Sarina Wiegman insists women’s football is ready to ‘take it to the next level’ after 2023 World Cup success… as England manager congratulates Spain on victory
Sarina Wiegman has called on authorities to continue the growth of women’s football after the success of the 2023 World Cup.
Wiegman played in his second World Cup final on Sunday, the Dutch coach having already led his country to defeat against the United States in 2019.
Although the Lionesses were ultimately unable to secure a maiden World Cup title, Wiegman hailed his team’s achievements by becoming the first senior England side to reach a final since 1966.
Speaking on the The social networks of the LionessesWiegman explained that the success of the tournament has the potential to transform women’s football in the future.
“I think this tournament has indeed broken all records, we had such a warm reception,” Wiegman said.
Sarina Wiegman has insisted that women’s football must build on the momentum of the World Cup
“Everything was so well organised, the people here were so nice to us and tried to make our life easier as best they could and we felt that.
“What you saw in the games, first of all, the crowd was very impressive and very exciting too, but the games, you see, the level of the game has improved so much, physically, technically and tactically.
“Every country (at the top) now has to step up to stay on top and you see the countries just below the top getting closer and closer.
“I just hope that around the world, everyone has seen it, and the officials are now saying ‘okay, the women’s game, we have to take it to the next level, now we’re going to give it a shot. inch”.
Organized jointly by Australia and New Zealand, the tournament broke several records, including an average of 30,911 spectators, compared to an average of 21,756 during the 2019 edition in Paris.
England suffered World Cup heartbreak against Spain, with Jorge Vilda’s side emerging victorious thanks to a first-half goal from Olga Carmona.
The 2023 tournament broke several records, including the highest average turnout
The Lionesses boss also praised Spain for winning against England in Sunday’s final
Wiegman added that she felt her team had a chance of winning, Spain were worthy winners.
“I think they played a very good tournament. They deserved their victory, although I thought that after the penalty it was our moment and I was really convinced that we were going to score a goal and that would be totally different.
“We had chances to score and also at the start of the game, but overall their possession game and the way they played was really good and congratulations to Spain.”
