Löw and Neid predict 2011 party

Germany men's coach Joachim Löw and his female counterpart Silvia Neid have predicted a great tournament after their nation was awarded the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup today in Zurich.

'Unique opportunity'
Neid led Germany to success in the last edition of the tournament in China a month ago, holding on to the trophy they took home from the United States in 2003. Now they will bid for a hat-trick on home soil and Neid, who recently extended her contract until 2013, said: "Playing a World Cup in your own country is a unique opportunity. I have had a good feeling about our chances of being hosts right from the start. We presented a very good bid and thus demonstrated the professional manner in which we intend to organise the tournament. It is a chance to further the cause of women's football on a national and international level. We know about this challenge and we know that there is much work lying ahead of us, but we look forward to that challenge."

Hat-trick attempt
Löw assisted Jürgen Klinsmann as Germany finished third as 2006 FIFA World Cup hosts before taking charge himself, and he envisages a celebration of women's football in four years' time. "I am especially happy for my colleague, Silvia Neid, and her team, for they have the rare opportunity to play a World Cup on home soil in front of our own fans," Löw said. "I am convinced this World Cup will be a big party for all, as it was in 2006 during the men's World Cup. The great atmosphere throughout the country will help our team in their bid for a title hat-trick."