The host nation of France looks to gain the top spot of the group, but the scrappy play from South Korea and Norway could provide a problem. Then Nigeria hopes to make it out of the group stage for the first time in 20 years. See how each team will look to do this World Cup and preview all of Group A.
Click on the country names below to see all the players on each team
France, Korea Republic, Norway, Nigeria
FRANCE
Overview
The host nation currently ranked 4th in the world and most importantly a real contender to win the World Cup this summer. They have a record of 6-1 this calendar year with key wins over the United States 3-1 (winning on US soil) and Japan 3-1. Their one loss this year was to Germany 1-0. The 2015 World Cup had France going out in the quarterfinals to Germany after losing in penalty kicks. France is the clear favorite to win Group A, but will the nerves of playing at home or trying to match the French men’s team from last summer be too much?
Key Players
The host country has not won the World Cup since the United States won in 1999. France has historically underperformed at the World Cup and failed to finish out games. But they have quite possibly the top players at every line on the field. Wendie Renard is a towering defender, Amandine Henry a true two way player midfielder, and Eugenie Le Sommer who has scored 74 goals for France. They had all three of these players at the last World Cup, but now they have something that everyone argues is a key to winning a championship at any level: experience. They are all above the age of 28, playing for top clubs, and hope to use that to secure the number spot in Group A.
Prediction
France will win Group A and look to tune up for the round of 16 and then a potential quarterfinal game against current number 1, the United States. France has already beaten the United States once this year and showed how to expose the backline and constantly put pressure on the US. If France can show their dominance again they will fight to get past the US which will propel their confidence and eventually have them earn the trophy.
KOREA REPUBLIC
Overview
Currently ranked 14th in the world and has a record of 2-3-1. They had a key win over New Zealand 2-0 in the FFA Cup of Nations tournament. They also lost their matchups against Australia 4-1 and Sweden 1-0. The last World Cup had them lose in the round of 16 to France 3-0. They are not the powerhouse as of late that Japan has created in Asia, but they have proven they are no easy opponent and will scrap their way into keeping games close. Their pre-World Cup matchups against top European countries will prepare them well for France this summer.
Key Players
Korea Republic’s recent success has peaked the interest of top club teams putting two of their players with teams in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League. Cho Sohyun joined West Ham this year and Ji Soyun has produced many goals for Chelsea. Both are midfielders, but with different roles. Sohyun takes the position of defensive midfielder stopping opposing players from even getting to their back line. This allows Soyun to have the freedom to be an offensive midfielder taking long range shots and using her creativity to beat defenses. South Korea will rely on these two to set the tone for the club.
Prediction
Korea Republic will do well in this group and stay in games quite possibly even earn a tie against Norway, but they will finish third in this group when it’s all said and done. They could earn enough points to make it to the knockout round, but then be faced with the task of beating Germany. South Korea will exit the field in the round of 16.
To see the schedule of the World Cup click: Matches
NORWAY
Overview
The 12th ranked team in the world has had a good start to 2019 with a 5-2 record. Their most notable win came against China in the Algarve Cup group stage where they won 3-1. They did lose to both Canada and New Zealand but both by just a score of 1-0. Norway has won both a World Cup and Olympic gold back in 1995 and 2000 respectively. But since then has not seen overarching success in top tournament play. Norwegian soccer player, Ada Hegerberg, winning the Ballon d’Or Feminin would be a reason for them to regain their role among the top teams in the world. However, you’d have to convince her to play for Norway, something she has not done since mid-2017 out of protest for her federation’s lack of gender equality. Norway will have to find a way to win without their top player.
Key Players
No Ada Hegerberg means other players will have to rise up and provide the offensive power they need to win games. Graham Hansen could do just that for Norway. She was not with them in Canada for the World Cup in 2015 due to a knee injury. Hansen has been playing for German club, Wolfsburg, where she scored 29 goals in 88 appearances and an even more impressive 25 goals in 71 appearances for Norway. Maren Mjelde, the captain and anchor of the team also provides the anchor for the defense. Known for reading the game well, Mjelde provides key passes and key stops that will elevate Norway even further. She is joined by her club teammate from Chelsea, Maria Thorisdottir, adding to the idea that Norway has a steady backline.
Prediction
Norway will be able to gain the two seed in Group A and if they catch France on an off night could claim the top spot. The more likely two seed could get them a matchup with Brazil. The questionable Brazil will fall to Norway who will then have the feat of taking on England in the quarterfinals. England would seem to be too much for Norway having them exit in the World Cup as one of the last eight teams left.
NIGERIA
Overview
The lowest ranking team in the group at 38, Nigeria has moved up one spot from their worst ranking of 39. So far they have a 2-3 record this year with one of those losses coming from Canada 2-1 and then one of the wins was to Thailand 3-0. They have only won one game at a World Cup in the last 12 games, but looked impressive in the 2015 World Cup in the group of death. They were able to tie Sweden 3-3 and lose tothe eventual champions, USA, 1-0. They have qualified for every World Cup, but they want to show they are more than qualifiers, they want to prove they belong with top teams. Their fast unapologetically themselves style of play could create some Group A chaos.
Key Players
Nigeria has had top youth level players most notably Asitat Oshoala who won the Golden Ball and Golden Boot award in 2014 U-20 World Cup. She has been voted the best African player 3 times. Nigeria’s success seems to be linked to her offensive ability. Nigeria will need plenty of goals from her and fellow forward Anam Imo if they look to advance out of Group A. Imo has recently signed to play with FC Rosengard. She was the top scorer in the Nigerian league in 2018 and can add versatility to her name since she is able to play defender if need be.
Prediction
Nigeria will come out swinging there’s no doubt about that. They have a point to prove, but they may need more time and more weapons to be able to survive Group A. They are going to need to use their speed to disrupt defenses and look to score on counters. The other teams in their group just happen to be well disciplined and Nigeria will once again not make the knockout round.