World Cup FIFA Women's World Cup

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Five facts of the day

There are only days to go until the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011™, as the showdown between the 16 best teams in the world kicks off in Germany this Sunday. Every day from last Monday until the opening match, FIFA.com presents five fascinating FIFA Women’s World Cup facts.

85

The USA are the leading scorers at the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals with 85 goals, one more than Germany. Overall, the 148 matches at the finals to date have produced 539 goals. The 500th goal was scored by Norway’s Ragnhild Gulbrandsen against Ghana in 2007.

0

Although Germany and the USA have between them won four of the five FIFA Women’s World Cups so far, they have yet to meet in the Final. The USA are the only nation to reach the semi-finals at all five previous tournaments.

1

Of the nine FIFA Women’s World Cup host cities for 2011, Berlin is the only stadium yet to stage a senior women’s international fixture, although the Olympic Stadium was the venue for the Final at the 2006 FIFA World Cup™.

8

Eight teams have contested every FIFA Women’s World Cup finals: Brazil, China PR, Germany, Japan, Nigeria, Norway, Sweden and USA. Of these, only China PR will not be present at Germany 2011.

1991

The first goal from the penalty spot at the FIFA Women’s World Cup was scored by Germany’s Bettina Wiegmann against Chinese Taipei on 19 November 1991. Three days earlier, Norway’s Tone Haugen saw the first penalty in tournament history saved by China PR keeper Zhon Honglian.

 

[TXT]

lmbt lg lak start WC wanita ni

 

[TXT]

Ever-cheerful Hingst ready to roll

Who would you want to have around when 80 million people are watching, an entire nation’s expectations rest on your performance, and a win would spark a tidal wave of enthusiasm throughout the country? You want someone like Ariane Hingst, capped 173 times by Germany, but as cheerful, carefree and bursting with enthusiasm as ever. Nor is it an act: Hingst has been like that ever since anyone can remember.

For these and many other reasons, she is a vital member of the hosts and holder's team as they approach the daunting prospect of a sell-out FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 Opening Match against Canada at the Olympiastadion on Sunday.

It is fair to say that the 31-year-old is consumed with passion and anticipation ahead of the game, and for good reason too: the player nicknamed Ari comes from Berlin and learned her footballing trade in the German capital. She advanced to world-class stature in a hugely successful spell with Turbine Potsdam, just outside the metropolis of five million. “There can't be anything better than a World Cup in front of your home crowd. And when I visualise the opening match in front of a full house in my home town, I'm getting goosebumps just at the thought. It's amazing," the versatile defender exclusively told FIFA.com.

Hingst is fully aware that anything less than a convincing victory over the confident Canadians would represent a serious setback for Germany, but the player is experienced enough to cope with the conflicting emotions this thought brings. “We're really looking forward to it, that's for sure, although the pressure is definitely on. But we'll convert that pressure into positive energy." The Germany line-up is likely to feature a blend of youth and experience, so coach Silvia Neid will be looking to her most seasoned players to ensure the pressure does not break the younger players' resolve.

The two-time FIFA Women's World Cup winner, currently on the books at top German outfit FFC Frankfurt, has suffered with injuries in the last couple of years and is unlikely to start Sunday's Opening Match, but she remains an invaluable member of the Germany set-up. Neid will likely turn to the likes of Annike Krahn, Simone Laudehr and Kim Kulig at centre-back and in the holding role respectively, but should the younger players struggle at any time, Ari will be ready and willing to help out.

“We have a terrific blend of younger and older players. What's more, we're a unit comprising a wide range of different characters who happen to get along amazingly well," Hingst continued, reflecting on a Germany set-up where the next generation is rapidly coming to the fore. “Compared to the 2007 World Cup in China, I see the younger players coming on really well. They've also become much more courageous, although I'd add that the new generation is in any case more confident and naturally copes much more easily with the media, for example."

On the eve of the global showdown on home soil, the Berlin-born star feels Germany have greater strength in depth than ever before. “I reckon we'll do very well out of our younger players’ individual class. They're brave, they look to go around their marker, and they relish tackling. These are additional factors which we're adding to our huge experience and our tactical strength. We're much less predictable than we were a couple of years ago."

