Statistical Kit Source: FIFA FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 1/31
Contents: General Information...3 History... 3 Development... 3 All-time ing... 4 Head to Heads in other FIFA women s competitions... 6 Preliminary Competitions...8 Qualifying Competition Formats... 8 Preliminary Competitions per Confederation... 9 AFC...9 CAF...10 CONCACAF...11 OFC...13 UEFA...14 Participating Teams...16 FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 2/31
General Information History The first confederation to stage an age-group tournament for women was UEFA in 1997 with the European Women s U-19 Championship. In a move to further promote the women s game, FIFA followed suit with its own competition for young women. As was FIFA s intention, the event has encouraged member associations to develop women s football at youth level and to set up teams in younger age groups, including the U-13 and U-15 brackets. Moreover, the championship has also prompted the confederations to organise continental qualifying competitions. Eleven years after China hosted the inaugural FIFA Women s World Cup in 1991, Canada provided the venue for the very first FIFA U-19 Women s World Championship, an event that brought together the world s top youth sides and proved a resounding success both on the pitch and at the turnstiles. The tournament attracted no fewer than 295,133 spectators, an impressive average of 11,351 per game. Not surprisingly, the final drew the biggest crowd, as 47,784 fans flocked to Edmonton s Commonwealth Stadium to see the USA become the first side to claim the world youth crown. Two years later it was Thailand s turn to stage the event in a 12-team tournament that generated an overall attendance figure of 288,324. In 2006, the tournament was held in Russia, the home of the reigning European U-19 champions. The age limit was raised from 19 to 20 years of age, paving the way for a new competition: the U-17 Women s World Cup, which will bring women s youth football in line with its male counterparts. The inaugural FIFA U-17 Women s World Cup will be played in New Zealand in 2008. Sixteen teams will take part in the event, open to players born after 1 January 1991. The slots have been allocated among the confederations as follows: AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL and UEFA: 3 each; Oceania: 1. Development FIFA s systematic development work for women s football has become one of its major and most enduring activities. Since beginning this world development programme focused on women s football, hundreds of coaches, players, referees, administrators and doctors have taken advantage of development courses, symposiums, video productions and other activities organised by FIFA. FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 3/31
All-time ing FIFA Women's World Cup (FWWC) Women s Olympic Football Tournament (OFT) FIFA U-20/19 Women's World Cup (FU19/20WWC) FWWC China 1991 FWWC Sweden 1995 OFT Atlanta/USA 1996 FWWC USA 1999 OFT Sydney/2000 Australia FU19WWC Canada 2002 FWWC USA 2003 OFT Athens/Greece 2004 FU19WWC Thailand 2004 U20WF Russia2006 WFW China 2007PR OFW Beijing/China 2008PR Team MP W D L GF GA Pts. Avg. Pts. Part. 1 USA 70 56 8 6 178 51 170 2.43 12 1 3 1 1 2 1 3 1 3 4 3 1 2 Germany 63 42 8 13 163 62 130 2.06 12 4 2 5 8 3 3 1 3 1 5 1 3 3 Brazil 62 32 11 19 114 77 106 1.71 12 9 9 4 3 4 4 5 2 4 3 2 2 4 China PR 50 27 10 13 89 59 89 1.78 11 5 4 2 2 5 6 9 2 2 5 5 5 Norway 42 28 3 11 101 55 83 1.98 8 2 1 3 4 1 7 4 7 6 Sweden 38 18 3 17 57 47 53 1.39 9 3 5 6 6 6 2 4 10 6 7 Canada 32 12 6 14 63 62 42 1.31 8 10 12 2 4 5 10 9 8 8 Korea DPR 19 10 1 8 32 21 31 1.63 5 10 11 1 8 9 9 Japan* 32 7 4 21 32 70 25 0.78 9 12 8 7 13 7 10 7 10 4 10 Australia 31 5 8 18 41 62 23 0.74 9 12 11 7 5 13 5 7 9 6 11 Nigeria 36 6 5 25 40 83 23 0.64 11 10 11 7 8 10 15 6 6 6 13 11 12 Russia 16 6 2 8 27 32 20 1.25 4 5 8 8 8 13 England* 12 4 3 5 21 26 15 1.25 3 7 6 7 14 France* 10 4 1 5 11 13 13 1.3 3 9 9 7 15 Denmark* 21 4 1 16 26 49 12 0.57 6 7 6 8 15 8 12 16 Italy 10 3 2 5 14 13 9 0.9 3 6 9 11 17 Ghana 9 1 1 7 6 30 4 0.44 3 13 12 15 18 Mexico 12 1 1 10 12 48 4 0.33 4 16 11 8 12 19 Spain 3 1 0 2 3 6 3 1 1 10 FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 4/31
OFW Beijing/China 2008PR WFW China 2007PR U20WF Russia2006 FU19WWC Thailand 2004 OFT Athens/Greece 2004 FWWC USA 2003 FU19WWC Canada 2002 OFT Sydney/2000 Australia FWWC USA 1999 OFT Atlanta/USA 1996 FWWC Sweden 1995 FWWC China 1991 Part. M P W D L GF GA Pts. Avg. Pts. Team 20 Korea Republic 6 1 0 5 4 16 3 0.5 2 14 9 21 Argentina 12 1 0 11 8 47 3 0.25 4 16 11 16 11 22 Chinese Taipei 7 1 0 6 3 30 2 0.29 2 8 12 23 New Zealand 12 0 2 10 5 33 2 0.17 4 11 13 14 10 24 Congo DR 3 0 0 3 1 7 0 0 1 14 25 Finland 3 0 0 3 1 12 0 0 1 15 26 Greece 3 0 0 3 0 11 0 0 1 10 27 Switzerland 3 0 0 3 2 14 0 0 1 16 28 Thailand 3 0 0 3 0 18 0 0 1 12 * Participants at FIFA U17 Women's World Cup 2008 Participants at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2008 but for the first time at any FIFA Women's final tournaments and OFTs: Colombia Costa Rica Paraguay FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 5/31
Head to Heads in other FIFA women s competitions Group A - Colombia, New Zealand, Denmark, Canada Canada v. Denmark 18.08.2002 EDMONTON (CAN) Canada - Denmark 3:2 (1:0) FIFA U-19 WWC Canada 2002 Group stage Denmark v. New Zealand 17.11.1991 GUANGZHOU (CHN) Denmark - New Zealand 3:0 (2:0) FIFA WWC China PR 1991 Group stage 15.09.2007 WUHAN (CHN) Denmark - New Zealand 2:0 (0:0) FIFA WWC China 2007 Group stage Group B - Germany, Costa Rica, Ghana, Korea DPR Germany v. Korea DPR 22.09.2007 WUHAN (CHN) Germany - Korea DPR 3:0 (1:0) FIFA WWC China 2007 Quarter-final 12.08.2008 TIANJIN (CHN) Korea DPR - Germany 0:1 (0:0) OFT Beijing 2008 Group stage Korea DPR v. Germany 18.08.2006 MOSCOW (RUS) Korea DPR - Germany 2:0 (1:0) FIFA U-20 WWC Russia 2006 Group stage Group C - France, USA, Japan, Paraguay Japan v. USA 21.11.1991 FOSHAN (CHN) Japan - USA 0:3 (0:3) FIFA WWC China PR 1991 Group stage 13.06.1995 GAVLE (SWE) Japan - USA 0:4 (0:3) FIFA WWC Sweden 1995 Quarter-final 20.08.2004 THESSALONIKI (GRE) USA - Japan 2:1 (1:0) OFT Athens 2004 Quarter-final 09.08.2008 QINHUANGDAO (CHN) USA - Japan 1:0 (1:0) OFT Beijing 2008 Group stage 18.08.2008 BEIJING (CHN) Japan - USA 2:4 (1:2) OFT Beijing 2008 Semi-final USA v. France 24.08.2006 MOSCOW (RUS) USA - France 1:0 (0:0) FIFA U-20 WWC Russia 2006 Group stage FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 6/31
