Familiar names reign in Europe, Japan’s new season blossoms
FIFA.com’s latest look at women’s club action takes is headlined by a new season in Japan which commenced with a meeting of two major title contenders, and in Europe where the continent’s elite competition has been whittled down to just four. There is also the latest from Germany as Bayern Munich staked a further claim on a maiden crown, and in the Republic of Ireland where a new name is on the championship trophy.
Japan: New season blossoms
The cherry blossom season provided a colourful backdrop as the new Nadeshiko League season commenced where preparations for the looming FIFA Women’s World Cup™ are set to provide a strong sub-plot. A handful of Japan’s star players have returned to the league from overseas – most notably former Arsenal duo Shinobu Ohno and Yukari Kinga – with preparations for the Nadeshiko’s world title defence undoubtedly a consideration. Meanwhile, a host of new third tier clubs means there are now 32 teams under the national umbrella, double the number there was in 2009. On the field, the season commenced in spectacular fashion with a heavyweight match-up between the champions and the winner of the three preceding titles. It was the latter, INAC Kobe Leonessa, who came up trumps with a 3-2 win at Urawa Red Diamonds thanks to Homare Sawa’s winner. Meanwhile 12-time queens NTV Beleza, who are seeking to end a surprising five-year title drought, have an early lead on goal difference following a 3-0 win over Speranza Osaka.
UEFA Women’s Champions League: Familiar names dominate
Some fresh names lined up in the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals, but ultimately next month’s semi-final matches will have more than an air of familiarity. 1.FFC Frankfurt scored a remarkable 12-0 aggregate win over last-eight debutants Bristol Academy, built around a Mandy Islacker treble as the three-time champs hit seven without reply on home turf. The Germans will tackle Brondby after the Danes narrowly saw off Sweden’s Linkopings, with a 1-1 home draw ensuring a tense 2-1 aggregate win.
The match of the round was undoubtedly in Malmo where a capacity 6,000 crowd saw home side Rosengard fall narrowly shy of victory as holders Wolfsburg progressed on away goals after a fluctuating 3-3 draw. The result means Wolfsburg, who are chasing a third successive European crown, will now meet Paris Saint-Germain in a potentially epic semi-final contest. PSG, who eliminated all-conquering compatriots Lyon earlier in the competition, eased past Scotland’s brave quarter-final first-timers Glasgow City with a 5-0 win (7-0 aggregate) at the Parc des Princes.
Germany: Ambitious Bayern pounce
Bayern Munich, who are chasing their maiden Frauen Bundesliga title, made the most of Wolfsburg’s absence by moving to the league’s summit. However, Bayern had to do it the hard way requiring a second-half winner from Caroline Abbe to claim a 2-1 win over newly-promoted SC Sand. It was a similar story for Turbine Potsdam, who took a share of third alongside old rivals 1.FFC Frankfurt, but only after edging a 1-0 win over relegation haunted Duisburg. Wolfsburg and Frankfurt will play their catch-up matches on 12 April.
Top three: Bayern Munich (47 points), Wolfsburg (45), 1.FFC Frankfurt, Turbine Potsdam (both 43)
Republic of Ireland: Wexford crowned Irish queens
Wexford Youths have broken the domination of Peamount United and Raheny United to claim the Irish league title with two matches to spare. A second-half winner from Claire O’Riordan was enough for a 2-1 victory over reigning champions Raheny and championship glory. UCD Waves are well placed to claim second spot and thus further dent the supremacy of Peamount and Raheny who have shared first and second position on the ladder in the three years since the league was formed.
Wexford Youths (43), UCD Waves (35), Raheny United (27)