However, Hingst brushes aside the suggestion that Germany are overwhelming favourites to claim a third world crown on the trot. In the first instance, the hosts must overcome the stern challenge posed by the current champions of North and Central American and the Caribbean, and be seen to play well in the process. “Canada are very dangerous. Coach Carolina Morace has instilled what I'd call a European mentality and style of play. The Canadians have plenty of courage and fighting spirit, and they also have Christine Sinclair, a really quick striker who's one of the best in the world."

However, although the Canadians represent a tough first hurdle, Hingst and Co regard Sunday's match as the first step en route to renewed glory. Ari has seen and done it all to a certain extent, but another triumph this summer would still be very special to her. “I can honestly say that every trophy we've won has been a highlight in my career. I don't really like comparing success with success, but obviously winning the World Cup at home would be the ultimate."

The woman with the No17 is in any case proud of developments in the women's game over the last few years. Hingst knows full well she has contributed to an extraordinary process. “This World Cup in Germany is really important for women's football. We want to set new standards and anchor the sport even more firmly in the community. I believe this tournament can effect real change. After this, we want the floodgates to open!"

 

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Germany all set for success

Finally the long wait has come to an end. Hosts and defending champions Germany are hoping to kick off the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011™ with a bang this Sunday in front of a record crowd at the legendary Berlin Olympiastadion. Victory is anything but a foregone conclusion, however, with opponents Canada determined to spoil the party on the back of their CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup triumph in 2010.

The game

Germany - Canada, Sunday, 26 June 2011, Berlin, 18.00 CET (local time)

The stakes

The statistics clearly favour the Germans, who have won each of their nine previous internationals against Canada. The last meeting between the two sides was a friendly encounter in Dresden in September 2010 in which Birgit Prinz and Co. romped to a convincing 5-0 victory. Naturally the North Americans, led by star striker Christine Sinclair, are determined to put an end to that miserable run, especially as they enter the tournament with perhaps the finest generation of players in their history, not to mention a highest-ever FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking placing of sixth. Furthermore, the pressure of expectation weighs heavy upon the German stars, who have won each of their last five friendly matches with a cumulative goal difference of 23:0.

The fixture promises to be an attractive attacking spectacle made all the more interesting by the tactical approaches of both coaches. The reigning champions boast a good mix of hungry young talents such as midfielder Kim Kulig and experienced campaigners like FIFA Women's World Cup record goalscorer Birgit Prinz and will be attempting to put their opponents under pressure from the off. Meanwhile Canada can draw upon the expert knowledge of coach Carolina Morace as they try to contain the German front line whilst also launching speedy counterattacks of their own. Physically the sides are on a par, so it is more than likely that the tournament's Opening Match will be settled by individual class.

Germany are without Martina Muller owing to injury, with the the striker labouring under a thigh strain. Canada have no injury worries going into the game.

The stat

0 – In five previous FIFA Women's World Cup Opening Matches there has never been a draw. Nor has the losing team ever scored a goal.

The words

"I think Canada are a very dangerous side. Their coach Carolina Morace has brought a certain European mentality and style to the team. The Canadians play courageously and they certainly don't lack fight. They also have a lightning-quick striker in Christine Sinclair, one of the best players in the world."

Germany defender Ariane Hingst

"The opening match is going to be one of these games that you look back on in ten to 15 years and think: 'That was incredible and I was a part of it!'. I'm going to be both nervous and excited, but there's also going to be a certain amount of disbelief that women's football has come so far. 75,000 people are coming to see the game. Unbelievable!"

Canada striker Christine Sinclair

 

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Third time lucky for England’s Houghton

For every player the experience of their first FIFA World Cup is something special, but England’s Steph Houghton may appreciate it a little more than most. The 23-year-old, currently in Wolfsburg preparing for Monday's match with Mexico, may have thought her chance to appear in a major tournament may have passed her with injury heartbreak affecting her on two separate occasions.

Just 48 hours before Houghton was due to fly out to China for the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup with Hope Powell’s squad, she broke her leg in what she describes as ‘a freak training ground accident.’ Jumping over hurdles, she tripped and twisted her ankle. It led to a spiral fracture.

Two years later with the UEFA Women’s EURO on the horizon, England’s Ms. Versatility was in a rich vein of form but ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament while playing for Leeds. It left her out of action for over nine months and once again forced to be a frustrated spectator.

