WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2023 PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS
The 2023 women’s World Cup is the ninth annual tournament and the most unique.
It will be the first tournament to be held over two continents, hosted by New Zealand, from the Oceania Federation and Australia, who come under the Asian Federation.
It will also be the biggest women’s football tournament expanding from 24 teams to 32.
Below is my team-by-team preview and predictions of the qualifiers.
GROUP A
NEW ZEALAND
FIFA Rank: 26
Captain: Ali Riley
One to Watch: Gabi Rennie
The Ferns qualified for this tournament as hosts. It is the sixth finals they have qualified for and the sixth in a row. However, in the previous five, they failed to make it out of the group stages.
Players to look out for will be defender and skipper Riley, their second-most cap player. Also at the back is Bowen.
In midfield, their fourth most capped player Basset, along with Chance. Upfront, Wilkinson is their ninth-most-capped player and fourth on their all-time scoring list. Also, the exciting Rennie.
New Zealand often plays direct football and is fortunate with their group draw.
A good group draw, with home-field advantage, will give them a chance at making it out of the group stages for the first time in their history.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
NORWAY
Fifa Rank: 12
Captain: Maren Mjelde
One to Watch: Ada Hagerberg
Norway has qualified for all nine finals and was champions in 1995. They qualified as group winners, six points from Belgium, winning nine and drawing one from their ten games with a goal difference of +45. They have only failed to get out of the group stages once.
Players to look out for. At the back their skipper and fourth all-time capped player Mjelde, also T. Hansen. In midfield pulling the strings Reiten, also Engen. Up front, the twin magic of C. Hansen and the sharp shooting of the talented Hagerberg.
Norway are the second most successful European nation, and generally adopts a measured and methodical build-up. Using all players to work the ball from defence to attack.
They have something to prove, as their QF finish in 2019 was the furthest in their last three finals. Also, just last July, they suffered the biggest ever defeat losing 8-0 to England.
PREDICTION: Quarter Finals
PHILIPPINES
Fifa Rank: 46
Captain: Tahnai Annis
One to Watch: Sarina Boldon
The Philippines are in their first finals and benefited from the tournament’s expansion to 32 teams. They qualified via their 2022 Asian Cup campaign. Finishing runners-up in the group, three points behind Australia but three ahead of Thailand.
Then won an intense QF against Chinese Taipei, winning on pens 4-3 after drawing 1-1. Before losing 2-0 to South Korea in the SF.
Led my midfielder Annis, who will be supported in midfield by Miciat. At the back, Randle and the experienced vice captain Long.
Upfront, they will look to Bolden, who has a brilliant scoring record and Serrano, who has started her international career very well. Also, one of the youngest players in the tournament, 16-year-old midfielder Pasion.
The Philippines are in a Golden Era of football and are the current AFF women’s champions, winning that for the first time.
They like to play an open, attacking type of football which is easy on the eye, but often leaves them vulnerable.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
SWITZERLAND
Fifa Rank: 21
Captain: Lia Walti
One to Watch: Ana Maria Crmogorcevic
Switzerland has qualified for only their second finals. Their first was in 2015, where they got to the R16. They qualified as runners-up to Italy, just two points behind and were the best second-place team in qualifying.
They then went straight into the play-off against Wales, where they scored a dramatic 120+1-minute winner to win the game 2-1.
They are captained by the vastly experienced midfielder Walti, supported by fellow midfielder, and the even more experienced Bachmann. Both with over 100 caps.
More experience in goal with Thalmann and in defence with Maritz and Calligaris. Strikers, Crmogorcevic, their most capped and all-time top scorer. Also, the woman who scored their dramatic winner to get them here Humm.
Managed by German legend Inka Grings, Switzerland tries to play a distinct pass-and-move type of football, with technical players using the ball to create openings.
However, the Swiss are not German, and it is often a struggle to maintain standards.
