Controversial Mockery: Spanish and Dutch Players Stir Up Haka Controversy at Women's World Cup
Get ready for the ultimate showdown at the Women's World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand! Experience the electrifying power of the haka, a legendary Maori war dance performed by New Zealand's rugby teams Witness Spain and Netherlands players attempt this awe-inspiring ritual, adding a thrilling cultural twist to the tournament Don't miss the intense clashes of the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, third-place match, and the epic final!
Ahead of the Women's World Cup, Spain and Netherlands players were captured on video seemingly mocking the Maori haka. This tournament will be held in Australia and New Zealand, where the rugby teams traditionally perform a haka before their matches.
Four Spain players were captured on camera attempting the traditional dance, which briefly surfaced on the national team's social media platforms before being removed. This footage was recorded during the team's initial training session in Auckland on Saturday night, shortly after their arrival in the country to commence their tournament preparations.
Last week, the Dutch national team faced backlash for sharing a video on Instagram in which a team member seemed to mimic the haka.
FIFA responded with a brief statement, stating, "We will refrain from commenting as this is an internal team issue."
What is a haka?
According to the tourism website of New Zealand, a haka can be described as a "traditional Maori war dance or challenge". Typically, it is performed in a group and signifies a tribe's sense of pride, power, and unity.The dance incorporates vigorous foot stomping, the protrusion of the tongue, and rhythmic body slapping, all accompanied by a resounding chant. The lyrics of a haka often depict the tribe's ancestral figures and significant historical events.
Haka in sport
Image:
New Zealand's All Blacks rugby team perform a haka ahead a Rugby Championship match against Argentina
The New Zealand rugby team carries out a pre-game ritual known as the 'Ka Mate' haka, performed in the presence of their opponents.
Similarly, the acclaimed Black Ferns of New Zealand, the women's rugby team, are renowned for their rendition of the 'Ko Uhia Mai' haka. This powerful chant, composed by Whetu Tipiwai, signifies 'Let it be known'.
World Cup fixtures and schedule
All times UK BSTJuly 20
Group A: New Zealand vs Norway (8am)Group B: Australia vs Republic of Ireland (11am)
July 21
Group B: Nigeria vs Canada (3.30am)Group A: Philippines vs Switzlerland (6am)Group C: Spain vs Costa Rica (8.30am)
July 22
Group E: USA vs Vietnam (2am)Group C: Zambia vs Japan (8am)Group D: England vs Haiti (10.30am)Group D: Denmark vs China (1pm)
July 23
Group G: Sweden vs South Africa (6am)Group E: Netherlands vs Portugal (8.30am)Group F: France vs Jamaica (11am)
July 24
Group G: Italy vs Argentina (7am)Group H: Germany vs Morocco (9.30am)Group F: Brazil vs Panama (12pm)
July 25
Group H: Colombia vs South Korea (3am)Group A: New Zealand vs Philippines (6.30am)Group A: Switzerland vs Norway (9am)
July 26
Group C: Japan vs Costa Rica (6am)Group C: Spain vs Zambia (8.30am)Group B: Canada vs Republic of Ireland (1pm)
July 27
Group E: USA vs Netherlands (2am)Group E: Portugal vs Vietnam (8.30am)Group B: Australia vs Nigeria (11am)
July 28
Group G: Argentina vs South Africa (1am)Group D: England vs Denmark (9.30am)Group D: China vs Haiti (12pm)
July 29
Group G: Sweden vs Italy (8.30am)Group F: France vs Brazil (11am)Group F: Panama vs Jamaica (1.30pm)
July 30
Group H: South Korea vs Morocco (5.30am)Group H: Germany vs Colombia (10.30am)Group A: Norway vs Philippines (8am)Group A: Switzerland vs New Zealand (8am)
July 31
Group C: Japan vs Spain (8am)Group C: Costa Rica vs Zambia (8am)Group B: Republic of Ireland vs Nigeria (11am)Group B: Canada vs Australia (11am)
August 1
Group E: Vietnam vs Netherlands (8am)Group E: Portugal vs USA (8am)Group D: China vs England (12pm)Group D: Haiti vs Denmark (12pm)
August 2
Group G: Argentina vs Sweden (8am)Group G: South Africa vs Italy (8am)Group F: Panama vs France (11am)Group F: Jamaica vs Brazil (11am)
August 3
Group H: Morocco vs Colombia (11am)Group H: South Korea vs Germany (11am)
Round of 16
August 5Group A winner vs Group C runner-up (5am)Group C winner vs Group A runner-up (8am)
August 6
Group E winner vs Group G runner-up (3am)Group G winner vs Group E runner-up (10am)
August 7
Group B winner vs Group D runner-up (11.30am)Group D winner vs Group B runner-up (8.30am)
August 8
Group H winner vs Group F runner-up (9am)Group F winner vs Group H runner-up (12pm)
Quarter-finals
August 11QF1: Group A winner/Group C runner-up vs Group E winner/Group G runner-up (2am)QF2: Group C winner/Group A runner-up vs Group G winner/Group E runner-up (8.30am)
August 12
QF3: Group B winner/Group D runner-up vs Group F winner/Group H runner-up (8am)QF4: Group D winner/Group B runner-up vs Group H winner/Group F runner-up (11.30am)
Semi-finals
August 15SF1: Winner of Quarter Final 1 vs Winner of Quarter Final 2 (8am)
August 16
SF2: Winner of Quarter Final 3 vs Winner of Quarter Final 4 (11am)
Third Place Match
August 19Loser of Semi-final 1 vs Loser of Semi-final 2 (9am)
Final
August 20Winner of Semi-final 1 vs Winner of Semi-final 2 (11am)
