England’s women’s football coach, Sarina Wiegman, has earned a spot on the shortlist for the highly esteemed Uefa Women’s Coach of the Year Award.
Wiegman, who masterminded England’s victory in the Finalissima in April, went on to steer the Lionesses to their inaugural Women’s World Cup final. She won’t have the trophy stand to herself, though, with Jorge Vilda, the triumphant Spain coach, and Barcelona’s mastermind Jonatan Giraldez also vying for the accolade.
Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in the final added a cherry on top for Vilda, who fought through a player revolt last September and turned the tide.
On the players’ front, Australia’s goal-finding machine and Chelsea striker Sam Kerr finds herself shortlisted alongside the Spanish duo of Aitana Bonmati and Olga Carmona. The nominations come courtesy of the discerning eyes of coaches and journalists, judging the performances across the 2022-23 season.
Unfortunately, England and Manchester United’s skilled goalkeeper Mary Earps just missed making the cut for the three-player shortlist. Better luck next time, Mary!
England, having captured the Euro 2022 as hosts, went on to represent Europe in the first-ever women’s Finalissima. There, they outfoxed South American champions Brazil in a penalty shootout after a tense 1-1 draw at Wembley.
Wiegman, the 53-year-old Dutch tactician, etched her name in history by taking England to their first World Cup final since the men’s triumph in 1966. No pressure, Sarina!
A mention is also in order for the gifted Bonmati, 25, who played a crucial role in Barcelona’s Spanish league and Champions League conquest last season, not to mention lifting the World Cup with Spain. Her captain, Real Madrid’s whiz wing-back Carmona, 23, provided the magic touch by netting the final’s lone goal.
Meanwhile, Sam Kerr, 29, turned heads with a staggering 29 goals, helping Chelsea to a double victory last season before leading Australia to the World Cup semi-finals as the Matildas’ fearless captain.
In other news, Sweden has leapfrogged to the top of FIFA’s women’s world rankings, dethroning the United States from their coveted number one spot for the first time since June 2017. The Swedes didn’t just beat the rankings; they knocked out the US on penalties in the last 16, only to be sent packing by Spain in the semi-finals. They did clinch third place with a 2-0 victory over Australia, though.
Spain, riding high after their maiden Women’s World Cup victory, have rocketed four places to second, while England, the runners-up and European champions, are holding steady in fourth.
So there you have it, sports enthusiasts and geeks alike! The world of women’s football is packed with drama, skill, and excitement. Who will snag the awards? Only time will tell! Oh, and next time you’re waiting for the England team at the airport, maybe send a text or something. Stanway says they had no idea!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Women’s Football Recognition
Who is Sarina Wiegman?
Sarina Wiegman is the coach of England’s women’s football team, known as the Lionesses. She has been shortlisted for Uefa’s Coach of the Year Award.
What achievement led to Sarina Wiegman’s nomination?
Sarina Wiegman led the Lionesses to victory in the Finalissima and guided them to their first Women’s World Cup final.
Who are the other nominees for the award?
Jorge Vilda, who led Spain to a 1-0 victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final, and Jonatan Giraldez from Barcelona are the other nominees.
Which players have been shortlisted?
Australia’s Sam Kerr, Spain’s Aitana Bonmati, and Olga Carmona are among the shortlisted players.
How were the nominees selected?
The nominees were chosen by coaches and journalists based on performances in the 2022-23 season for both clubs and national teams.
How did England perform in recent tournaments?
England won Euro 2022 and earned a spot in the women’s Finalissima, defeating South American champions Brazil. They also reached the Women’s World Cup final.
What notable ranking changes have occurred?
Sweden has risen to the top of FIFA’s women’s world rankings, displacing the United States from the number one spot for the first time since 2017.
What did Stanway reveal about waiting fans at the airport?
Stanway mentioned that the England team was unaware of fans waiting for them at the airport, indicating an unexpected reception.
More about Women’s Football Recognition
- Sarina Wiegman: Lionesses boss on shortlist for women’s coach of the year
- Women’s World Cup 2023: What next for England and Sarina Wiegman?
- Rubiales refuses to resign as Spanish football federation president
- Women playing two games at same time – Rapinoe
- Stanway says England had no idea fans were waiting at airport
- Sweden top rankings for first time to end USA run
1 comment
rankings shuffle like a deck of cards, but let’s hope england’s women stay top of the game ♠️♥️♣️♦️