Women's european football championship 2013

Tournament overview

The UEFA Women's Euro 2013 was the 11th edition of the UEFA Women's Championship, a quadrennial international football tournament contested by the women's national teams of Europe. The tournament was held in Sweden between 10 and 28 July 2013. Twelve teams participated, showcasing the growing talent and competitiveness in women's European football. The tournament was a significant step forward in popularizing the sport and generating increased media coverage.

Host nation and venues

Sweden was selected as the host nation for the tournament. Several cities across Sweden were chosen to host the matches, each offering excellent facilities and passionate fans. These included:

• Kalmar
• Linköping
• Norrköping
• Halmstad
• Göteborg
• Växjö
• Örebro

The selection of multiple venues ensured that fans across the country had the opportunity to experience the excitement of the tournament firsthand, contributing to a broader national interest in women's football.

Participating teams and group stage

Twelve teams qualified for the tournament, representing the best of women's football in Europe. The teams were divided into three groups of four:

• Group A: Sweden, Italy, Denmark, Finland
• Group B: Germany, Norway, Iceland, Netherlands
• Group C: France, England, Spain, Russia

The group stage matches were highly competitive, with teams vying for a place in the knockout rounds. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, advanced to the quarter-finals.

A notable upset was Iceland's strong performance in Group B, demonstrating the increasing competitiveness of smaller footballing nations.

Knockout stage and final

The knockout stage saw thrilling matches and dramatic finishes. The quarter-finals, semi-finals, and ultimately the final, showcased the skill and determination of the players. The semi-final match between Sweden and Germany, which Germany won 1-0, was especially notable for its intensity and tactical battle.

The final was contested between Germany and Norway at Friends Arena in Solna, Sweden. Germany emerged victorious, winning 1-0 and securing their sixth consecutive European Championship title. Anja Mittag scored the decisive goal, cementing Germany's dominance in women's European football.

Key players and notable performances

The tournament featured numerous talented players who left a lasting impression. Some key players included:

• Anja Mittag (Germany): The tournament's top scorer and the scorer of the winning goal in the final.
• Nadine Angerer (Germany): The German goalkeeper who saved two penalties in the semi-final shootout against Norway and kept a clean sheet in the final.
• Lotta Schelin (Sweden): A prolific striker and key player for the host nation.

These players, among others, contributed significantly to the excitement and success of the tournament, inspiring a new generation of female footballers.