World Cup fever has gripped Germany as the stars of the women game prepare to chase the ultimate prize in football in the Fifa women World Cup which kicks off here on Saturday. Brazil five-time player of the Year Marta and all time World Cup top scorer Birgit Prinz of Germany are among the big names who will headline the 51-million extravaganza which take place over there weeks in nine cities.
Sixteen teams are battling for the top prize with over 670,000 tickets of the one million on offer sold. Five year after the successful hosting of the men's event, expectations are high that the German women game can bring glory to the host nation and capture an unprecedented third successive title. The tournament kicks off with Germany taking on CONCACAF champions Canada in Berlin 75,000 seater Olympic Stadium on Sunday with the final set for Frankfurt on July 17.
Interest in football women is higher in Germany than in many other countries and coverage for this year edition looks set to exceed all previous tournaments being broadcast to more than 200 countries worldwide. "The World Cup in Germany is going to be spectacular" said Brazil striker Cristiane.
"I played there and i know just how much passion they have for the sport and the structure they have at their disposal".
Ridiculed in the past particularly for the poor quality of goalkeeping the women game has developed since the first World Cup in 1991 largely thanks to the technically sophisticated styles of players such as Marta, Prinz and former US star Mia Hamm. She earned 275 caps in her 17-year career, believes Germany will be difficult to beat.
"I think they are really looking forward not only to putting on a great show but also to competing at the highest level in front of their home fans" said Hamm. Group women game matches run until July 6 with the top two teams advancing to the knockout rounds starting there days later.
