Scotland women’s national coach Anna Signeul has named her squad for the fourth annual Cyprus Women’s Cup, which runs from 2-9 March 2011.
The international tournament, organised by Scotland, England and The Netherlands, is established as an important event in the women’s football calendar.
This year the tournament has expanded to include 12 teams including five nations (Canada, France, New Zealand, Mexico, and England) who will be competing in the Women’s World Cup in Germany this summer. Scotland have been drawn in Group 1 against Canada, England and New Zealand.
Anna Signeul said: “We’re very excited about this year’s tournament kicking off, and I’m delighted with how the tournament has developed over the years.
“We initially came up with the concept of the Cyprus Women’s Cup to allow us to play top-level matches before getting into the season.
“The interest in the tournament has been phenomenal, so much so that we’ve now added a third group. Countries see this as a prestigious event that they want to be involved in.
“This year in particular we have a number of teams who are heading to the Women’s World Cup so a lot of attention will be focused on Cyprus next month.
“We have been drawn against three talented sides in England, Canada and Italy. You develop by testing yourself against top nations and we’re looking forward to all three matches.
“As we close the gap on the best sides in Europe and the World, these are the kind of teams we’re competing with.
“With the Euro 2013 qualifying draw on 14 March it’s important that we get games like this against the best opposition under our belts before starting our campaign.
“The match against Wales last weekend gave us a tough test and allowed us to focus as a group on the tournament ahead. Our last competitive match was in August, so the more time we have together the better prepared we will be for the matches in Cyprus, and ultimately the Euro qualifying campaign.”
Scotland squad
Gemma Fay (Celtic), Shannon Lynn (Hibernian), Jennifer Beattie (Arsenal), Frankie Brown (Hibernian), Rachel Corsie (Glasgow City), Ifeoma Dieke (Boston Breakers), Emma Fernon (Glasgow City), Rhonda Jones (Hibernian), Rachael Small (Forfar Farmington), Hayley Lauder (Spartans), Kim Little (Arsenal), Joanne Love (Glasgow City), Leanne Ross (Glasgow City), Megan Sneddon (Liverpool), Diana Barry (Spartans), Rebecca Dempster (Hibernian), Christie Murray (Glasgow City), Suzanne Grant (Celtic), Jane Ross (Glasgow City)
What is the Cyprus Women’s Cup?
The fourth annual Cyprus Women’s Cup runs from 2-9 March 2011. The international tournament, organised by Scotland, England and The Netherlands in partnership with Cyprus Tourism Organisation and Erinor Tours, is established as an important event in the women’s football calendar.
Starting as a six-team tournament, two further places were added in 2009. This year the tournament has expanded to include 12 teams and is generating excitement with the inclusion of five nations (Canada, France, New Zealand, Mexico, and England) who will be competing in the Women’s World Cup in Germany this summer.
A partnership with UEFA, struck ahead of last year’s tournament, sees Europe’s top female match officials taking charge of games as part of their own development.
Group 1: Canada, Scotland, England and New Zealand.
Group 2: France, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Switzerland
Group 3: Russia, Korea Republic, Northern Ireland, Mexico
Group 1 Fixtures
Wednesday 2 March
Canada v Scotland – Ammochostos, Larnaca, KO 2pm
England v Italy – GSZ, Larnaca, KO 5pm
Friday 4 March
England v Scotland – GSP, Nicosia, KO 2pm
Italy v Canada – GSP, Nicosia, KO 5pm
Monday 7 March
Scotland v Italy – GSZ, Larnaca, KO 5pm
Canada v England – GSP, Nicosia, KO 5pm
Source: SFA
