1st Sweden
Overview:
Consistent, skilled and always underrated the Swedes will be a force (as always). In fact, it’s the presence of Sweden in this group that makes it the Group of Death. Otherwise it would be the Group of USA and three others.
Sweden might have the best attack to defend balance in the tournament and can also balance itself between playing old school physical and new school technical.
There’s a reason CSN is picking them above the Americans that’s not just about the Americans.
Player to watch:
Kosovare Asslani
If you’re looking for a breakout (to non WoSo diehards) star in Canada, she’s it. A classic No 9 who has dominated at the highest levels of the game and, at 25, is at the peak of her skills.
Possible Achilles heel:
Big game hiccups.
For as much as Sweden has always been very good with world class players they are also the female game’s equivalent of the men’s Netherlands– outside of a single European Championships way back in the ‘80s they’ve never won the big one.
Schedule:
June 8 v Nigeria (4pm ET – Winnipeg), June 12 v USA (8pm ET – Winnipeg), June 16 v Australia 10pm ET – Edmonton)
How it will end:
The draw was not kind. To advance past the quarters Sweden will need to get by a top four team regardless of whether it finishes on top or second in group.
As stated, Sweden never wins the big one. Quarterfinalists.
2nd USA
Overview:
Oh, the Americans. The USA will be must watch television for as long as they are in the tournament. A force of nature that will drive the narrative more than any other team.
They will have the loudest fans, the biggest media following and the most brazen pre-tournament swagger.
Will they live up to it?
They might. They might also self-destruct in the most spectacular way. Either way, they’re going to entertain us.
Player to watch:
Y’all know the tournament is in Canada, right? There’s only one choice.
Syd.
By now most know the story of Sydney Leroux—self-serving turncoat, or all-American girl overcoming long odds to succeed, depending on your perspective. Leroux isn’t the best player on the USA and she likely never will be. But, she’s a good player that knows how to put herself in a spotlight.
And, for most of the next month she’ll be in one.
Possible Achilles heel:
Complacency.
The “haters” are shouted down, but increasingly their voices are getting louder. What are they saying? That this team is too clique-ie, too comfortable and too damn old.
They’ve existed in their own bubble for years, pointing to Olympic success as justification for their exclusive club’s continuation.
Are they right? Is the criticism unjustified? Are we all just “haters?”
Ask again in a month.
Schedule:
June 8 v Australia (7:30pm ET – Winnipeg), June 12 v Sweden (8pm ET – Winnipeg), June 16 v Nigeria (8pm ET – Vancouver)
How it’s going to end:
With a whimper, actually. For as much as the USA will drive the narrative up until they are out, CSN suspects that when the end comes it’s going to be for the all too boring reason that they are beaten by a better team – France or Japan in the quarterfinals, is our guess.
3rd Nigeria
Overview:
The long-time African standard bearers have always been an afterthought at the international level. That could have changed in this very country last year when Nigeria went all the way to the finals of the 2014 FIFA u20 women’s championship.
They hope that the next generation can help take Super Falcons to the very top.
Player to watch:
Asisat Oshoala
The u20 Golden Boot winner is back to dominate on Canada’s plastic (and having done so on the surface already might give her a boot up in the chase).
Possible Achilles heel:
Lack of international exposure.
Most of the players play domestically and it’s a big jump up from the Nigerian super league to playing against players with regular UEFA Champions League exposure. And, this isn’t a u-20 tournament.
Schedule:
June 8 v Sweden (4pm ET – Winnipeg), June 12 v Australia (5pm ET – Winnipeg), June 16 v USA (8pm ET – Vancouver)
How it will end:
It’s a tough group, but it says here they have an enough talent to just escape with one of the best third place spots. A match-up with the hosts could await. It probably ends there, but not before giving Canada a scare.
4th Australia
Overview:
The Aussies have been part of the wallpaper for years, but never players beyond about the quarterfinals stage. They’re never bad, exactly, they just aren’t that inspiring--they have a lot in common with Canada, actually.
Except Canada did catch magic in a jar in London. Can the Aussies? If they do it will be from the worst possible draw imaginable.
Player to watch:
Caitlin Foord
The best young player at the 2011 World Cup, Foord will push the offensive from out wide. The slick surfaces could benefit her.
Possible Achilles heel:
Injury to keeper Lydia Williams
The NWSL veteran would add a much needed presence to the Aussie side if she can recover from an ACL injury in time to be fully fit.
Schedule:
June 8 v USA (7:30pm ET – Winnipeg), June 12 v Nigeria (5pm ET – Winnipeg), June 16 v Sweden (8pm ET – Edmonton)
How it will end:
The Aussies will be the best team eliminated at the Group Stage.