Looking for old-fashioned sportsmanship? Spain’s Aitana Bonmati delivered just that during Sunday’s Women’s Euro final, showcasing the beauty of the game.
When England star Lauren James was injured just before half-time, Sarina Wiegman sent in Chloe Kelly as her replacement. Moments later, when Spain received the ball from a throw-in, Bonmati placed it out of play, allowing England to regain possession while Kelly found her footing.
Former PGMOL chief and FIFA official Keith Hackett praised Bonmati’s sportsmanship, telling Football Insider, “The Spanish player deserves recognition for her actions. It was a commendable act of sportsmanship.”
Hackett also highlighted the clean play during corner kicks, a stark contrast to the men’s game. There was none of the usual grappling or shirt-pulling. Instead, both teams competed fairly for the ball.
Chloe Kelly: The Super-Sub Sensation
Chloe Kelly has become known for her impactful contributions off the bench. In the quarter-final against Sweden, the Arsenal forward was introduced as a 78th-minute substitute, assisting Bronze’s goal and helping England recover from a 2-0 deficit before converting in the penalty shootout.
Kelly’s 119th-minute semi-final goal against Italy is already a legendary moment for the Lionesses. In Sunday’s final, she once again showcased her prowess with a perfect cross that Arsenal teammate Russo converted into England’s equalizer.
The climax came as Kelly scored the winning penalty in the shootout, securing back-to-back European Championships for England. Her super-sub role has been pivotal to the Lionesses’ success. Instead of sulking over not starting, Kelly has embraced her role with enthusiasm, proving vital to England’s championship victory.
With such sportsmanship and talent on display, the Women’s Euro final was a testament to the grace and excitement of the beautiful game.