Friendly Tournament. Women
The Women's Friendly Tournament brings together national women's football teams in informal competitions designed for pre-season preparation. Coaches use these events to trial tactics, integrate reserves, and build squad cohesion without the stakes of official rankings. Increasingly vital in recent years, especially for European and Asian sides, they bridge the gap to major tournaments.
History and foundation
Women's friendlies trace back to the 1980s as the sport gained traction. Early highlights include Japan's tournament in the 1990s, where the US triumphed over Norway. The 2010s saw staples like the Cyprus Women's Cup and Turkish events. A standout was England's 2-1 win over Sweden in 2019, foreshadowing their Euro 2022 glory. These tournaments often experiment boldly—Brazil tested young guns here before the 2022 World Cup.
Tournament format
Format varies but typically features 4–8 teams in groups of 3–4, round-robin play, followed by playoffs for top spots. Matches run 90 minutes with FIFA substitution rules. Events span 5–7 days in neutral venues like Cyprus, Turkey, or Spain. Emphasis is on rotation over rigid lineups.
Interesting facts
Scoring is brisk, averaging 2.8–3.2 goals per game due to open play. Top scorers include Alex Morgan (USA, 15+ friendlies goals), Sam Kerr (Australia, 12), Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands). Stars like Megan Rapinoe with her rocket shots, Wendie Renard as France's marksman, and Aisha Buchmann's German flair have shone. These tourneys launched prospects like Arsenal's Leah Williamson.