Tag: Spain

Bear with head stuck in plastic drum quickly rescued in Spain

A brown bear that was found wandering through a Spanish town with its head stuck in a plastic drum has been rescued.

A brown bear that was found wandering through a Spanish town with its head stuck in a plastic drum has been rescued.

The bear was first spotted on the morning of Sept. 13 by residents of Anllares del Sil in León. Its entire head was inside the empty corn dispenser, rendering the bruin unable to see or feed.

A rescue effort coordinated by government biologists involved sedating the bear so the life-threatening device could be removed. The successful operation lasted barely more than an hour.

According to a news release issued by the Junta de Castilla y León, the bear was determined to be healthy. It’s now fitted with a GPS collar so biologists can track its movements.

The accompanying images are courtesy of the Teddy Bear Foundation.

24 national hoops teams who will compete for the final 4 spots in the 2024 Olympics

Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo need these tournaments to make the Olympics.

Only 12 national teams will compete to win basketball gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris and we already know eight of the competitors.

24 teams, however, are eligible to compete for the final four spots in the tournament. The following teams, many of which qualified based on their play at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, will be divided into four groups of six at the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July 2024.

Each tournament will be hosted by one of the six participating national federations. Each continent is expected to host one of the four FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.

The winner of each of these four tournaments will join the eight teams that have already qualified, including the USA and Canada, at the Paris Olympics.

Some of the national teams with the most medals in Olympic basketball history (e.g. Spain, Brazil, Lithuania and Italy) are among those who will have to fight for a spot in Paris.

Several notable players (e.g. Slovenia’s Luka Doncic, Greece’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, Dominican Republic’s Karl-Anthony Towns, Finland’s Lauri Markkanen and Latvia’s Kristaps Porzingis) will need to use this tournament to advance as well.

Spain’s World Cup winners are still on strike

Even with Luis Rubiales and Jorge Vilda gone, players are demanding more changes

Even with Luis Rubiales and Jorge Vilda gone, the Spanish women’s national team is still on strike.

After Rubiales refused to resign as Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president last month, Spain’s entire World Cup-winning team and dozens of others said they would turn down future national team call-ups “if the current leaders continue.”

With controversial ex-national team head coach Vilda fired and Rubiales having resigned amid a scandal over his unwanted kiss of Jenni Hermoso, Spain was set to announce a roster on Friday for two upcoming Women’s Nations League matches.

However, Spain’s World Cup winners said that the changes they’ve seen haven’t been enough, and they would turn down call-ups for matches on September 22 against Sweden and September 26 against Switzerland.

“The changes made are not enough for the players to feel safe, where women are respected, where there is support for women’s football and where we can maximize our potential,” read a statement signed by 39 players.

“We believe that it is time to fight to show that these situations and practices have no place in football or society, that the current structure needs changes and we do it so that the next generations can have equality in football and at the level that we all deserve.”

Among the players’ demands were a restructuring of the women’s soccer organization, the presidential cabinet and general secretary, the communications and marketing area, and the ethics/integrity department.

After the statement from the players, the RFEF announced that the roster set to be announced by new head coach Montse Tomé would be delayed.

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Hermoso gets hero’s welcome at Pachuca on same day Rubiales resigns

The Spain star played her first minutes since the World Cup final in a 2-1 Pachuca win over Pumas

Jenni Hermoso was given an emotional tribute on Sunday as she made her return to Pachuca after winning the World Cup with Spain.

The 33-year-old has been at the center of a global scandal surrounding an unwanted kiss from Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales in the aftermath of the World Cup final last month.

Hermoso has insisted the kiss was not consensual, with players and fans all over the globe uniting to support her.

Hermoso returned to her club team in Mexico on Sunday, ironically the same day that saw Rubiales finally resign amid weeks of intense pressure.

Fans at the Estadio Hidaldo unveiled a massive tifo of Hermoso, showing her lifting the World Cup trophy with the flags of Mexico and Spain on either side.

(Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

Hermoso’s teammates would also give her a guard of honor as she entered the pitch wearing her World Cup winner’s medal.

Prior to the game, Hermoso was presented with a framed No. 10 jersey as she received a huge ovation from the crowd.

Pachuca would defeat Pumas 2-1 in the game, with Hermoso entering as an 85th minute substitution for her first minutes since she played the full match in a 1-0 World Cup final win over England on August 20.

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Luis Rubiales, the guy who wouldn’t resign, actually resigns

The Spain federation president has, both inevitably and also somewhat surprisingly, stepped aside

Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales has, both inevitably and also somewhat surprisingly, resigned.

Rubiales confirmed his resignation in an open letter published on Sunday, as well as in an interview with Piers Morgan.

“I have handed in my resignation to the acting president, Pedro Rocha,” Rubiales said in the letter. “I have also informed him that I have done the same with my position at UEFA, so that a replacement for my role as vice president can be sought.

“After the suspension by FIFA, in addition to the rest of the proceedings against me, it is clear that I will not be able to return to my position.”