PREDICTION: R16
GROUP B
AUSTRALIA
Fifa Rank: 10
Captain: Sam Kerr
One to watch: Sam Kerr
Australia has high expectations coming into this tournament as hosts. They are playing in their eighth straight finals; their best finish was QF’s in 2007, 2011 and 2015.
They will want to do better than in 2019 when they were knocked out in R16 by Norway.
They will look to their captain, taliswoman and all-around superstar upfront Sam Kerr.
She will hope to get support from fellow striker Foord, with midfielders Yallop and Egmond. Defenders Catley, Kennedy and goalkeeper Williams are all very experienced.
Led by Swedish manager Gustavsson, a former assistant coach to the USA woman’s team twice. They have a distinct flowing attacking style.
They come into these finals in good form and are the only nation to beat European Champions England in 30 games.
PREDICTION: R16
CANADA
Fifa Rank: 7
Captain: Christine Sinclair
One to watch: Julia Grosso
Canada are one of the fancied teams in this tournament and hopes to go as far as their best finish in 2003 when they finished fourth.
Playing in their eighth straight tournament, they qualified via the CONCACAF championships, where they topped their group, winning all three games. They then beat Jamaica in the SF but lost to USA in the final.
Skippered by taliswoman Christine Sinclair, their all-time capped player and top scorer. Playing in her sixth finals. She will hope for support upfront from Leon.
With midfielders Flemming and Grosso. Defenders Lawrence and Chapman. Also, a very talented keeper in Sheridan.
After losing in the R16 in the 2019 finals, the Canadians bounced back well to win the delayed Olympics in 2021 before losing the CONCACAF finals.
They are an athletic team; who like to get the ball forward as quickly as possible to hurt teams in the final third.
PREDICTION: Quarter Finals
NIGERIA
Fifa Rank: 40
Captain: Onome Ebi
One to watch: Asisat Oshoala
Nigeria are the most successful African nation and has qualified for all nine finals. They qualified via their African nations campaign, finishing runners-up in the group behind eventual winners South Africa.
They beat Cameroon in the QF, but was upset in the SF by Morocco on penalties; before finishing fourth after losing to Zambia. Their best finish at these finals was QF in 1990.
They will look to their captain, 40-year-old Ebi at the back playing in. her sixth finals. Who will hope for defensive support from Ohale.
In midfield, the likes of Ayinde and Ucheibe. With forwards Ajibede, the AFCON joint top scorer, and the mercurial talents of Oshoala.
They come into this tournament with something to prove; being knocked out in the R16 in 2019 and finishing fourth in the African nations. That was only the third time in 14 attempts they did not win it.
They like to play possession-based pass-and-move football but are a physical outfit.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
REP OF IRELAND
Fifa Rank: 22
Captain: Katie McCabe
One to watch: Leanne Kierman
The Irish are making their debut in the finals and are another who benefited from the expansion. They qualified by finishing second in their group, five points behind Sweden.
Then went into a playoff final in Glasgow and upset the Scottish with a 1-0 win.
Led by their energetic midfielder McCabe, she will be supported by fellow midfielder Sullivan. They are third and second on the all-time scoring list.
At the back by defenders O’Gorman and Fahey, who are third and fourth on the all-time capped list. With forwards Barrett and Kierman, who are very reliable in front of goal.
Rep of Ireland thrives on being a strong defensive unit. They work hard to close the spaces and not give their opponents gaps to work in.
Then hope to spring surprises up front with counterattacks or early balls into the box.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
GROUP C
COSTA RICA
Fifa Rank: 36
Captain: Katherine Alvarado
One to watch: Raquel Rodriquez
Costa Rica are playing in only their second finals after going out in the group stages in 2015. They qualified via their CONCACAF campaign, finishing as runners-up in their group behind Canada.
They then lost the SF to USA and finished fourth after losing to Jamaica 1-0 aet.
Led by midfielder Alvarado, after the retirement of long-term captain and main woman Shirley Cruz. She will hope for support from fellow midfielder R. Rodriguez.
Defenders Gullen and Del Campo. With forwards Venegas and Salas, who will provide goals. They also have one of the youngest players in the tournament 16-year-old midfielder Scott.
