time.
While Spain were unable to add to their World Cup triumph two years earlier, it was still another spectacular season for the Barcelona midfielder, who won a domestic treble with her club and also reached the Champions League final.
The 2024-25 campaign was one without either of the biggest prizes for club or country with Bonmati, yet it was successful nevertheless.
She was once again vital to Barcelona, netting 12 times and assisting a further six goals in the league.
It may not have been an unblemished season in the league for her club, but they still finished eight points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid.
In the Champions League she shone – despite Barcelona being unable to retain their title and losing the final to Arsenal.
Bonmati was named the competition’s player of the season by Uefa, registering nine goal contributions in her 11 appearances and scoring in their 4-1 semi-final second-leg win at Chelsea.
Understandably, suffering from a bout of viral meningitis just days before the tournament began meant it was not a perfect Euros for Bonmati.
Yet, after returning, she helped make history.
Bonmati had almost missed the tournament, but came back and scored the winner in extra time as Spain beat Germany to reach the final.
“Scoring in a game like this one is super special. If I can help the team write history, it’s very special,” she said.
Sometimes, it takes a player of Bonmati’s calibre to make the difference in the pivotal moments – and that is what she did, getting the all-important goal in a knockout stage which was otherwise somewhat muted.
1: Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona, Spain)
2: Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal, Spain)
3: Alessia Russo (Arsenal, England)
4: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona, Spain)
5: Chloe Kelly (Manchester City, Arsenal, England)
6: Patricia Guijarro (Barcelona, Spain)
7: Leah Williamson (Arsenal, England)
8: Ewa Pajor (Barcelona, Poland)
9: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea, England)
10: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England)
15: Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea, France)
20: Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich, Denmark)
23: Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea, Sweden)
25: Emily Fox (Arsenal, USA)
27: Frida Maanum (Arsenal, Norway)
29: Steph Catley (Arsenal, Australia)
Spurs and Liverpool both want Savinho to join Manchester City, while Real Madrid and Real Madrid both want William Saliba, and Liverpool and Barcelona want Julian Alvarez.
With Liverpool and Barcelona interested in signing the Argentina international, 25-year-old Julian Alvarez, 25, is considering leaving Atletico Madrid next summer. (Fichajes – Spanish)
Manchester United‘s agent wants to work with Barcelona to sign on-loan England international Marcus Rashford, 27, for £26 million, which is less than United’s valuation, which is closer to £35 million. (Star)
A “major goalkeeper signing” for the summer has also been given priority by United. (Sun)
Real Madrid continue to be interested in signing France international William Saliba, 24, after watching him play against Manchester City on Sunday. (TBR Football)
Marc Guehi, 25, the captain of Crystal Palace and England defender, is eager to sign for Liverpool as a free agent when the Premier League champions arrive next summer. He nearly signed for the club on deadline day. (GiveMeSport)
Harry Kane, 32, the England captain, could leave Bayern Munich for £56.7 million the following summer if he declares his intention to do so before the winter transfer window closes. This is in accordance with his contract. (In German, subscription required)
Savinho, 21, is a 21-year-old winger from Manchester City, and they may go over a potential deal with Tottenham in January. (Teamtalk)
In the meantime, Tottenham are prepared to make a $35 million offer in January for 28-year-old Brais Mendez from Real Sociedad. (Fichajes – Spanish)
He “could become the best player in the world” if used properly.
Ousmane Dembele had heard this provocative statement from ex-Barcelona boss Xavi in 2021 throughout his career.
Some questioned the mercurial Frenchman’s ability to reach the heights that had been predicted for him after he became the second-most expensive player in the world when he signed for Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth £135m in 2017.
The 28-year-old has finally seen that prophecy come true after winning the Ballon d’Or, a prize he has long-dreamed of, after a journey that has had many lows as he battled injuries, inconsistencies, and questions about his attitude.
Dembele burst out in tears as he thanked his family for their sacrifices in order to receive the top man’s prize in Paris. This is a testament to the ups and downs he has gone through in his career.
Dembele’s incredible 2024-2011 campaign saw his team Paris St.Germain reach the final of the Club World Cup while also winning the Coupe de France and the Champions League treble.
According to the statistics from the start of the year, he was Europe’s most in-form forward and recorded 34 goals and 14 assists in all competitions.
His success is also unheard of. He has beaten Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, who both scored more goals than any other player in the top five leagues in Europe last year, and Mohamed Salah from Liverpool, who scored more goals than any other player.
Before joining PSG, Dembele’s transformation began at Barcelona as he began to see things differently. However, he was invited to be ambitious at PSG because he adored the idea of being a star.
The decision to leave French champion Mbappe to join Real Madrid, ironically predicted to make him the world’s best player, was the final piece in Dembele’s puzzled-over puzzle, as manager Luis Enrique declared, “We now want goals from you and we want you to be egotistical.”
The France international was only paid £43.5 million when PSG purchased him in August 2023, and he helped them win both league and cup titles.
Mbappe, the club’s record scorer, scored 44 goals in all competitions during his best seven seasons with PSG, making him far from the main man. As Real Madrid called, it turned out to be his last.
A new-style PSG required a new talisman and leader. Dembele, move forward.
And he did it without a doubt. His 51 goals were more than twice his best in a single campaign during his entire career, and he had 21 more goals than he had before.
Without Mbappe, manager Luis Enrique stated to Dembele last summer that he needed more goals from him to go along with his numerous assists. This gave the player the green light to approach the situation with less passing and a greater desire to score.
The coaching staff has frequently advised him in private that converting a sizable portion of his chances could result in collective success and then individual honors.
Dembele enjoyed playing his new tactical role and has grown to it all.
He was primarily played on the right in 2023 to 2024. Mbappe’s removal from the lead role was impossible.
He now mostly operates as a false nine inside, where he gets more of a chance to catch passes, take part in the buildup, and has more chances to finish.
It would be incorrect to attribute Dembele’s transformation solely to Mbappe’s Real move. The final step was merely that.
He spent 784 days out with sidelines while mostly injury-free at Rennes and Dortmund, but he also suffered 14 muscle injuries while there.
He trained quietly, which helped the club become the club’s most prestigious player in recent years, while his late nights due to gaming caused concerns about discipline and professionalism.
His explosive pace and dribbling, though, made him a game-changer when he was physically fit, and he showed signs of the talent Barcelona had invested in.
What then altered him?
Few people who are close to Dembele claim that he changed after marrying his girlfriend Rima in Morocco in December 2021 and shortly after giving birth.
Many of his team-mates were unaware that he had a partner, which was a surprise at the wedding.
In Barcelona, where he essentially grew up, he’s seen the biggest changes in his life during his final two seasons.
Dembele frequently traveled to France to get specialized preventative treatments while working at home with a physiotherapist. He began to see things differently when he had his father’s eyes and mind.
He finally recognized the value of good nutrition, and he has employed a French nutritionist to help him continue living a healthier lifestyle for the past few seasons.
Many people held the idea that a PSG victory in the Champions League would depend on one of France’s heroes’ on-field accomplishments. They also feared that a French hero would eventually rise to the top of the world.