Women’s round-up: July 2013

July has been another momentous month in the world of women’s football, with a first EAFF title for Korea DPR and a remarkable sixth for Germany at the UEFA Women’s EURO. With news of these tournaments, a high-profile sacking and some intriguing transfers, FIFA.com provides its usual round-up of the month's key events.

National teams
Germany retain the throne
Throughout the group phase of the Women’s EURO, it seemed that everyone was predicting the end of Germany’s reign at this continental showpiece. Yet despite the fine form of teams such as France, hosts Sweden and Norway – who beat the reigning champions during those early stages – the tournament ended with a familiar name inscribed on the trophy. Germany, while not dazzling, did what they have always done best: win. While Norway again posed problems during an evenly matched final, a solitary goal from Anja Mittag – and two outstanding penalty saves by Nadine Angerer – ensured a sixth successive title for the serial European queens. The tournament’s adidas Golden Boot, meanwhile, was won by Sweden’s Lotta Schelin, whose five-goal haul allowed her to edge team-mate Nilla Fischer and Louisa Necib of France.

Bini bows out
Having been considered favourites to end the German monopoly – and having justified that status with their early performances – France were stunned to crash out of the Women’s EURO at the quarter-final stage to Denmark. For coach Bruno Bini, the consequence of such a disappointing end to a campaign that had promised so much was the end of his six-and-a-half year tenure. "We have lots of respect for Bruno, a very pleasant and professional man who has guided the squad with a humane touch which you don't tend to see in football,” FFF president Noel Le Graet said. “He's taken the team forward every year and contributed to them giving an exceptional account of themselves. But it was time to change." That change will come in the form of Bini’s successor, Philippe Bergeroo, a former France international goalkeeper who assisted Aime Jacquet in Les Bleus’ triumphant 1998 FIFA World Cup™ campaign.

Korean collaboration at EAFF Cup
July also witnessed Korea DPR celebrate victory at the EAFF Women’s East Asian Cup in Seoul, although it was the manner of their success that proved most eye-catching. The North Koreans were, after all, indebted to their rivals in the south, Korea Republic, for the title. The tournament hosts were out of the running for the title having lost their opening two matches and up against the seeming champions-elect Japan in their final match. However, they somehow pulled off a 2-1 victory that left the Japanese empty-handed and sparked celebrations among their northern neighbours. A heart-warming element to this climax was the willingness of both Korean sides to pose together for photographs afterwards, an act of powerful symbolism as their respective nations celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.

Matildas enjoy French fillip
Without a win in their previous five matches, Australia’s women headed into a friendly with France on 6 July as firm underdogs. That backdrop made their shock 2-0 win all the more satisfying, with plenty of encouraging signs on show for coach Hesterine De Reus. Tameka Butt and Katrina Gorry were the players on target as this new generation of Matildas gave a glimpse of their potential in a determined and disciplined performance.

Club Football
Play-off contenders jostle for position
It has been something of a mixed month for the teams at the top of USA’s NWSL, with inconsistent results a feature of the open and unpredictable league. FC Kansas City currently lead the way, four points clear of the chasing pack, despite having begun the month with a run of three successive draws. FCKC should clinch a play-off spot this weekend, and may yet be joined by Sky Blue FC and Portland Thorns FC depending on results. The latter two meet this evening, with Sky Blue hoping to end a poor run that has seen them lose two and draw one of their last three fixtures.

Wolfsburg, PSG declare intent
The comings and goings in men’s football might have dominated the sports pages, but there have also been some eye-catching transfers over the past month in the women’s game. Paris Saint-Germain were at the heart of the market activity, bringing France internationals Marie-Laure Delie and Laura Georges back to the capital from Montpellier and Lyon respectively. Wolfsburg also enjoyed a double boost, agreeing a new contract with captain Nadine Kessler before announcing the signing of Sweden centre-half Nilla Fischer, one of the EURO’s standout players. "We are happy to have signed such an experienced defender,” coach Ralf Kellermann said. “Nilla is a top player and she showed that throughout the European Championship."

The stat
41,301 – The tournament record crowd that turned out in Stockholm to cheer on Germany and Norway in the UEFA Women’s EURO final. Overall ticket sales also set a new benchmark, with 216,888 snapped up over the course of an entertaining and well-received competition.