With many of their players not playing outside their county, not much is expected. But it could be to their benefit.
They try to be solid defensively and use quick players to get down the wings. Then stretch the play and create chances in the middle, with early crosses, or straight balls into the box.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
JAPAN
Fifa Rank: 11
Captain: Saki Kumagai
One to watch: Yui Kasegawa
The Japanese have qualified for all nine finals and were champions in 2011. However, they hope to do better than last time when they lost in R16. They qualified via their Asian Cup campaign, topping the group on goal difference from South Korea.
They then destroyed Thailand 7-0 in the QF, but lost the SF to eventual winners China 4-3 on pens.
Captained by their experienced defender and fourth-all-time capped player Kumagai.
Who will be supported by fellow defender Shimizu. Key midfielders Hasegawa and Nagano, with forwards Tanaka and Ueki.
Japan were runners-up in 2015 but has not hit the heights of old. However, they did finish runners-up in the SheBeleivesCup on goal difference, after beating Olympic champions Canada. But they lost to both Brazil and USA.
They like to play quick, neat, and tidy football with good technical players who are comfortable on the ball.
PREDICTION: R16
SPAIN
Fifa Rank: 6
Captain: Irene Paredes
One to watch: Alexia Putellas
Spain are playing in their third finals and third straight. Their best was R16 last time out in 2019, but fancy their chances to better that.
They qualified top of their group, winning all eight games, scoring 58 and not conceding a single goal.
They will be inspired by the defensive performances of their captain Peredes and fellow stern defender Andreas.
Talented midfielders Putellas and Bonmati, and the double trouble in attack of Gonzalez and Hermoso.
The Spaniards have been rocked by several withdrawals from the squad, including the top scorer in qualifying Sarriegi. However, they will be happy to have their main woman Putellas, who missed Euro22.
That competition gave them confidence, despite losing to eventual winners England in the QF aet. A game they were the better team with their impressive brand of pass-and-move football.
PREDICTION: Fourth
ZAMBIA
Fifa Rank: 77
Captain: Barbra Banda
One to watch: Barbra Banda
Zambia are another debutant in these finals. However, they showed promise as they qualified via the African nations. They topped their group two points ahead of Cameroon.
Then beat Senegal in the QF4-2 on pens after drawing 1-1, but lost to eventual winners South Africa 1-0 in SF. They then finished third by beating Nigeria 1-0.
They are inspired by their captain and forward Banda, the youngest captain at this tournament.
She will hope for support from fellow forward Chanda. With Mapapa and Kotongo in midfield, also Mweemba and Musase holding the fort at the back.
The Zambians are in a good place after their AFCON campaign and the experience of appearing in the Olympics in 2021.
They try to play attacking football, but often revert to being defensive and getting players behind the ball. However, when they break, they do it with energy and athleticism.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
GROUP D
CHINA
Fifa Rank: 14
Captain: Wang Shanshan
One to watch: LI Ying
China are playing in their eighth finals. Their best was runner-up in 1999. They have never failed to make it out of the group stages and have only once not been past R16.
They qualified via their Asian Cup campaign after topping their group. Beat Japan 4-3 on pens in the SF after drawing 2-2. Then beat South Korea 3-2 In a thrilling final.
Led by their captain and forward Wang Shanshan, dubbed the Chinese saviour following her Asian Cup mvp award.
Supported by fellow striker Shuang. Midfielders Zhang Rui and Gu Yasha, defenders Wu Haiyan and Li Mengwen. Also, a decent goalkeeper in Zhu Yu.
Although never won it, they have a decent World Cup record and will be confident after their ninth Asian Cup success last year, the first in 16 years.
Their strength and weakness is they have no set style, and often flip from one formation to another. One day it’s measured passing football. Another it’s quick attacking play.
PREDICTION: R16
DENMARK
Fifa Rank: 13
Captain: Pernille Harder
One to watch: Pernille Harder
The Danes are playing in their fifth finals but first since 2007. They have been to QF twice and failed to make it out of the group twice.