“I don't think I can actually put how I was feeling into words,” she told FIFA.com. “These are the tournaments that every footballer wants to play in. I knew I just had to get myself back on track and start playing football again. I wouldn't be here in Germany without the help of family and friends, who were with me 24/7, as well as the physios who led me through my rehab. They kept my spirits up and made me look to the future instead of backwards.”

Houghton described by Powell as having “everything needed to be a world class player”, is a forward-looking individual. In her career so far she has had to be. For the Durham-born, Loughborough University graduate, a change in the public’s perceptions should be just as important as personal glory to those taking part in Germany 2011.

“If we as a group can change people's view from thinking they're watching football as opposed to women's football, then I think we've been successful,” she opined. “It's the same game, there's still the same number of people on the pitch – and the same rules apply. After all, it's the same sport.”

 

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Nkwocha, Nigeria’s perpetual inspiration

With the opening match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011 just a matter of hours away, a group of journalists have gathered at Nigeria’s Heidelberg hotel for a press conference with some of the team’s senior players. Perpetua Nkwocha is one of them, and after nervously fielding questions from the press, the prolific midfielder joined FIFA.com for a more relaxed one-on-one interview.

Do not be fooled by Nkwocha’s calm, almost timid outward appearance: the Super Falcons midfielder is a natural born predator. On the pitch she routinely toys with opposition defences, pouncing on their mistakes and killing off challenges from rival teams. And while she may be 35, Nkwocha has certainly not come all the way to Germany just to admire the scenery.

Indeed, Nkwocha has lofty ambitions for Nigeria’s FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign. “We’re here to win, she said. “African teams have never performed well on the world stage. We’ve only once made it past the group stages, and that was back in 1999. This is my final FIFA Women’s World Cup, and I want to help my team-mates beat our record. It would show the world that we have some really good teams in Africa.”

Nkwocha is part of a golden generation of Nigerian players that has dominated African football in recent years. However, they have never won the world title and time is fast running out for several long-serving players. Among them are forward Stella Mbachu and goalkeeper and captain Precious Dede, both of whom are now in their thirties and are highly unlikely to feature at the next finals in Canada in 2015.

Changing of the guard

A first world title is clearly high on Nigeria’s list of priorities, but Germany 2011 also represents an opportunity to hand over the reins to a new generation of players. “We have lots of talented footballers who are capable of stepping up,” said Nkwocha. “I will soon be retiring along with some of my team-mates, but we will be replaced and Nigeria will continue to rule African football”.

When asked to identify the player she considers her successor in the Nigerian side, Nkwocha prefers not to give names. “It’s difficult for me to name a particular player,” she explained. “All of my team-mates are working hard to replace me, and it will be up to them to assert themselves. But I’m very optimistic about it all.”

Anything is possible

Nigeria boast a number of vastly experienced players, but Ngozi Uche’s squad is actually one of the youngest at the tournament, and is by far the most youthful in Group A. And when asked about the scale of the challenge facing her side to qualify for the quarter-finals, Nkwocha is typically upbeat: “I don’t think we’re in the toughest group”, she said. “All of the teams in the competition are very strong. We have every chance, regardless of the opponents in front of us.”

Not even the idea of facing hosts and reigning champions Germany seems to worry Nkwocha. “Germany are under a lot more pressure than us. We’re quite relaxed. The pressure’s on them because they’re defending the title, and they’re playing on home soil in front of fans who can’t picture them losing.”

Nigeria share a hotel with France, but it seems that the Super Falcons still know relatively little about their first Group A opponents. Indeed, coach Ngozi Uche reminded the assembled journalists at the press conference that the two sides have never faced each other at senior level. It would appear, then, that the stage is set for an action-packed and dramatic opening encounter.

 

[G-Trader]

mcm2 dah ade skrg ni

 

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Blatter: It's going to be a great tournament

With just one day to go until the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011™ Opening Match between hosts Germany and Canada, FIFA and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) held a press conference in Berlin.

Addressing the gathered media representatives were FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, LOC President Steffi Jones, FIFA Head of Women's Competitions Tatjana Haenni, Chairman of the FIFA Committee for Women's Football and the FIFA Women's World Cup Worawi Makudi, and FIFA Executive Committee member Michel D'Hooghe. FIFA.com rounds up all the key topics.

