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Football

The Downfall of Spanish Football's Tarnished Triumph

2024-11-02

The Netflix documentary "It's All Over: The Kiss That Changed Spanish Football" delves into the explosive aftermath of the 2023 Women's World Cup triumph for Spain, where a controversial kiss by the country's football federation president Luis Rubiales on player Jenni Hermoso sparked a national outcry and a player boycott that shook the very foundations of the sport.

Uncovering the Scandal That Shattered Spanish Football's Triumph

The Fateful Kiss

The documentary begins by hearing directly from the players of Spain's World Cup-winning team, who recount the impact of the now-infamous kiss between Rubiales and Hermoso. Footage of the incident itself is shown, as well as Rubiales' bizarre behavior in the aftermath, including grabbing his crotch while standing next to members of Spain's royal family. Initially, the players say they didn't fully grasp the gravity of the situation, caught up in the euphoria of their historic victory. But as the news and media scrutiny intensified, they began to realize the magnitude of what had occurred. Hermoso herself claims she was pressured by the Spanish football federation (RFEF) to say the kiss was consensual, while her friends and family were also asked to downplay the incident. The RFEF has not responded to these allegations.

The Aftermath and Player Revolt

Five days after Spain's triumph, a defiant Rubiales refused to resign at an RFEF emergency meeting, despite widespread outrage. Midfielder Alexia Putellas, who had kickstarted the "se acabo" ("it's all over") movement on social media, expressed her fury at Rubiales' lies and the federation's attempts to protect him. This proved to be a turning point, as 81 Spanish players, including the entire World Cup-winning squad, announced they would not play for the national team until Rubiales was removed from his position. "We wanted a structural change. We needed a change because the system couldn't remain like that," Putellas said.It took over two weeks and a wave of further condemnation before Rubiales finally admitted defeat and resigned. He has since been banned from all football-related activities for three years by FIFA, and is set to stand trial for sexual assault over the non-consensual kiss with Hermoso.

The Broken Team and Troubled History

The documentary also delves into the fact that Spain's problems started long before the 2023 World Cup, with the team described as a "broken group" with "no sense of unity" under manager Jorge Vilda. Vilda's predecessor, Ignacio Quereda, had been in charge for nearly 27 years, with players claiming he treated them like "little girls" and made "vulgar comments." Under Vilda, there were further issues, with 15 players submitting identical emails saying they would not play for him due to concerns over their "emotional state" and "health."This backdrop of unrest and dysfunction within the national team setup meant Spain entered the World Cup in a fragile state, despite ultimately emerging victorious. But for many players, their triumph was tainted by the subsequent scandal and the feeling that their personal victories had been "stolen" from them.The documentary paints a compelling picture of the perfect storm that engulfed Spanish football, from the initial kiss that sparked outrage to the player revolt that ultimately led to Rubiales' downfall. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability, transparency, and respect in the world of sports, and the courage of the players who stood up to fight for change.

As the Notre Dame Fighting Irish enjoy a well-deserved break, the team and coaching staff must seize this opportunity to recharge and strategize for the critical November stretch that will determine their playoff fate. With six consecutive victories, all but one by more than 17 points, the Irish are playing their best football right now. However, they cannot afford to let their guard down, as a single misstep could jeopardize their chances of securing a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff.

Seizing the Moment: Notre Dame's Bye Week Advantage

Resting and Recharging

The bye week comes at an opportune time for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, allowing the players to rest, recover, and rejuvenate both physically and mentally. This respite is crucial, as the grueling nature of the college football season can take a toll on even the most talented and disciplined teams. By prioritizing rest and recovery, the Irish can ensure that their players are primed and ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.

Strategizing for the Future

While the players enjoy their well-deserved break, the coaching staff must seize this opportunity to meticulously analyze the team's performance, identify areas for improvement, and devise a comprehensive game plan for the remaining regular season games. This strategic planning will be crucial in helping the Irish maintain their momentum and avoid any potential pitfalls that could derail their playoff aspirations.

Scouting the Competition

With no game scheduled for Week 10, the Notre Dame coaching staff can dedicate valuable time to scouting their upcoming opponents. By closely examining the strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies of their remaining foes, the Irish can develop tailored strategies to neutralize their opponents' strengths and capitalize on their vulnerabilities. This level of preparation will give Notre Dame a distinct advantage as they navigate the challenging November stretch.

