Scotland Ladies Dream Of Sweden But Face Spanish Senoritas First

Posted on 10. Oct, 2012 by in Features

Courtesy of Marc Roseblade

Scotland’s ladies take to the field next Saturday in a tremendous looking match against Spain at Hampden Park of all places with a spot in next year’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2013 Championships the prize for the winners.

This is the second Euro championships in a row Anna Signeul has lead her side to the playoffs, with the last turnout ending when Russia defeated the Scottish lassies on away goals to end their dreams of championship tournament football.

This time around, Signeul is hoping for a happier outcome as she eyes a spot in her homeland Sweden where the 2013 tournament will take place.

“We’ve made great strides in terms of growing the women’s game in Scotland, and I genuinely believe that success breeds interest.

“We’ve had a good level of success over the past few years, but now we have an opportunity to qualify for the finals of a major tournament for the first time.

“If we get to the UEFA Women’s Euro finals in Sweden next year, I believe it would be massive for the women’s game in this country, in terms of interest from potential young players, from the general public and the media.

“This is the first time that the women’s national team has played at Hampden Park, and I think it will be a great occasion. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the women’s game at the national stadium.

“The match is free entry, partly as a thank-you to the fans that have followed us over the years, but also to encourage people who haven’t watched us before to come along.

“There is always a great family atmosphere at our matches, and the backing that we have received so far has been tremendous.

“It may be a bit of a cliché, but supporters really can be the twelfth player, particularly in crucial matches like this.

“Spain are a very good side, they are technically gifted. We will need to be at the top of our game to defeat them, and with the backing of the Tartan Army, we will have every chance.”

(Interview source SFA)

Scotland currently sit in 22nd in the FIFA world rankings, Spain 17th so the tie will be tough but with a good performance and a hefty crowd behind them, the ladies can surely emerge victorious from this double header and make history as the first Scottish women’s team to make a major tournament.

Free entry is being offered to fans wishing to come out and support the girls on their quest so no excuse to be sitting in the house next Saturday when a free day out at Hampden beckons.

Anna Signeul Factfile:

Scotland boss since 2005

Boss of Euro 1999 winners Sweden under 18s women

Led Scotland to FIFA high ranking of 21 , UEFA 13

Scotland v Spain

Saturday 20 October 2012, kick-off 2 pm – FREE ENTRY

Hampden Park, Glasgow

Spain v Scotland

Wednesday 24 October 2012, kick-off 6 pm

Pabellón de la Ciudad del Fútbol 1, Madrid

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