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter

"First of all I'd like to thank you all for your interest in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011. The importance of this event is underlined by the fact that the Opening Match at the Berlin Olympiastadion is sold out – just as the Final of the men's FIFA World Cup was in 2006. I'm delighted to be here along with Federal President Christian Wulff and Steffi Jones to officially open the tournament tomorrow."

On Germany as hosts of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011

"The FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 is going to set a new milestone in the development of women's football. Why? Because this World Cup is taking place in Germany, a country anchored in the heart of European football. It's going to be a great tournament. It's great for women's football around the world that in a country where men's football plays such a major role, you can also sense the enthusiasm for the women's game. I'm convinced that we're going to see some fantastic football and some outstanding refereeing performances."

On the potential of women's football

"The potential of women's football lies within youth. We need to start getting young girls involved in football like we do with boys – at four, five or six years old. Girls can do it too. I come from the small canton of Wallis and there are even football schools there. Furthermore, more national leagues need to be founded so that women are in the same position as men from the outset. Many of our 208 member associations only have a women's national team, perhaps U-17s and U-20s, but no leagues. This is something we need to address."

On the amount of prize money in women's football

"Personally I am somewhat surprised that it isn't more. I'll be speaking to our Finance Committee about this. It does look positive."

On the number of FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 matches he will attend

"I will definitely be at the Opening Match, the semi-finals and the Final. Unfortunately I can't attend any more live. If you look at the international football calendar you'll realise that there are lot of tournaments taking place simultaneously. In July I've got a meeting with the IOC (International Olympic Committee) in Durban. There's also the FIFA U-17 World Cup taking place in Mexico at the moment. Then in a few weeks' time there's the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia."

Steffi Jones, President of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 Local Organising Committee (LOC)

"There is huge amount of anticipation surrounding the FIFA Women's World Cup. I'm excited because it's finally kicking off tomorrow. The focus is on the World Cup, beginning with the clash between Nigeria and France tomorrow – another match which is almost sold-out. There are only 200-300 tickets left, which shows just how well the World Cup has been received across the entire country. 720,000 tickets have been sold in total – and the number is increasing every day."

On Sunday's Opening Match

"The stage is set. I've already seen a bit of the Opening Ceremony [in rehearsal] and I have to say, I'm itching for it to start. I'll be so happy when it finally does tomorrow. The weather seems to be playing ball."

On the quality of football

"We can't wait to watch all the players perform, to see their tricks and find out who will become the new face of their national team or even the World Cup. I really am incredibly excited. As a neutral host all I can say is: may the best team win!"

On working with FIFA

"My thanks go to FIFA and FIFA President. It really has been great working with them. I received their full support from the very first day and with our Welcome Tour we were really able to drive the development of women's football."

 

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Hosts target winning start

Germany kick off their FIFA Women's World Cup campaign on tomorrow with a sell-out crowd expected at Berlin's Olympic Stadium against Canada as the hosts bid to win a third straight title. France take on Nigeria earlier on Sunday in Sinsheim, also in Group A, but the tournament will start in earnest when the hosts begin against the Canadians in Berlin after the day's opening ceremony.

"We need a good start to get the fans behind us," said Germany coach Silvia Neid. "It is very important to get off to a win. It is going to be a tough challenge, but I promise we will do our best."

Neid said she will leave the final team talk to one of the players to find the right words of motivation. "It is not yet clear who will do that, I will decide on the bus ride to the stadium and talk it through with them," she revealed. "The players have now been together a long time. They will find the right motivating words. The tingling in the belly has started."

Germany will be led by striker Birgit Prinz and the 33-year-old will be winning her 213th cap, having already scored a staggering 128 goals for her country and lifted the World Cup trophy in Shanghai four years ago.

Having begun her career also against Canada back in July 1994, Prinz will bow out after the World Cup and is hoping to get her hands on the trophy once more after the final in Frankfurt on 17 July. "Of course, I hope that Canada will not be my last game," she said. "I want to give the tournament my best shot and see what comes of it."

 

[jjailani55]

bila malaysia masuk ??