Tomé’s lists are starting to buzz. This Tuesday, the selector presented the second call-up with the National Team after the tough time at the Olympics for the friendlies against the Republic of Korea in Cartagena – November 29th, 7:00 pm – and France in Nice – December 3rd, 9:00 pm – matches that will serve as preparation for the upcoming summer Eurocup and also for the Nations League. Tomé has once again left out Irene Paredes – the team captain and undisputed starter with Barcelona – and Misa Rodríguez – Madrid’s goalkeeper, performing at a high level – but also Jennifer Hermoso, the three big surprises.
"The path to the elite is self-demand. The 24 footballers who are here are the ones who deserve it. […] We value the sporting performance, talent, management," said the selector. In the list, a big novelty: the return of Claudia Pina, in a sweet moment with Barcelona, who returns for the first time after the conflict of ‘the 15’. In total, there are five changes compared to the last call-up: Pina, Aitana Bonmatí, Berta Pujadas, Macarena Portales, and Maite Zubieta.
"I don’t like to talk about the players who are not called up," Tomé began, avoiding at all times mentioning specific cases, such as Irene Paredes. The player did not enter the first call-up after the Paris Olympics. She was returning from an injury, and the decision was understood as a rest. But that was not the case. She is also not included in this second list. Irene is the captain of the National Team, one of the leaders in the locker room, and has returned to Barcelona in great form as a starter in big games. Tomé, first, excused herself with the sports issue: "We have evaluated all the players for their performance. The players who come give us all the guarantees, and we want to see more players in an international context. We haven’t given anything away to anyone. Those who are not here have to keep working."
But after constant questions from journalists and little conviction in her reasoning, her speech changed, and her words showed that she wanted to break away from the "past." "For two years, we have been dragging what happened in an exceptional situation. I have values, a way of being, and this is the National Team. I am clear about what I like about the players on and off the field, what I like to see, that camaraderie, that savoir-faire," she later added. And even used the "coexistence" of the men’s National Team as an example, stating that she does not want to label it as a "cycle change" and that she does not close the door to "any player."
Reactions have not been long in coming. Vero Boquete, sidelined from the National Team in 2017 after leading the protest against former coach Ignacio Quereda and forcing his resignation in 2015, has posted a brief and forceful tweet on X: "Déjà vu." "It is regrettable, shameful, and a lack of respect the way a player like Irene Paredes is being treated," she explained to Marca, stating that it was the same modus operandi she experienced.
Tomé repeated herself in her explanations for the absence of Misa Rodríguez and Jennifer Hermoso. "Spain needs to readjust, reposition itself, start to trust the work we have been doing for two years. Go with our criteria on and off the field," she said. In the case of the Real Madrid goalkeeper, it is also her second consecutive absence. From the player’s environment, they were aware and expected that she would not be in that first call-up after the Olympics. Not for lack of level: in the F League, she is one of the goalkeepers who has conceded the fewest goals along with Lola Gallardo, who has not returned to the National Team since the 2022 Eurocup. "Montse applauded her speech, once again selling her players," said the latter in the documentary ‘It’s over: diary of the champions,’ referring to the speech by Luis Rubiales at that assembly where he refused to resign. In the upcoming Spain matches, Jennifer Hermoso will also not be present, a symbol of the National Team and the all-time leading scorer, who only played 16 minutes against Canada in the last international friendlies. She is also the Spanish player with the most caps after Alexia Putellas, who is present in the list.
Remnants still remain from the conflict of ‘the 15,’ such as Mapi León’s reluctance to return. "She still believes she doesn’t want to come to the National Team and we respect her decision," Tomé added. "I already said it, starting from scratch with everything that has happened before. All those who want to, will come," said the selector. One of them has been Claudia Pina, who has not been in a call-up with the senior team since 2022. Before the Paris Games, she spoke with Tomé and showed herself available. The National Team will not be able to count on Salma Paralluelo, who has not yet debuted with her club this season and continues with specific readaptation work; nor with Athenea del Castillo and Laia Aleixandri, both injured. The litmus tests will be against the Republic of Korea and France. But there are still major absences on the table, and few answers.
The 24 footballers chosen by Montse Tomé:
- Goalkeepers: Cata Coll (Barcelona), Adriana Nanclares (Athletic Club), Esther Sullastres (Sevilla).
- Defenders: Jana Fernández and Ona Batlle (Barcelona), María Mández, Olga Carmona, and Sehila García (Real Madrid), Laia Codina (Arsenal), Leila Ouahabi (Manchester City), Berta Pujadas (Levante Badalona).
- Midfielders: Tere Abelleira (Real Madrid), Aitana Bonmatí, Patri Guijarro, Vicky López, and Alexia. Title: The Rise of E-Commerce During the Global Pandemic: A Deep Dive into the Changing Landscape of Retail
Introduction:
As the world grapples with the challenges posed by the global pandemic, one industry has seen a significant surge in growth – e-commerce. With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, consumers have turned to online shopping in record numbers, reshaping the retail landscape as we know it. In this article, we will explore the key factors driving the rise of e-commerce during these unprecedented times, and how retailers are adapting to meet the changing demands of consumers.The Impact of COVID-19 on Retail:
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards e-commerce, with many consumers opting to shop online rather than in physical stores. This shift has been driven by several key factors: - Health and Safety Concerns: With the risk of contracting the virus in crowded shopping malls and stores, consumers are choosing the safety and convenience of online shopping.
- Lockdowns and Restrictions: Mandatory lockdowns and restrictions on in-person shopping have forced retailers to shift their focus to online sales in order to stay afloat.
- Changing Consumer Behavior: The pandemic has fundamentally changed the way consumers shop, with many now preferring the ease and convenience of shopping from the comfort of their homes.
The Rise of Online Marketplaces:
Online marketplaces such as Amazon, Alibaba, and eBay have seen a surge in demand during the pandemic, as consumers flock to these platforms for a wide range of products. These marketplaces offer several key advantages: - Wide Selection: Online marketplaces offer a vast array of products from multiple sellers, giving consumers more choices than traditional retail stores.
- Competitive Pricing: With increased competition among sellers, consumers can often find better deals and discounts on online marketplaces.
- Convenience: Online marketplaces allow consumers to shop from multiple retailers in one place, saving time and effort.
The Role of Technology in E-Commerce:
Technology has played a crucial role in the growth of e-commerce during the pandemic, enabling retailers to adapt to changing consumer behavior and preferences. Some key technological trends in e-commerce include: - Mobile Shopping: The rise of smartphones has made it easier than ever for consumers to shop online, driving a significant portion of e-commerce sales.
- AI and Personalization: Retailers are increasingly using AI and data analytics to personalize the shopping experience for consumers, offering tailored recommendations and promotions.
- Contactless Payments: With concerns about hygiene and safety, contactless payments have become more popular, allowing consumers to make purchases without physical contact.
Conclusion:
The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the retail landscape, accelerating the shift towards e-commerce and online shopping. As consumers continue to prioritize safety and convenience, retailers must adapt to meet these changing demands in order to thrive in the new normal. By leveraging technology, embracing online marketplaces, and understanding consumer behavior, retailers can position themselves for success in the post-pandemic world.FAQs:
Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted traditional retail stores?
A: Traditional retail stores have seen a decline in foot traffic and sales as consumers shift towards online shopping due to health and safety concerns.Q: What role has technology played in the rise of e-commerce during the pandemic?
A: Technology has enabled retailers to adapt to changing consumer behavior and preferences, offering personalized shopping experiences and contactless payment options.