Group D - England, Brazil, Nigeria, Korea Republic Brazil v. Korea Republic 21.09.2003 WASHINGTON DC (USA) Brazil - Korea Republic 3:0 (1:0) FIFA WWC USA 2003 Group B Brazil v. Nigeria 01.07.1999 WASHINGTON DC (USA) Brazil - Nigeria 4:3 AET (3:3, 3:0) FIFA WWC USA 1999 Quarter-final 12.08.2008 BEIJING (CHN) Nigeria - Brazil 1:3 (1:3) OFT Beijing 2008 Group F Brazil v. Nigeria 13.11.2004 CHIANGMAI (THA) Brazil - Nigeria 2:3 (0:2) FIFA U-19 WWC Thailand 2004 Group B 26.08.2006 MOSCOW (RUS) Brazil - Nigeria 2:1 (1:0) FIFA U-20 WWC Russia 2006 Quarter-final Nigeria v. England 10.06.1995 KARLSTAD (SWE) Nigeria - England 2:3 (1:3) FIFA WWC Sweden 1995 Group B AET: after extra time; PSO: penalty shoot-out Classifications: WWC: FIFA Women's World Cup, U-20/U-19 WWC: U-20/U-19 Women's World Cup, OFT: Olympic Football Tournament FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 7/31
Preliminary Competitions Qualifying Competition Formats Confederation Representatives Qualification AFC (3) 1. Korea DPR 2. Japan 3. Korea Republic The AFC U-16 Women's Championship took place between 8 and 17 March 2007 in Malaysia. Korea DPR clinched an impressive victory, capped with 4-1 and 3-0 wins over fellow qualifiers Korea Republic and Japan in the semi-finals and final respectively. CAF (2) 1. Nigeria 2. Ghana Nigeria, Cameroon and Ghana advanced from the first round of the CAF Women's U-17 Championship between 2 and 20 May. This trio of African heavyweights competed then in a home-and-away round robin series from late May to early July, with the top two finishers claiming the continent's berths for the inaugural FIFA U- 17 Women's World Cup. CONCACAF (3) 1. USA 2. Costa Rica 3. Canada Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, USA and Trinidad and Tobago faced off for three berths at New Zealand in the final CONCACAF qualifying round. T&T hosted the event at Bacolet's Dwight Yorke Stadium and Marvin Lee Stadium in Macoya. After qualifying along with favourites USA and Canada for the Costa Rica will compete for the first time in their history at a FIFA women's finals. CONMEBOL (3) 1. Colombia 2. Brazil 3. Paraguay Colombia, Brazil and Paraguay emerged triumphant from a 10-strong field at the CONMEBOL Women's U-17 Championship between 12 and 30 January 2008 in Chile to claim South America's three available slots. The Colombians led the way, topping the final stage standings on goal difference, and were followed closely by Brazil and Paraguay, who narrowly edged out Argentina. OFC (1) 1. New Zealand There was no OFC preliminary competition, with New Zealand qualifying automatically as hosts. UEFA (4) 1. France 2. England 3. Denmark 4. Germany France, England, Denmark and Germany secured Europe's four berths in March and April 2008 by topping their respective sections in the second qualifying round of the UEFA European Women's U-17 Championship. This came after 16 teams emerged from the 40-strong first round. FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 8/31
Preliminary Competitions per Confederation AFC The AFC U-16 Women's Championship took place between 8 and 17 March 2007 in Malaysia. Korea DPR clinched an impressive victory, capped with 4-1 and 3-0 wins over fellow qualifiers Korea Republic and Japan in the semi-finals and final respectively. First Stage - Group A Date Match Result City 08.03.2007 China PR - Korea Republic 3:1 (3:1) PETALING JAYA (MAS) 10.03.2007 Korea Republic - Australia 3:1 (0:0) PETALING JAYA (MAS) 12.03.2007 Australia - China PR 0:0 PETALING JAYA (MAS) Team MP W D L GF GA +/- Points 1 China PR 2 1 1 0 3 1 2 4 2 Korea Republic 2 1 0 1 4 4 0 3 3 Australia 2 0 1 1 1 3-2 1 First Stage - Group B 08.03.2007 Japan - Korea DPR 0:1 (0:1) PETALING JAYA (MAS) 10.03.2007 Korea DPR - Thailand 7:1 (5:1) PETALING JAYA (MAS) 12.03.2007 Thailand - Japan 1:2 (1:1) PETALING JAYA (MAS) Team MP W D L GF GA +/- Points 1 Korea DPR 2 2 0 0 8 1 7 6 2 Japan 2 1 0 1 2 2 0 3 3 Thailand 2 0 0 2 2 9-7 0 Second Stage - Semi-final 14.03.2007 China PR - Japan 1:3 (1:2) KUALA LUMPUR (MAS) 14.03.2007 Korea DPR - Korea Republic 4:1 (1:1) KUALA LUMPUR (MAS) Match for third place 17.03.2007 China PR - Korea Republic 1:1 AET (1:1, 1:0) PSO 2:4 PETALING JAYA (MAS) Final 17.03.2007 Japan - Korea DPR 0:3 (0:1) PETALING JAYA (MAS) FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 9/31
CAF Nigeria, Cameroon and Ghana advanced from the first round of the CAF Women's U-17 Championship between 2 and 20 May. This trio of African heavyweights then competed in a home-and-away round robin series from late May to early July, with the top two finishers claiming the continent's berths for the inaugural. Preliminary Round: Play-off Date Match Result City 05.01.2008 Nigeria - Guinea 7:0 (4:0) ABUJA (NGA) 19.01.2008 Guinea - Nigeria 0:5 (0:2) CONAKRY (GUI) 03.02.2008 Zambia - Ghana 0:2 LUSAKA (ZAM) 17.02.2008 Ghana - Zambia 4:0 ACCRA (GHA) First Round: Play-off 03.05.2008 Cameroon - South Africa 2:0 YAOUNDE (CMR) 05.05.2008 Ghana - Congo DR 8:0 ACCRA (GHA) 17.05.2008 South Africa - Cameroon 0:1 PRETORIA (RSA) 19.05.2008 Congo DR - Ghana 0:3 LUBUMBASHI (COD) Second Round: Round robin, home-and-away 01.06.2008 Cameroon - Nigeria 1:1 YAOUNDE (CMR) 06.06.2008 Nigeria - Ghana 4:2 ABUJA (NGA) 14.06.2008 Ghana - Cameroon 1:2 ACCRA (GHA) 22.06.2008 Nigeria - Cameroon 3:0 ABUJA (NGA) 28.06.2008 Ghana - Nigeria 1:0 (0:0) ACCRA (GHA) 05.07.2008 Cameroon - Ghana 1:2 YAOUNDE (CMR) Second Round: s Team MP W D L GF GA +/- Points 1 Nigeria 4 2 1 1 8 4 4 7 2 Ghana 4 2 0 2 6 7-1 6 3 Cameroon 4 1 1 2 4 7-3 4 FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 10/31
