1st – Germany
Overview:
The Germans are co-favourites to win the whole tournament and are likely the runaway Group B winners.
They were perfect in qualifying, scoring an astounding 62 goals along the way. They spanked England in England and Brazil (twice) in Brazil.
The only caveat is maybe that they came up short in 2011 at home. That ignores the previous two World Cups they won in a row though. A men-women double is not out of the question.
Player to watch:
Celia Sasic
Fresh off a UEFA Champions League win, Sasic was the Bundesliga’s top scorer. The Bundesliga is very likely the best women’s league in the world.
Possible Achilles heel:
Loss of Nadine Keßler
There aren’t many teams in the world that can overcome the loss of the Ballon d'Or winner. In fact, there’s probably only one – Germany
Schedule:
June 7 v Cote d’Ivoire (4pm ET – Ottawa), June 11 v Norway (4pm ET – Ottawa), June 15 v Thailand (5pm ET – Winnipeg)
How it all will end:
Their road to the final goes through either (likely) France or Brazil. Everything should point to them standing in the confetti, yet…if Keßler had been fit maybe, but I see the Germans winning the third place match after losing in semis.
2nd – Norway
Overview:
The country that first dominated the women’s game – and started a lamented trend of favouring physical over technical play – is back to prove that it can still get it done.
Their manager is Even Pellerud. So, don’t expect a different Norway from the past (as Canadian fans can attest to), but it is a younger side. The well-known physicality is supplemented with a little more technical ability than in the past.
Still, this is a team that calls a defender in Trine Ronning their most important player. They are unlikely to top Germany in group but could cause havoc with solid defensive play on what looks like the weaker side of the bracket following the group stage.
Player to watch:
Ada Hegerberg
Just 19, Hegerberg represents a new generation of Norwegian players that does more than try and lump it in with her head. She will need to break out as Norway’s top scorer if they are to go deep.
Possible Achilles heel:
The yang to Hegerberg’s ying of potential is the fact it’s potential. Norway needs a 19 year old to step up if it’s going to score.
Schedule:
June 7 v Thailand (1pm ET – Ottawa), June 11 v Germany (4pm ET – Ottawa), June 11 v Cote d’Ivoire (4pm ET – Moncton)
How it will end:
Norway is a fascinating team in the tournament. Not fancied – largely because of the style they play – this is a team that came damn close to winning the European Championships. Could they pull a massive upset in Canada?
They have to be considered a top darkhorse pick. The path to the final from 2B seems easier than it does from 1B – unless you think the hosts are legitimate contenders.
CSN sees a Group B re-match in the third place game. That would mean Norway loses in semi-final stage.
3rd – Cote d’Ivoire
Overview:
This is the debut World Cup for the established men’s power. They’ve only started to focus on the women’s side in recent times.
They are the weakest of the African sides, but they’ve been handed a break by drawing Thailand in their group. That said, having two of the better European sides in the same group could make for a long tournament. CSN is picking them third based on thought that they are physically more able to keep up with the Germans and Norwegians than Thailand is.
Player to watch:
Ida Guehai
The young midfielder is the only player on a top European league’s club’s roster.
Possible Achilles heel:
Inexperience. This team simply is not close to the top European teams it will face.
Schedule:
June 7 v Germany (4pm ET – Ottawa), June 11 v Thailand (7pm ET – Ottawa), June 15 v Norway (3pm ET – Moncton)
How it will end:
CSN sees Cote d’Ivoire getting an historical win against Thailand, but it could see a couple substantial loses in the other two games. The expansion of tournament to 24 teams was always going to result in a couple ugly games and Group B could provide them. Ultimately I don’t see Cote d’Ivoire as one of the four third place teams through.
4th Thailand
Overview:
Who knows? This is likely the most mysterious team in the tournament with very few people having seen them play before. They advanced to the World Cup largely due to powerhouse North Korea serving a suspension for age group cheating.
That said, there is a wildcard factor with the Asian teams. That confederation has seen tremendous growth on women’s side. Thailand promises to be technically skilled, if a bit internationally naïve.
Player to watch:
Kanjana Sungngoen
At 28 she’s a veteran of the team and the woman who scored the goal to propel Thailand to the World Cup for the first time.
Possible Achilles heel:
Size.
This was a nightmare group for Thailand with three teams with extreme physical advantages. Although the technical side of the women’s game is vastly more important than it was in past World Cups, pure physicality can still tip the balance.
Thailand could simply be overwhelmed in this tournament.
Schedule:
June 7 v Norway (1pm ET – Ottawa), June 11 v Cote d’Ivoire (7pm ET – Ottawa), June 15 v Germany (5pm ET – Winnipeg)
How it will end:
Likely the weakest team in the tournament. Three and out.