Women football is on the spotlight as the eighth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks-off today in France. Sporting Ambassador brings you all you need to know about the women Mundiail.
QUALIFIED TEAMS BY CONTINENT
Twenty-four teams are doing battle in the ongoing Women World Cup. Europe has the highest number of participants with nine teams. They are host, France, England, Germany, Italy, who are making a return since 1999, Netherlands, Spain, Norway, Sweden and debutants, Scotland.
Asia has five representatives; Australia, China, Japan, South Korea and Thailand.
Defending champions, United States of America, Canada and debutants, Jamaica are representing North and Central America.
Africa is represented by debutants, South Africa, Cameroon and the Super Falcons of Nigeria.
South American continent is represented by debutants Chile, Argentina, who made a return after 12 years and Brazil.
Oceania is represented by New Zealand.
Seven teams have qualified for every edition of the Women’s World Cup. They are: Brazil, Germany, Japan, Nigeria, Norway, Sweden and United States of America.
Twenty seven referees and 48 assistant referees will officiate the Women’s World Cup. For the first time, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will be used in this World Cup, hence, FIFA appointed 15 VAR officials for this World Cup.
THE BALL
The official match ball, for this Women’s World Cup, is called Conext19. It was designed by Adidas.
It is white with design that shows the earth from the sky, blue/green colors of nature and fiery red continents.
The trophy that the champions will be lifting come July 7, was designed by william Sawaya and hand crafted by Milanese specialists Sawaya & Moroni in 1998 in time for the 1999 tournament.
The trophy standing at 47cm and weighing 4.6kg captures the athleticism, dynamism and elegance of international women’s football.
The trophy is made of bronze gold plated, polished aluminum and Verde Candeias Granite.
Engraved underneath its base are the names of each of the previous winners of the Women’s World Cup.