CONCACAF For the first time in their history Costa Rica will compete at a FIFA women's finals after qualifying along with favourites USA and Canada for the. Group A Date Match Result City 18.07.2008 Costa Rica - USA 0:6 (0:4) MACOYA (TRI) 18.07.2008 Trinidad & Tobago - El Salvador 5:1 (4:1) MACOYA (TRI) 20.07.2008 USA - El Salvador 9:0 (6:0) MACOYA (TRI) 20.07.2008 Trinidad & Tobago - Costa Rica 0:0 MACOYA (TRI) 22.07.2008 El Salvador - Costa Rica 1:8 (1:3) MACOYA (TRI) 22.07.2008 Trinidad & Tobago - USA 1:9 (1:7) MACOYA (TRI) Team MP W D L GF GA +/- Points 1 USA 3 3 0 0 24 1 23 9 2 Costa Rica 3 1 1 1 8 7 1 4 3 Trinidad & Tobago 3 1 1 1 6 10-4 4 4 El Salvador 3 0 0 3 2 22-20 0 Group B 17.07.2008 Puerto Rico - Canada 0:3 (0:1) BACOLET (TRI) 17.07.2008 Mexico - Jamaica 6:0 (4:0) BACOLET (TRI) 19.07.2008 Mexico - Puerto Rico 4:0 (1:0) BACOLET (TRI) 19.07.2008 Canada - Jamaica 4:3 (3:2) BACOLET (TRI) 21.07.2008 Jamaica - Puerto Rico 1:2 (0:1) BACOLET (TRI) 21.07.2008 Canada - Mexico 4:1 (1:0) BACOLET (TRI) Team MP W D L GF GA +/- Points 1 Canada 3 3 0 0 11 4 7 9 2 Mexico 3 2 0 1 11 4 7 6 3 Puerto Rico 3 1 0 2 2 8-6 3 4 Jamaica 3 0 0 3 4 12-8 0 Semi-final 24.07.2008 Canada - Costa Rica 0:2 (0:0) MACOYA (TRI) 24.07.2008 USA - Mexico 1:0 (0:0) MACOYA (TRI) Match for third place 27.07.2008 Canada - Mexico 1:0 (1:0) MACOYA (TRI) Final 27.07.2008 Costa Rica - USA 1:4 (0:4) MACOYA (TRI) FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 11/31
CONMEBOL Colombia, Brazil and Paraguay emerged triumphant from a 10-strong field at the CONMEBOL Women's U-17 Championship between 12 and 30 January 2008 in Chile to claim South America's three available slots. The Colombians led the way, topping the final stage standings on goal difference, and were followed closely by Brazil and Paraguay, who narrowly edged out Argentina. First Stage - Group A Date Match Result City 12.01.2008 Chile - Ecuador 1:1 (0:1) MELIPILLA (CHI) 12.01.2008 Argentina - Bolivia 5:1 (3:0) MELIPILLA (CHI) 14.01.2008 Chile - Bolivia 4:0 (1:0) MELIPILLA (CHI) 14.01.2008 Ecuador - Colombia 1:1 (1:1) MELIPILLA (CHI) 17.01.2008 Bolivia - Ecuador 1:2 (0:0) MELIPILLA (CHI) 17.01.2008 Argentina - Colombia 0:3 (0:2) MELIPILLA (CHI) 19.01.2008 Chile - Colombia 1:1 (0:1) MELIPILLA (CHI) 19.01.2008 Argentina - Ecuador 1:0 (1:0) MELIPILLA (CHI) 22.01.2008 Chile - Argentina 0:4 (0:2) MELIPILLA (CHI) 22.01.2008 Bolivia - Colombia 0:5 (0:3) MELIPILLA (CHI) Team MP W D L GF GA +/- Points 1 Argentina 4 3 0 1 10 4 6 9 2 Colombia 4 2 2 0 10 2 8 8 3 Chile 4 1 2 1 6 6 0 5 4 Ecuador 4 1 2 1 4 4 0 5 5 Bolivia 4 0 0 4 2 16-14 0 First Stage - Group B 13.01.2008 Peru - Paraguay 1:4 (1:3) PENALOLEN (CHI) 13.01.2008 Brazil - Uruguay 1:0 (0:0) PENALOLEN (CHI) 15.01.2008 Uruguay - Paraguay 1:4 (1:2) PENALOLEN (CHI) 15.01.2008 Venezuela - Brazil 2:3 (2:2) PENALOLEN (CHI) 18.01.2008 Peru - Uruguay 1:0 (0:0) PENALOLEN (CHI) 18.01.2008 Venezuela - Paraguay 0:6 (0:4) PENALOLEN (CHI) 20.01.2008 Peru - Venezuela 3:2 (2:2) PENALOLEN (CHI) 20.01.2008 Brazil - Paraguay 5:1 (3:0) PENALOLEN (CHI) 23.01.2008 Uruguay - Venezuela 4:2 (3:2) PENALOLEN (CHI) 23.01.2008 Brazil - Peru 3:0 (1:0) PENALOLEN (CHI) Team MP W D L GF GA +/- Points 1 Brazil 4 4 0 0 12 3 9 12 2 Paraguay 4 3 0 1 15 7 8 9 3 Peru 4 2 0 2 5 9-4 6 4 Uruguay 4 1 0 3 5 8-3 3 5 Venezuela 4 0 0 4 6 16-10 0 FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 12/31
Second Stage - Final Round Date Match Result City 26.01.2008 Argentina - Paraguay 2:1 (0:0) VILLARRICA (CHI) 26.01.2008 Brazil - Colombia 3:1 (3:1) VILLARRICA (CHI) 28.01.2008 Argentina - Colombia 1:4 (0:3) VILLARRICA (CHI) 28.01.2008 Brazil - Paraguay 1:4 (1:0) VILLARRICA (CHI) 30.01.2008 Colombia - Paraguay 7:2 (3:1) VILLARRICA (CHI) 30.01.2008 Argentina - Brazil 2:4 (1:2) VILLARRICA (CHI) Team MP W D L GF GA +/- Points 1 Colombia 3 2 0 1 12 6 6 6 2 Brazil 3 2 0 1 8 7 1 6 3 Paraguay 3 1 0 2 7 10-3 3 4 Argentina 3 1 0 2 5 9-4 3 OFC There was no OFC preliminary competition, with New Zealand qualifying automatically as hosts. FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 13/31
UEFA France, England, Denmark and Germany secured Europe's four berths in March and April 2008 by topping their respective sections in the second qualifying round of the UEFA European Women's U-17 Championship. This came after 16 teams emerged from the 40-strong first round. Group 1 Date Match Result City 25.03.2008 Czech Republic - England 0:4 (0:1) PRAGUE (CZE) 25.03.2008 Netherlands - Belgium 1:1 (1:0) HORNI POCERNICE (CZE) 27.03.2008 Czech Republic - Netherlands 0:2 (0:2) PRAGUE (CZE) 27.03.2008 England - Belgium 3:1 (2:0) LIBCICE NAD VLATVOU (CZE) 30.03.2008 Czech Republic - Belgium 3:1 (1:1) PRAGUE (CZE) 30.03.2008 Netherlands - England 0:0 LHOTA (CZE) Team MP W D L GF GA +/- Points 1 England 3 2 1 0 7 1 6 7 2 Netherlands 3 1 2 0 3 1 2 5 3 Czech Republic 3 1 0 2 3 7-4 3 4 Belgium 3 0 1 2 3 7-4 1 Group 2 18.03.2008 Scotland - Ireland Republic 1:0 (1:0) PERPIGNAN (FRA) 18.03.2008 France - Norway 2:0 (0:0) CANET EN ROUSSILLON (FRA) 20.03.2008 France - Ireland Republic 2:0 (0:0) PERPIGNAN (FRA) 20.03.2008 Norway - Scotland 0:1 (0:0) CANET EN ROUSSILLON (FRA) 23.03.2008 France - Scotland 1:0 (0:0) CANET EN ROUSSILLON (FRA) 23.03.2008 Ireland Republic - Norway 1:0 (1:0) PERPIGNAN (FRA) Team MP W D L GF GA +/- Points 1 France 3 3 0 0 5 0 5 9 2 Scotland 3 2 0 1 2 1 1 6 3 Republic of Ireland 3 1 0 2 1 3-2 3 4 Norway 3 0 0 3 0 4-4 0 Group 3 10.04.2008 Sweden - Poland 1:1 (1:1) ESSEN (GER) 10.04.2008 Germany - Switzerland 4:0 (1:0) ESSEN (GER) 12.04.2008 Switzerland - Sweden 1:1 (1:1) BOTTROP (GER) 12.04.2008 Germany - Poland 3:0 (3:0) BOTTROP (GER) 15.04.2008 Germany - Sweden 4:1 (2:1) ESSEN (GER) 15.04.2008 Poland - Switzerland 2:0 (2:0) BOTTROP (GER) FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 14/31
Team MP W D L GF GA +/- Points 1 Germany 3 3 0 0 11 1 10 9 2 Poland 3 1 1 1 3 4-1 4 3 Sweden 3 0 2 1 3 6-3 2 4 Switzerland 3 0 1 2 1 7-6 1 Group 3 24.03.2008 Iceland - Russia 3:4 (3:1) VILDBJERG (DEN) 24.03.2008 Denmark - Finland 0:0 VILDBJERG (DEN) 27.03.2008 Finland - Russia 1:0 (1:0) SPJALD (DEN) 27.03.2008 Denmark - Iceland 4:2 (1:1) SPJALD (DEN) 29.03.2008 Denmark - Russia 2:0 (0:0) VILDBJERG (DEN) 29.03.2008 Iceland - Finland 2:4 (0:1) SPJALD (DEN) Team MP W L GF GA +/- Points 1 Denmark 3 2 0 6 2 4 7 2 Finland 3 2 0 5 2 3 7 3 Russia 3 1 2 4 6-2 3 4 Iceland 3 0 3 7 12-5 0 FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 15/31
