THE CURRENT STATE OF WOMEN'S SOCCER IN GREECE VOL.2

THE CURRENT STATE OF WOMEN'S SOCCER IN GREECE VOL.2

By: Alexander Koutakos

It’s been 8 months since vol.1, so I thought it would be a good idea to give an update on women’s soccer and Greece. So here we are. Things have certainly changed for the better since volume 1 and this blog will be rundown of just why and will be divided into 4 sections. 

#1 - The Women’s National Team

#2 - Professional Clubs Being Formed

#3 - PAOK WFC’s Run In The UEFA Women’s Champions League

#4 - The Protathlima 

The Women’s National Team

The women’s national team was drawn in a world cup qualifying group with France, Slovenia, Wales, Estonia and Kazakhstan. 3 out of 10 games have been played so far and the team sits in 3rd place with 6 points. The first game ended in a 3-2 win over Kazakhstan in Patras, the second game was an embarrassing 10-0 loss to France and the most recent game was a 1-0 over Kazakhstan at the nul-sultan arena in Kazakhstan. Overall, it's been a mixed bag. The team looked solid vs Kazakhstan. But, the France game was an utter humiliation. The team gave up as soon as the first goal was scored. The next game is on October 26th against Slovenia in Larissa. 3 points is a must if we want to finish in a top 2 position. The backbone of the team is there. Players like Sidira can carry this team to the world cup. Let’s see if they can pull it off. If they win this game, momentum will certainly be in their favour.

The current standings of the group is:

Position:	Team:	W	D	L	Points	GD
1	France	3	0	0	9	+22
2	Wales	2	1	0	7	+7
3	Greece	2	0	1	6	-8
4	Slovenia	1	1	1	4	+3
5	Kazakhstan	0	0	3	0	-8
6	Estonia	0	0	3	0	-16

Professional Clubs Being Formed

Both Aris WFC and PAOK WFC have become official professional teams. Before, they were considered as “amateur” and now by becoming professional, they will be able to conduct club business more efficiently. More scouts will be hired, stadiums will be improved and renovated, funding will be increased and the clubs will gain resources. The Athens WFS network will work in cooperation with Aris WFC for their development into a professional team. Their work has been great so far and many are excited for the future.

PAOK WFC’s Run In The UEFA Women’s Champions League

PAOK WFC didn’t do the best in Europe. But, many of their players certainly showed their class. PAOK first thrashed Moldovan side Agarista 6-0 at the Makedonikos stadium. 16-year-old Baxevanou scored in the 3rd minute and from there it was a thoroughly PAOK dominated game. A lot of people regard Baxevanou as the future of women’s football in Greece. It certainly seems that her future is bright and if she is nurtured properly she can become a great player. After the success against the Moldovans, PAOK lost to Norwegian side Valerenga 2-0. The first half of the game was good, but then torrential rain hammered down on the Makedonikos pitch. PAOK was unable to deal with the change of weather and Valeranga came out victorious. Players like Mitkou and Giannaka shined but it wasn’t enough. Many teams across Europe are starting to become increasingly interested in PAOK players and now with PAOK becoming professional, these big transfers will be more streamlined and easier to occur. 

The Protathlima

Last year’s protathlima ended with PAOK on top hence their birth into the WUCL. This year the season has already started and 2 matches have been played. PAOK as expected have won 2/2 games, but teams like Aris, Ergotelis and Hmmitou look very strong as well. This year won’t be as straightforward for PAOK. Just like last year, there is no tv channel dedicated to the league, but Youtube streams many of the games. Channels like Ergoetlis WS TV and AC PAOK are usually quite reliable.

Until next time,

Alexander Koutakos

Hellas Football

Follow @akoutakos