Manchester United team-mates Celin Bizet and Grace Clinton celebrating Smoke cannons blasting off behind the goal, live music bursting out from a DJ set during corners and free shirts being thrown to fans at half-time - this was not the usual experience Europe's top female footballers are accustomed to. "Carnage. Just chaos," said Manchester United manager Marc Skinner, fresh from his side's 3-2 win over Roma in Portugal. The Women's World Sevens kicked off in Estoril on Wednesday with Manchester United and Manchester City among the eight clubs involved. The new seven-a-side competition has a prize money pool of $5m (£3.76m) - more than what the Women's Champions League winners will earn three days later in Lisbon. With rolling substitutes, no offsides and 15-minute halves, it's a format that brings out flair and creativity, as well as attacking intent. England international Jess Park began lighting things up when she nutmegged a player to earn a corner, prompting the DJ as she prepared the set-piece in Manchester City's opening 4-0 win over Rosengard. United duo Celin Bizet and Grace Clinton took the fun to another level shortly afterwards, chest bumping in celebration after England midfielder Clinton's clever chip drew gasps from the 200-odd fans watching on in the stands. By the time Bayern Munich came on, beating Ajax 4-2, players were full of fun and energy - Norwegian defender Tuva Hansen even whipping off her shirt to celebrate in Chloe Kelly style after scoring a rare goal. "I really enjoyed it. I think the Roma players took it a bit more seriously than us! We had loads of fun," said United's Clinton. "We've all come here as a team. We didn't really know what to expect. This is what we want to do in training every day. We really embraced it. "It's a lot more high-intensity but also free. It's very unpredictable because you don't know where the ball will go. It's more enjoyable I would say." England midfielder Jess Park started for Manchester City in their first match Games are being played at the Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota - a 5,000-capacity ground in Estoril - but it was transformed for the World Sevens. From 20:30 BST on Saturday, following Estoril men's 4-0 win over Estrela, stands were built, TV cameras put in place and large screens put up. The match schedule was shuffled after United's men reached the Europa League final - which they lost 1-0 to Tottenham on Wednesday - so Skinner's side played earlier at the World Sevens to avoid a clash. Fans initially came in slowly, with little more than 100 watching City's win over Rosengard, but alcoholic drinks were flowing as more came throughout the night, filling a stand on the far side before Paris St-Germain's 2-1 win over Benfica. "It is interesting. It is something different. The stadium looks nice," said City fan Leanne Woodall, who travelled out to Estoril. Fan Charlotte Wilkins added: "I play seven-a-side football so I was really excited to see how the professional players did it and the tactics they used. "We couldn't find where we needed to go when we first got here, but now we're in, it's really good and there's good vibes so far. It's exciting." Organisers hope to fill the arena on Friday when the semi-finals and final will be played and more fans fly out to Portugal in anticipation of Saturday's Champions League final between Barcelona and Arsenal (17:00 BST). But first impressions from the players were certainly positive. "It was so nice, I was really sad it was only one game today, I could play all day like this," said Roma's Hawa Cissoko. "I think we took the game a bit more seriously at the beginning than Manchester United, they arrived on the pitch really [relaxed]. "Them doing this made me think 'we are here to have fun'. We were doing this when we were kids. It makes me feel a bit like [I did] 10 years ago. That's so nice." Manchester City interim manager Nick Cushing said the style of football was how they "believe the game should be played". Brazil forward Kerolin added: "I liked a lot the music. In Portugal the weather is really nice so everyone is like 'OK, we like these vibes'. "Of course we want to win and get some money! But it's a little bit Brazilian I think. I like the ginga [an informal Brazilian term for expression of creativity with agility and trickery]. "I want to get back those things and be a little bit brave. Today I was a little bit unsure - but it will come." Manchester City fans Charlotte Wilkins (left) and Leanne Woodall (right) in Estoril Clubs' participation in the tournament has been controversial, with some questioning the timing and the risk of injury with Euro 2025 starting on 2 July. Rosengard face BK Hacken in the Swedish league on Saturday (14:00 BST) but travelled to Estoril to take part. "We had some reactions in Sweden, that we came here, because we have a game," said Rosengard midfielder Emelia Larsson. "For us, it's like taking a break from all of it. You miss a training week, but if you put that aside, I think it's just really fun to be here. "It's a good opportunity to show ourselves and show Swedish football." Manager Joel Kjetselberg said it was good practise to prepare for Champions League football, for which they would travel midweek, in between weekend matches. City held around five training sessions to prepare for the World Sevens, while United had one. "We would only be doing this in training all week anyway," said United's Clinton. "If we were going into the next England camp, we would all have just been doing small-sided games anyway. "This is probably a better outcome and gives us more fitness." Tuva Hansen celebrated by waving her shirt around her head Head here to get involved
Smoke cannons and 'ginga' - the World Sevens kicks off
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Women's World Sevens Tournament Launches with Exciting Atmosphere in Estoril"
Bbc News
8.3
TruthLens AI Summary
The Women's World Sevens kicked off in Estoril, Portugal, showcasing a vibrant and unconventional atmosphere that diverges from the typical experiences of Europe’s elite female footballers. With Manchester United and Manchester City among the eight participating clubs, the tournament features a substantial prize pool of $5 million, which exceeds the earnings for the Women's Champions League winners. The format of the competition, which includes seven-a-side matches with rolling substitutes, no offsides, and 15-minute halves, emphasizes creativity and attacking play. Players like Jess Park of Manchester City energized the crowd with flashy plays, including a notable nutmeg, while Manchester United's Grace Clinton and Celin Bizet celebrated their goals with exuberance, highlighting the event's festive spirit. The atmosphere was enhanced by live music and fan engagement activities, which contributed to a lively and enjoyable experience for both players and spectators alike.
