As the year draws slowly to a close, an important result is still in the process of being decided as the Netherlands and Italy contest the play-off final to determine the final European participant in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™. Meanwhile, Germany and England, as well as France and New Zealand played one another in friendly matches having already confirmed their places in next year’s tournament. FIFA.com brings you the latest news from the world of international women’s football.
Excitement guaranteed The battle for the final European ticket to next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup remains a thrilling one after the Netherlands and Italy played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg. Melania Gabbiadini gave the visitors an early lead in front of a record crowd of 13,100 at The Hague to put her side in a strong position ahead of Thursday’s return leg. Eighteen-year-old Vivianne Miedema equalised for the Dutch after half-time – her 14th goal of the qualifying campaign.
“We got off to a nervy start but gradually settled more and more into the game,” Netherlands coach Roger Reijners said after the match. “We had chances to win after scoring our equaliser, but unfortunately we just couldn’t find that decisive goal. A victory would have been well deserved, but we can take this result and travel to Italy with plenty of courage. The way the team played in the second half gives us a great deal of confidence,” Reijners concluded.
Italy’s national coach Antonio Cabrini was also satisfied with his side’s display. “It’s definitely a good result,” he said. “I’m pleased with the way the team played, particularly in the first half; I saw some good football. But I know the 90 minutes in Verona won’t be easy. For this reason we’re hoping for strong support from our home crowd. They will be vital in helping us achieve our aim.”
France victorious against New Zealand While Italy and the Netherlands continue to dream of a place at the World Cup in Canada, France and New Zealand have already booked their tickets. The two sides continued their preparations by facing each other in a friendly. Les Bleues defeated the Kiwis 2-1 at Stade Francis-Le-Basser to continue their winning run after downing Germany 2-0 at the end of October.
Eugenie Le Sommer and Kadidiatou Diani found the net for France while Helen Collins grabbed a consolation in stoppage time. Philippe Bergeroo’s side will round off 2014 with a match against Brazil this Wednesday, while New Zealand face Norway on Tuesday and Thursday.
Germany’s women conquer Wembley Stadium The reigning European champions ended their year on a high on Sunday by sealing a comfortable 3-0 win against England in front of a record 45,619 crowd at the legendary Wembley Stadium.
Despite travelling to London without Fatmire Alushi, Nadine Kessler, Saskia Bartusiak, Lena Lotzen, Leonie Maier and FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year Nadine Angerer, coach Silvia Neid’s team made a perfect start, taking the lead through an Alex Scott own goal after just six minutes. Shortly after, Celia Sasic doubled Germany’s advantage after gliding past two opposition defenders on an impressive solo run before hitting the target. The 26-year-old striker scored her second goal of the night just before half-time to hand her side an emphatic victory.