A Prinz among princesses
Monday, December 15, 2003
Article summary
A memorable year for German women's football ended with more silverware for Birgit Prinz.
Article body
World Cup goals
The runner-up last year to Hamm, Germany striker Prinz registered 268 points in the poll, considerably more than the United States playmaker's 133. Sweden forward Ljungberg, a FIFA Women's World Cup runner-up and UEFA Women's Cup winner, was third on 84 points. Prinz took the award on the back of a hugely impressive World Cup campaign in which she scored seven goals in Germany's triumph and was named the player of the US-hosted tournament.
'Outstanding players'
"I wasn't counting on winning as there were plenty of contenders, especially at the World Cup," said Prinz. "I didn't expect to win as I wouldn't lay claim to being the world's best, there are so many outstanding players. For me personally, winning the World Cup was the highlight of this year; it's the pinnacle of achievement in our sport."
Berlin reception
Having handed the men's award to Zinedine Zidane, Prinz received her trophy from the former AC Milan and Liberia forward George Weah. The striker and her World Cup-winning team-mates will be meeting up with German head of state Gerhard Schröder and other members of the Bundestag at a 11.00CET reception in Berlin tomorrow to celebrate their success.