They qualified top of their group, winning all eight games, scoring 40 and conceding 2.
They will look to their captain and star striker Harder, for all their inspiration.
However, she will hope for support from fellow striker Brunn, the joint fourth top scorer in qualifying. Defenders Veje and Sevecke, also Midfielders Troelsgaard and Junge.
Denmark are more of a defensive team and tries to play an efficient and methodical passing football, staying patent to create openings.
But patience is not always a virtue, as they failed to make it out of Euro22 group stages last year and may need to be more attacking.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
ENGLAND
Fifa Rank: 4
Captain: Milly Bright
One to watch: Lauren James
England are playing in the sixth finals and looking to make it a unique and quick double after their Euro22 success last year. They hope to go one step further than their best finish of third in 2015.
They qualified by destroying their group, winning all ten games, scoring 80 with none conceded.
After a few withdrawals and injuries, they will be captained by Bright and supported by the consistent Bronze at the back.
Midfielders Toone and Stanway, with forwards Hemp, Russo. Also, the talented James, who could have a breakout tournament.
England like to play an all-action, pressure-type attacking football and will be a match for any nation.
However, the pressure of going for a double 12 months apart, combined with missing a few key members of their Euro-winning squad could be a step too far. But they will be there or thereabouts.
PREDICTION: Runners-Up
HAITI
Fifa Rank: 53
Captain: Nerilla Mondesir
One to watch: Meichie Dumornay
Haiti are making their debut and are another that benefited from the expanded format. They qualified by finishing third in their group behind USA & Jamaica.
Then went into a play-off where they beat Senegal 4-0, then Chile 2-1 in the final, with a dramatic 98th minute winner.
Not much is known about the Haitian squad, but they are captained by their playmaker Mondesir. She will hope for support from fellow midfielder Dumornay, the teenager who scored both goals in their play-off final.
Defenders Joseph and Petite; also forward Borgella, who was the third top scorer in the qualifiers.
Just getting to the finals is an achievement. However, they will not relish being drawn into one of the toughest groups, and hope to give a good account of themselves with some attacking flair. But I fear for them in this group.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
GROUP E
NETHERLANDS
Fifa Rank: 9
Captain: Sherida Spitse
One to watch: Lineth Beerensteyn
The Netherlands are only playing in their third finals and third in a row. Their last two finishes were R16, then runner-up. But this is added to winning Euro2017. However, they could be coming to the end of their Golden Era.
They qualified by topping their group, two points from Iceland, winning six and drawing two.
They are led by their most capped player, midfielder Spitse. She will be supported by fellow midfielder van de Donk. Defenders der Gragt and van Dongen and forwards Martens and Beerensteyn.
It could be the last hooray for this crop of players that have served their nation well. However, missing their leading scorer Miedema will affect their chances.
Their brand of total football is easy on the eye and effective, but possibly, not enough against the top teams.
PREDICTION: Quarter Finals
PORTUGAL
Fifa Rank: 21
Captain: Dolores Silva
One to watch: Kika Zazareth
Portugal benefited from the expanded tournament and are making their debut. They had the longest qualifying route, finishing runners up, five points behind Germany.
Then into a play-off where they beat Belgium 2-1, then Iceland 4-1. Then into a final play-off, where they defeated Cameroon 2-1 via a 94th-minute penalty.
They will look to inspiration from their captain Silva, who will hope for support from fellow midfielder Pinto and young star Nazareth.
Defenders Costa and Gomes. Goalkeeper Morales, with forwards Jessica and Diane Silva, who seems to be a real livewire.
Getting out of the group will be an achievement. They did well to qualify for the last two Euro finals but failed to get out of the group both times.
They try to play with typical Latin flair, with a slick, pass-and-move style. But often lack a killer instinct in front of goal.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
USA
Fifa Rank: 1
Captain: Lindsey Horan
One to watch: Trinity Rodman
USA are the powerhouses in this tournament, winning it four times and are the current champions. They qualified via their CONCACAF campaign.
