SUNDERLAND/
GOTHENBURG:
Spain’s world champions and their Swedish opponents on Friday held up a banner with the slogan “It’s over” in protest over the sexism scandal which has engulfed the Spanish football federation.
Spain won the Nations League clash in Gothenburg 3-2 when Mariona Caldentey converted a penalty six minutes into added time.
The pre-match protest came as the Spain team returned to action for the first time since lifting the World Cup where former federation chief Luis Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips.
The 22 players held up the banner bearing the Spanish phrase “Se Acabo” (“It’s over”) adding that the struggle of the players against chauvinism and sexual assault was “the global fight” for equality between men and women.
Just before kick-off in Friday’s Nations League game, the Spanish women also raised their fists to reveal wristbands which carried words of protest and support.
Most carried the same “Se Acabo” message, while others simply wrote “Jenni” or the number 10 of Hermoso’s shirt.
Hermoso was not called up for the game by new coach Montse Tome to “protect her”.
Nine of the 23 world champions who refused to return to the team since the Rubiales scandal broke, demanding profound changes within the Spanish Football Federation, finally started at kick-off on Friday.
“It’s a very positive victory that manages to make you forget the days we’ve had,” said Tome.
“It also means that we have players with incredible talent. They love what they do. What they know how to do is play soccer, and we have to make them feel they can really concentrate on the game.”
Magdalena Eriksson gave the hosts a 23rd-minute lead.
Athenea del Castillo levelled seven minutes before half time. Eva Navarro put Spain ahead in the 77th minute but Lina Hurtig replied for Sweden.
Amanda Ilestedt of Sweden was shown a straight red card five minutes into added time conceding the penalty that Caldentey converted.
“It’s been a difficult few days for all of us, but we’ve shown that we’re a real team who want to represent our country and fight to the end,” said Real Madrid striker Del Castillo.
“That’s what counts. I hope that the changes underway will continue and that everything will go well. We were tired and didn’t sleep well over the last few days, but I’m satisfied with the work we’ve done.”
England sink Scotland 2-1
World Cup finalists England kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 win against Scotland on Friday.
The Lionesses took the lead through Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hemp doubled the lead at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.
Scotland got one back just before the break through Kirsty Hanson but were unable to find a second half equaliser.
England have three points in the four-team Nations League group along with Belgium, who beat the Netherlands.
Just over a month after their painful World Cup final defeat to Spain, England were on the front foot straight from the kick-off.
Lauren James threaded a pass to Rachel Daly, whose low effort was saved by Lee Gibson.
England thought they had broken the deadlock in the 25th minute through Daly’s flicked header from a corner, but the celebrations were quickly cut short when the goal was ruled out for offside against Chloe Kelly in the build-up.
Bronze opened the scoring after a cross from Katie Zelem picked out the right-back, who made a perfectly timed run to head home.
They doubled the lead in the 45th minute as Daly picked out Hemp and the Manchester City winger headed into the top corner.
Scotland reduced the deficit with the last kick of the half as England failed to clear their lines and Hanson prodded into the bottom corner.
Scotland had a chance to level when England keeper Mary Earps punched Rachel McLauchlan’s cross to Hanson, who smashed her shot off the crossbar.
The visitors threatened again with six minutes to go, with Lisa Evans picking out Christy Grimshaw on the edge of the box but her low effort was held by Earps.
