England – Germany Final raises the profile of women’s football in England |
After a less than auspicious start to the recent 2009 UEFA Women's Euro Championship (down to ten players and defeated 2-1 by outsiders Italy) it seemed unlikely that England would progress past the group stage. England had a roller coaster championship with some fantastic, if nail biting matches, that culminated in a well earned place in the final. The championship produced some excellent football but it was shown only on satellite television in England, unfortunately reducing the positive impact on aspiring young female footballers. There was, however, more media attention when the team reached the final. The men's team had qualified for the World cup the night before the game and it was announced during the coverage of this match that the BBC would be showing the Women's final on BBC2 the next day. This no doubt increased public interest especially as it evoked memories of England’s 1966 World cup win. In the final on September 10th 2009 England put on a spirited display but the match ended 6-2 with Germany claiming their 6th European title. The England women's achievement in reaching the final at least did not go unnoticed. The decision to show the match on terrestrial television has not only raised the profile of the sport, but hopefully also encouraged budding young Kelly Smiths and Eniola Alukos to go out and kick a football and perhaps even join a team. |