Participating Teams (in alphabetical order) Brazil CONMEBOL Number of previous FIFA Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 5 (2; 2007) Number of previous Olympic Football Tournaments (Best rank; year): 4 (2; 2008) Number of previous FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 3 (3; 2006) Overall Record: (all three tournaments above) Biggest win (in all three tournaments above): All Time ing: 3 Participations: 12 Number of Matches played: 62 Wins: 32 Draws: 11 Losses: 19 Goals For - Goals Against: 114-77 All Players: All Male: All Female: Male Professionals Female Professionals Male Amateurs (18 and over): Female Amateurs (18 and over): Male Youth Players (under 18): Female Youth Players (under 18): 7-0 (v. Greece) at Olympic Football Tournaments Athens 2004 13 197 733 11 752 783 1 444 950 16 200 0 467 000 5 165 1 345 100 2 000 Perennial candidates in international women's tournaments, Brazil made sure of their place at New Zealand 2008 for the inaugural with a business-like performance at the Sudamericano qualifying event in Chile. Determined to make use of his country's vast array of talent, team coach Marcos Gaspar left no stone unturned in his nationwide search for prospective players. His Seleção went on to win six of their seven games, scoring 20 goals to ten conceded and only missing out on the title on goal difference. With more time together, there is every reason to believe the Auriverdes can build on the potential shown in Chile and feature prominently at. (Text source: www.fifa.com) FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 16/31
Canada CONCACAF Number of previous FIFA Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 4 (2003; 4) Number of previous Olympic Football Tournaments (Best rank; year): 1 (8; 2008) Number of previous FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 3 (2; 2002) Overall Record: (all three tournaments above) All Time ing: 7 Participations: 8 Number of Matches played: 32 Wins: 12 Draws: 6 Losses: 14 Goals For - Goals Against: 63-62 Biggest win (in all three tournaments above): All Players: All Male: All Female: Male Professionals Female Professionals Male Amateurs (18 and over): Female Amateurs (18 and over): Male Youth Players (under 18): Female Youth Players (under 18): 2,695,712 1,800,378 895,334 100 50 49,413 80,312 308,865 406,972 Canada's pedigree in women's football is such that their presence at major tournaments has come to be taken for granted. After all, since 2001, the North Americans have qualified for eight out of a possible nine FIFA women's competitions, including the last two FIFA Women's World Cups. At youth level, the success of Canada's grassroots programme can best be measured by the fact they have qualified for all four FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups to date, finishing runners-up in the tournament's inaugural edition. The U-17 team have a hard act to follow, therefore, and as a consequence there was widespread shock in the CONCACAF region when Bryan Rosenfeld's side fell to unfancied Costa Rica in the semi-finals of the confederation's preliminary competition for. Indeed, qualification was only secured when the Canucks prevailed in a tense, winner-takes-all third-place match with Mexico, winning 1-0 to seal the final CONCACAF berth at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. (Text source: www.fifa.com) FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 17/31
Colombia (Newcomer to FIFA Women s Competitions) Number of previous FIFA Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): - Number of previous Olympic Football Tournaments (Best rank; year): - CONMEBOL Number of previous FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): - All Players: 3 043 229 All Male: 2 679 029 All Female: 364 200 Male Professionals 929 Female Professionals 0 Male Amateurs (18 and over): 88 000 Female Amateurs (18 and over): 1 000 Male Youth Players (under 18): 165 000 Female Youth Players (under 18): 1 000 Unfancied Colombia arrived almost unnoticed in Chile for the inaugural South American Women's U-17 Championship in January. Pedro Ignacio Rodriguez's girls had a surprise in store for their rivals, however, improving as the tournament went on to take the continental crown and book their passage to. The secret to their success was free-flowing attacking football, a simple formula that helped the Colombians to two comprehensive victories over Argentina. Suffering only a solitary defeat to Brazil in the final phase, Rodriguez's charges put together some impressive figures, notching 22 goals to finish joint top scorers with Paraguay, while conceding a mere eight. (Text source: www.fifa.com) FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 18/31
Costa Rica (Newcomer to FIFA Women s Competitions) Number of previous FIFA Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): - Number of previous Olympic Football Tournaments (Best rank; year): - CONCACAF Number of previous FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): - All Players: 1,084,588 All Male: 1,050,120 All Female: 34,468 Male Professionals 875 Female Professionals 150 Male Amateurs (18 and over): 17,500 Female Amateurs (18 and over): 0 Male Youth Players (under 18): 31,100 Female Youth Players (under 18): 108 Costa Rica may be new faces on the scene, but they will not be travelling to New Zealand just to make up the numbers. Having pulled off a surprise by finishing as runners-up at the CONCACAF Women's U-17 Championship, the Tica youngsters are determined to transfer their upwardly mobile progress onto the world stage. To do so they will need to hit the ground running, after they were drawn to face women's football superpowers Germany in their very first group encounter. Coach Juan Diego Quesada's charges are relishing the challenge, however, and are equally keen to tackle fellow Group B opponents Korea DPR and Ghana. For many years it has been the same old story for Costa Rican women's national