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.


Iceland




UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009 will be the first senior final tournament for either men or women to feature a team from Iceland, with the islanders due to compete alongside many of their fellow northern European nations.

They came within an ace of the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup, pipped by Russia in their group and England in the first round of the play-offs, and in 2005 they moved to within a two-legged tie of the continental finals. Eventual runners-up Norway proved too tough, however. Their 2007 World Cup bid fell short but, with Siggy Eyjólfsson appointed as coach, Iceland hit top form in UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ qualifying, running France close in their pool and defeating the Republic of Ireland in the play-offs, prevailing in every home game without conceding. Coming hot on the heels of a home win over France, their 5-0 success against Serbia in June 2007 even attracted a team record 5,976 spectators to Reykjavik's national stadium, and their games have proved a TV ratings hit.
The Icelandic team are big and strong and have a never say die attitude which is sparked by their coach who coaches from a psychological side.
The team are currently in the top 20 of teams in the world. 12th In Europe.



Margrét Lára Vidarsdóttir (Key Player)


Is currently Icelands top goal scorer. With over 54 caps and 48 goals for her country Vidarsdottir is Icelands most prolific striker.
She finished the top scorer in qualifying with 12 goals in 10 matches, including the winner at home to France.
In 2007 she beat Eidur Gudjohnsen to Iceland's sportsperson of the year award, after hitting a record 38 goals in 16 top-flight appearances for Valur, for whom she was the league's leading markswoman in each season from 2004 until 2008.
Her 14 goals for ex-club Valur Reykjavík in the 2008/09 UEFA Women's Cup constituted a record and her third time in four years atop the competition's scoring chart.
Currently plays for Linkopings FC in the Swedish Damallsvenskan.


Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir (Fresh Player)


Is an 18 year old attacking midfielder who came through the youth ranks.
Played in all three games of the hosts' 2007 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship finals campaign.
She already has 19 caps and 5 goals for her country.
Scored 2 goals in the qualifying campaign in 7 matches.
Gunnarsdottir made her mark in this years Algarve Cup where she scored twice in Icelands 3-1 win against Norway.
Currently plays for Icelandic club Breiðablik UBK.