The quote
“Women’s football is getting stronger and prejudices are disappearing. If the current progress continues, some Arab countries could reach the European top level within the next 30 years.”
Qatar coach Monika Staab speaks to FIFA.com about the development of women’s football in the Arab world

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Rain delays key Ireland women's game

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Pakistan And Sri Lanka Qualify For Women's World T20

Pakistan And Sri Lanka Qualify For Women's World T20Sadia Yousuf was named player of the match for her haul of four for nine against Ireland.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka qualified for next year’s ICC Women’s World T20 as they recorded comfortable wins over hosts Ireland and the Netherlands in Dublin. Zimbabwe also won and will contest the plate final on Wednesday against either Thailand or Canada, whose match was forced into a reserve day by rain. The crucial third place play-off to decide the final qualifier will also take place on Wednesday.

Pakistan were the first of the sides on show in the ICC Women’s World T20 qualifier to book their place in the 2014 edition of the main tournament in Bangladesh. They comfortably beat hosts Ireland to progress to Wednesday’s final. Only Kim Garth of the Irish batters reached double figures in what was a thoroughly disappointing batting performance. She made an unbeaten 38 from number three but Ireland were all our for just 65. Sadia Yousuf was the pick of the Pakistan attack with four for nine from her four overs.

Garth was then the only Ireland player to strike with the ball, removing Nahida Khan for 13 in the seventh over, as Pakistan got home in the 15th over to win by nine wickets. Javeria Khan finished not out on 34 off 39 balls, with Nain Abidi on 16 off 28.

Sri Lanka had to contend with the rain that arrived in Dublin in the afternoon, but they still made it through to join Pakistan by beating the Netherlands by 33 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis method. Deepiak Rasangika made 47 off 50 balls and added 52 with Yasoda Mendis (26 off 22 balls) for the second-wicket. Eshani Kaushalya then added some late impetus by ending not out on 33 off only 16 balls as Sri Lanka ended on 157 for six from 19 overs.

The Dutch were then set an imposing 85 in nine overs to win. They began promisingly thanks to openers Miranda Veringmeier (14 off 15) and Helmien Rambaldo (22 off 24) and reached 39 for one in the sixth over. However, the spiralling required run rate got the better of the new batters and they finished well short on 51 for four. Sandamali Dolawatte, Shashikala Siriwardene and Chandima Gunaratne each picked up a wicket for Sri Lanka.

Zimbabwe made it back-to-back wins in the competition by defeating Japan in a low-scoring game to progress to the plate final. Sharyce Saili took three for 15 from her four overs, while there were wickets also for Tasmeen Granger (1-14), Precious Marange (1-10), Josephine Nkomo (2-9) and Christabel Chatonzwa (1-4) as no Japanese batter made double figures. Extras were the comfortable top-scorers with 21. Zimbabwe then also struggled with the bat and limped to their target to win by three wickets. Opener Loren Tshuma made 12, while Marange hit 13 from number eight. They had found themselves 30 for six at one point as Mai Yanagida took four for five from her four overs.

Thailand and Canada will have to return tomorrow to find the identity of Zimbabwe’s plate final opponent after their match was interrupted by rain at the halfway point. Canada will require 93 to win from 18 overs when the match resumes at 0900 GMT in the morning. Thailand made 92 for six from their 18 as Chanida Sutthiruang top-scored with an undefeated 17-ball 23 and four other batters reached double figures. Monali Patel was the pick of the Canadian attack with two for 23 from four overs.

© Cricket World 2013

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Preview - ICC Women's World T20 Qualifier Finals Day

Classification matches are often low-key affairs with little but pride at stake. Wednesday’s ICC Women's World Twenty20 Qualifier third-fourth place playoff between hosts Ireland and Netherlands can certainly not be categorised in that bracket.

The ICC's well-received decision to expand next year’s tournament to 10 teams means that the winners of tomorrow's clash will qualify along with finalists Pakistan and Sri Lanka who will do battle in the Trophy final with their fate already sealed.

Despite its inferior status, all eyes and attention will be on the day's second game at the YMCA Cricket Ground in leafy Sandymount ahead of the so-called showpiece final as the two Associate nations attempt to reach their first Twenty20 World Cup.

It's an opportunity which both Ireland and Netherlands have been waiting to grasp for a long time. Neither have qualified for an ICC event since 2005 and both will be eager to highlight the progress they've made in the last decade by booking their place in next year’s big-hitting edition in Bangladesh.

Although Ireland suffered another heavy defeat on Monday, their seventh in the space of a month, they will go into the winner-takes-all clash as favourites taking into consideration their familiarity with the ground and the fact they’ve only lost to the Dutch once in the last 10 meetings between the sides.

