PREVIEW 2009 UEFA WOMEN’S EURO CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Euro 2009 Championships have begun.Some of the biggest names in women’s football are taking part. Here at Womans Soccer Insider we take a look at the nations , their star /key players and brightest new talent. Who will end up in WPS. Can anyone stop the Germans? We will give you our thoughts and more over the course of the Championships.I hope you are all getting a chance to catch some of the matches and talent on show.



Norway



Norway are one of the most successful women’s national football teams in the world.
They have won a World Cup in 95, an Olympic Gold medal in 2000 and the European Championship twice in 87 & 93.They were runners-up in England in 2005.
They have been as high as number 3 in the world rankings but they currently sit in 10th, their lowest to date. 6th in the European rankings.
This is due in part to other teams improving while Norway have been in a bit of a slump this year.
They qualified well for Euro 2009 with 6 wins and a draw out of 7 matches. Scoring 26 goals for and conceding none.
However at the end of the qualifying a number of players quit due to issues with the management. Some retired and some are injured. Head coach Bjarne Berntsen lost as many as eight players to his squad.
Norway are in transition. Bernsten has had to call a clutch of new players with limited international experience and some fresh faces into the squad for Euro 2009.He has adapted Norway’s formation and style of play.
Will it all come together just in time? One things for sure, Norway will be there or there abouts in the tournament. Form is temporary, but class is permanent.


Ingvild Stensland (Key Player)


With many of Norway’s experienced players no longer in the squad. Ingvild Stensland has become their most important player. She is the Captain, the veteran that the young players will look up to.
Stensland is a combative midfielder that will fight for every ball in the centre of midfield. She is known for her tough tackling and work ethic.
With a strong shot she has scored some spectacular goals. And is always dangerous with free-kicks.
For the past 4 years Stensland has been nominated for FIFA Woman’s Player of the Year.
Currently plays for Olympique Lyonnais. Joined in January 2009.Picking up the Division 1 championship.
With 80 caps to her name. Stensland remains unchanged in a much changed Norway.


Elise Thorsnes (Fresh Face)

21 year old Thorsnes has come back into form after starting her career with a bang in the Norwegian women’s league the Toppserien with Arna-Bjørnar.
There she was regularly at the top of the scoring charts, was voted Young Player of the Year and pushed her way into the 2008 Beijing Olympic national team.
With skill and pace Thorsnes main attributes are taking on defenders one v one or playing of the shoulder of the last defender where she can use her pace to get behind the defence.
In Norway’s new formation and style of play Thorsnes is expected to start in the starting XI.
With 23 caps already with only one goal, Euro 2009 is the time for her to take her club form to the International stage and help get Norway back to the power they once were.