Germany to stage next finals

Germany will stage the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, football's global governing body has announced.

Hat-trick attempt
Winners of the trophy in China this year and also in 2003, Silvia Neid's all-conquering team will aim for a hat-trick on home soil in the next finals after FIFA selected the German Football Assocation (DFB) bid ahead of that of Canada. Germany previously staged the 2001 UEFA European Women's Championship and the men's FIFA World Cups of 1974 and 2006. FIFA President Joseph S Blatter revealed the decision in Zurich on Tuesday and handed the World Cup to the German delegation, saying: "With emotion and pleasure, I'm happy to give this trophy back to the DFB and the team that won the trophy this year and in 2003."

'Great honour'
DFB president Dr Theo Zwanziger declared: "We are proud and grateful to be able to stage the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2011 so soon after the World Cup in 2006. This is a great honour for us. I especially want to thank honorary president Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder and Franz Beckenbauer as well as anyone else who helped with the bid." Birgit Prinz, who captained Germany to success in China and has won two World Cups and four European titles, added: "I'm looking forward to the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany. It will be a super event for everyone taking part."

Government backing
Representing the German government, who gave the bid their full backing, federal minister for family affairs, senior citizens, women and youth Ursula von der Leyen said: "We have so many enthusiastic female players worldwide and now we can give them a great stage to shine on. I am convinced that this tournament will give fresh impetus to women's football worldwide."