Ireland comfortably overcame the challenge of both Japan and Canada to advance to the semi-finals but struggled against superior opposition in their last two games, with their batting frailties ruthlessly exposed by Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Jeremy Bray’s side rely heavily on opener Clare Shillington to build an innings around and as the tournament has progressed, the top order including captain Isobel Joyce has failed to fire and therefore exposing the inexperienced middle order.

It’s a weakness which the Dutch will look to take advantage of in conditions which are likely to suit bowling with overcast and showery weather forecasted for Dublin.

Holland scraped through to the semi-finals on net run-rate despite two defeats in the group stages. They managed to narrowly defeat Zimbabwe in a low-scoring encounter by three runs before suffering a shock loss to Thailand in their second game and a comprehensive defeat to Pakistan.

They may have a dismal recent record against Wednesday’s opponents but all form and history goes out of the window in a game of this significance.  

Speaking ahead of the game, Irish coach Bray said he was confident his side can book their place in Bangladesh.

"I think realistically we were always thinking that the third and fourth placed play-off would be between us and the Netherlands so I think we’ve got to still be upbeat, definitely,” said the former opening batsman.

"The last couple of years we’ve been a good bit better than Holland, but in saying that, in T20 cricket anything can happen and the Dutch have some good players as well.

"We have to be on top of our games, like we have been all tournament with the ball and in the field. It’s just our batting that hasn’t been skilful enough and hopefully come the Netherlands game girls can stand up and make a big total for our bowlers to bowl at," he told the Irish Times.

Meanwhile, Netherlands captain Denise Hannema was in positive mood ahead of the game, saying, "We were disappointed by Monday’s result, but we can take some positives out of the performance and bring that back on Wednesday, especially our positive batting. We can definitely sharpen our fielding up ahead of the next game and we are looking forward to it."

Before the third and fourth placed play-off is the small matter of the tournament final which sees top seeds Pakistan and Sri Lanka do battle for the silverware and bragging rights. As already covered, both sides are already guaranteed a place in the World Cup after near perfect campaigns to date.

Captain of Sri Lanka, Shashikala Siriwardene, was delighted to have qualified for Bangladesh in 2014 and is looking forward to Wednesday’s game with their Asian counterparts.

"We were very disappointed with our performance in the last ICC World Twenty20, so am delighted we have now qualified as well with it being in the Asian region. Looking ahead to the Trophy Final, we have played Pakistan quite a lot, so it will be a difficult match, but one we hope to win."

Also on Wednesday, Zimbabwe take on Thailand in the Shield Final at Merrion CCC while Japan and Canada face each other in the third/fourth place playoff in that same competition.

© Cricket World 2013

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Pakistan And Sri Lanka Qualify For Women's World T20

Pakistan And Sri Lanka Qualify For Women's World T20Sadia Yousuf was named player of the match for her haul of four for nine against Ireland.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka qualified for next year’s ICC Women’s World T20 as they recorded comfortable wins over hosts Ireland and the Netherlands in Dublin. Zimbabwe also won and will contest the plate final on Wednesday against either Thailand or Canada, whose match was forced into a reserve day by rain. The crucial third place play-off to decide the final qualifier will also take place on Wednesday.

Pakistan were the first of the sides on show in the ICC Women’s World T20 qualifier to book their place in the 2014 edition of the main tournament in Bangladesh. They comfortably beat hosts Ireland to progress to Wednesday’s final. Only Kim Garth of the Irish batters reached double figures in what was a thoroughly disappointing batting performance. She made an unbeaten 38 from number three but Ireland were all our for just 65. Sadia Yousuf was the pick of the Pakistan attack with four for nine from her four overs.

Garth was then the only Ireland player to strike with the ball, removing Nahida Khan for 13 in the seventh over, as Pakistan got home in the 15th over to win by nine wickets. Javeria Khan finished not out on 34 off 39 balls, with Nain Abidi on 16 off 28.

Sri Lanka had to contend with the rain that arrived in Dublin in the afternoon, but they still made it through to join Pakistan by beating the Netherlands by 33 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis method. Deepiak Rasangika made 47 off 50 balls and added 52 with Yasoda Mendis (26 off 22 balls) for the second-wicket. Eshani Kaushalya then added some late impetus by ending not out on 33 off only 16 balls as Sri Lanka ended on 157 for six from 19 overs.

