2003 Women's World Cup

FIFA Women's World Cup 2003
FIFA Women's World Cup USA 2003
Number of nations	16  (of 99 applicants)
World Champion	Germany (1st title)
venue	United States
Opening game	September 20, 2003
Endgame	October 12, 2003
Games	32
Gates	107  (⌀: 3.34 per game)
spectator	679,664  (⌀: 21,240 per game)
Top scorer	Birgit Prinz (7 goals)
Best player	Birgit Prinz
Best goalkeeper	Silke Rottenberg
yellow cards	65  (⌀: 2.03 per game)
Yellow-red cards	0
Red cards	1  (⌀: 0.03 per game)

The final round of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2003 was the fourth playout of the most important tournament for women's football - teams and was again on 20 September to 12 October 2003 in the United States held. Originally the World Cup was supposed to take place in the People's Republic of China . After the outbreak of SARS , the world governing body FIFA decided at short notice to move to the USA.

The German team won their first world championship title. They impressively won against Russia in the quarter-finals and beat the defending champion and two-time world champion USA 3-0 in front of their own audience. Birgit Prinz was voted the best player of the tournament. With her seven goals she played a major role in the success of the German team and was also the sole top scorer in the 2003 World Cup. The Fair Play Award went to China .

Venues

The 2003 World Cup was played in six stadiums in six different cities in the United States.

Portland ( PGE Park ) Capacity: 19,600	Foxborough ( Gillette Stadium ) Capacity: 69,000	Carson Columbus Philadelphia Foxborough Washington, DC Portland
Philadelphia ( Lincoln Financial Field ) Capacity: 68,500	Columbus ( Columbus Crew Stadium ) Capacity: 22,600	Washington, DC ( Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium ) Capacity: 55,700	Carson ( Home Depot Center ) Capacity: 27,000

mode

As four years earlier, the field of participants comprised 16 teams. There were four groups of four teams each. The first two in each group qualified for the quarter-finals. From the quarterfinals, the world champion was played in the knockout system . If no winner was determined after the regular playing time, two 15-minute extra time was played. In extra time, the golden goal rule applied , so whoever scored the first goal in extra time had won the game. If no goal was scored during extra time, there was a penalty shoot-out .

qualification

→ Main article : 2003 Women's World Cup / Qualification

Qualification for the Women's World Cup in 2003 lasted from August 18, 2001 to July 5, 2003. 96 associations had started qualifying for the World Cup, with only 14 teams remaining. The US was automatically qualified to host. China, which was originally designated as the host, also got a direct starting place. The 14 remaining participants in six zones were determined as follows:

Europe had five starting positions at the World Cup. The teams in category A (groups 1–4) played against each other in four groups of 4 teams for the qualification. The four group winners were qualified directly. The four runners-up played between September and November 2002 in return games ("play-off games") for fifth place on the grid. At the end of the qualification, Norway, Sweden, Russia and Germany (group winners) and France (winners of the play-off games) had qualified. The teams in the second category (groups 5-8) only played for promotion to the first category.

South America had two direct starting places. The 2003 South American Women's Soccer Championship was the qualifying tournament . The two best teams (Brazil and Argentina) were able to secure the qualification.

The football association of North and Central America and the Caribbean , CONCACAF , had a direct starting point. Then there was the host USA, who automatically qualified for the finals. The 2002 CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup in the USA and Canada was also the qualifying round. The USA won the tournament against Canada, which qualified with it. The third-placed Mexicans played in two play-off games against the Asian third for another starting place.

In the Africa zone, the women's African Cup of Nations in Nigeria in 2002 was the qualifying tournament. The two finalists reach the finals.

Placements of the participants

In Asia , too , the continental championship was also the qualifying tournament for the FIFA World Cup. The Asian federation had two direct places. China was also given a direct place as "compensation", with which the fourth in the Asian Cup qualified for the play-off games against the CONCACAF fourth. At the Asian women's soccer championship in Thailand in 2003 , the Chinese women won the Asian championship, with North Korea (finalist) and South Korea (third) also qualifying directly. The Japanese won the play-off games against Mexico and also secured their participation.

Oceania had a direct starting place, the qualifying round was held in April 2003 in Australia.

Attendees

The following women's teams took part in the fourth women's soccer World Cup:

5 from Europe	Germany	France	Norway	Russia	Sweden
2 from South America	Argentina	Brazil
2 from North, Central America and the Caribbean	Canada	USA (GG)
2 from Africa	Ghana	Nigeria
4 from Asia	China	Japan	North Korea	South Korea
1 from Oceania	Australia

It was the first World Cup participation for Argentina, France and South Korea .

