After the FIFA World Cup™ reaches its conclusion in July, the eyes of the footballing world will again turn to Germany. Four years on from staging a thrilling men’s showpiece in 2006, the European nation will play host to the world’s best young women players at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2010 from 13 July to 1 August. The group matches will be played in Augsburg, Bielefeld, Bochum and Dresden.
Matthias Sammer rates as one of Dresden’s most famous sons. The former world-class libero and ex-Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart coach became German FA (DFB) director of sport on 1 April 2006, and is responsible for all junior national teams up to U-21 level.
FIFA.com spoke to the UEFA EURO 1996 winner about his home town, the women’s game, and Germany’s chances at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa.
FIFA.com: What is the significance of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in terms of promoting the city of Dresden?
Matthias Sammer: Dresden has a rich sporting history and is a passionate footballing city, so the people of Dresden are thoroughly looking forward to the Women’s World Cup 2011. The U-20 Women’s World Cup will serve as a more than useful dress rehearsal, and it’s another excellent opportunity for Dresden to introduce itself to the world as a modern metropolis.
Dynamo Dresden enjoyed glory days in the past, but the club currently play in the German third division. How much are the people of Dresden looking forward to seeing international football again at the U-20 tournament and the FIFA Women’s World Cup?
Dynamo Dresden is a big name to all football fans in Germany. Unfortunately, and for a variety of reasons, things are hardly rosy in the club’s garden right now. The two World Cups offer the people of the region a chance to watch football at a world-class level. No-one should pass up the chance. There’s huge enthusiasm.
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