They topped their group, three points ahead of Jamaica. Beat Costa Rica 3-0 in the SF, then Canada 1-0 to lift the trophy for the ninth time in ten.
With captain Sauerbrunn missing through injury, midfielder Horan will lead the team, supported by fellow midfielder Lavelle.
But they have plenty leaders in the team, such as strikers Rapinoe, Morgan and Smith. Also, seasoned defenders Dunn and O’Hara. However, one of the youngest in the squad Rodman, could have a breakout tournament.
Even with some veterans, this is one of the youngest squads the USA have had, and they seem to be in transition. In eight tournaments, they have either won it, come runner up or third.
They are strong in all departments but not as strong as in previous years. However, whoever beats them will have a good chance of winning it.
PREDICTION: Winners
VIETNAM
Fifa Rank: 32
Captain: Huynh Nhu
One to watch: Huynh Nhu
Another nation making its debut. Vietnam qualified via their Asian Cup campaign, sneaking out of the group as the best third-placed team. Thanks to a point against Myanmar after losing to South Korea and Japan.
They then lost the QF 3-1 to China. However, they went into a qualifying play-off where they beat Thailand 2-0, then Chinese Taipei 2-1 to qualify.
Captained by striker Nhu, the only player in the squad to play outside of Vietnam. she will hope for support from fellow striker Hai Yen.
Defenders Thi Thu Thao and Thi Loan. Midfielders Thi Van and Thi Thanh Nha, also goalkeeper Thi Kim Thanh will naturally be busy.
Just getting here is an achievement for Vietnam, who hope to give a good account of themselves. They will not relish being drawn into a group with the best nation to ever play in the tournament.
But will hope the same athleticism, heart, and determination they showed to quality will help them in the group.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
GROUP F
BRAZIL
Fifa Rank: 8
Captain: Raffelle
One to watch: Debinha
Brazil has qualified for all nine finals but has never won it. Their best was runner-up in 2007. They qualified via their Copa America campaign, where they topped their group, three points from Argentina, winning all four games.
Then beat Paraguay 2-0 in SF then Colombia 1-0 in the final, for their ninth Copa America win in ten attempts.
They are led by composed defender Raffelle who will be supported by fellow defender Tamires.
With midfielders, Adriana and Kerolin, forwards Debinha, and 37-year-old all-time top scorer Marta, playing in her sixth World Cup finals.
Brazil has gone out in R16 in the last two tournaments and will hope to better that record. They have experience at the back and up top, with youth in midfield.
They play with the usual Latin flair but are more controlled, as shown in the Finalissiama, when they lost on pens to England in April; but were the better team. However, that typifies their history, so much promise but destined to be nearly women.
PREDICTION: R16
FRANCE
Fifa Rank: 5
Captain: Wendy Renaard
One to Watch: Sakina Karchaoui
France are playing in their fifth finals and fourth in a row. Their best finish was fourth in 2011.
They qualified by topping their group, ten points from Wales, winning all ten games, scoring 54 and conceding 4. They have gone out in the QF in the last two tournaments.
They are captained by stern defender Renard, who retired and retracted in time for the finals.
Supported by fellow defender Karchaoui, who can play anywhere on the left. Midfielders Henry and Geyoro, with forwards Le Sommer and Diani.
Managed by the legendary Harve Renard, who only took over in March, the two-time AFCAN winner, also did wonders with Saudi Arabia in the recent men’s World Cup.
He will hope to add his magic to a strong French team, with experience and quality. But are lacking a bit of belief or togetherness. They will hope to go one step further than their Euro SF defeat.
PREDICTION: Third
JAMAICA
Fifa Rank: 43
Captain: Khadija Shaw
One to Watch: Khadija Shaw
Jamaica are playing in their second finals and their second in a row. They failed to make it out of the group last time in 2019.
They qualified via their CONCACAF campaign, where they finished the group as runners-up, three points behind USA. However, they lost in the SF to Canada.