teams. Drawn together with established forces such as the United States or Canada, the Ticas invariably ended up competing against Mexico for the third available qualifying place - evenly matched contests their northern rivals usually edged in nerve-wracking and dramatic fashion. And the familiar story appeared set to repeat itself at July's regional competition in Trinidad and Tobago after the young Tricolores were dealt a comprehensive 6-0 opening defeat by the USA. Showing admirable resolve, however, they bounced back to secure a solid 0-0 draw against the host nation and a spectacular 8-1 success over El Salvador. The latter result, combined with the United States' 9-1 rout of T&T ensured Costa Rica squeezed into the last four. Awaiting them in the semi-finals were Canada, a team that had proved an unsurpassable barrier for the Costa Ricans in the past. But this generation of talented Tricolores were determined to rewrite the script, defending capably and springing lighting counter-attacks to catch the Canucks off guard and record a 2-0 success - a historic win that ensured their involvement at New Zealand 2008. (Text source: www.fifa.com) FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 19/31
Denmark UEFA Number of previous FIFA Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 4 (6; 1995) Number of previous Olympic Football Tournaments (Best rank; year): 1 (8; 1996) Number of previous FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 1 (8; 2002) Overall Record: (all three tournaments above) Biggest win (in all three tournaments above): All Time ing: 15 Participations: 6 Number of Matches played: 21 Wins: 4 Draws: 1 Losses: 16 Goals For - Goals Against: 26-49 All Players: All Male: All Female: Male Professionals Female Professionals Male Amateurs (18 and over): Female Amateurs (18 and over): Male Youth Players (under 18): Female Youth Players (under 18): 5-0 (v. Australia) at the FIFA Women's World Cup Sweden 1995 511 333 420 258 91 075 818 34 98 054 13 703 146 386 42 338 Denmark may be familiar faces at the senior FIFA Women's World Cup, with four already under their belt, but their last and only appearance at a youth equivalent came in the first-ever FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Canada six years ago. Nor did they succeed in making much of an impact, returning home after the group stage having been edged out by Japan and their Canadian hosts. However, for all that the Danish women have often been positioned below Sweden and Norway in the Nordic pecking order, it was fitting that they should qualify for exactly 10 years on from their finest achievement to date: winning the inaugural UEFA European Women's Under-18 Championship. Their road to New Zealand was not without its setbacks, but Bent Eriksen's side thoroughly merited their place at the world finals and were also able to end their qualifying campaign on a high with a bronze-winning 4-1 victory over England. Not content with this achievement, however, the Danish Football Association (DBU) are actively pursuing an innovative grassroots development programme with the motto 'Lively Girls play Football'. (Text source: www.fifa.com) FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 20/31
England UEFA Number of previous FIFA Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 2 (7; 1995+2007) Number of previous Olympic Football Tournaments (Best rank; year): - Number of previous FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 1 (6; 2002) Overall Record: (all three tournaments above) Biggest win (in all three tournaments above): All Time ing: 13 Participations: 3 Number of Matches played: 12 Wins: 4 Draws: 3 Losses: 5 Goals For - Goals Against: 21-26 All Players: All Male: All Female: Male Professionals Female Professionals Male Amateurs (18 and over): Female Amateurs (18 and over): Male Youth Players (under 18): Female Youth Players (under 18): 6-1 (v. Argentina) at the FIFA Women s World Cup China 2007 4 164 110 3 829 000 335 110 6 000 110 630 000 26 800 750 000 70 000 In qualifying for the, Lois Fidler's young side continued an unprecedented period of success for English women's football. Until recently, England's traditional status as a giant of the European and world game had not been translated into the female arena, with the Three Lions' youth and senior women's sides historically struggling to compete with the likes of Germany, USA and the Scandinavian nations. However, when Kelly Smith and Co qualified for China 2007 - England's first FIFA Women's World Cup in 12 years - it signalled the beginning of a revival that picked up pace when the U-19s went all the way to the final of last year's UEFA European U-19 Championship. The onus was therefore on the U-17s to continue this steady development, and Fidler's side did not disappoint, advancing to at the expense of Belgium, Czech Republic and the Netherlands. The achievement delighted senior coach Hope Powell. "We've come a long way over the last ten years," said Powell. "No-one would say that we've 'made it', but our players are now challenging some of the undisputed superpowers of women's football in a way that would have been unthinkable in the early-mid 90s." (Text source: www.fifa.com) FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 21/31
