WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
Countdown to Women’s World Cup: Low in numbers but female coaches thrive at major tournaments
From Pia Sundhage to Sarina Wiegman to Bev Priestman, the ninth Women’s World Cup will be a glittering showcase of some of the game’s most successful coaches but 20 of the 32 teams will still have men barking the orders from the touchline.
Twelve female coaches represents a record number for the global showpiece, and is a significantly higher proportion than in most other sports, but some are questioning why it is still not greater.
Vicky Huyton, founder of the Female Coaching Network, said a lack of success was certainly not a factor.
Since 2000, all but one of the major women’s football tournaments – the Women’s World Cup, Women’s Euros and the Olympics – have been won by female-coached teams, she pointed out.
Norio Sasaki, the man who coached Japan to World Cup gold in 2011, is the sole exception.
“It’s a stat I find fascinating – and it’s a trend across many different sports, but particularly in women’s football,” Huyton said.
Football’s female coaching landscape is a good news/bad news scenario.
Women coaches make up 37.5% at the World Cup, which kicks off Thursday, the same as in 2019 and slightly higher than 2015.
“It’s one of the better sports for female coaches,” Huyton added. “Which is kind of like saying it’s the best of a bad bunch rather than necessarily a positive thing.”
At the other end of the scale are athletics, rugby and tennis. Fewer than 1% of athletics coaches at the world championships or Olympics are women, Huyton said, and only 4% of the top 200 women on the WTA Tour are coached by women.
Huyton also worries about the lack of new faces among the women who have a top job in international football.
“We now know that female coaches can be successful – how novel,” Huyton said with a half-hearted laugh.
“So the narrative has changed to, ‘Well, how do we get more female coaches?’ Because if you look at the list of women at the World Cup, they’re all the same group of women mostly.”
Sundhage, who coaches Brazil, led the U.S. to back-to-back Olympic golds.
Wiegman coached the Netherlands to the 2017 Euro title and World Cup silver in 2019 before leading England on a 30-game unbeaten streak.
Germany’s Martina Voss-Tecklenburg also coached Switzerland for six years.
‘VISIBILITY IS HUGE’
FIFA expects the World Cup to reach a global TV audience of two billion viewers, which would be a 79% increase over the highly successful 2019 tournament.
Canada midfielder Sophie Schmidt said the mere sight of a dozen female coaches pacing the touchlines Down Under could be a big boost to young women looking to take that career path.
“This visibility is huge for inspiring others … it allows people to see the possibilities,” said Schmidt.
“In the past, it’s been predominantly men. But we have very amazing, talented, gifted female coaches out there and I think the opportunities are there and once you start seeing it, you start believing it.
“That’s the beauty of having so many female coaches in these head roles.”
Among the biggest barriers to coaching, Huyton said, is certification. The top-level UEFA Pro License course costs close to 10,000 pounds ($13,090) and applicants must have a full-time coaching position at the senior level.
“So where does that woman go to get that experience to then get the qualification?” Huyton asked.
England’s Women’s Super League has helped pave the way for female coaches, with 20 of the 50 total managers over a span of 10 years being female.
The WSL has boasted some of the best in the game, including Hope Powell, the first woman to be awarded the UEFA Pro License in 2003, and Emma Hayes, who has coached Chelsea to seven of the last nine WSL titles, including this year.
While players’ union FIFPRO does not have an official view on the gender of coaches, Sarah Gregorius said diversity was critical.
“There should be inclusive policies in the way in which coaches are recruited and searched for,” said Gregorius, who directs the union’s global policy and strategic relations for women’s football.
“There needs to be pathways for people from all different backgrounds, genders, identities, whatever it may be, to reach those positions.”
-Reuters
Spain striker Esther Gonzalez scored twice in the first half as her side powered to a 5-0 win over Portugal at the Women’s Euros that was overshadowed by the deaths of Portugal international Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident earlier on Thursday.
On an emotional night that began with a minute’s silence for the brothers, Portugal went behind almost immediately, Olga Carmona putting the ball over the top for Gonzalez to run on to and score in the second minute.
Mariona Caldentey did superbly to pull the ball across the box for Vicky Lopez to score the second goal five minutes later.
The Portuguese managed to steady the ship but they were rocked again four minutes before the break when Alexia Putellas took down another great pass from Caldentey on her chest before calmly cutting inside and firing home.
“I highlight our mindset, how we came out to play,” Putellas said. “We were really eager to get started but it’s only the first match.”
There was more misery to come for Portugal before halftime as Gonzalez netted her second goal two minutes later, scoring from close range after Claudia Pina’s cross came back off the far post.
The world champions were delighted to be able to bring in Aitana Bonmati from the bench following her recent brush with viral meningitis, and the playmaker wasted no time getting into the thick of things, setting up a chance for Cristina Martin-Prieto.
“Aitana is a very important player for us. We are delighted that she is back and has overcome her illness. It is a joy,” Putellas said.
Portugal showed more composure in the second half but they were no match for Spain’s power, precision and technique and, though they held Spain at bay for most of the second half, Martin-Prieto scored with a superb late header to complete the rout.
“We conceded early goals and the team became anxious and unsettled,” said Portugal forward Diana Silva. “We couldn’t get hold of the ball and then it’s harder to chase the result. We were much better in the second half, more united. We didn’t allow Spain so much space to get in.