The Dutch were then set an imposing 85 in nine overs to win. They began promisingly thanks to openers Miranda Veringmeier (14 off 15) and Helmien Rambaldo (22 off 24) and reached 39 for one in the sixth over. However, the spiralling required run rate got the better of the new batters and they finished well short on 51 for four. Sandamali Dolawatte, Shashikala Siriwardene and Chandima Gunaratne each picked up a wicket for Sri Lanka.

Zimbabwe made it back-to-back wins in the competition by defeating Japan in a low-scoring game to progress to the plate final. Sharyce Saili took three for 15 from her four overs, while there were wickets also for Tasmeen Granger (1-14), Precious Marange (1-10), Josephine Nkomo (2-9) and Christabel Chatonzwa (1-4) as no Japanese batter made double figures. Extras were the comfortable top-scorers with 21. Zimbabwe then also struggled with the bat and limped to their target to win by three wickets. Opener Loren Tshuma made 12, while Marange hit 13 from number eight. They had found themselves 30 for six at one point as Mai Yanagida took four for five from her four overs.

Thailand and Canada will have to return tomorrow to find the identity of Zimbabwe’s plate final opponent after their match was interrupted by rain at the halfway point. Canada will require 93 to win from 18 overs when the match resumes at 0900 GMT in the morning. Thailand made 92 for six from their 18 as Chanida Sutthiruang top-scored with an undefeated 17-ball 23 and four other batters reached double figures. Monali Patel was the pick of the Canadian attack with two for 23 from four overs.

© Cricket World 2013

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Win For Hosts On Day One Of Women's World T20 Qualifier

Ireland's Clare Shillington celebrates her century against Japan. ICC / Ian Jacobs

There were no major surprises on the opening day of the ICC Women’s World T20 qualifier, with hosts Ireland, favourites Sri Lanka and Pakistan, and the Netherlands all winning their respective matches.

The closest match of the day was always likely to be the one between the Netherlands and Zimbabwe at the YMCA Cricket Club in Dublin and so it proved. It was a tense and low-scoring affair, with Zimbabwe failing to score the seven runs that they needed off the final over and losing by three runs.

They struggled for much of their run chase, initially slipping to 29 for five, before a sixth-wicket stand of 33 between captain Ashley Burdett (23) and Nonhlanhla Nyathi (30 not out) gave them hope. However, those two would be the only batters to reach double figures as Leonie Bennett ended with figures of three for 15.

Sharne Mayers had earlier taken three for 14 to help restrict the Dutch to just 95 for seven. Miranda Veringmeier (15) and Tessa van der Gun (28rh) got them off to a good start, but only one other player reached double figures as Mayers and Christabel Chatonzwa (1-16) bowled tidily.

A century from Clare Shillington gave Ireland the ideal start. The 32 year-old - a veteran of 76 One-Day Internationals - smashed 114 not out off 72 balls to help her side trounce minnows Japan. She shared an unbroken 134 for the second-wicket with Cecelia Joyce (40 not out off 41 balls) as the hosts finished on 170 for one.

Elena Tice then took three for 10, while there were a brace of wickets apiece for Melissa Scott-Hayward (2-8), Kim Garth (2-10) and 13 year-old Lucy O’Reilly (2-9) as Japan were bundled out for 53. Only Mariko Yamamoto and Shizuka Kubota reached double figures.

Left-arm spinner Chandima Gunaratne took four for six from her four overs as Sri Lanka hammered Canada by nine wickets. They overhauled Canada’s derisory total of 44 in 37 deliveries as Yasoda Mendis and Eshani Kaushalya each finished on 17 not out. Sripali Weerakkody (2-11), Sandamali Dolawatte (2-8) and Oshadi Ranasinghe (1-8) were the other Canada wicket-takers.

Thailand could muster only 76 for eight after holding Pakistan to 145 for six. Chanida Sutthiruang hit a futile 19 off 11 balls towards the end of the Thai innings but they were never in the hunt. Sumaiya Siddiqi returned the incredible figures of 4-2-4-2, while there were also wickets for Sadia Yousuf (1-9), Qanita Jalil (1-14), Asmavia Iqbal (2-15) and Bismah Maroof (1-10).

Pakistan had earlier recovered well from the loss of Javeria Khan in Nattakan Chantam’s first over. Nain Abidi made 47 off 38 balls, while there was 25 from Bismah Maroof and a late 16-ball 26 from Nida Dar.

Tomorrow is a rest day in the tournament, with Thursday then seeing Thailand and Zimbabwe enter must-win games against the Netherlands and Pakistan, and Japan and Canada doing likewise in Group B against Sri Lanka and Ireland.

© Cricket World 2013

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