WWC Group E 🇺🇸🇻🇳🇳🇱🇵🇹 Tough group as USA eye three-peat | OneFootball

The big guns take centre stage in Group E.

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Who is in Group E?

The favourites

Ranked the number one in the world and looking to be the first team (male or female) to ever win three World Cups in a row, America have set the bar high and the expectation will be a World Cup three-peat.

What’s the key game?

The repeat of the 2019 final between the USA and the Netherlands on Matchday Two will catch plenty of attention. Four years later, can a new-look Dutch side (without Vivianne Miedema) make a statement?

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

Sophia Smith (USA)

Playing at her first World Cup, Smith has the ability to become a household name around the world this summer. Only Alex Morgan bettered Smith’s 14-goal tally in NWSL in 2022 and nobody can match the 10 she has already scored in 2023. With 12 international goals already, the 22-year-old should also have the Golden Boot in her sights.

Huỳnh Như (Vietnam)

After a fourth-consecutive gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games, captain Huỳnh Như will lead a very organised Vietnam on football’s biggest stage for the first time. Her winner in the final, plus over another 60 goals, proves she is no stranger in front of the net when pressure mounts.

Victoria Pelova (Netherlands)

As Arsenal’s injury list piled up this season, the midfielder, signed in January, rose to the occasion for the Gunners (one goal and four assists in 16 appearances), also demonstrating a great work rate in play build-up. Growing her role within the national team is the next big test, especially in the absence of club team-mate Miedema.

Jéssica Silva (Portugal)

A leader in Portugal’s historic World Cup qualification, the Benfica star demands more of herself and team-mates as the Europeans prepare for their debut. With 100 caps behind her and flair like idols Marta and Cristiano Ronaldo, she will be keen to light up the tournament.

And the big storyline?

As the favourites in the group and the tournament, all eyes will be on the United States to see if they are still as good as history suggests.

Women’s football around the globe has improved enormously in recent years and the USWNT have not won a major tournament since their 2019 triumph. Are they ready and able to continue their domination of the women’s game?

Prediction

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