France UEFA Number of previous FIFA Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 1 (9; 2003) Number of previous Olympic Football Tournaments (Best rank; year): - Number of previous FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 2 (7; 2006) Overall Record: (all three tournaments above) Biggest win (in all three tournaments above): All Time ing: 14 Participations: 3 Number of Matches played: 10 Wins: 4 Draws: 1 Losses: 5 Goals For - Goals Against: 11-13 All Players: All Male: All Female: Male Professionals Female Professionals Male Amateurs (18 and over): Female Amateurs (18 and over): Male Youth Players (under 18): Female Youth Players (under 18): 5-0 (v. Argentina) at the FIFA U-20 Women s World Cup Russia 2006 4 190 040 3 851 161 338 879 1 825 0 732 671 20 573 1 005 840 28 206 Following in the footsteps of their U-20 counterparts, France's U-17 squad have the honour of representing their nation in the inaugural. During the first ever FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship at Canada 2002, France were eliminated in the initial phase, so they will be hoping to go further in the opening edition of the U-17 event when it kicks off in New Zealand. Les Bleuettes certainly have all the right credentials to fulfil their mission. They became the first European team to book their passage to the finals, relying on an attack which was as spectacular as its defence was mean. On the road to New Zealand, they notched up six victories from six games, scoring 36 times without conceding a single goal in reply. While their coach, Gerard Sergent, readily admits that his charges sometimes struggle to get into their stride, the tactical maturity and technical quality shown by the precocious French players throughout the campaign saw them breeze into the world's showpiece tournament and all the way to the final of the UEFA Women's Under-17 Championship 2008. (Text source: www.fifa.com) FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 22/31
Germany UEFA Number of previous FIFA Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 5 (1; 2003+2007) Number of previous Olympic Football Tournaments (Best rank; year): 4 (3; 2000, 2004, 2008) Number of previous FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 3 (1; 2004) Overall Record: (all three tournaments above) Biggest win (in all three tournaments above): All Time ing: 2 Participations: 12 Number of Matches played: 63 Wins: 42 Draws: 8 Losses: 13 Goals For - Goals Against: 163-62 All Players: All Male: All Female: Male Professionals Female Professionals Male Amateurs (18 and over): Female Amateurs (18 and over): Male Youth Players (under 18): Female Youth Players (under 18): 11-0 (v. Argentina) at the FIFA Women s World Cup China 2007 16 308 946 14 438 313 1 870 633 864 0 3 587 484 633 686 1 844 965 236 947 The seniors are reigning world and European champions, so it comes as no surprise to find the youngest German women's national team rated among the favourites for the inaugural FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup from 28 October to 16 November 2008 in New Zealand. Germany is justifiably regarded as setting gold standards for the global women's game in terms of youth development, a reputation the Europeans will be keen to underscore this autumn. The current U-17 crop undoubtedly rates as one of the strongest ever to emerge at this level from organised women's football in Germany. Many experts see powerful parallels with the 1988 generation, from whose ranks the likes of Fatmire Bajramaj, Celia Okoyino da Mbabi and Babett Peter have gone on to achieve established international status. Coach Ralf Peter is surely right in thinking his current charges will be there or thereabouts when it comes to handing out the medals in New Zealand, as their convincing progress through a fourteam qualifying tournament on home soil in mid-april amply demonstrated. The Germans showed conviction and remarkable composure in dealing with quality opposition, qualifying with supreme ease for the and the European finals in Nyon, Switzerland, which they went on to win. (Text source: www.fifa.com) FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 23/31
Ghana Number of previous FIFA Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 3 (12; 2003) Number of previous Olympic Football Tournaments (Best rank; year): - Number of previous FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): - Overall Record: (all three tournaments above) Biggest win (in all three tournaments above): CAF All Time ing: 17 Participations: 3 Number of Matches played: 9 Wins: 1 Draws: 1 Losses: 7 Goals For - Goals Against: 6-30 All Players: All Male: All Female: Male Professionals Female Professionals Male Amateurs (18 and over): Female Amateurs (18 and over): Male Youth Players (under 18): Female Youth Players (under 18): 2-1 (v. Australia) at FIFA Women s World Cup USA 2003 987 500 987 500 - - - 16 500-11 000 - "New Zealand, here we come!" This call, which rang out from the jubilant Ghanaian players on the 5th July 2008, would have been unthinkable just a month earlier, when the Black Maidens' bid to reach the looked destined for failure. However, while the cynics suggested that defeat in their opening two final stage matches had left Ghana's hopes in tatters, these doubters reckoned without the character and determination of a side which duly went on to rescue qualification from the jaws of elimination. Yet while merely qualifying for these maiden finals in Oceania represents a considerable achievement in itself, Ghana are determined not to merely make up the numbers when they go up against Germany, Korea DPR and Costa Rica in Group B. (Text source: www.fifa.com) FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 24/31
Japan Current Position FIFA Women's World ing (September 2009): 11 Number of previous FIFA Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 5 (8;1995) Number of previous Olympic Football Tournaments (Best rank; year): 3 (4; 2008) Number of previous FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 1 (7; 2002) Overall Record: (all three tournaments above) Biggest win (in all three tournaments above): All Time ing: 9 Participations: 9 AFC Number of Matches played: 32 Wins: 7 Draws: 4 Losses: 21 Goals For - Goals Against: 32-70 All Players: All Male: All Female: Male Professionals Female Professionals Male Amateurs (18 and over): Female Amateurs (18 and over): Male Youth Players (under 18): Female Youth Players (under 18): 6-0 (v. Argentina) at FIFA Women's World Cup USA 2003 4 805 150 4 500 506 304 644 973 3 283 319 9 243 604 161 24 979 Japan first set their sights on when Norio Sasaki, currently head coach of the women's full national side, was charged with "building a team to take on the world" in September 2006. In the build-up to last March's AFC U-16 Women's Championship Malaysia 2007, the baton was passed to Hiroshi Yoshida, renowned during the 1980s as one of the finest strikers in Japanese football. Having