Led by their captain, star striker, most capped, and all-time top scorer Shaw. Who was the fifth top scorer in qualifying.
She will hope for support from fellow striker Brown. Midfielders Carter and Spence. Defenders Swaby and Blackwood, with goalkeeper Spencer, who will be busy.
Jamaica plays a specific style of football and tries to get the ball forward as quickly as possible.
They are an athletic team who likes to press and force opponents into mistakes. However, although it’s often effective, they lack the quality to sustain it against the stronger teams.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
PANAMA
Fifa Rank: 52
Captain: Natalia Mills
One to Watch: Marta Cox
Panama are making their debut in these finals and was the joint-last team to qualify.
They finished third in their CONCACAF group, six points behind Canada and three points behind Costa Rica.
Then went into an Inter-Confederation play-off, where they beat Papua New Guinea 2-0, then Paraguay 1-0 in the final to qualify.
Leading the team will be Mills. However, she seems to share the captaincy with fellow talented midfielder Cox.
With support from forwards; Riley and Cedeno and defenders Jean and Espinosa.
Panama are generally a defensive team and tries to be tight and solid, putting players behind the ball. Then waiting to break through with counterattacks.
They rely on trying to stifle the opponent’s and then look to nick something in the opposition’s box.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
GROUP G
ARGENTINA
Fifa Rank: 28
Captain: Vanina Correa
One to watch: Yamila Rodriguez
Argentina are playing in their fourth finals and second in a row. However, they have never been out of the group stages.
They qualified via their Copa America campaign. Finishing runners-up in the group, three points behind Brazil. They then lost to Colombia 1-0 in the SF, but beat Paraguay 3-1 to finish third.
Leading the team is experienced goalkeeper Correa. She will hope for support from defenders Braun and Comet with midfielders Bonsegundo and Falfan.
Also, forwards Jaimes, and Rodriguez, the top scorer in the Copa America.
The Argentines are generally a 433 team and seem to flip between trying to have a solid defensive structure to an open, attacking team.
They thrive on keeping the ball and using individual creativity in the final third to hurt opponents.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
ITALY
Fifa Rank: 16
Captain: Sara Gama
One to watch: Aurora Galli
Italy have qualified for their fourth finals and second in a row. Their best was two QF finishes in 1991 and last time out in 2019.
They qualified by topping their group, two points ahead of Switzerland, winning nine and losing one.
They are led by the very experience defender Gama. With support from fellow defender Bartoli. Midfielders Cernoia and Galli, who is one of only two players in the squad playing outside of Italy.
Also, forwards Bonansea and Girelli. The other squad member playing outside of Italy is one of youngest players in the tournament, 16-year-old midfielder Dragoni.
Italy are a typically defensive outfit that thrives on closing spaces and stopping opponents from playing.
They then try to use the ball efficiently; to create the odd chance or two in the final third.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
SOUTH AFRICA
Fifa Rank: 54
Captain: Refiloe Jane
One to watch: Hildah Magala
South Africa are playing in their second finals and second in a row. In their previous appearance, they failed to make it out of the group stages.
They qualified via their AFCON campaign, where they topped their group, three points from Nigeria, winning all three games. Then beat Tunisia in QF 1-0. Zambia in the SF 1-0 and Morocco 2-1 in the final.
They are led by captain and midfielder Jane, in the absence of long-term captain Van Wyke. Supported by fellow midfielder Mothalo.
Defenders Mbane and Ramalepe, with strikers Seoposenwe and Magala, the AFCON joint top scorer who bagged two in the final.
The South Africans like to play with a style and flair, but all within the confines of a strict defensive structure.
Players are required to work hard for each other to get behind the ball. They can be a direct team and like to move the ball quickly from defence to attack.
PREDICTION: R16
SWEDEN
Fifa Rank: 3
Captain: Caroline Seger
One to watch: Stina Blackstenius
Sweden has qualified for all nine finals; their best was runners-up in 2003. They have also finished third three times and failed to get out of the group just once.
