WED 29 JUN 2011 came close to seeing an upset bigger than any in Women’s World Cup history. more...

On TUE 28 JUN 2011, FIFA announced that Colombia reserve goalkeeper Yineth VARON failed a drug test and is provisionally suspended from the Women’s World Cup. Varon, a late addition to the squad following an injury to Paula FORERO, was tested on SAT 25 JUN 2011, just two days past her 29th birthday. FIFA did not identify the substance for which Varon tested positive. The announcement comes after the deadline for replacing players, so if the suspension holds, Colombia must make do with only two goalkeepers.

The story as Group C opened was one of victories by the favourites, but still with missed opportunities. more...

Equatorial Guinea forward JADE BOHO has been provisionally suspended over her eligibility to represent the African side. She has reportedly played for Spain within the last five years; if true, she would be unable to represent any other nation. Eq Guinea have therefore made a last minute change to their Women’s World Cup squad, replacing her with EMILIANA.

Group B remains up for grabs after its first two matches are closely contested. more...

The sixth Women’s World Cup began with two closely contested matches in front of full crowds. more...

The names of the 336 players who will compete at the 2011 Women’s World Cup have been announced, and the list features many well known names, plus a great many who hope to become such by the tournament’s end. At 38, goalkeeper Jenny BINDON of New Zealand is the oldest player named to a roster, whilst Equatorial Guinea’s CHRISTELLE is the youngest of six 16 year olds. 42 players were not yet born when the first Women’s World Cup kicked off in 1991 – though Colombia’s Katerin CASTRO and Nigeria’s Amenze AIGHEWI were both born during it on THU 21 NOV 1991. Christie RAMPONE of the United States has 228 caps, most amongst players selected. Eight players have not yet been capped and will hope to take the pitch during the tournament. In all, 38 players compete professionally in the US’s Women’s Professional Soccer league, including all but one of the US squad. For the first time, a Women’s World Cup will take place without Kristine LILLY, the now retired American legend.

On FRI 20 MAR 2009, FIFA approved the 32-match schedule for the 2011 Women’s World Cup, starting with Germany’s opening match in Berlin on SUN 26 JUN 2011. The group phase continues until TUE 05-WED 06 JUL 2011, when two groups per day have their final matches. The third place and final matches, as previously announced, are in Sinsheim and Frankfurt respectively on SAT 16-SUN 17 JUL 2011. This will be the first Women’s World Cup in which no matches are played as doubleheaders in the same stadium.