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.

Finally - The Hosts

Finland


Finland came on to the international stage with bang. Their semi-finals run in Euro 2005 in England was seen as great achievement. They were beaten in that match by the eventual winners Germany.
Steadily they have been rising up the rankings in world football. They currently sit 11th in Europe , 18th in the world.
Several players playing in the Swedish Damallsvenskan league has also helped them progress.
Coach Michael Käld became coach in 2001 and quickly got his squad together playing an aggressive , high tempo style of play with the emphasis on getting the ball quickly and high to the tall forwards.The midfield is packed with very strong, physical players.
With Euro 2009 played on home soil the finns are looking to get of to a good start to get the crowds behind them cheering them all the way to maybe the final this time around.



Laura Österberg Kalmari (Key Player)



Kamari is Finland’s all-time leading scorer. She has over 100 caps with 30 goals scored.
She was shortlisted for FIFA Women's World Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006.
Helped Finland to the Semi-Finals at Euro 2005 in England. Their best performance in a tournament.
Retired from international play in 2006 but returned in February to help Finland in Euro 2009 on home soil.
Has won three Finnish titles (HJK Helsinki), the 2002 W-League crown (Boston Renegades) and 2002/03 and 2003/04 UEFA Women's Cups (Umeå IK).
Currently plays for AIK in the Swedish Damallsvenskan league.



Anna Westerlund (Fresh Face)

Is a 20 year old midfield dynamo. Now with a starting position in midfield, she plays in tandem with experienced players like Anne Mäkinen.
Part of the Finland squad at the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Russia.
With 17 senior caps Westerlund’s attributes are tough tackling and quick distribution to the forwards. Also very good on dead ball situations.
She has won the Finnish championship three times in 06,07 & 08 with club FC Honka.
Touted as a future captain.