With the elimination of Russia, China, and Brazil - the Courage have at least one player on each of the four remaining teams.
Ummmm. Andy, no one from Sweden played in the WUSA. The Breakers can at least claim a scout for Sweden.
What about Kiki?? Actually Kristin "Kiki" Bengtsson played for the San Diego Spirit and along with Ulrika Karlsson was traded to Carolina for Bente Nordby and Wen Lirong back in July of 2001. Kristin Bengtsson Incidently, both of the former Courage Swedes played against the Courage's three Norwegians the last time Norway played Sweden in a WC match: Norway - Sweden June 30, 1999
Thanks. I should have said "no one from Sweden played in the WUSA in 2003." Or maybe Andy should have said "former player".
Happy Birthday Silvana! I thought that this thread must have been for "former players" since there are no players on the WC rosters for Sweden and Canada who played for the Courage last season. Besides Birgit, it will be interesting to see how many of the former Courage players actually get to play in the two semifinal matches today. BTW - Silvana Burtini, who if I'm not mistaken scored the first-ever goal for the Courage, will be celebrating her 35th birthday today (hopefully with a victory over those much hated Swedes ).
Information on FIFA Site It turns out that the FIFA site incorrectly listed Burtini's birthday as October 5th instead of May 10th. I need to check with Elaine about this, but I believe that Silvana played in the W-League during the 2002 season. I think that Silvana also saw some action with Canada last fall during the Gold Cup tournament.
When she was subbed in, the announcers mentioned her club team but I don't recall what it was. It was nice to see her again!
She's been listed on the official roster lists as "no club affiliation." I guess we're down to Prinz vs Bengtsson. Bengtsson, by the way, still lives in my memory as the taker of the finest long free kick in the WUSA history (and one of the best I've ever seen, anywhere). I forget who we were losing to on that day, but from the permanent stands at Fetzer we were attacking the goal at the right. She took a free kick from about 10 yards in the defensive end and put a bullet on someone's head in the penalty box for a goal. I just remember that kick.
Birgit Prinz Here's the direct link to a picture of Birgit with her "Golden Ball" trophy: Queen Prinz