UEFA Women's Euro 2009

The 2009 UEFA Women's Championship, or just Women's Euro 2009, was played in Finland between 23 August and 10 September 2009.[1] The host was appointed on 11 July 2006, in a UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Berlin and the Finnish proposal won over the Dutch proposal.[2]

UEFA Women's Euro 2009
Jalkapallon naisten Euroopan-mestaruuskilpailut 2009
Europamästerskapet i fotboll för damer 2009
UEFA Women's Euro 2009 official logo
Tournament details
Host countryFinland
Dates23 August – 10 September
Teams12
Venue(s)5 (in 4 host cities)
Final positions
Champions Germany (7th title)
Runners-up England
Tournament statistics
Matches played25
Goals scored75 (3 per match)
Attendance134,907 (5,396 per match)
Top scorer(s)Germany Inka Grings (6 goals)
Best player(s)Germany Inka Grings
2005
2013

The UEFA Women's Championship is a regular tournament involving European national teams from countries affiliated to UEFA, the European governing body, who have qualified for the competition. The competition aims to determine which national women's team is the best in Europe.

The 2009 tournament was won by Germany for a seventh time in ten events. They beat England, appearing in their first final since 1984, 6–2 in the final.[3] The Germans also boasted the tournament's leading goalscorer in Inka Grings.[4]

Iceland, Netherlands and Ukraine made their debuts for the first time.

Format

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Twelve teams competed in the competition, an increase of 4 teams from 8 teams that played in previous tournaments. After a preliminary round, 30 teams competed in a qualifying group stage. Those teams were divided into six groups of five, with teams playing each other on a home-and-away basis. The six group winners advanced to the final tournament. The six runners-up and the four best third-placed teams played a qualification playoff. Those 11 teams and the hosts completed the 12-team lineup for the competition.

Qualification

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45 teams competed for the eleven available places in the final tournament; the qualifying teams together with the host were:

Country Qualified as Qualified on Previous appearances in tournament1
  Finland Host 11 July 2006 1 (2005)
  England Group 1 winner 2 October 2008 5 (1984, 1987, 1995, 2001, 2005)
  Sweden Group 2 winner 1 October 2008 7 (1984, 1987, 1989, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2005)
  France Group 3 winner 27 September 2008 3 (1997, 2001, 2005)
  Germany Group 4 winner 1 October 2008 7 (1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2005)
  Denmark Group 5 winner 1 October 2008 6 (1984, 1991, 1993, 1997, 2001, 2005)
  Norway Group 6 winner 2 October 2008 8 (1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2005)
  Italy Play-off winner 29 October 2008 8 (1984, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1997, 2001, 2005)
  Russia Play-off winner 30 October 2008 2 (1997, 2001)
  Ukraine Play-off winner 30 October 2008 0 (debut)
  Iceland Play-off winner 30 October 2008 0 (debut)
  Netherlands Play-off winner 30 October 2008 0 (debut)
1 Bold indicates champion for that year. Italic indicates host for that year

Venues

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The tournament was played in four cities in Finland: Helsinki, Turku, Tampere and Lahti.

 

Helsinki
Turku
Tampere
Lahti
Helsinki Turku Tampere Lahti
Helsinki Olympic Stadium
Capacity: 40,000
Finnair Stadium
Capacity: 10,770
Veritas Stadion
Capacity: 9,000
Ratina Stadion
Capacity: 17,000
Lahden Stadion
Capacity: 14,465
         
4 Group matches
Final
3 Group matches
1 Quarter-final
1 Semi-final
4 Group matches
1 Quarter-final
4 Group matches
1 Quarter-final
1 Semi-final
3 Group matches
1 Quarter-final

Tournament review

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Participating teams

Matchday 1 – 23–25 August

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In the opening round of Group A matches, Finland and the Netherlands showed that they would be contenders for qualification beyond the group stage. In the opening match of the tournament goals from Kirsten van de Ven and Karin Stevens would give the Dutch women a 2–0 victory over Ukraine. The evening fixture in the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki saw the host nation Finland begin their campaign with a 1–0 victory over Denmark. Maija Saari scored the first goal of the campaign, her first international goal.[5]

In Group B defending World and European Champions Germany set the marker, dispatching fellow contenders Norway 4–0. The champions and favourites to defend their title stuttered early on as they took a 1–0 lead, but in stoppage time three more goals helped the Germans to their victory and their lead in Group B. In the other match in Group B, France began their campaign with a win, recovering from a goal down to beat Iceland 3–1.

