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| 1997 UEFA Women's Championship | |
|---|---|
| Tourney name | UEFA Women's Championship |
| Year | 1997 |
| Country | Norway |
| Dates | 29 June – 12 July 1997 |
| Champion | Germany |
| Second | Italy |
| Third | Denmark |
| Fourth | Norway |
| Matches | 15 |
| Goals | 41 |
| Top scorer | Silvia Neid (3) |
| Player | Birgit Prinz |
1997 UEFA Women's Championship was the eighth edition of the UEFA Women's Championship, staged in Norway from 29 June to 12 July 1997. The tournament featured eight national sides from across Europe competing in a final tournament after a qualification phase involving numerous UEFA members. Germany secured their fourth title, defeating Italy in the final in front of crowds in Norwegian venues.
The competition followed qualifying rounds overseen by UEFA, with national teams from England, France, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Italy and others involved in group stages and playoffs. Qualification matches took place across Europe in 1995 and 1996, involving ties played in various stadiums and overseen by referees from associations such as the German Football Association, Italian Football Federation, The Football Association, and Royal Belgian Football Association. Key qualifying nations included Russia, Switzerland, Portugal, and Belgium, though several failed to advance to the final eight.
The final tournament featured eight teams split into two groups: hosts Norway, defending champions Germany, Denmark, Italy, England, France, Russia, and Spain. Matches were staged in three Norwegian cities: Oslo, Sandefjord, and Mjøndalen, with fixtures at venues including Ullevaal Stadion, Sandefjord Stadium, and Mjøndalen Stadion. The organizing committee worked with the Norwegian Football Federation and UEFA Women's Committee to coordinate logistics, ticketing, and broadcasting arrangements with outlets across Europe.
Each nation registered a squad selected by its head coach, such as Gero Bisanz for Germany and Per-Mathias Høgmo for Norway. Notable players included Birgit Prinz of Germany, Hege Riise of Norway, Patrizia Panico of Italy, Karin Åhman of Sweden (participation subject to selection), and Faye White of England (if selected). Goalkeepers like Silke Rottenberg for Germany and defenders from Denmark provided defensive cores, while midfielders from France and forwards from Spain rounded out the squads. Team preparations involved training camps, friendly matches against sides such as United States and Brazil, and tactical planning by coaching staffs.
The competition used a group stage followed by knockout rounds. The eight teams were drawn into two groups of four, with each team playing three group matches. The top two teams from each group advanced to the semi-finals. Tiebreakers followed UEFA regulations on goal difference, head-to-head records, and goals scored, before resorting to drawing of lots. Knockout matches included semi-finals and a final; extra time and penalty shoot-outs, as per FIFA and UEFA rules, decided tied knockout fixtures. Match officials were appointed from UEFA's refereeing panels, including referees and assistant referees from associations such as the German Football Association, Royal Spanish Football Federation, and Swedish Football Association.
Group A featured Norway, Denmark, England, and Russia. Group B included Germany, Italy, France, and Spain. Group matches produced notable results with Germany advancing from Group B and Denmark and Norway contending in Group A. Key performances came from forwards and midfielders who had previously featured in tournaments such as the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup and continental qualifiers.
The semi-finals saw the top two from each group contest for places in the final, with matches refereed by officials from associations including Italy, England, and Scotland. Germany defeated their semi-final opponents to reach the final, while Italy overcame a strong semi-final challenge to secure their spot. The final was contested at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo where Germany beat Italy to claim the championship. Post-match ceremonies featured medals and a trophy presentation organized by UEFA and attended by delegates from the Norwegian Football Federation.
The tournament produced 41 goals across 15 matches. Top scorers included Silvia Neid and other prolific forwards who had also starred in club competitions such as the Frauen-Bundesliga and Serie A Femminile. The UEFA technical committee selected a player of the tournament, honoring a standout like Birgit Prinz for her contributions, while Silke Rottenberg and other goalkeepers received recognition for clean sheets and saves. Awards included a golden boot for the top scorer and a best player award presented by UEFA officials. The competition helped boost visibility for women's football in Europe and influenced development programs run by associations including the German Football Association, Norwegian Football Federation, and Italian Football Federation.
Category:UEFA Women's Championship tournaments Category:1997 in Norwegian sport