As Rubiales mentioned, he has been under an intense amount of pressure stemming from his actions in the aftermath of the World Cup final on August 20.

Among other acts, Rubiales kissed Spain star Jenni Hermoso on the lips — an act Hermoso has insisted was not consensual.

Hermoso has filed a complaint with the country’s prosecutors office accusing Rubiales of sexual assault. Rubiales also remains under investigation by Spain’s top sport court (TAD) and by FIFA, which has issued him a preliminary 90-day suspension while its inquiry continues.

Spain’s entire World Cup-winning roster also said it was going on strike until the president is ousted.

Despite all of the pressure, Rubiales’s resignation also felt somewhat surprising due to his seemingly unending defiance in the face of scandal.

This was demonstrated most clearly in an August 25 speech, during which he refused to stand down as was expected. Even in his resignation letter, Rubiales continued to allude to his insistence that his kiss with Hermoso was consensual.

“My daughters, my family and the people who love me have suffered the effects of unconscionable persecution, as well as many falsehoods, but it is also true that on the street, every day more and more, the truth is prevailing,” he said.

Aside from the huge pressure campaign against him, Rubiales also hinted at another potentially significant reason for his resignation: the perception that his continued presence was damaging Spain’s bid for the 2030 World Cup, which also includes Portugal, Morocco and Ukraine.

“I am taking this decision after having made sure that my departure will contribute to the stability that will allow both Europe and Africa to remain united in the dream of 2030,” he said.

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Lamine Yamal, 16, scores after becoming youngest Spain player ever

This kid is a bit special

Lamine Yamal has got big things ahead of him.

The 16-year-old has already set several age-related records, including in May when he became Barcelona’s youngest player in La Liga history at 15 years and 290 days old.

Now at the ripe old age of 16 years, 57 days, Yamal is setting more records on the international stage.

Yamal became Spain’s youngest ever player when he entered Friday’s Euro 2024 qualifier at Georgia just before halftime. The winger broke the record previously held by his club and international teammate Gavi, who debuted at 17 years and 62 days.

But Yamal wasn’t content with simply being on the pitch. In the 74th minute the teenager got on the end of a Nico Williams cross and slammed home a first-time strike to make it 7-1 for the visitors.

Spain would end up winning by that 7-1 scoreline, with Álvaro Morata scoring a hat-trick.

Not only did Yamal make history for Spain, he also became the youngest player to score for a European nation in 117 years — and the third-youngest ever.

“I’m happy obviously, for my debut and my goal,” Yamal told Teledeporte after the game. “It’s a dream, I’m living in a dream right now.

“I’m very happy and I have to thank my teammates and the coach for the confidence he has given me, and to everyone who has helped me on this path.”

Yamal has already started three of Barcelona’s first four games this season, becoming the youngest player to register a La Liga assist in the 21st century.

This kid is special.

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Hermoso files sexual assault complaint against Rubiales

The fallout continues from the federation president’s non-consensual kiss

Spain forward Jennifer Hermoso has filed a complaint with the country’s prosecutors office accusing Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales of sexual assault.

Rubiales sparked worldwide outrage when he kissed Hermoso on the lips after the World Cup final on August 20 — an act Hermoso has insisted was not consensual.

Spanish prosecutors opened an investigation into Rubiales on August 28, with Hermoso’s complaint the next step that will allow the Spanish justice system to pursue charges against the RFEF president.

According to the AP, Rubiales could face a fine or a prison sentence of one to four years if found guilty.

Rubiales has apologized for his actions following the World Cup final, which Spain won 1-0 over England, but has refused to resign from his post despite heavy pressure to do so.

After a defiant speech on August 25 in which Rubiales insisted the kiss was consensual and refused to step down, Spain’s entire World Cup-winning roster said it was going on strike until the president is ousted.

In addition to the complaint filed by Hermoso, Rubiales remains under investigation by Spain’s top sport court (TAD) and by FIFA, which has issued him a preliminary 90-day suspension while its inquiry continues.

With Rubiales suspended, acting RFEF president Pedro Rocha announced on Tuesday that women’s national team head coach Jorge Vilda — a controversial figure who was strongly backed by Rubiales — had been fired.

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Vilda sacked as Spain women’s head coach amid ongoing upheaval

The manager was removed amid a tumultuous period for Spanish soccer and society as a whole

Spain women’s national team head coach Jorge Vilda has been sacked after a controversial reign that ended with a World Cup title last month.

With Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales currently suspended over his behavior in the aftermath of the World Cup final, acting president Pedro Rocha confirmed the decision to fire Vilda on Tuesday.

“The RFEF, in one of the first renovation measures announced by president Pedro Rocha, has decided to dispense with the services of Jorge Vilda,” a statement read.

The federation also announced that Vilda’s former assistant Montse Tomé has been named his successor. Tomé is the first woman to be head coach of the Spain women’s national team.

