Germany, Australia announce women’s World Cup squads

BERLIN: Germany coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg announced her 23-woman squad for the women’s World Cup in France on Tuesday, led by captain and striker Alexandra Popp it contained no major surprises.

“We had intense discussions and there were some tough decisions in the end, because we have a high-quality team,” said Voss-Tecklenburg, 51, who took the reins in January.

“I am convinced that with this team, we are well set for the World Cup.”Voss-Tecklenburg’s team touch down in Rennes on June 3, three days ahead of their opening group game against China, as they look to secure a third World Cup title in July.

They play a final pre-tournament friendly against Chile in Regensburg on May 30.“Chile are the perfect test to get an idea of where we are,” said Voss-Tecklenburg.

Meanwhile, Australia named a vastly experienced 23-player squad Tuesday for the women’s World Cup in France, as the Matildas chase a maiden title.Coach Ante Milicic’s playing squad has a combined 1,276 international caps, with four of his charges preparing for their fourth campaign at the showcase tournament.

“This is a special group of Australian footballers because, as a unit, they have accumulated a wealth of international experience despite the average age of the team being quite young,” Milicic said.

Ranked sixth in the world, the Matildas have been consistent performers on the international stage, reaching the World Cup quarter-finals three times.But with a “golden generation” reaching their playing peak, they will hope to go deep into the tournament starting in France next month, where they are in a tough group including Brazil, Italy and Jamaica.

They will be captained by Sam Kerr, twice short-listed for FIFA player of the year, who is lacing up for her third World Cup at the age of just 25.Milicic praised the depth of the squad, more than half of whom play professionally in the United States.“I believe we will have genuine competition for starting positions across all areas of the pitch,” he said.