They qualified by topping their group, five points from Rep of Ireland, winning seven and drawing one.
Leading the team will be experienced midfielder Seger, who will be supported in midfield by the talented Asilani.
Experience in defence with Sembrant and Eriksson, as well as forwards, Blackstenius and Jakobsson.
The Swedish like to play a controlled passing game, where they move the ball from left to right and probe, waiting for the perfect time to burst into action.
They have dynamic forwards who are willing runners, which helps as they often like to switch to direct football in an instant.
PREDICTION: R16
GROUP H
COLOMBIA
Fifa Rank: 25
Captain: Daniela Montoya
One to watch: Catalina Usme
Colombia are playing in their third finals; their last visit was in 2015 when they reached the R16. They qualified via their Copa America campaign, topping their group, three points from Paraguay, winning all four games.
They beat Argentina 1-0 in the SF but lost to Brazil in the final. It was the third time they finished runners-up in the last four tournaments.
They will look to their captain Montoya in midfield, who will hope for support from fellow midfielder Bedoya.
Defenders Arias and Caracas, with forwards, their most capped and all-time top scorer Usme, also Ramirez and teenage star Caicedo.
Colombia are often in low-scoring games and has adopted a disciplined defensive system.
Where athletic players work hard to close down opponents and win the ball high upfield, then use individual quality to unlock defences in the final third.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
GERMANY
Fifa Rank: 2
Captain: Alexandra Popp
One to watch: Lea Schuller
The Germans have qualified for all nine finals and are one of only four teams to have won it. They are also one of two nations to win it multiple times in 2003 and 2007. However, their last three appearances read QF, Fourth, and QF.
They qualified by topping their group, five points ahead of Portugal, winning nine and losing one.
Led by their fifth all-time top scorer Popp. Who will be supported by fellow strikers Freigang and Schuller, the second top scorer in the qualifiers.
Midfielders Dabritz and Magull. Defenders Hendrich and Doorsoun, with goalkeeper Frohms.
The eight-times European champions are an efficient outfit, who are strong in all departments.
They like to keep the ball and have physical, athletic players who impose their forceful style of play on opponents; and wear them down throughout the game.
PREDICTION: Quarter Finals
MOROCCO
Fifa Rank: 72
Captain: Ghizland Chebbak
One to watch: Rosella Ayane
Morocco are making their debut in these finals. They surprised all by qualifying via their AFCON campaign when they topped their group, winning all four games.
They beat Botswana in the QF 2-1, then knocked out favourites Nigeria in the SF 5-4 on pens; after drawing 1-1. However, they lost 2-1 to South Africa in the finals.
For inspiration, they will look to their captain Chebbak in midfield, who was the AFCON joint top scorer.
She will hope for support from fellow midfielder Amani. Defenders Redouani and El Chad, with forwards Mssoudy, also Ayane, who previously represented England youth.
The Moroccans like to play a short passing game with quick interchanges between players.
They try to utilise their agile players to move around opponents, picking the right moments to create chances on goal with precise passes.
PREDICTION: Group Stages
SOUTH KOREA
Fifa Rank: 17
Captain: Kim Hye-ri
One to watch: Ji So-yun
South Korea are playing in their fourth finals and third in a row. The furthest they have been is R16 in 2015. They qualified via their Asian Cup campaign as group runners-up to Japan; on goal difference.
Then beat Australia in the QF 1-0. The Philippines 2-0 in the SF, but lost a thrilling final to China 3-2.
They are led by captain and defender Kim Hye-Ri, who will hope for support from fellow defender Lim Seon Joo. Midfielders; the very experienced Cho So-Hyun and Ji So-Yun, their all-time top scorer.
With forwards Park Eun-sun and Choe Yu-ri. They also have the youngest player in the tournament, 16-year-old forward Casey Phair.
Coached by Englishman Colin Bell, South Korea are generally a structured and disciplined defensive outfit, with quick runners and individual players in midfield to create chances.
They are a direct team and like to move the ball quickly in possession.