Squad

Main article 2003 Women's World Cup / squad .

Preliminary round

Group A

Pl.	country	Sp.	S.	U	N	Gates	Diff.	Points
1.	United States	3	3	0	0	011: 100	+10	09
2.	Sweden	3	2	0	1	005: 300	+2	06th
3.	North Korea	3	1	0	2	003: 400	−1	03
4th	Nigeria	3	0	0	3	000:110	−11	00

September 20, 2003 in Philadelphia
Nigeria	-	North Korea	0: 3 (0: 1)
September 21, 2003 in Washington DC
United States	-	Sweden	3: 1 (2: 0)
September 25, 2003 in Philadelphia
Sweden	-	North Korea	1: 0 (1: 0)
United States	-	Nigeria	5: 0 (2: 0)
September 28, 2003 in Columbus
Sweden	-	Nigeria	3: 0 (0: 0)
North Korea	-	United States	0: 3 (0: 1)

As expected, the hosts and defending champions from the USA confidently prevailed in the preliminary round. As expected, Sweden also reached the quarter-finals alongside the USA. As in their World Cup premiere in 1999, the North Koreans were eliminated after the preliminary round. Nigeria's performance, which had made it to the quarter-finals four years earlier, was disappointing.

Group B

Pl.	country	Sp.	S.	U	N	Gates	Diff.	Points
1.	Brazil	3	2	1	0	008: 200	+6	07th
2.	Norway	3	2	0	1	010: 500	+5	06th
3.	France	3	1	1	1	002: 300	−1	04th
4th	South Korea	3	0	0	3	001:110	−10	00

September 20, 2003 in Philadelphia
Norway	-	France	2: 0 (0: 0)
September 21, 2003 in Washington DC
Brazil	-	South Korea	3: 0 (1: 0)
September 24, 2003 in Washington DC
Norway	-	Brazil	1: 4 (1: 2)
France	-	South Korea	1: 0 (0: 0)
Foxborough September 27, 2003
South Korea	-	Norway	1: 7 (0: 4)
September 27, 2003 in Washington DC
France	-	Brazil	1: 1 (0: 0)

The two newcomers France and South Korea did not manage to cause a surprise in the preliminary round. With Brazil and Norway the more experienced and experienced teams prevailed.

Group C

Pl.	country	Sp.	S.	U	N	Gates	Diff.	Points
1.	Germany	3	3	0	0	013: 200	+11	09
2.	Canada	3	2	0	1	007: 500	+2	06th
3.	Japan	3	1	0	2	007: 600	+1	03
4th	Argentina	3	0	0	3	001:150	−14	00

September 20, 2003 in Columbus
Germany	-	Canada	4: 1 (1: 1)
Japan	-	Argentina	6: 0 (2: 0)
September 24, 2003 in Columbus
Germany	-	Japan	3: 0 (2: 0)
Canada	-	Argentina	3: 0 (1: 0)
Foxborough September 27, 2003
Canada	-	Japan	3: 1 (1: 1)
September 27, 2003 in Washington DC
Argentina	-	Germany	1: 6 (0: 4)

Germany delivered a convincing performance in the preliminary round. All three games could be won with at least three goals difference. The German women were particularly strong on the offensive, they scored 13 goals in three games, only the USA scored more goals in the entire tournament (15 in 6 games), but could not match the German team's total of 25 goals in six games to reach. In addition to Germany, Canada qualified for the quarter-finals. For the debutantes from Argentina there was only an extra role in the tournament. Japan lost the decisive game against Canada on the last day of the match and had to travel home.

Group D

Pl.	country	Sp.	S.	U	N	Gates	Diff.	Points
1.	China	3	2	1	0	003: 100	+2	07th
2.	Russia	3	2	0	1	005: 200	+3	06th
3.	Ghana	3	1	0	2	002: 500	−3	03
4th	Australia	3	0	1	2	003: 500	−2	01

September 21, 2003 in Carson
Australia	-	Russia	1: 2 (1: 1)
China	-	Ghana	1: 0 (1: 0)
September 25, 2003 in Carson
Ghana	-	Russia	0: 3 (0: 1)
China	-	Australia	1: 1 (0: 1)
September 28, 2003 in Portland
Ghana	-	Australia	2: 1 (2: 0)
China	-	Russia	1: 0 (1: 0)

As expected, China and Russia prevailed in Group D. Ghana and Australia left together like four years earlier.

