Germany reward coach Neid with new contract

Just five days before the start of the FIFA Women's World Cup, Germany coach Silvia Neid has signed a new three-year contract.

"Silvia Neid has done excellent work in the past few years and we have absolute faith in her," said German Football Association (DFB) president Dr Theo Zwanziger. "With the timing, just ahead of the World Cup, we want to send a signal to the entire team that we have 100% belief in our coach. We are convinced there is no one better for the job."

European champions Germany kick off their World Cup defence against Canada in Berlin on Sunday, with Neid hoping to add another title to the one she won in 2007, more than 70,000 tickets already sold for the Olympiastadion opener. "It's nice to know that the DFB and Theo Zwanziger are willing to continue their trust in my work even before the World Cup has begun," said the 47-year-old, who is now tied to the role until 2016.

Neid was appointed Tina Theune-Meyer's successor in 2005 and after World Cup success in China she guided the side to glory at UEFA Women's EURO 2009. She was no stranger to success as a player either, winning three European titles in the course of scoring 48 goals in 111 appearances in the Germany midfield and was Theune-Meyer's assistant in three further continental triumphs and well as their first World Cup win in 2007. In that time she also was national youth coach, winning three European titles and the 2004 FIFA U-19 Women's World Cup.

Germany will bid to win a sixth straight continental title when they begin UEFA Women's EURO 2013 qualifying Group 2 at home to Switzerland on 17 September. Spain, Romania, Turkey and Kazakhstan are also in their section.