Major tournaments are always a chance for fans to see the best players in the world in action, with the best nations in the world very often coming to the fore. However, there is also occasionally a nation that goes on an unexpected run.
In 2019, Italy reached the Quarter Finals of their first Women’s World Cup in 20 years after topping a group which included Australia and Brazil- both of whom were ranked in the top 10, and above Le Azzurre going into the tournament. They also beat China before their run was ended by then European Champions Netherlands.
Last year’s men’s World Cup saw Morocco break new ground by becoming the first ever African nation to reach the semi finals, eventually finishing fourth. Which nations could be looking to spring a surprise Down Under this summer? Here I look at four possible sides who could go unexpectedly deep in the tournament
Australia
Never underestimate the power of a home crowd. The last three Women’s World Cups have seen the host nation reach the Quarter Finals, while the continental championships in Europe, South America and Africa last year all saw the host nation reach the final.
The Matildas are in comfortably the best form of the teams in Group B, having won 5 of their last 6 at the time of writing, a run which included being the first team to beat England under the management of Sarina Weigman.
Captain Sam Kerr is in typically brilliant form, having scored 15 goals in her last 17 games for her country since the Olympics. She is also coming off the back of a second successive 29 goal season for Chelsea where she once again proved to be the player for the big occasion.
Although Canada are the higher ranked team in the group, they have only won two of their last six, so if the home crowd sees the Matildas over the line in that game, they have every reason to suggest they could have a long run and will no doubt be a threat to anyone.
France
France are unbeaten in their last six games, winning five. Only the United States is on a better current run. Looking at the draw, it seems to have opened up for the French to have a strong run this summer.
Although only four places separate France and Brazil in the latest world rankings, the South Americans have only won three of their last six. Both would be confident of claiming wins over Jamaica and Panama to reach the knockout stages.
Topping the group will also mean avoiding a Last 16 clash with perennial contenders Germany. None of the other teams in Group H are in particularly sparkling form, having each only won two of their last six.
Perhaps another factor in assessing the French chances isn’t on the pitch. Recent tournaments under the management of Corinne Diacre have been categorised by reports of infighting in the French camp. However, there have been no such reports since experienced coach Herve Renard took over
Argentina
Looking at the world rankings and previous tournament record, few would probably give Argentina much of a chance of making an impression on this World Cup. However, they are the most in-form team in Group G having won four of their last five.
While last year ended in a 7-0 reverse against Spain, Argentina have since beaten Chile and Venezuela, as well as back-to-back victories over New Zealand, only conceding one goal in that run, in a draw with Venezuela which the Argentines lost on penalties.
Sweden will be heavy favourites to win the group, but with South Africa and Italy only winning twice in their last six, the battle for the runners-up spot could be wide open- and that recently much improved defence could be a decisive factor
Norway
There is no sugar coating that Euro 2022 was a disaster for Norway, that 8-0 drubbing at the hands of England will live long in the memory. However, since that infamous evening the Norwegians have drawn against both England and France, as well as beating the Netherlands.
Whilst home advantage will no doubt boost New Zealand, Norway will be favourites to top their group ahead of the Football Ferns and Switzerland, while potential last 16 opponents Spain and Japan have their own problems.
Norway also has a number of quality players, such as former Ballon D’Or winner Ada Hegerberg, and Guro Reiten coming off the back of a season which saw her top the WSL list for assists. Few will relish taking on the Scandanavians this summer.
Watch the Women’s World Cup from the 20th July to see which team comes on top.
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