As the tournament progressed, players expressed their excitement about the new format and the opportunity to play in a more relaxed environment. The initial turnout of fans grew throughout the evening, with attendees enjoying the unique setting and lively vibes. Notably, some players noted the contrast between their teams' approaches, with Manchester United adopting a more carefree attitude compared to their opponents. Despite some controversy surrounding the tournament's timing and the potential for injuries ahead of the Euro 2025, many players viewed it as a valuable opportunity for practice and team bonding. Comments from players such as Roma's Hawa Cissoko and Manchester City’s interim manager Nick Cushing reflected a shared sentiment of enjoyment and nostalgia, as they embraced the chance to play in a fun, less pressured environment reminiscent of their childhood experiences in football. Overall, the Women's World Sevens has successfully created a platform that combines competitive spirit with entertainment, drawing positive reactions from players and fans alike as they look forward to the upcoming matches.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the launch of the Women's World Sevens, a new seven-a-side football competition that aims to bring a fresh and dynamic experience to women's football. The enthusiastic atmosphere, characterized by smoke cannons, live music, and a more relaxed format, frames the event as a celebration of creativity and flair in the sport. This shift from traditional formats seems designed to captivate a wider audience and elevate the visibility of women's football.
Intent Behind the Publication
The primary goal of this article appears to be to promote the Women's World Sevens as a vibrant and entertaining event that stands apart from conventional football. By emphasizing the fun and chaotic nature of the matches, the article aims to attract attention to women's sports, potentially drawing in new fans and sponsors. Additionally, it highlights the substantial prize money, which could signal a growing investment in women's football.
Public Perception and Impact
This piece is likely intended to foster a positive perception of women's football as an exciting and competitive sport. By showcasing the players' joy and the festive atmosphere, it seeks to challenge any lingering stereotypes about women's sports being less entertaining than their male counterparts. There is no indication that the article is attempting to conceal any issues; rather, it emphasizes the positive aspects of the event.
Comparative Analysis with Other News
In the context of other sports news, this article stands out for its focus on the entertainment elements of a sporting event rather than just the competition itself. This approach may align with a broader trend in sports journalism that seeks to engage younger audiences through a more entertaining narrative style.
Potential Societal and Economic Effects
The visibility of the Women's World Sevens could encourage more investment in women's sports, leading to increased sponsorships and higher attendance at events. This trend may also influence societal attitudes, promoting gender equality in sports and encouraging young girls to participate in athletics.
Target Audience
The article seems designed to resonate more with younger audiences and families, appealing to those who enjoy a lively and festive atmosphere at sports events. It aims to attract not only existing football fans but also casual viewers looking for entertainment.
Market Implications
The excitement surrounding the Women's World Sevens may positively impact the stock of companies sponsoring the event or those involved in women's sports. Increased viewership and engagement could enhance brand visibility and market value for sponsors.
Geopolitical Context
While the article does not directly address global power dynamics, the promotion of women's sports can be seen as part of a broader movement towards gender equality, which resonates with ongoing discussions about women's rights and representation in various sectors.
Use of AI in Writing
It's possible that AI tools were employed in drafting this article, particularly in structuring the narrative and ensuring engaging language. The lively descriptions and emphasis on player emotion could indicate a focus on creating a relatable and accessible tone for readers.
Manipulative Elements
While the article does not overtly manipulate, its language emphasizes the positivity and excitement of the event, which may downplay any competitive tensions. The celebratory tone could lead readers to overlook potential underlying issues in women's sports, such as pay equity and media representation.
The overall credibility of the article appears strong, as it presents factual information about the event while engaging readers with a lively narrative. The emphasis on celebration and fun creates a compelling image of women's football, aimed at fostering enthusiasm and support for the sport.