Without Hermoso, but with a message: the Spanish world champion is back – successfully

class=”sc-29f61514-0 icZBHN”>

After the World Cup victory in Australia, the kissing scandal, a major strike and many upheavals, the Spanish world champions returned to the field at the last minute – the start of the Nations League in Sweden was all about the fight against grievances in the national association. Spain won 3-2 and before kick-off the Swedes expressed their solidarity with their opponents.

Both teams posed together in Gothenburg behind a banner with the slogan #SeaAcabo (“It’s over”) and the inscription “Our fight is the global fight.” Swedish fans also displayed posters in the stands promoting equality for women in sport and society.

Hermoso is not there

There were nine World Cup winners in Spain’s starting line-up. During the team photo, the players showed off bandages on their wrists with messages of support for Jennifer Hermoso. According to the new national coach Montse Tome, the 33-year-old was not nominated for her “own protection”.

After winning the World Cup final in Sydney, Hermoso was kissed on the mouth without her consent by the now resigning Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales during the awards ceremony. The incident was new fuel in a long-simmering dispute with the RFEF association.

The players declared their strike for the Nations League, but Tome nominated a team anyway. Eventually, even the Spanish government got involved, and after long discussions, 21 players agreed to return to the squad.

Spain will play Switzerland next Tuesday. (AFP/mom)

Source : Blick