Final round

	Quarter finals				Semifinals				final
	Oct. 1, 2003 - Foxborough
	United States	1
					October 5, 2003 - Portland
	Norway	0
					United States	0
	October 2, 2003 - Portland
					Germany	3
	Germany	7th
									Oct. 12, 2003 - Carson
	Russia	1
									Germany	12 1
	Oct. 1, 2003 - Foxborough
									Sweden	1
	Brazil	1
					October 5, 2003 - Portland
	Sweden	2
					Sweden	2			Game for third place
	October 2, 2003 - Portland
					Canada	1
	China	0							United States	3
	Canada	1							Canada	1
									Oct. 11, 2003 - Carson

¹ win after golden goal

Quarter finals

October 1, 2003 in Foxborough
United States	-	Norway	1: 0 (1: 0)
Brazil	-	Sweden	1: 2 (1: 1)
October 2, 2003 in Portland
Germany	-	Russia	7: 1 (1: 0)
China	-	Canada	0: 1 (0: 1)

In a weak game, the USA beat Norway 1-0. Abby Wambach scored the decisive goal in the 24th minute. Sweden managed to beat Brazil, third in the last World Cup, 2-1 in an even game. The German team underscored their role as the title candidate in the quarter-finals. Russia was outclassed 7-1. Martina Müller opened the shooting festival in the first half . After the break, Sandra Minnert (57th), Pia Wunderlich (60th), Kerstin Garefrekes (62nd, 85th) and Birgit Prinz (80th, 89th) met. Canada surprisingly beat the favored Chinese 1-0. Although China dominated the game for almost the entire 90 minutes, the Canadians managed to save their 1-0 lead from the seventh minute over time.

Semifinals

October 5, 2003 in Portland
United States	-	Germany	0: 3 (0: 1)
Sweden	-	Canada	2: 1 (0: 0)

The German team continued their triumphal march in the semifinals. The reigning world champion in women's football, the USA, was dethroned with a 3-0. After the opening goal by Kerstin Garefrekes (15th) it was 1-0 for a long time. Only in stoppage time of the second half did Maren Meinert and Birgit Prinz secure the final score with a double strike. The game is considered by experts to be the best women's soccer game in history. Sweden beat the surprisingly strong Canadians in the semifinals. Canada took the lead in the 64th minute, but Sweden turned the game around in the closing stages with goals from Moström (79th) and Öqvist (86th).

3rd place match

October 11, 2003 in Carson
United States	-	Canada	3: 1 (1: 1)

The USA celebrated a conciliatory conclusion against their northern neighbors in the small final. With 3: 1 you could at least secure third place. Canada surprised at the 2003 World Cup with a strong performance and in the end deservedly finished fourth.

final

Scene in the final Germany - Sweden

October 12, 2003 in Carson
Germany	-	Sweden	2: 1 n.GG. (1: 1, 0: 1)

The German women were the happier team in the 2003 World Cup final. The leadership of the Swedes by Hanna Ljungberg (41st) was equalized by Maren Meinert immediately after the break (46th). In the following period the game was completely open. Both teams had a chance of turning the game in their favor. In extra time, it was the substitute Nia Künzer who scored the 2-1 with a header in the 98th minute after a free kick from Renate Lingor from the half-field and Germany secured the world title with the golden goal . Künzer's goal was voted Goal of the Year .

The world champions

Main article: Women's World Cup 2003 / Germany

• Goal: Silke Rottenberg - Nadine Angerer
• Defense: Kerstin Stegemann - Linda Bresonik - Nia Künzer - Sonja Fuss - Sandra Minnert - Ariane Hingst - Stefanie Gottschlich
• Midfield: Steffi Jones - Pia Wunderlich - Sandra Smisek - Renate Lingor - Bettina Wiegmann - Viola Odebrecht - Kerstin Garefrekes
• Attack: Birgit Prinz - Martina Müller - Maren Meinert - Conny Pohlers

Because of this success, the team was voted Team of the Year in Germany for the first time and Birgit Prinz was named World Footballer of the Year .

Best goalscorers

rank	Player	Gates
1	Birgit Prinz	7th
2	Maren Meinert	4th
	Katia	4th
	Kerstin Garefrekes	4th
5	Victoria Sandell Svensson	3
	Homare Sawa	3
	Mio Otani	3
	Dagny Mellgren	3
	Christine Latham	3
	Christine Sinclair	3
	Hanna Ljungberg	3
	Marta	3
	Abby Wambach	3

See also: List of goalscorers from all world championships

Referees

FIFA nominated 12 referees and 22 assistant referees. The experienced Nicole Petignat , referee of the 1999 World Cup final, and assistant Elke Lüthi, both from Switzerland, were nominated from German-speaking countries . No referees were requested from the DFB. The American Football Association also sent two referees, Sandra Hunt and Jennifer Bennett, who only acted as fourth officials. Somewhat surprisingly, the Romanian Cristina Floarea Ionescu was nominated to lead the final. Ionescu had only directed one preliminary round match.

