Winning goal seconds before the end
68 days after the kiss attack: Hermoso celebrates a dream comeback
October 27, 2023, 8:04 p.m
Stories that only football writes. A good two months ago, soccer world champion Jenni Hermoso had to endure an aggressive kiss from then association president Luis Rubiales – now the striker is making a fantastic comeback. Shortly before the end, she of all people scored the goal of the day.
Soccer world champion Jenni Hermoso made her comeback for the Spanish soccer players after the assault scandal involving former association president Luis Rubiales – and immediately became the player of the game. The 33-year-old came on as a substitute in the 68th minute of the Nations League game in Italy – 68 days after the serious incident at the World Cup award ceremony – and scored the decisive goal in the 89th minute to make it 1-0.
After three games, the Iberians lead the table in Group A4 with the ideal number of points, nine ahead of Sweden (6), Italy (3) and Switzerland (0). The semi-finals are therefore within reach. Coach Montse Tome’s team has already secured their ticket to next year’s Olympic Games in Paris by winning the world championship title.
Rubiales sparks global outrage
Hermoso trained with the national team on Monday evening for the first time since the scandal. The spectators present applauded when the offensive player entered the field. After the session, she posed for photos with fans. At the end of September, for the first international matches after winning the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Hermoso had not yet been called up – ostensibly for her own protection.
Rubiales had inappropriately kissed Hermoso on the mouth at the award ceremony after the World Cup final win against England in Sydney – without the player’s consent. The case sparked a storm of indignation around the world and the world champions temporarily went on strike.
Rubiales initially stubbornly remained in office, but then gave up under great pressure. He is also not allowed to approach Hermoso or have any contact with her. The controversial world champion coach Jorge Vilda, who stood by Rubiales for a long time, was fired as part of the World Cup review.