German quartet lead the way
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Article summary
Nine players who could feature at next EURO have made the shortlist for the FIFA World Player Gala 2004.
Article body
By Paul Saffer
Nine players who could feature at next summer's UEFA European Women's Championship have made the shortlist for the FIFA World Player Gala 2004.
Four Germans
The reigning world champions Germany lead the way with four players in the running - a figure beaten only by Olympic gold-medallists the United States. Last year's winner, Birgit Prinz, is joined by Renate Lingor, Silke Rottenberg and Kerstin Stegemann. Three Swedish players have been nominated: Hanna Ljungberg, voted into third place last year, Malin Moström and Victoria Svensson.
Hamm nominated
Norway goalkeeper Bente Nordby and France striker Marinette Pichon have also been selected by the Committee for Women's Football and FIFA Women's Competitions and specialist members of other FIFA committees, as has US forward Mia Hamm, beaten by Prinz to the crown last year having won the inaugural awards in 2001 and 2002. Hamm is retiring from international football this year having secured her second Olympic gold in Greece.
Zurich ceremony
Marta of Brazil, a key member of Umeå IK's UEFA Women's Cup-winning side, is also on the shortlist for the Gala, which will be held in Zurich on 20 December. The winners will be decided by the votes of every national team coach and captain.