Addressing Potential Weaknesses

The bye week also provides the Notre Dame coaching staff with the chance to address any lingering issues or areas of concern within the team. Whether it's fine-tuning the offense, shoring up the defense, or improving special teams, this time off can be used to identify and rectify any weaknesses that could potentially derail the team's playoff aspirations.

Maintaining Momentum

Despite their impressive six-game winning streak, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish cannot afford to become complacent. The coaching staff must ensure that the team maintains its focus and intensity throughout the bye week, so that they can seamlessly transition back into game mode and continue their dominant performance on the field.

Embracing the Opportunity

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a golden opportunity during this bye week to position themselves for a deep playoff run. By capitalizing on the time off, the team and coaching staff can emerge from this break rejuvenated, strategically prepared, and poised to assert their dominance in the critical November stretch.

The Penn State football team's clash with Ohio State this weekend will be more than just a battle on the field. It will be a chance for the Nittany Lions to confront the ghosts of their past, as they seek to end a seven-game losing streak against the Buckeyes. However, buried within that sea of disappointment lies a shining moment from the not-so-distant past – a game that changed the trajectory of the program and propelled it to new heights.

Defying the Odds: Penn State's Stunning Upset of the Buckeyes

A Clash of Titans

In October 2016, the Ohio State football program was a juggernaut, having won the inaugural College Football Playoff just 21 months earlier and followed it up with a 12-1 season and a Fiesta Bowl victory. The Buckeyes were ranked No. 2 in the nation and boasted a perfect 6-0 record, including an overtime triumph over a top-10 Wisconsin team. Meanwhile, Penn State and its head coach, James Franklin, were in a less enviable position, struggling to regain their status as a national or even Big Ten title contender.

A Glimmer of Hope

The start of the 2016 season had not been kind to the Nittany Lions, as they fell to rival Pitt and were blown out by Michigan. Though they had recovered with two straight wins before hosting Ohio State, Penn State and Franklin were on shaky ground, facing the daunting task of taking on the mighty Buckeyes.

A Dramatic Turnaround

For much of the night, it appeared as though it would be more of the same for Franklin and his team. Ohio State scored the game's first 12 points and took a 21-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter, with Penn State's offense featuring future Pro Bowlers Saquon Barkley and Chris Godwin largely held in check. However, in the final period, the momentum shifted dramatically.The Nittany Lions marched 90 yards in just five plays and 1:20, capping off the drive with a two-yard Trace McSorley touchdown run. Penn State then tacked on a field goal on its next drive, which was made possible by a blocked punt that gave them the ball at the Ohio State 28-yard line. The Buckeyes responded by driving down to the Nittany Lions' 28, setting up for a field goal that could have extended their lead to seven with fewer than five minutes to play.

A Defining Moment

But in a stunning turn of events, everything changed. Ohio State's Tyler Durbin lined up for what would have been a career-long 45-yard kick, but Penn State's Marcus Allen leaped into the air and blocked the attempt. The ball was scooped up in stride by Nittany Lions cornerback Grant Haley, who outran the Buckeyes' coverage for a go-ahead, 60-yard touchdown with 4:27 remaining.The Buckeyes had a chance to tie the game or take the lead, but they were unable to get past their own 42-yard line, saw quarterback J.T. Barrett sacked twice, and turned the ball over on downs, securing a 24-21 victory for Penn State. The win led to a euphoric scene in Happy Valley, with white-clad fans rushing the field.

A Watershed Moment

For both Franklin and the Penn State program, it was a breakthrough moment. Though the Nittany Lions' two early losses had thwarted their College Football Playoff dreams, they went on to win the Big Ten championship that season and earned a spot in the Rose Bowl. Prior to that monumental victory, Penn State had gone 18-14 under Franklin. Beginning with that win over the Buckeyes, the Nittany Lions have compiled an impressive 77-25 record, with five seasons of at least 10 wins, four top-10 finishes in the Coaches Poll, and five appearances in New Year's Six bowl games.The 2016 victory over Ohio State marked the only time the Nittany Lions have beaten the Buckeyes under Franklin's leadership, as he currently holds a 1-9 record against the perennial powerhouse. However, the impact of that game cannot be overstated, as it propelled Penn State to new heights and solidified the program's status as a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten and on the national stage.