Group C opened with a surprise, World Cup quarter-finalists England beaten 2–1 by Group C outsiders Italy. England led 1–0 thanks to a Williams penalty just before half-time; however, goals from Panico and Tuttino gave Italy the victory. England finished the game with ten women after Casey Stoney was dismissed.[6] In Group C's other match 2003 World Cup finalists Sweden opened their challenge with a comfortable 3–0 win over Russia.[7]

Matchday 2 – 26–28 August

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Finland continued their good form in Group A, following up their 1–0 victory with a 2–1 win against the Netherlands.[8] Kalmari scored twice as the home nation moved into the quarter-finals as winners of Group A with a match to spare. The win for Finland would prove to be the end for Ukraine. Earlier on the Ukrainian team had been beaten by Denmark 2–1, and a result of the Dutch and Danes' meeting in the next round of Group games could no longer qualify for the quarter-finals. Maiken Pape scored three minutes from time to devastate the debut nation.

Group B saw holders Germany progress after another victory, this time a 5–1 success against the French.[9] Norway recovered from their opening defeat to edge past Iceland by a single goal, a result which eliminated the Icelandic team.[10]

In Group C; Sweden booked their place in the last eight with a 2–0 win over Italy arguably the surprise package of the tournament so far. Two goals in the first twenty minutes killed the game for Sweden who now meet England in their final group match. Sweden's win in Turku meant that if England lost their match against Russia then their hopes would be over at the Group stage for the third successive Euro. Russia knowing a win would kickstart their campaign appeared certain to condemn the English to an exit as goals from Ksenia Tsybutovich and Olesya Kurochkina gave the Russians a 2–0 lead. However, that wasn't the end of the tale. England player Karen Carney reduced the gap and then just ten minutes later Carney dinked the ball through to Aluko who equalised for the England team. Two minutes before half-time Kelly Smith scored the fifth goal of the half and what proved to be the winner in a result which gives both sides a chance of qualifying.[11]

Matchday 3 – 29–31 August

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With both Ukraine and Finland knowing where they would finish in the Group, the hosts made four changes to their line up for the final group game. The Ukrainian side took advantage of the changes and signed off from their first UEFA Women's Euro with a 1–0 victory. With everything to play for in the other Group A match, The Netherlands with goals from Sylvia Smit and Manon Melis took a 2–0 lead over Denmark. Rasmussen reduced the arrears however the Dutch would hold on to take second place and leave Denmark relying on results from Group B and Group C to now progress to the quarter-finals.[12]

In Group B; Germany through Inka Grings took top spot and the maximum nine points from three matches as they ended the Icelandic challenge with a 1–0 victory. Iceland, making their debut in the tournament showed renewed spirit but could not secure their first point in the European Championships. In the other game a 1–1 draw between Norway and France secured both teams their place in the quarter-finals.[13]

The first round concluded on 31 August with the final games in Group C. Played simultaneously as are all final group matches. Italy secured their passage in the tournament with a 2–0 win over Russia, eliminating the Russians from the competition.[14] Russia aware that a three-goal win would guarantee a place in the knock-out stages held out until 13 minutes from the end. In Group C's final game Sweden secured top spot in the group with a 1–1 draw against England, a result which saw the English side qualify.[15] The result also eliminated Denmark in Group A as the side in third place with the worst record.

Quarter-finals – 3–4 September

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In the opening quarter-final in Turku, Group A winner Finland took on second-best third-place and Group C qualifiers England. England, seeking to reach the last four following their early elimination in 2005 started well; Aluko giving them a 1–0 half-time lead.[16] A Williams goal put England 2–0 up on 49 minutes and in total control. The home team rallied a goal from Sjölund recovering the deficit to 2–1 before Aluko put England 3–1 up and with one foot in the last four a minute later. A Sällström goal proved mere consolation for the Home nation who went out of the tournament 3–2.[17]

In the second quarter-final held between the runners-up of Group A and Group B France took on Netherlands. In a tight match no goals would be scored in normal time or extra time forcing the first shootout of the tournament. After eight perfect penalties making the score 4–4, both teams missed their next two efforts as the tension continued to mount. However, the Dutch would prevail 5–4 to send out France, and book a date with England in the semi-finals.[18]

In Friday's quarter-final matches, Germany took a 2–0 lead thanks to Two goals from Grings, making her top goalscorer in the tournament so far. Patriza Panico scored for Italy, and for a couple of moments it seemed that the holders may be in trouble. However, Germany soon regained control in possession and would win 2–1 to book their place in the semi-finals yet again.[19]

In the final match of the round, Norway began to impress. Two goals in 7 minutes meant that the Norwegian women led 2–0 at half-time against a very strong and very impressive Swedish side. Cecile Pedersen's goal on the hour meant Norway led one of the favourites in Sweden 3–0. Even though Sandell Svensson scored for Sweden it would prove to be no more than consolation as Norway won 3–1 to secure a semi-final spot with Germany and a chance to avenge the 4–0 loss suffered against the Germans in their opening game.[20]