“We believe until the end, our goal is to earn points until the end and everything is still up for grabs.”
Silva and her teammates remained on the pitch after the final whistle, posing in front of their fans with a huge black banner in memory of Jota.
Spain’s victory was their biggest in a European Championship, surpassing their 4-1 win over Finland in 2022, and was the ideal start for what the tournament favourites hope will be their first Women’s Euro title.
With Italy having defeated Belgium 1-0 earlier in the evening, Spain top the group with the Italians second. Spain take on the Belgians in their next game, while Portugal face Italy.
-Reuters
The draw for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025 was held on Wednesday in Rabat. It set the tone for a highly anticipated edition of the tournament.
The event will feature competitive groups. There will be a dazzling, historic opening match between the host nation and Brazil.
Hosts Morocco, Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Zambia will fly the African flag. This will occur during the 3-week tournament taking place between 17 October – 8 November.
As hosts of this eighth edition, Morocco have not been dealt an easy hand. Drawn into Group A alongside Brazil, Italy, and Costa Rica
The opening match is scheduled to take place in Rabat. It will see Morocco go head-to-head with a Brazilian side renowned for its strength at youth level.
This high-profile fixture will be an important benchmark for Morocco. They can gauge how far they’ve come in their footballing development.
Cameroon to Tackle a Formidable Group B
Group B presents a stern test for Cameroon. They will face North Korea, Mexico, and the Netherlands.
This group showcases a compelling mix of footballing philosophies and playing styles. The Lionesses will need to combine tactical discipline with physical strength to compete effectively.
Cameroon have never advanced beyond the quarterfinals in this competition. Their U-17 side will be hoping to break new ground.
Their recent success on the regional stage, particularly within the UNIFFAC zone, offers a solid foundation for optimism.
Nigeria Aim to Maintain Their Legacy
As one of the most successful African nations at youth level, Nigeria arrive with a proud legacy to uphold.
Drawn into Group D, the Super Flamingos will take on France, Canada, and Samoa. It’s a challenging group, but well within reach for a team known for its athletic prowess and technical quality.
The Nigerian class of 2025 is attracting a lot of attention. With the right momentum, they have the potential to reach the quarterfinals or even further. Their encounter with France could very well be the pivotal fixture of the group.
Debut Challenge for Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire will make their tournament debut in Group E, where they’ll face Spain, Colombia, and South Korea. The Ivorians will need to demonstrate character and determination to compete at this level.
Their match against Spain, the runners-up in the previous edition, will be a formidable test. However, it’s not insurmountable. Should the Little Elephants manage to hold off the Spanish onslaught, an upset could be on the cards. Their attacking line known for its speed and unpredictability could be their biggest asset.
Zambia Ready to Make a Statement in Group F
In Group F, Zambia is set to face Japan, New Zealand, and Paraguay. Though less experienced than their opponents, the U-17 Copper Princesses arrive with a clear goal: to surpass the performance of previous African teams at this stage of the tournament.
It’s a demanding draw, particularly against a Japanese side famed for its collective organisation and fluidity.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Finland women’s national team manager has apologised for mistakenly calling up a long-retired 51-year-old for this week’s game against Serbia.
When submitting the lineup, manager Outi Saarinen mistakenly entered former player Stina Ruuskanen instead of 23-year-old Djurgarden defender Nanne Ruuskanen.
The error was not discovered until past deadline.
Ruuskanen, who received her call-up 29 years after playing two senior internationals for Finland, took the mix-up in good humour.
“I’m definitely ready if the call comes! Just yesterday I was playing in a hobby league match … so my game feel is good,” she told the Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat.
The younger Ruuskanen, who is no relation, was unable to take part in the Nations League match, a 1-1 draw in Helsinki on Tuesday.
“Nanne was, of course, disappointed but took the news very well considering the circumstances,” Saarinen said in a statement from the Finnish Football Association.
“I am very sorry for the mistake.”
-Reuters
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
WAFCON 2024: Nigeria’s Super Falcons begin ‘La Decima’ quest with Tunisian clash
Supporters Club Mourns Peter Rufai: “Another Big Tree Has Fallen,” Says Rafiu Ladipo
WAFCON 2024: Morocco Held to Thrilling 2-2 Draw by Zambia in Opening Match
- OBITUARY3 days ago
BREAKING: Nigerian Goalkeeping Legend Peter Rufai is dead
- Nigerian Football2 days ago
Football Agent John Shittu Demands Retraction and ₦250 Million Damages from Samson Siasia Over Bribery Allegation
- FEDERATION CUP1 week ago
Kwara United Clinch Historic First Title as President Federation Cup Final Goes to Penalties for the 18th time
- FEDERATION CUP1 week ago
Rivers Angels Crowned 2025 Female Federation Cup Champions After Penalty Shootout Thriller
- OBITUARY3 days ago
Peter Rufai looked lean when I last saw him, says mourning NFF President, Gusau
- OBITUARY2 days ago
Family issues statement on Peter Rufai
- WAFCON19 hours ago
Nigeria, Tunisia Set for High-Stakes WAFCON 2024 Clash in Casablanca
- IMMEMORIAL2 days ago
Peter Rufai’s Death Adds to Long List of July Tragedies in Nigerian Football