underlined his determination to improve his players' individual ability, technique and mental toughness, Malaysia 2007 was the ideal opportunity for Yoshida to gauge their progress during his short time at the helm. And despite defeat to a physically powerful Korea DPR side in the title decider, Japan made sure of their place at the 2008 and played some impressive football along the way. Complementing the hard work put in by all those involved with the U-17 side, Japanese women's youth football in general has enjoyed considerable and increasing support in recent years. In the wake of the last year's continental U-16 showpiece in Malaysia, the Nadeshiko Challenge Project was set up to discover and develop the next generation of senior stars. The project aims to prepare players aged 15 and over to compete at the very highest level of world football. (Text source: www.fifa.com) FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 25/31
Korea DPR Current Position FIFA Women's World ing (September 2008): 5 Number of previous FIFA Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 3 (8; 2007) Number of previous Olympic Football Tournaments (Best rank; year): 1 (9; 2008) Number of previous FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 1 (1; 2006) Overall Record: (all three tournaments above) Biggest win (in all three tournaments above): All Time ing: 8 Participations: 5 AFC Number of Matches played: 19 Wins: 10 Draws: 1 Losses: 8 Goals For - Goals Against: 32 21 All Players: All Male: All Female: Male Professionals Female Professionals Male Amateurs (18 and over): Female Amateurs (18 and over): Male Youth Players (under 18): Female Youth Players (under 18): 5-0 at FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Russia 2006 (v. China PR) 502 912 436 956 65 956 0 0 6 000 12 000 5 956 1 756 Korea DPR made a stunning debut on the Asian stage by winning the AFC U-16 Women's Championship in March 2007, strengthening the country's burgeoning reputation in the wake of their U-20 side conquering the world at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup the previous year. The North Koreans more than made up for the lack of international exposure with their trademark physical strength and never-say-die attitude throughout an impressive campaign. Captain Jo Myong-Hui led the tournament's meanest defence, while attacking midfielder Ho Un-Byol, who would later go on to take part in Korea DPR's FIFA Women's World Cup campaign, also shone with three goals. However, the brightest starlet in the squad was forward Yun Hyon-Hi, who claimed both the MVP and top scorer awards after bagging a total of seven goals. The talented youngster, who plays her club football for April 45 Sports Group, opened her account with the only goal of the game against Japan, before scoring a hat-trick against Thailand. Yun added a brace in the semi-final clash with Korea Republic, and then applied her name to the scoresheet once again in the final with an early opener against Japan. (Text source: www.fifa.com) FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 26/31
Korea Republic Number of previous FIFA Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 1 (2003; 14) Number of previous Olympic Football Tournaments (Best rank; year): - Number of previous FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 1 (2004; 9) Overall Record: (all three tournaments above) Biggest win (in all three tournaments above): AFC All Time ing: 20 Participations: 2 Number of Matches played: 6 Wins: 1 Draws: 0 Losses: 5 Goals For - Goals Against: 4-16 All Players: All Male: All Female: Male Professionals Female Professionals Male Amateurs (18 and over): Female Amateurs (18 and over): Male Youth Players (under 18): Female Youth Players (under 18): 0-2 (v. Russia) at FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship Thailand 2004 1 094 227 1 021 677 72 550 550 0 12 100 272 16 927 1 278 In women's youth football, Korea Republic have long been overshadowed by neighbours Korea DPR, China, and Japan. However, following a dramatic qualifying campaign for, the South Koreans are eager to make up for the lost time on the world stage. Although they failed to make an impact on the Asian soil when the country hosted the inaugural AFC U-17 Women's Championship in 2005, Korea Republic found redemption last year. Kim Yong- Ho's side had certainly served notice of their intentions in the build-up to the continental qualifiers, sweeping aside Australia (2-1) and China PR (1-0) before holding Japan to a thrilling 4-4 draw to win the Australian Youth Olympic Festival last January. Later, after a rollercoaster ride to third place at the AFC U-16 Women's Championship in March, the South Koreans organised a trip to play New Zealand in December. During their reconnaissance mission, Korea Republic recorded morale-boosting wins against the hosts (2-1 and 6-0) and concluded the three-game series with a 1-1 draw to round off a memorable year. (Text source: www.fifa.com) FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 27/31
New Zealand Number of previous FIFA Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 2 (1991; 11) Number of previous Olympic Football Tournaments (Best rank; year): 1 (2008; 10) Number of previous FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 1 (2006; 13) Overall Record: (all three tournaments above) OFC All Time ing: 23 Participations: 4 Number of Matches played: 12 Wins: 0 Draws: 2 Losses: 10 Goals For - Goals Against: 5-33 Biggest win (in all three tournaments above): - All Players: 198 757 All Male: 164 667 All Female: 34 090 Male Professionals 25 Female Professionals 0 Male Amateurs (18 and over): 16 803 Female Amateurs (18 and over): 4 264 Male Youth Players (under 18): 60 239 Female Youth Players (under 18): 19 326 After a historic year in 2007 that saw New Zealand represented at three FIFA world finals by their U-17 and U-20 men's sides together with their senior women, 2008 brings the opportunity to consolidate and improve on those achievements on home soil. The onus is therefore on Paul Temple's team - the 'Young Football Ferns', as they are known - to succeed at the inaugural FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup where their fellow Kiwi finalists failed last year: by advancing beyond the group stage. Although rugby has traditionally dominated its sporting landscape, New Zealand has one of the highest number of female football players-per-capita of all 208 FIFA member associations, and the hope is that it can follow the lead of other 'new' football nations such as USA and Canada by using women's football to champion the beautiful game. (Text source: www.fifa.com) FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 28/31
