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.

A new emerging team playing today is Russia. See how they come up against the power that is Sweden. Check out Sweden's profile HERE again.


Russia




Russia are an emerging international team. They are ranked 8th in Europe, 15th in the world.
Their recent success has come from a clutch of players from the Under 19’s 2005 European Championship squad who have all come through into the senior squad together. The Russians won the championship with flair, technique and application.
Former footballer Igor Shalimov was appointed the Russian coach on 20 May 2008 and within six months had led his team to the Euro 2009 Championships.
The majority of his squad is made up of players from the club side WFC Rossiyanka, with a few from the women’s Uefa Cup finalist Zvezda 2005 Prem.
Russia came second in their qualifying group losing only to Norway. They beat Scotland in the playoffs to get through.
With the squad having a club mentality and players familiar with each others game Shalimov is hoping that this will give Russia the edge over some of the other teams.
Men’s national team coach and former Chelsea FC coach Gus Hiddink has took several of the women’s training sessions in preparation for the championships.


Tatiana Skotnikova (Key Player)

Skotnikova is the captain and is an automatic choice in midfield for Russia.
Has been part of the team for over a decade, playing in the 2001 Euros and 1999 and 2003 FIFA Women's World Cups.
Stotnikova a tough tackling midfielder plays as a holding midfielder but can be deployed as an attacking midfielder if needed.
Played in all the qualifying games for Russia.
Won the league five years running with Lada Togliatti (2002 and 2003), FC Energia Voronezh (2004) and WFC Rossiyanka (2005 and 2006).
Currently playes for WFC Rossiyanka in the Women’s Premier League in Russia.





Elena Morozova (Fresh Face)


Morozova at 22 years old is just one of the young players from that winning Under 19’s European team that has cemented an automatic starting position for Russia.
Starting in 9 of the qualifying matches the midfielder pulled the strings in midfield liking up well with the forwards and assisting in many of their goals.
Scored her only goal in a 3-1 victory against Poland.
Created a partnership in the middle of the field with Captain Tatiana Skotnikova which is due in part to them playing for the same club side.
Currently plays for WFC Rossiyanka in the Russian Women’s premier league.