News

Lionesses World Cup qualifier against Austria being held in small stadium ‘a little bit disappointing’, says Sarina Wiegman | UK News


Coach Sarina Wiegman said the small size of the stadium for the Lionesses’ World Cup qualifying match against Austria was “a bit disappointing” after their win at the Euros.

Saturday’s match will be held at the Stadion Wiener Neustadt in Austria, which has a capacity of about 2,700 people.

Tickets were sold out, but there was no official allocation system for away fans, with only 28 purchased by UK customers.

When Lionesses beat Germany During the European final at Wembley on July 31, a record 87,192 people were in the stands.

Similarly, when England faced Austria for the last time, beating them 1-0 in their opening Euro match, 68,871 people watched at Manchester’s Old Trafford stadium.

It comes as the UK government confirms a review of the women’s game, chaired by former England midfielder Karen Carney.

Launched in April, it will seek to secure investment and resources at the grassroots and elite levels.

The stadium is packed
Picture:
87,192 were in the crowd at Wembley as England beat Germany

England coach Sarina Wiegman told a press conference before the match against Austria: “It’s completely different. Coming from the Euros, that’s really good.

“Now, the stadium is small and I think … we want to see some more people – I think the Austrian team too, they are ready for that.

“It’s a bit disappointing. But it also shows that women’s football is growing to the point where we need to think a little bit bigger, and we can play bigger stadiums.

“The Austrian team has developed a lot, they have done very well. It is good that it is sold out, but I hope in the future they will make a different decision.

“We’d love to have more audiences, but they’re not there, it’s going to be full and that’s the way it is for now.”

Stadion Wiener Neustadt has 2,700 fans
Picture:
Stadion Wiener Neustadt has 2,700 fans

Stadium decision made before Lioness . victory

Austrian counterpart Irene Fuhrmann said their home ground has “treated them very well over the years”.

But she added: “Hopefully in the future the fans, with a steady performance, force us to look at a bigger stadium. Of course it’s a pity that not everyone can come and watch the game.

“We’re not as far off as England in terms of attracting spectators inside our stadiums.”

England wins

A spokesman for the Austrian Football Federation said the decision was made ahead of the Lions’ win at Wembley.

They added in a statement: “Saturday will be the first sold-out in Austrian WNT history.

“The stadium is our home ground as it has by far the best surface quality of all the stadiums that will host us and is located close to our base.

“A late change would not be possible as you would need to lock the stadium doors at UEFA 60 days ahead of schedule.”

England face Austria in the World Cup Group D qualifying match at 16:30 on Saturday.



Source link

news7f

News7F: Update the world's latest breaking news online of the day, breaking news, politics, society today, international mainstream news .Updated news 24/7: Entertainment, Sports...at the World everyday world. Hot news, images, video clips that are updated quickly and reliably

Related Articles

Back to top button