Let's get physical (From Warrington Guardian)

Let's get physical

WHAT is the attraction for Warrington people to turn out and watch the national women's teams of Germany and Norway go head-to-head in the UEFA Women's Championship at Wolves' Rugby League stadium on June 5?

That was the question put to Heike Ullrich, head of the women's department at the German FA and someone who has been following the fortunes of the European and World Champions for the last six years.

She said: "I think there are many reasons why they should come and watch the game.

"Norway against Germany is like a classical game of Germany versus England on the men's side of football. We have an old tradition between Germany and Norway and we are really equal. We only beat each other by solitary goals.

"And, a little bit like rugby that is played in the Warrington stadium, games between Norway and Germany are always extremely physical - which is not usual for women's football in general.

"The Norwegian women are really tough women and they have a very special technique.

"They are fast, they are physically tough and they always try to beat us with the long balls, which means our defence has to really take care not to concede a goal when up against their tough strikers.

"So I think people will see a physically tough game, a very close and exciting game and I think they will have to wait until the last minute to see who will win."

If Germany finish runners-up in Group B they will also play in the semi-final at Warrington, against the winners of Group A.

Heike said: "Of course, we'll try to win the group but our first step will be to reach the semi-finals.

"And one of our goals, of course, for after this tournament, is that your people shall come out to watch women's football and not rugby any more."

* There is more Euro 2005 on-line at warringtonguardian.co.uk