"His multi-talented LA Lakers team came into the 2004 NBA finals as clear favourites to beat the less fashionable Detroit Pistons only to lose 4-1 in the series. Talent doesn't get it done, you have to be able to execute, reflected Bryant. When you have talent AND you execute, that's when you win. In other words there is no such thing in sport as an absolute certainty, no matter how good you are."
"There is a reason why England, with all their resources and talent, have not hoisted the women's World Cup for 11 years and it is not all down to the opposition. At some stage they are going to have to front up against the toughest opponents of the lot: themselves. At which point all the Barbie hats and officially-licensed Spice Girls apparel in the world will be only so much help and the soundtrack to Quentin Tarantino's 1997 movie Jackie Brown will spring to mind."
"You don't know what you'll do until you're put under pressure, sang the late Bobby Womack. 'Cross 110th Street is a hell of a tester. So is falling behind in a sudden-death World Cup game when anything less than victory is sufficient. It remains the biggest challenge facing the Red Roses head coach John Mitchell and always has been. This time around England are blessed with some outstanding talent, significant depth, enviable financial backing and, last but not least, home advantage."
England's women's rugby team enters the knockout phase carrying an unbeaten run and a record-equalling 30 consecutive wins, but past form does not ensure future success. Knockout matches increase pressure and require execution under sudden-death conditions rather than reliance on talent alone. The team must confront internal challenges and perform when tested, addressing a decade-long World Cup title drought. The head coach faces the central task of ensuring players execute under pressure. England retains advantages of talent depth, financial backing, and home-field support, yet must translate those resources into composure and match-winning execution across the remaining knockout games.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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