Nigeria Number of previous FIFA Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 5 (1999; 7) Number of previous Olympic Football Tournaments (Best rank; year): 3 (2004; 6) Number of previous FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 3 (6; 2004 + 2006) Overall Record: (all three tournaments above) Biggest win (in all three tournaments above): CAF All Time ing: 11 Participations: 11 Number of Matches played: 36 Wins: 6 Draws: 5 Losses: 25 Goals For - Goals Against: 40-83 All Players: All Male: All Female: Male Professionals Female Professionals Male Amateurs (18 and over): Female Amateurs (18 and over): Male Youth Players (under 18): Female Youth Players (under 18): 0-8 (v. Finland) at FIFA U-20 Women s World Cup Russia 2006 6 653 710 6 344 600 309 110 2 080 360 25 420 750 30 000 0 Although there has never been a women's world finals at U-17 level before, Nigeria's dominance of African women's football is such that their presence at was always all but guaranteed. The country's senior side have, after all, qualified for all five FIFA Women's World Cups as continental champions, and their youth team progressed to a fourth successive FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup earlier this year. The U-17 team, nicknamed the Flamingoes', might be the new kids on the block, but the NFA signalled their intent for this fledgling side by appointing Felix Ibe-Ukwu, one of the nation's most experienced women's football coaches, as their coach. Sure enough, the Flamingoes booked their place at with a game to spare, a 3-0 win over Cameroon on 23 June securing their passage. The ease with which they qualified also enabled Nigeria to test some of their fringe players in the second half of their preliminary campaign, helping to finalise the squad that will do battle in New Zealand. (Text source: www.fifa.com) FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 29/31
Paraguay (Newcomer to FIFA Women s Competitions) Number of previous FIFA Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): - Number of previous Olympic Football Tournaments (Best rank; year): - CONMEBOL Number of previous FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): - All Players: 1 037 435 All Male: 886 966 All Female: 150 469 Male Professionals 590 Female Professionals 0 Male Amateurs (18 and over): 53 600 Female Amateurs (18 and over): 67 Male Youth Players (under 18): 29 751 Female Youth Players (under 18): 233 Paraguay's qualification for may have surprised a lot of people, but not coach Carlos Baez and his players. The Albirroja squad at the South American qualifying tournament in Chile was short on years but not experience, with no fewer than 17 of the 20 players having already made their debuts in Paraguay's top flight. Right from the start, Paraguay decided it would be all or nothing in the qualifiers, and their record of four wins and three defeats in Chile is testimony to that. The team's impressive forward play (22 goals in 7 games) not only made them joint top scorers alongside champions Colombia, but it also secured them a berth at despite conceding an incredible 17 goals along the way. While their defence is clearly an area that needs improving, their third-place finish - they were in the running for the title right up to the last day - is proof that the Guaraníes will be in New Zealand on merit. (Text source: www.fifa.com) FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 30/31
USA CONCACAF Number of previous FIFA Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 5 (1; 1991, 1999) Number of previous Olympic Football Tournaments (Best rank; year): 4 (1; 1996; 2004; 2008) Number of previous FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups (Best rank; year): 3 (1; 2002) Overall Record: (all three tournaments above) All Time ing: 1 Participations: 12 Number of Matches played: 70 Wins: 56 Draws: 8 Losses: 6 Goals For - Goals Against: 178-51 Biggest win (in all three tournaments above): All Players: All Male: All Female: Male Professionals Female Professionals Male Amateurs (18 and over): Female Amateurs (18 and over): Male Youth Players (under 18): Female Youth Players (under 18): 24,472,778 17,416,859 7,055,919 1,463 50 156,557 104371 2,344,239 1,562,826 For many observers, the USA have already earned the right to be regarded as the team to beat at. The Americans' pedigree in women's football was always going to see them ranked among the leading contenders, of course, but it is the manner in which they have prepared and qualified for the tournament that has really caught the eye. The first indication of their potential came in Auckland at January's Future Stars competition, when hosts New Zealand and Australia were effortlessly brushed aside by Kazbek Tambi's side en route to a 3-2 final victory over Germany. If that was impressive, their form in the CONCACAF preliminary competition was positively awe-inspiring; a triumphant qualifying campaign yielding 29 goals to just two conceded. Where Tambi's team differ from their senior counterparts is in their commitment to combine substance with style, sticking steadfastly to a slick pass-and-move philosophy that contrasts sharply with the more direct, physical approach for which the US have traditionally been renowned. As Tambi himself says: "We are not just looking for physically outstanding athletes, but players who have tremendous knowledge and creativity and can play great soccer." (Text source: www.fifa.com) FIFA Communications & Public Affairs Content Management Services 24/09/2008 31/31