In the final part of CSN’s WWC preview, we look at the top four teams – The Favourites.
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No 4 – Sweden
The forgotten world power – likely for a reason, they’ve never won a damn thing. They likely feel a little screwed by the draw, which placed them in a very competitive group that includes the United States. However, the positive of that group is that they draw the US at a time when the Americans seem most vulnerable (which is relative, more on that in a bit).
There are questions up front where only Lotta Schelin has scored with any consistency in the past. Still, Sweden is a well coached and tactically strong team. Although few think of them when naming tournament favourites, they have to be considered right there.
Finding a way to beat the US is the key. Failing to do so means Brazil in the quarters and although Sweden could upset Brazil on the right day the quarters are not where they want to be testing that out.
High end expectations: Winning seems too much of an ask, but they can win the group. If they do, the finals are within reach (and once there...)
Low end expectations: It depends on how strong North Korea is. If everything goes wrong they could miss the knock-out stage.
Our expectations: Second in the group, lose to Brazil in quarters.
No 3 – United States of America
Gone are the days when the Americans were next to unbeatable. This is a side that has demonstrated questionable tactics and an unprecedented vulnerability over the past year.
Games against Mexico used to be an opportunity to give the kids a run out. This past winter, the Mexicans beat them in a game that mattered.
Player selection seems to be based on seniority rather than merit and there are a lot of questions about what they are going to do when the current group finally retires.
But, they are still the Americans.
Other than Germany, no one can match with them physically. They still have the stars and every time people count them out they tend to bounce back to win a gold medal.
High end expectations: On the right day, the Americans might be the only team that can beat the Germans. They could win.
Low end expectations: Surely they can’t be upset twice in the group stage, but they could slip to second. Then Brazil would wait and Brazil is a side that the Americans struggle with. So, a quarterfinal exit is not that big of a stretch.
Our expectations: They will lose the game of the tournament in the semi-finals against Germany. Then, they’ll beat Canada to take third.
No 2 – Brazil
Marta. Rosana. Christiane.
Let’s start the conversation there. In a tournament that will feature some incredible talent, Brazil is blessed with it in abundance. On a player to player basis, the Brazilians might actually have more talent than the Germans.
They lose out on the tactical side of things though. Brazil has improved its team game in recent years, but it’s still a team that is going to try and get by on individuals making individual plays.
Pretty much every neutral in the world will want to see a Brazil v German final and the draw is set up to do just that. Brazil actually catches a break in that the Americans are likely (assuming they win their group) on the German side of the draw.
High end expectations: We have a hard time seeing Brazil beating Germany, but we can see Brazil beating the United States and the United States beating Germany (if you follow). So, Brazil is one of the three teams with a legitimate chance to win.
Low end expectations: Anything less than a finals appearance will be a major disappointment.
Our expectations: Finalists to...
No 1 – Germany
It’s hard to remember a World Cup – men or women – where one team has been so clearly the favourite. If you play this tournament out 10 times, Germany likely wins nine. That it’s in Germany is just a happy circumstance.
It could be a hell of a party in Berlin.
They have won five straight European championships, have not allowed a goal in the World Cup Finals since 2003 and, for good measure, have the best u20 program in the world too. It’s an embarrassment of riches.
The veteran core of the side looks like an all-time World Cup best XI list.
Can Germany be stopped? It seems unlikely. The only side that might be able to draw the resources to take them down are the Americans, but that would be a once in 10 scenario as well.
High end expectations: To win without allowing a goal
Low end expectations: If they don’t win it will be the biggest upset in women’s football history and on a short list of biggest upsets in football history, period.
Our expectations: Bet the house on a German championship.