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SPORTS Friday 5 July 2019
Dutch star Arjen

Robben announces

retirement from soccer

England’s Demi Stokes, right, and United States’ Carli Lloyd duel for the ball during the Women’s
World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and the United States, at the Stade de Lyon
outside Lyon, France, Tuesday, July 2, 2019.
Associated Press
Lloyd says 2019 U.S. team not a

continuation of 2015

By ANNE M. PETERSON downed No. 4 France 2-1 attention for their celebra-
AP Sports Writer in the quarterfinals in Paris tions throughout France, in-
LYON, France (AP) — Carli and they beat No. 3 Eng- cluding Megan Rapinoe’s
Lloyd says the success the land 2-1 in the semifinals. “Are You Not Entertained?”
United States is having at The Netherlands, ranked pose against France and
the Women’s World Cup in No. 8, had a far easier run Alex Morgan’s tea sipping
France isn’t an extension of on the other side of the versus England. As a re-
the 2015 title run. bracket, with a 2-0 vic- sult, the players have been
The so-called 2019ers are tory over No. 15 Italy in the branded as brash and
In this May 25, 2013, file photo, Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben their own team. quarterfinals and Wednes- even arrogant.
of the Netherlands lifts the trophy after winning the Champions “We don’t really bring up day night’s 1-0 extra-time Lloyd brushes the criticism
League Final soccer match against Borussia Dortmund at the 2015 World Cup that win over No. 9 Sweden. aside.
Wembley Stadium in London.
Associated Press much because it’s done, The Dutch, who made the “I think everybody’s just
it’s in the past. The focus is World Cup field for the kind of having fun with the
AMSTERDAM (AP) — Former Bayern Munich and just on Sunday,” said Lloyd, first time in Canada, un- celebrations and embrac-
Netherlands forward Arjen Robben has announced his who was the breakout star derstand what they’re up ing the moment,” she said.
retirement from soccer. in Canada four years ago. against. Lloyd, who turns 37 next
The 35-year-old Robben, who was thought to be looking The Americans will be vying “They have a really good month, is the oldest player
for a new club after playing his last game for Bayern in for their second straight ti- team. Amazing team. So on the team and has 280
May, said Thursday in a statement, “I have decided to tle and fourth overall when we have to be ready for national team appearanc-
put an end to my career as a professional football player. they face the Netherlands the game,” defender Ste- es with 113 goals. This is her
It is without a doubt the most difficult decision I have had in the final at Stade de fanie van der Gragt said fourth World Cup.
to make in my career.” Lyon. More than just hav- following the semifinal win. In addition to her hat trick
Robben, who joined Bayern in 2009 from Real Madrid, ing its own identity, this U.S. “Now we have a party. To- in Canada, Lloyd scored
played 309 competitive games for the Bavarian team is different than those morrow we talk about the both goals in the gold-med-
powerhouse, contributing 144 goals and setting up 81 of the past because it has USA.” al match against Japan
more. His crowning moment came in 2013, when he more versatility and depth, Lloyd was the star four years in the 2012 Olympics. She
helped Bayern win the treble with the winning goal in the Lloyd said. ago in Canada with three became the only player to
Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. “Any player that’s called goals in the first 16 minutes score winning goals in con-
Robben signed off with a domestic double despite upon can step into these of a 5-2 final victory over secutive Olympic finals: At
missing most of last season because of injury. Altogether roles and play it,” she said. Japan. She has a far differ- the Beijing Games in 2008,
he helped Bayern to eight Bundesliga wins and five “Whereas I think in previ- ent role in France, mostly she scored in overtime for a
German Cup titles. ous years you had kind of coming off the bench. 1-0 victory against Brazil.
Robben also won a league title in 2008 with Madrid in a core squad and some She started in one match, In France she’s playing off
Spain. He helped previous club Chelsea to league titles in game changers that may scoring twice in a 3-0 vic- the bench as more of a
2005 and 2006, and PSV Eindhoven to the Eredivisie title come in and make a dif- tory over Chile in the group “super sub” to intimidate
in 2003. ference. But we’ve got a stage. Lloyd celebrated opponents and provide
Robben helped the Netherlands reach the 2010 World ton of depth on this team, with a golf clap, answering fresh legs. Lloyd has been
Cup final, where it lost to Spain. He made 96 appearances which is fantastic.” the critics who blasted the blunt from the beginning
for the Dutch team before his international retirement in The top-ranked U.S. team U.S. team for enthusiastical- that she’s not pleased with
2017. has already faced — and ly celebrating every goal in the new role.
“I was able to play in six major tournaments and was the overcome — two big chal- the 13-0 rout of Thailand in She still feels like she could
captain in the final years. All in all an unforgettable time lenges on the way to the the tournament opener. start and be a difference-
that I will always cherish,” Robben said.q final. First, the Americans The Americans have drawn maker.q