On paper, Group B looks like being a formality. The group includes two of the most successful sides in the history of the women’s game, Germany and Norway. And those two powerhouses will be expected to ease past the group’s two debutants, Ivory Coast and Thailand, into the automatic qualification spots.
Match day two on the 11th June will be the one to watch. Germany and Norway go head to head, in a repeat of the Euro 2013 final that the Germans won 1-0 in Stockholm. The champions of Group B are guaranteed to face one of the third-placed teams from another group, meaning a potentially easier passage through to the quarter-finals.
Germany
World ranking: 1
Nickname: N/A
Previous best: Winners (2003, 2007)
As the World’s No.1 ranked side, it’s no surprise that Germany will be one of the favourites to win a record 3rd World Cup title. They will be expected to top their group despite having to get past Norway, who beat them 0-1 in the group stages of Euro 2013. The two sides met again in the final when the score was reversed, although Germany rode their luck requiring two penalty saves from Nadine Angerer.
The Germans breezed through qualifying for the 2015 Women’s World Cup, notching up an outstanding 62 goals in their 10 matches against the likes of Russia and Ireland. They also recently proved their might over slightly tougher opposition, with a comfortable 3-0 win over England at Wembley as well as two victories over Brazil.
Despite being without the 2014 FIFA World Player of the Year Nadine Kessler, who misses the tournament following a knee injury, the Germany squad is still littered with talent, including forwards Alexandra Popp and Celia Sasic. The one to watch for the Germans this year is 23 year-old Dzsenifer Marozsan, who caught the eye with her performances at Euro 2013.
Long-serving manager Silvia Neid is set to leave the role next year to make way for Steffi Jones, but before the handover, Neid will hope to put right the disappointment of 2011, when Germany crashed out in the last eight.
Norway
World ranking: 11
Nickname: Gresshoppene (Grasshoppers)
Previous best: Winners (1995)
The Norwegians have a good record at the World Cup, particular during the 1990’s when they won the competition in ‘95. In 2011, Norway made a shock exit at the group stages, losing to Brazil and Australia and only narrowly beating Equatorial Guinea. Four years on, they will be expected to cruise through to the knockout stages along with Germany.
Having finished runners-up at Euro 2013, Norway edged past the Netherlands to top their qualifying group. The squad includes some exciting young talent led by Lyon forward Ada Hegerberg. The 19 year-old has scored an impressive 15 times in 31 appearances for the national team and should prove too good for the inexperienced defenders of Ivory Coast and Thailand.
Norwegian head coach Even Pellerud was in charge when Norway last won the World Cup back in 1995, and after a brief break from the job, returned to the national side in 2012, hoping he can repeat the feat. The first job for the veteran boss will be to try and get the better of Germany once more, having masterminded their group stage victory at Euro 2013.
Thailand
World ranking: 29
Nickname: N/A
Previous best: N/A
Thailand qualified for the World Cup after finishing 5th at the Asian Cup. Despite suffering thrashings at the hands of China and South Korea, hard fought wins over Myanmar and Vietnam earned the Thai side their debut in Canada. Realistically the best they can hope for is a victory over the lower-ranked Ivory Coast and squeeze through as one of the best third-placed teams.
The Thai side do not have size in their favour, which may be their undoing against the physical German outfit. Thailand’s strengths lie in their short, fast tempo passing with Nisa Romyen as the spearhead in a 5-3-2 formation. Meanwhile in midfield Kanjana Sung-Ngoen provides formidable pace as well as the ability to score goals.
Thailand boss Nuengrutai Srathongvian has been involved with the national set-up at a number of levels having overseen the under 16s, under 19s and then as assistant manager to the seniors. Now with full control, Srathongvian will be hopeful that her team can surprise the world with battling performances in the finals.
Ivory Coast
World ranking: 67
Nickname: Les Elephantes
Previous best: N/A
At 67th in the world rankings, just qualifying for Canada 2015 was a heroic achievement for Ivory Coast. The Ivorians finished third at the AFC World Championships with a goal 5 minutes from time against the much-fancied South Africa. Despite their inexperience, Les Elephantes will be dreaming of a third-placed spot, if they can get past the equally un-favoured Thailand.
The Ivory Coast squad doesn’t contain any standout stars but forward Josee Nahi may cause a few problems for defenders, after starring in the Champions League with her Russian club Zvesda Perm. Ines Nrehy is also one to watch, after ending the qualifying campaign as Ivory Coast’s top scorer with 5 goals.
The Ivorian coach Clementine Toure is one of the few female coaches taking charge of a team at this year’s World Cup, and is one of Africa’s best managers. Prior to taking Ivory Coast to the World Cup she was part of the coaching team with Equatorial Guinea when they were crowned champions of the African Women’s Championship in 2008.