Vilda had been at the helm since 2015, with the final year of his time in charge marked by significant turmoil.

In September 2022, 15 players wrote letters to the federation, decrying Vilda for both a lack of appropriate preparation for games and refusing to grant players privacy, among other issues.

Rubiales swiftly leapt to Vilda’s defense, not only keeping the coach in charge but demanding an apology from the 15 players if they wished to represent the national team again.

Of the group of 15, only three were named to the 23-player roster that lifted the World Cup in Sydney last month.

Even with the World Cup win, the RFEF has been under pressure to dismiss Vilda for some time and finally did so on Tuesday, amid a tumultuous period that has seen Rubiales receive worldwide condemnation for his behavior in the aftermath of the World Cup final.

Rubiales kissed Spain star Jenni Hermoso on the lips after the game against England — an act Hermoso has insisted was not consensual. His refusal to resign has led to Spain’s entire World Cup-winning roster going on strike until he is ousted.

Prior to announcing Vilda’s dismissal, the RFEF released a statement apologizing for everything that has occurred following the World Cup final.

“The RFEF wants to convey to the whole of society and to the whole of world football its deepest regret for what has happened, which has tarnished our national team, our football and our society,” the statement reads. “The damage caused to Spanish football, to Spanish sport, to Spanish society and to the values of football and sport as a whole has been enormous.”

“The actions of Mr. Rubiales do not represent the values defended by the Spanish federation, nor the values of Spanish society as a whole, and his actions must be attributed solely and exclusively to him.”

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Dillon Brooks steps up as Canada rallies past Spain, stays alive at World Cup

With 22 points (66.7% FG) and strong defense, #Rockets forward Dillon Brooks was a clear standout as Canada rallied past Spain to advance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Despite trailing most of the way in an elimination game for both sides, Canada played its way into the 2023 FIBA World Cup quarterfinals with Sunday’s 84-80 win (box score) over Spain.

Perhaps the biggest reason was Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks, who had a massive impact on both ends of the court as Canada rallied to a thrilling victory in Jakarta, Indonesia. The win also clinched a spot for Canada in the 2024 Summer Olympics, which will mark their first men’s basketball appearance since 2000.

Brooks finished with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists in 27 minutes, shooting 8-of-12 from the field (66.7%) and 3-of-3 on 3-pointers. The Canadians were plus-13 in those minutes, best of any player on the floor, in a statement win over FIBA’s top-ranked team.

Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Canada with 30 points and 7 assists, while former NBA player Willy Hernangomez was strong in defeat with 25 points and 6 rebounds for Spain.

Read on for a compilation of highlights and social media observations from Brooks’ superb performance in Sunday’s game. The eight-team quarterfinals will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Brooks and Canada set to face off against Luka Doncic and Slovenia.

2023 FIBA World Cup: SGA powers Canada past Spain in 88-85 comeback win

SGA’s fourth-quarter heroics helped Canada avoid a disappointing exit from the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Finding a switch he liked, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander created space and nailed a deep step-back midrange shot to give Canada a lead it never relinquished in the final 42 seconds of the game.

In a game that looked like it would disappointingly spell the end of Canada’s 2023 FIBA World Cup run, Gilgeous-Alexander willed his country to an 88-85 comeback win against Spain.

The win improved Canada’s group record to 4-1 and clinched a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals. The win also clinches a spot in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics for Canada.

“Half of our goal as we said when we came together a month ago, we wanted to go to the Olympics and we wanted to get gold in this tournament,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the win. “Half of our job is done.”

After looking lethargic through three quarters, Canada outscored Spain 27-12 in the fourth quarter to overcome a 12-point deficit heading into the final frame. Despite looking fatigued, Gilgeous-Alexander caught a second wind and scored 13 of his 30 points in the final 10 minutes, including six points from the free-throw line in the final 21 seconds to seal the result.

Overall, Gilgeous-Alexander scored an extremely efficient 30 points on 7-of-12 shooting, seven assists, four rebounds and three steals in 37 heavy minutes. He also went a ridiculously good 14-of-16 from the free-throw line to seal the victory.

After Canada struggled to score in the first three quarters, Gilgeous-Alexander turned on a switch in the fourth quarter that coincided with its win as he either scored or assisted on its final 17 points.

Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Lu Dort also played a pivotal role in Canada’s 12-point comeback win. He — along with Dillon Brooks — were defensive wizards against Spain. In 27 minutes, he had three points on 1-of-5 shooting, six assists and four rebounds.

Both Thunder players played important roles in Canada’s must-win performance. Gilgeous-Alexander turned in his best performance yet during this international tournament while Dort was a defensive menace who contributed on offense despite his shot being off.

With Canada avoiding a scare, they’ll prepare to face Luka Doncic and Slovenia in the quarterfinals. This game will be headlined by the matchup of arguably the two best FIBA World Cup players Gilgeous-Alexander and Doncic.

Let’s look at instant reactions and highlights from Canada’s comeback win.