Semi-finals – 6–7 September

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In the opening semi-final England faced the Netherlands; Both teams having caused surprises to reach this stage of the tournament. England took the lead in the 61st minute with a goal from Kelly Smith. Marlous Pieëte levelled the scores at 1–1. The score at the end of 90 minutes was indeed that and extra-time started with the Dutch, who had advanced already via that method as favourite. However, with four minutes left and with Penalties looming Jill Scott scored the winner to send England into the final.[21]

Final (England vs. Germany) – 10 September

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England tried from the start to take the game to the favourites, Germany. But after missing several chances, England found themselves behind after 20 minutes of play when Germany scored in their very first attack (Birgit Prinz), and immediately scored a second—a long-range shot from Melanie Behringer to go 2–0 up.[22] Two minutes later, England pulled one back (Karen Carney) and the game remained delicately balanced until half-time. The second half initially continued much the same as the first, with England generally attacking and Germany content to play a counter-attacking game. In the second half, Germany added a third (Kim Kulig) and England responded with their second (Kelly Smith), but when Grings scored Germany's fourth, England seemed to lose heart, and Germany were able to seal the win with a further two goals (Grings and Prinz getting their second goal each).[23]

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Results

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Participating teams and their result

All times local (EEST/UTC+3)

Group stage

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The top two teams from each group progress to the quarter-finals along with the two best third-placed teams.

If two or more teams are level on points they are split by, in order of precedence: (a) higher number of points obtained in the matches played between the teams in question, (b) superior goal difference from the matches played between the teams in question (c) higher number of goals scored in the matches between the teams in question, (d) superior goal difference from all matches played, (e) higher number of goals scored, (f) Fair Play ranking (from during the tournament), (g) the drawing of lots.[24]

Group A

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Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
  Finland 3 2 0 1 3 2 +1 6
  Netherlands 3 2 0 1 5 3 +2 6
  Denmark 3 1 0 2 3 4 −1 3
  Ukraine 3 1 0 2 2 4 −2 3
Source: UEFA.com
Ukraine  0–2  Netherlands
Report van de Ven   4'
Stevens   9'
Attendance: 2,571

Finland  1–0  Denmark
Saari   49' Report

Ukraine  1–2  Denmark
Apanaschenko   63' Report Sand Andersen   49'
Pape   87'
Attendance: 1,372

Netherlands  1–2  Finland
van de Ven   25' Report Österberg Kalmari   7', 69'
Attendance: 16,148

Finland  0–1  Ukraine
Report Pekur   69'
Attendance: 15,138

Denmark  1–2  Netherlands
J. Rasmussen   71' Report Smit   58'
Melis   66'
Attendance: 1,712

Group B

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Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
  Germany 3 3 0 0 10 1 +9 9
  France 3 1 1 1 5 7 −2 4
  Norway 3 1 1 1 2 5 −3 4
  Iceland 3 0 0 3 1 5 −4 0
Source: UEFA.com
Germany  4–0  Norway
Bresonik   33' (pen.)
Bajramaj   90', 90+4'
Mittag   90+2'
Report

Iceland  1–3  France
Magnúsdóttir   6' Report Abily   18' (pen.)
Bompastor   53' (pen.)
Nécib   67'
Attendance: 6,552

France  1–5  Germany
Thiney   51' Report Grings   9'
Krahn   17'
Behringer   45+ 1'
Bresonik   47' (pen.)
Laudehr   90+ 1'
Attendance: 3,331

Iceland  0–1  Norway
Report Pedersen   45'
Attendance: 1,399

Germany  1–0  Iceland
Grings   50' Report
Attendance: 3,101

Norway  1–1  France
Storløkken   4' Report Abily   16'

Group C

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Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
  Sweden 3 2 1 0 6 1 +5 7
  Italy 3 2 0 1 4 3 +1 6
  England 3 1 1 1 5 5 0 4
  Russia 3 0 0 3 2 8 −6 0
Source: UEFA.com
Italy  2–1  England
Panico   56'
Tuttino   82'
Report Williams   38' (pen.)
Attendance: 2,950

Sweden  3–0  Russia
Rohlin   5'
Sandell Svensson   15'
Seger   82'
Report
Report
Attendance: 4,697

Italy  0–2  Sweden
Report
Report
Schelin   9'
Asllani   19'
Attendance: 5,947

England  3–2  Russia
Carney   24'
Aluko   32'
K. Smith   42'
Report Tsybutovich   2'
Kurochkina   22'

Russia  0–2  Italy
Report Gabbiadini   77'
Zorri   90+3'
Attendance: 1,112

Sweden  1–1  England
Sandell Svensson   40' (pen.) Report
Report
White   28'
Attendance: 6,142

Third-placed qualifiers

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At the end of the first stage, a comparison will be made between the third placed teams of each group. The two best third-placed teams advance to the quarter-finals.

Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
  England 3 1 1 1 5 5 0 4
  Norway 3 1 1 1 2 5 −3 4
  Denmark 3 1 0 2 3 4 −1 3
Source: [citation needed]

Knockout stage

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Quarter-finalsSemi-finalsFinal
 
          
 
3 September – Turku
 
 
  Finland2
 
6 September – Tampere
 
  England3
 
  England (a.e.t.)2
 
3 September – Tampere
 
  Netherlands1
 
  Netherlands (p)0 (5)
 
10 September – Helsinki
 
  France0 (4)
 
  England2
 
4 September – Lahti
 
  Germany6
 
  Germany2
 
7 September – Helsinki
 
  Italy1
 
  Germany3
 
4 September – Helsinki
 
  Norway1
 
  Sweden1
 
 
  Norway3
 

Quarter-finals

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Finland  2–3  England
Sjölund   66'
Sällström   79'
Report Aluko   15', 67'
Williams   49'

Netherlands  0–0 (a.e.t.)  France
Report
Penalties
Stevens  
Melis  
Kiesel-Griffioen  
Smit  
Koster  
Bito  
Hoogendijk  
5–4   Soubeyrand
  Abily
  Henry
  Le Sommer
  Franco
  Meilleroux
  Herbert
Attendance: 2,766

Germany  2–1  Italy
Grings   4', 47' Report Panico   63'
Attendance: 1,866

Sweden  1–3  Norway
Sandell Svensson   80' Report
Report
Segerström   39' (o.g.)
Giske   45'
Pedersen   60'

Semi-finals

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England  2–1 (a.e.t.)  Netherlands
K. Smith   61'
J. Scott   116'
Report Pieëte   64'
Attendance: 4,621

Germany  3–1  Norway
Laudehr   59'
Okoyino da Mbabi   61'
Bajramaj   90+3'
Report Herlovsen   10'
Attendance: 2,765

Final

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England  2–6  Germany
Carney   24'
K. Smith   55'
Report Prinz   20', 76'
Behringer   22'
Kulig   50'
Grings   62', 73'

Goalscorers

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German striker Inka Grings was the tournament's top scorer
6 goals
3 goals
2 goals
1 goal
own goals

Squads

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "uefa.com – UEFA Women's C'ship – News & Features – News Specific". May 2, 2009. Archived from the original on 2009-05-02.
  2. ^ "Finland celebrate 2009 decision". UEFA.com. July 11, 2006.
  3. ^ "England 2–6 Germany". BBC Sport. 2009-09-10. Retrieved 2009-09-10.
  4. ^ "Grings wins adidas Golden Boot". 10 September 2009.
  5. ^ "Pape pounces to Denmark's delight". UEFA.com. August 26, 2009.
  6. ^ "England Women 1-2 Italy Women". August 25, 2009 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
  7. ^ "Sweden secure first-game success". UEFA.com. August 25, 2009.
  8. ^ "Dutch scalp sends Finland through". UEFA.com. August 26, 2009.
  9. ^ "Clinical Germany breeze through". UEFA.com. August 27, 2009.
  10. ^ "Teen Pedersen accounts for Iceland". UEFA.com. August 27, 2009.
  11. ^ "England women 3-2 Russia women". August 28, 2009 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
  12. ^ "Resilient Dutch reach last eight". UEFA.com. August 29, 2009.
  13. ^ "Draw puts Norway and France through". 30 August 2009.
  14. ^ "Azzurre advance but Russia bow out". UEFA.com. August 31, 2009.
  15. ^ "England women make quarter-finals". August 31, 2009 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
  16. ^ "Women's Euro 2009: Aluko's double deflates hosts and puts England into". Independent.co.uk. 3 September 2009.
  17. ^ "Finland women 2-3 England women". September 3, 2009 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
  18. ^ "Oranje through after shoot-out". UEFA.com. September 3, 2009.
  19. ^ "Grings goals send Germany through". UEFA.com. September 4, 2009.
  20. ^ "Efficient Norway oust Sweden". UEFA.com. September 4, 2009.
  21. ^ "England 2-1 Netherlands (aet)". September 6, 2009 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
  22. ^ "Women's Euro 2009 final as it happened". September 10, 2009 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
  23. ^ "UEFA Women's C'ship Fixtures & Results". www.uefa.com. Archived from the original on December 31, 2009.
  24. ^ "Women's EURO 2009 - History - Standings – UEFA.com". October 6, 2013. Archived from the original on 2013-10-06.
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