EURO 2009 - THE STORY SO FAR

The Story so far…we have now seen all the teams play twice..some teams have won both games , some have lost both games and others have a win and a lost.Surprisingly no draws but in all the matches played the players are the stars.
The ones we have shown a spotlight on have burned brightly and there have been others that have are making a their mark.
As the teams go into the last group of matches to decide the quarter-finals we take a look at the story so far.

The hosts Finland with two wins are straight through to the quarterfinals. With the crowd behind them they shocked Denmark with a 1-0 win in the 1st game and followed that up with a 2-1 win versus the Netherlands.Laura Österberg Kalmari (below)
And Anna Westerlund have justified their status and played fantastic in both games. Kalmari is the top scorer with 2 goals. The finish press have dubbed her “queen of Finland”.

Young dutch player Karin Stevens got a goal against Ukraine, star Manon Melis has played well and showed form but as yet hasn’t managed to score but a player that is emerging for the Netherlands is 24 year old Kirsten Van De Ven.(Above). The midfielder has scored 2 goals from midfield and has impressed with her one v one ball skills and pace. Former Quinnipiac University and Florida State alum.

The holders Germany top the group and have been very impressive. They are physically so strong and they look up for retaining their title once again.Fatmire Bajramaj came on as a 2nd half substitute against Norway to score 2 goals.Inka Grings
Got her goal against France. Linda Bresonik(right) scores two penalties but it is her all round display in midfield that has got plaudits singing her praise.Youngster Kim Kulig has so far been outstanding in midfield with Bresonik.


Louisa Necib of France has shown her technical ability in both matches, particularly against Iceland. Scoring a goal to cement France’s 3-1 win against Iceland.
Camille Abily(Above) has shown just how much LA Sol missed her in the midfield as she has shown flashes of skill and partnership with Necib.

Sweden top their group so far with 2 dominating displays. Lotta Schelin and Kosovare Asllani(Above) both have been impressive and both scored against Italy.


Italy have exceeded expectations by beating England. Veteran captain Patrizia Panico
Scoring her 1st goal of the championships.
Fara Williams and Karen Carney have both


scored their 1st goals of the championships as England have battled in their first two games. Carney putting in her best display for a while in an England shirt as she rallied England against Russia from 2-0 down.Boston breakers Kelly Smith(Above) and Alex Scott played well against Russia with Smith scoring a brilliant goal to keep England in the hunt.


Still a long way to go.Many matches still to play, twists and turns still to be played out.. but one thing is for certain Euro 2009 is a go!