Women’s round-up: March 2015
Preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ have now reached a key phase, with the 24 qualifiers spending the last few weeks warming up at some high-profile international tournaments. In a month that has seen France named as the host nation of the Women’s World Cup in 2019, there have also been developments aplenty on the club scene.
FIFA.com rounds up the headline events in women’s football over the last few weeks.
International football
USA: Solo and Co show their mettle
Reigning Olympic champions USA gave the rest of the world a timely reminder of their world title credentials by winning the 22nd edition of the prestigious Algarve Cup. The Americans, who beat France 2-0 in the final, have now lifted the trophy ten times, well clear of Norway with four wins and Germany and Sweden with three apiece. “It has been 16 years since we last won a World Cup,” said USA coach Jill Ellis in an interview with FIFA Weekly last week. “It’s a good responsibility to have expectations. We’re ready and hungry to win a World Cup.” Back from suspension, US goalkeeper Hope Solo was at her very best under the Portuguese sun, which augurs well for her side’s hopes at Canada 2015.
England: Sanderson floors Canada
While nine of the sides that will be in action at the upcoming World Cup headed for the Algarve, another six chose to continue their preparations in the Cyprus Cup, with England coming out on top in an exciting tournament, beating Canada 1-0 in the final to lift the trophy for a third time and give themselves a major confidence boost ahead of this summer’s main event. “Let’s not forget: Canada are a top, top nation and we beat them in a final,” said Lianne Sanderson, England’s matchwinner in the final, on the FA’s website. “I think that does show that we can win against some big teams when it matters most.”
Germany: more woes for Kessler, Bartusiak is back
With only two months to go until the world finals, Japan and Germany have a few problems to contend with. The reigning champions have much to ponder after a finishing a lowly ninth in the Algarve Cup, while the Germans, who top the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking, were disappointed with third place. Mannschaft coach Silvia Neid is also has a major injury concern, with star midfielder Nadine Kessler, the 2014 FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, about to undergo another operation on her knee, putting her place at the world finals in serious jeopardy. On the bright side, Neid does have Saskia Bartusiak back in action after ten months out with torn cruciate ligaments, with the central defender returning to the squad for the friendly against Brazil on 8 April.
Clubs
Wolfsburg squeeze through
Defending champions VfL Wolfsburg had a narrow escape in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. After being held to a 1-1 draw at home by Swedish side FC Rosengard and their Brazilian star Marta, the Germans fought out a 3-3 draw in the return to edge into the last four on the away-goals rule. Die Wölfinnen will take on Paris Saint-Germain in the semis, with 1. FFC Frankfurt facing off against Brondby of Denmark in the other tie.
Nigeria’s Ordega goes stateside
Nigeria forward Francisca Ordega will be playing her club football in the NWSL next year, having signed on the dotted line for Washington Spirit. “I’ve always dreamed of playing in the United States one day,” said the 21-year-old, who has had spells with Pitea in Sweden and Russian outfit Rossiyanka. Having made her breakthrough at the Women’s World Cup Germany 2011, Ordega is regarded as one of her country most exciting young players, with much expected of her in Canada this summer.
One last season for Garefrekes
Kerstin Garefrekes, one of the biggest names in women’s football, has announced that she will be retiring in the summer of 2016. Now 35, the Frankfurt forward won 130 caps before playing her last international at Germany 2011, and formed part of the Germany side that won back-to-back world titles in 2003 and 2007.
The stat
150,000 – the number of kilometres covered by the Live Your Goals Tour, held to promote the game among girls and young women in the run-up to Canada 2015. From its first leg in Spain last November through to its last stop in Switzerland, the Tour passed through the 23 nations to have qualified for the big event, with fans from China PR to Costa Rica and from Norway to New Zealand showing lots of enthusiasm for the women’s game along the way. They also had the chance to admire the much-coveted FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy, which will be presented to the winning captain following the Final on 5 July.
The quote
“She’s a rock. We never doubt her. She knows what she’s doing. We listen to, trust and respect her. The best part is that other teams do too and she imposes herself in every game. She’s huge for us and she makes the saves when we need her.” USA forward Christen Press on the importance of Hope Solo’s return to international duty at the Algarve Cup, which came with less than 100 days to go before the start of Canada 2015.