FIFA Women’s World Cup: Group B preview – Germany, Ivory Coast, Norway, Thailand

FIFA Women’s World Cup action in Group B kicks-off later today. Janai Garrett previews the action…

Like their male counterparts, the women of the German National Football team are going into the World Cup as one of the top favorites to take the prize. Germany kick off their quest for the 2015 Women’s World Cup on June 7^th as they take on bottom ranked Ivory Coast in Ottowa, Canada.

Norway, who are the 11^th ranked nation according to FIFA, will take on Thailand who just barely eased their way in the world cup after a steroid scandal surrounding North Korea granted them entry. With confidence and statistics on their side, the gresshoppene of Norway, can expect to cruise their way through and gain the ever so important, three points.

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For Germany and Norway, their biggest test will be the second match where they will play each other. Depending on the results of the first game, the second match can and will solidify who reaches the top of the group going into the knockout rounds.

Player to Watch

Without a doubt, Celia Sasic of Germany, is the top player to watch out of group B. After recently winning the Champions League with her now former club, Frankfurt, the forward will need to do any and everything to lead her team to glory.

As one of the veteran players of the German national team team with 104 caps and 57 goals, Sasic has the experience and power to fill the void of current world player of the year, Nadine Kessler, who is currently out with an injury. But rest assured, Sasic will most certainly aid the dangerous German attack into the back of the net.

Nations to go through

As a person who often roots for the under dogs, it would not be fair in this instance to say that Germany nor Norway will ease their way through the groups. However with the dangerous likeablility that Germany will win the tournament, in this case, it is fair to say that the Germans and the Norweigans alike, will most certainly make it out the group with Germany taking the top spot going into the knockout rounds.

Score predictions

Norway vs. Thailand: 2-0

Expect Norway to ease their way through the match. Just to think back to when Thailand qualified for the tournament, they were only granted an ‘in’ after North Korea were banned for fielding players who had tested positive for steroids. It will always be a possibility for Thailand to at least score a goal, however, against the 11^th placed team in the nation, don’t bet on them winning.

Germany vs. Ivory Coast: 4-0

As it has been said before, Germany is the top team in the tournament. With a strong attack being led by Celia Sasic, expect the Germans to come up on top. Their most difficult match will be against Norway on July the 11^th and with a possible win against Ivory Coast, this may be the match where they solidify their place into the next round.