WWC Group B 🇦🇺🇮🇪🇳🇬🇨🇦 Hosts, contenders, debutants | OneFootball

Today we focus on the intriguing Group B from the Women’s World Cup.

See all of our preview content right here.

Who is in Group B?

The favourites

Australia and Canada will both fancy their chances of not only claiming top spot in the group but going on to mount a challenge for the trophy itself.

The Matildas will be able to count upon a vociferous and passionate home backing, while Canada’s confidence remains high after they claimed gold at the last Olympic Games, despite recent form being iffy.

What’s the key game?

The aforementioned favourited duo’s showdown will likely be decisive in determining top spot in the standings.

However, the opener between Australia and tournament debutants Ireland, which was relocated to a larger stadium in Sydney due to the overwhelming demand for tickets, promises to be an incredible occasion.

Can you give me a player to watch for every team?

Sam Kerr (Australia)

The Chelsea star is without a doubt key to any hope of Aussie success this summer. She has an average of better than a goal every two caps and comes into the tournament off the back of her second 29-goal campaign in succession.

Katie McCabe (Ireland)

The most recognisable name in the Girls in Green side is undoubtedly Arsenal ace McCabe, whose talents are deserving of this opportunity to display them on the biggest stage to a global audience. The versatile 27-year-old carries the hopes of the nation on her shoulders.

Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria)

The Barcelona forward can already lay a claim to being one of African football’s greats even at the age of 28 and any Super Eagles success will be dependent on her finding her shooting boots. Captain Onome Ebi also stands on the verge of history – she has competed at every edition of the tournament since 2003 and will become just the third player to take part in six separate World Cups.

Christine Sinclair (Canada)

Even at 40, the “Michael Jordan of Canada” as manager Bev Priestman recently labelled her, Canada’s all-time top scorer remains key. She will be out to add to her astonishing 190 international goals Down Under, ably assisted by Chelsea’s Jessie Fleming and Serie A Midfielder of the Year Julia Grosso.

And the big storyline?

As co-hosts, all eyes will be on Australia and how they cope with the expectation and adulation that will come their way from the stands given that all of their group games will take place on home turf.

They have never advanced beyond the quarter-final phase in this competition but will never have a better chance than this to mount an extended run.

With the home backing and arguably the most talented squad ever at their disposal, the pressure is now on the Matildas to deliver.

Prediction

See the rest of our Women’s World Cup preview content right here.