The countdown to the 2023 Women’s World Cup has begun, and soccer fans all over the world are eagerly anticipating the biggest event in women’s football. With the tournament being held in Australia and New Zealand, the excitement is at an all-time high. As we prepare for the most prestigious international tournament in women’s soccer, it’s time to take a closer look at the teams to watch out for. From reigning champions to up-and-coming challengers, there’s no shortage of talent and potential in the field. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the favourites – the teams that are expected to make waves in the tournament. Join us as we explore the strengths, weaknesses, and key players of each team, and get ready to cheer on your favourites as they compete for the ultimate prize in women’s soccer.
History of the Women’s World Cup
The Women’s World Cup first played in 1991, is a quadrennial international football tournament contested by the senior women’s national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). The tournament has been dominated by the United States, who have won four of the eight tournaments held so far. The other winners are Germany (two titles) and Japan and Norway, who won one title each. The 2019 edition of the tournament was held in France and was won by the United States, who beat the Netherlands 2-0 in the final. The 2023 edition of the tournament will be held in Australia and New Zealand and is expected to be the biggest and most competitive yet.
USA Women’s National Team – Defending Champions
The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) are the defending champions and also the most successful team in Women’s World Cup history, having won four of the eight tournaments held so far. The USWNT is known for its attacking prowess, with players like Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Sophia Smith leading the charge. The team also has a new defence, with Naomi Girma and Alana Cook hopefully providing stability at the back. However, the team has been hit hard by retirements, with key players like Carli Lloyd and Hope Solo leaving the team. The team is also going through a period of transition, with new coach Vlatko Andonovski taking over from Jill Ellis. Despite these challenges, the USWNT remains one of the favourites to win the tournament.
Germany Women’s National Team – Former Champions
The Germany Women’s National Team is one of the most successful teams in Women’s World Cup history, having won two titles and finishing as runners-up once. The team has a strong tradition of producing top-quality players, with Birgit Prinz and Steffi Jones being among the most notable. The current team is also strong, with players like Dzsenifer Marozsán, Alexandra Popp, and Lea Schüller leading the charge. The team is known for its physicality and aggressive style of play, which can often unsettle opponents. However, the team has struggled in recent years, failing to make it past the quarter-finals in the last two editions of the tournament, and losing the last European final, too. The team will be looking to bounce back in 2023 and add to its impressive record in the competition.
France Women’s National Team – Perpetual Also-Rans?
The France Women’s National Team is one of the most exciting and talented teams in women’s football. They boast some of the best players in the world, including Wendie Renard, and Eugénie Le Sommer. The team is also known for its attacking play, with the likes of Delphine Cascarino and Kadidiatou Diani providing pace and flair on the wings. The team has had limited success in recent years, with a spate of quarter-final appearances in this competition and managing to break that duck by getting through to the semi-finals of the European Championships, eventually finishing 3rd. Expectations are always high for France, could they be an outside bet to win?
Netherlands Women’s National Team – 2019 Runners Up
The Netherlands team is one of the strongest teams in women’s football, with a squad full of talented players. The Dutch team has a strong attacking lineup, with players like Lieke Martens, and Lineth Beerensteyn leading the charge. They’re good at the back, with Stefanie van der Gragt and Merel van Dongen providing stability in defence. They’re a team to be feared after winning the 2017 European Championship and runners-up in the last World Cup.
England Women’s National Team – Current European Champions
The England Women’s National Team are the current European champions and is one of the most exciting teams in football. The Lionesses have a solid defence, with players like Lucy Bronze and Millie Bright providing stability at the back. The team also has a strong midfield, with Kiera Walsh and Jordan Nobbs controlling the centre of the park. The team is led by the formidable strike threat of Alessia Russio, Bethany England & Rachel Daly. They’ve made great strides in recent years, as well as winning the European Championship they also won the 2019 SheBelieves Cup and finished fourth in the 2019 Women’s World Cup. The team will be looking to build on this success and make a serious challenge for the title in 2023.
Brazil Women’s National Team – Top South American Team
The Brazil Women’s National Team is the most successful team in South American women’s football, having won seven Copa América Femenina titles. That, however, hasn’t translated to the World Cup, with the solitary losing-final appearance. The team has a strong attacking lineup, with players like Marta and Geyse leading the charge. The team is tight at the back, with players like Tamires and Arsenal’s Rafaelle (with over 200 caps between them) providing stability in defence.
Japan Women’s National Team – 2011 Champions
The Japan Women’s National Team is the 2011 Women’s World Cup champions and is known for its technical and possession-based style of play. The team has a strong midfield, with players like Yui Hasagawa and Hikaru Naomoto controlling the centre of the park. Japan also has a solid defence, with players like Saki Kumagai and Risa Shimizu providing stability at the back. The team has had mixed success in recent years, failing to make it past the round of 16 in the 2019 tournament. However, the team will be looking to use its previous winning experience to make a determined challenge this time.
Australia Women’s National Team – Host Nation
The Australia Women’s National Team is the host nation for the 2023 Women’s World Cup and is one of the most exciting teams in women’s football. The team has a strong attacking lineup, with players like Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord leading the charge. While solid at the back, with players like Alanna Kennedy and Ellie Carpenter providing stability in defence, the team has had mixed success in recent years and have never gone further than the quarter-finals. However, the team will be looking to use the home advantage to its benefit and make a serious challenge for the title in 2023.
Canada Women’s National Team – Strong Performers
The Canada Women’s National Team is one of the strongest teams in women’s football. Ranked 6th in the world, the team has a good defence, with players like Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence providing stability at the back. Canada has a strong midfield, with Jessie Fleming and Desiree Scott controlling the middle of the park. Veteran striker, Christine Sinclair, who is the all-time leading scorer in international football, leads the team from the front. Recently the Canadians won the gold medal in the 2020 Summer Olympics and reached the quarter-finals in 2015. The team will be looking to build on their recent success and make a determined bid for the cup.
Conclusion – Who will be the ultimate winner of the 2023 Tournament?
The 2023 Women’s World Cup promises to be the biggest and most competitive edition of the tournament yet. With so many talented teams and players, it’s hard to predict who will come out on top. Ultimately, it will come down to which team can perform under pressure and rise to the occasion when it matters most. One thing is for sure – the 2023 Women’s World Cup is sure to be an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.
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