Association	Referee	Games					4. O.	Assistant 1	Assistant 2
		number	Lot
AFC	Zhang Dongqing	3	USA-SWE FRA-KOR BRA-SWE	11	0	0	0	Liu Hsiu-mei	Hisae Yoshizawa
	In the Eun-Ju	3	GER-CAN	6th	0	0	2	Choi Soo-Jin	Hong Kum-Nyo
			CAN-JPN
			GER-RUS					Choi Soo-Jin	Irina Mirt (UEFA)
CAF	Xonam Agboyi	2	NOR-BRA GHA-AUS	4th	0	0	2	Désirée Perpétué	Florence Biagui
	Bola Abidoye	2	ARG-GER	2	0	0	0	Elke Lüthi (UEFA)	Liu Hsiu-mei (AFC)
			AUS-RUS					Désirée Perpétué	Florence Biagui
CONCACAF	Sonia Denoncourt	3	SWE-NGA CHN-GHA USA-GER	1	0	0	3	Denise Robinson	Lynda Bramble
	Kari Seitz	3	NOR-FRA GHA-RUS CHN-CAN	6th	0	0	2	Karalee Sutton	Sharon Wheeler
	Sandra Hunt	0	0	0	0	0	7th
	Jennifer Bennett	0	0	0	0	0	4th
CONMEBOL	Florencia Romano	2	USA-NGA CHN-RUS	2	0	0	0	Sabrina Lois	Alejandra Cercato
	Sueli Tortura	2	PRK-USA GER-JPN	5	0	0	0	Cleidy Mary Ribeiro	Marlei Silva
OFC	Tammy Ogston	4th	SWE-PKR	7th	0	0	5	Airlie Keen	Jacqueline Leleu
			BRA-PKR					Irina Mirt (UEFA)	Katarzyna Nadolska (UEFA)
			KOR-NOR					Airlie Keen	Jacqueline Leleu
			USA-CAN
UEFA	Nicole Petignat	3	NGA-PRK CAN-ARG USA-NOR	12	0	0	2	Elke Lüthi	Nelly Viennot
	Katriina Elovirta	3	JPN-AUS CHN-AUS SWE-CAN	6th	0	1	5	Emilia Parviainen	Andi Regan
	Cristina Babadac	2	FRA-BRA GER-SWE	2	0	0	1	Irina Mirt	Katarzyna Nadolska

Awards

adidas Golden Ball

The German Birgit Prinz received the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament . The Silver Ball went to Victoria Sandell Svensson from Sweden and the Bronze Ball with Maren Meinert also went to a German.

adidas Golden Shoe

The "Golden Shoe" for the best goalscorer went to the German Birgit Prinz for her seven tournament goals . The "Silver Shoe" went to her compatriot Maren Meinert and the "Bronze Shoe" to the Brazilian Kátia . Since both had the same number of goals together with Kerstin Garefrekes , the assists and then the fewer minutes played decided the ranking.

FIFA Fair Play Award

The FIFA Fair Play Award for the fairest team in the tournament went to China .

Best goalkeeper

Silke Rottenberg was named the best goalkeeper.

All-Star Team

11 players were elected to the All-Star team, plus five additional players (in italics). Positions according to FIFA squad lists.

goal	Defense	midfield	attack
Silke Rottenberg  Caroline Jonsson	Joy Fawcett  Charmaine Hooper  Sandra Minnert  Liping Wang  Bettina Wiegmann	Shannon Boxx  Malin Moström  Solveig Gulbrandsen	Maren Meinert  Birgit Prinz  Victoria Svensson  Mia Hamm  Marta  Dagny Mellgren

Web links

• Detailed FIFA summary of the 2003 World Cup

Individual evidence

1. ↑ "Rottenberg voted best goalkeeper." (Report on dfb.de from October 13, 2003)
2. ↑ Boston is named as the venue in the FIFA statistics .
3. ↑ Carson / Los Angeles is named as the venue in the FIFA statistics .
4. ↑ DFB.de: Honors for German players
5. ↑ DFB.de: Women's World Cup: Five DFB players in the all-star team
6. ↑ FIFA.com: 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup - Teams